Kaieteur News

Monday August 07, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Government must respect They owe the contractors Article 13 of the constitution yet want to bully them

DEAR EDITOR, There is no debating the use of tobacco has proven detrimental to man’s health, life and livelihood and responsible government would have to take measures to protect the health and wellness of society. There is no debating there is need to bring about order in our broadcasting culture. I have to assert that the APNU+AFC government must be mindful of its constitutional obligation to the people and the society. This nation’s “political system,” according to Article 13, is management by “inclusionary democracy.” This government campaigned on the commitment to govern consistent with this “principal political objective.” This objective requires “providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decisionmaking processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.” Examining the expressions from stakeholders in the tobacco and broadcasting industries, which the government has not denied, is that they have been excluded from having an input in the Bills brought before and passed in the National Assembly that will

affect their well-being. Ensuring civility in society by government requires of it pursuing issues with civility. The minimisation of conflicts between government and the people requires government pursuing the people’s business with a sense of decorum, guided by the Constitution, laws and timehonoured principles. While Bharrat Jagdeo, as president, treated the citizens with contempt and did as he please this does not absolve this administration from doing what is right, decent and principled. Let me belabour the point; people are calling for constitutional reform but the things in the constitution that would bring about good governance and improve relations between government and the people are not being respected. How in heaven’s name, when these are not being upheld, will constitutional reform bring about changed behaviour? Matters like these reinforce my position the problem lies not in the constitution but with the people who are charged responsibility as guardians of it to uphold it. The knee jerk reaction of making it about the disgruntled being supporters of the PPP/C, in addition to the laws being made for all, including in the disaffected are those who publicly

supported this government. I have never before seen a government that has come to office riding in on so much good will is squandering it like a bucket with water whose bottom is full of holes. Everywhere you turn around this government is picking a fight with interest groups. If they continue along this path very shortly there will be none left to fight with and they will turn on themselves. This government comprises a group of people who are doing everything to be removed from office. In two years they have made Jadgeo more relevant than he was in his last three years as president. The economic well-being of those in the tobacco industry and who ply their trade from it will be negatively affected. There is also the issue of revenue being lost to the State. Shrewd governance would consider these factors and see the importance of upholding Article 13, engage the affected constituents, and provide support to alleviate the shock that will ensue or create new economic opportunities. It is time humane and economic considerations be integral in government decision-making, which would also be reflective of the spirit and intent of the constitution. Lincoln Lewis

The conduct of police officers at the COI is disappointing DEAR EDITOR, I attended numerous sessions of the Commission of Inquiry into the alleged threat to assassinate His Excellency, Brigadier David Granger President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana presently been conducted by Paul Slowe, retired Assistant Commissioner of Police. I listened keenly to the contrasting testimonies of the number one officer to the three senior officers of the Guyana Police Force; the Crime Chief, his Deputy, the Head of the Major Crimes Unit and several other police ranks and civilians. At times I got the distinct impression that some of the persons were not really testifying but instead they were “testilieing.” I listen for one word in the testimony of the investigators interrogate. I did not hear it. I hope the transcripts will prove me wrong. Instead, I heard the words opinion and suggestion been used instead

of order, instruct, command or even direct. The word “interview” keeps wringing in my ears as it was mentioned frequently during the hearing. Is it that the police are interviewing suspects instead of interrogating them? I am wondering if the police are afraid that when they interrogate suspects they will breach the Judge’s Rules or more so they will come into conflict with their own training manual on human rights in policing. If law enforcement officers are to conduct effective investigations into major crimes including a threat to kill the President and the word interrogate does not come out readily to mind or is not uttered, well then, the investigations will be prosaic. Shocking issues and concerns emerging from the CoI left me with the indelible impression of their potentials to not only rock the foundation but the apex of discipline in the GPF. No

wonder there was a call for an inquiry. Please permit me to mention that the chairman has been conducting the inquiry in a truly professional manner even though the Leader of the Opposition described him as a junior officer who is inquiring into matters involving the commissioner of police and other senior officers and that he has to deal with a battery of eminent attorneys- at - law including a former Chief Justice. Those who know Paul Slowe and worked with him will tell you about his professionalism. I eagerly await the conclusion of the inquiry and the Slowe report. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

DEAR EDITOR, Once again the Town Clerk of Georgetown, who has no legal training or background in law as is required for the post that was handed to him, is pretending to be a legal luminary. He has capriciously and ill-advisedly rushed off and dispatched to the two garbage contractors, notification letters of the termination of their contracts with the city because they were forced to suspend their services due to the non-payment of fees owed since way back in 2015 by City Hall. The imprudence and arrogance of this action is just simply galling, and leaves one to wonder for how much longer the City Council, the Ministry of Communities and the Government of Guyana is going to put up with the egotism, ineptitude and duplicity of this officer. Had this officer been familiar with the tenets of breaches of contracts then he would have been aware that it was the Georgetown Municipality who was first in breach of contract due to the non-payment and for not paying on time for the services these contractors provided. Aside from the legal ramifications and remedies that he may force these contractors

to pursue, the questions to be asked is whether this gentleman expects these two garbage collection companies to glibly continuing to outlay cash for fuel, for payment of staff, for wear and tear and maintenance of the vehicles, for tipping fees, licensing etc whilst not being paid for two years now? Does this gentleman expect the two contractors to just sit and watch him squander the city’s finances on frequent overseas luxury travel by the Fantastic Four with no tangible returns for the city, on paying a bloated staff structure of nearly 1000 workers, many of them relatives, friends and church associates of Council’s bigwigs and who receive super salaries for doing nothing, on ridiculous and unnecessary projects like building presidential parks, like going on weekend retreats to hinterland luxury resorts, and on the purchase and use of luxury vehicles, bodyguards etc? Clearly this letter of notification of contracts by this officer to these two contractors is nothing more than a blatant act of bullyism, a foolish attempt to intimidate the garbage companies, and a complete disregard for the health and safety of the citizens of Georgetown. Deodarie Putulall

With oil money, corruption will flow DEAR EDITOR, Since it was discovered in July 2015 that the then GPL DCEO and a Director had allegedly signed for the transfer of sums from the Petro Caribe fund to their personal accounts – there was a cry of theft and jail them from the public and why not? The Auditors were unearthing some glaring discrepancies committed by the recently dethroned PPP/ C. At that time the matters of Aeshwar Deonarine and Carvil Duncan seemed an interesting case. These two Guys had been accused of taking monies that did not belong to them. Every grandmother and grandfather domiciled in Guyana has taught their siblings and grandchildren that taking something that does not belong to you is called stealing. The Coalition called in the police to investigate- the public felt relief. They opined that finally two persons that were accused of stolen state monies were going to face a trial. By the time charges were laid on Jan 27th 2016, Deonarine had migrated to

Canada. On April 28th 2016 it was reported that two conspiracy charges were withdrawn against Deonarine after an application by police prosecutor Neville Jeffers was granted by chief magistrate, Ann Mclenan. On July 15th 2016, it was reported that Deonarine’s name was dropped from the charges against Carvil Duncan after the DPP withdrew the charges against him because he had fled the country. This was done so that the court could proceed with Duncan’s trial. In slow but continuous progression, the heat evaporates from Deonarine. On April 29th it was reported that he (Deonarine ) offered to repay the money but GPL was supposed to have waited until it was transferred from his US bank accounts. Did Deonarine repay the monies to someone? Neville Jeffers and the DPP need to explain how and why charges against Deonarine were dropped leaving Duncan to face the rap when both of them were faced with the same charges. I remember asking a friend how could this happen? His response was;

“Every time you watch a monster movie with a few white guys and one black guy the monster always kills the black guy first. So what’s the point, I queried. He replied;”You stupid, inn the movies the black guy dies first so that the producer doesn’t have to pay him much. Here one type of guy walks away with 27 million and no charges while another type of guy gets a mere million and has to face charges. “Well! that’s funny!”, I exclaimed. Deonarine, probably presuming that the heat was cooling from him because of something he did or did not do to make the DPP drop the charges against him. He attempted to make the entire issue disappear through an “order of nisi certiorari” against the DPP and police commissioner from a fixed address in the United States. The order had sought to quash the allegation against him claiming they were irrational, unreasonable, erroneous in law and should be considered null and void. Can you believe this guy! Didn’t his grandparents tell Continued on page 6

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Kaieteur News

Monday August 07, 2017

This GuySuCo’s big wig is out For Guyana to survive, to get the head of the GPSU agriculture is the survival kit DEAR EDITOR, Allow me to correct a piece of misinformation that was carried in the media of August 01, 2017 under the caption “GPSU parties should agree to read from the same page”. This is necessary because I feel that the readers must be aware of the smut campaign that is being waged against the leadership of the Union and must be properly informed. You would have covered the GPSU’s press conference of Thursday July 27, 2017 where the GPSU expressed its disappointment at being invited to discuss wages, salaries and allowances for 2017 when the commitment was given that the 2016 negotiations were not finished and that the negotiating teams should complete 2016. You would have had photographs of the GPSU’s team at the press conference and these were carried both in the printed and electronic media. Despite all of this, there was a letter by E B John in the media which deliberately intended to mislead the readers with a set of

when Mr Yarde was appointed Chairman (ag) of the Public Service Commission. Mr John has a peeve with Mr Yarde being the Chairman (ag) of the Public Service Commission. He voiced it before in his article “We are caught in an injudicious system” in the media of May 25, 2017. It was pointed out then that the appointment of Mr, Yarde to the PSC and later as Chairman (ag) was done in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana – the supreme authority in a letter to the Editor by Ms Dawn Gardener on May 29, 2017.Mr John needs to realise that the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is sacrosanct and leaves no room for personal fetish as Mr John seems to want. Mr Editor, Mr John’s conduct exposes him as a person with one-track mind. This unmerited, unethical and unprofessional behaviour seems to occur at any time that Mr John feels he has the opportunity to denigrate Mr Yarde. This behaviour must be exposed and condemned by an informed public. Morty Livan

DEAR EDITOR, Please permit some space in your most informative newspaper for me to express my disappointment. Before the 2015 general elections the campaigners of the coalition knew that one day Guyana will become an oil producing country but campaigned saying that they will boost sugar and rice production and make agriculture their priority. What is happening today? You hardly see or hear anything about agriculture as a priority. I wonder if the subject Minister really understands the importance of this sector. I doubt it. We should have a qualified young, experienced, junior Minister in this sector because this Agriculture Minister seems too inexperienced and weary, Guyana has fertile lands and tropical climate where we can produce almost everything. We have some ministries that are useless and they have a Senior and Junior minister in them only wasting taxpayers’

had unfolded. In doing that duty they (KN) have a right to investigate the substantive evidence supplied in the article warrants the conclusion in the heading. Apart from the 28 million involving Deonarine and Duncan, a few former GRDB officials were also charged for failing to account for monies from the said Petro Caribe fund. This fund had existed as a result of OIL credit from Venezuela. With our own OIL coming on stream soon, it seems portentous that we have already displayed lack of ability to protect OIL monies. For this reason a few international anticorruption experts have been invited to lecture us recently. One of them advised that: “Where there is a culture where it is accepted (corruption) any anti-corruption strategy will fail.” We cannot deny that we have accepted corruption; it seems to ooze out of every pore from every strata of our society. The expert said; “You have to bust some of the bad guys to send a clear message to people that corruption will not be tolerated, that’s a combination of civil and criminal action.” This is a concept that the Govt. and the judiciary seem incapable of comprehending. As for the citizens-we are confident we shall see more Deonarines in the future. Rudolph Singh

Over the last few days several letters have flooded the press, expressing the view that the Maha Sabha has become dysfunctional and its priest is deemed somewhat unfit for the position he currently holds in charge of the said organization. Mr. Editor, I wish to rebuke and debunk all the negative and incorrect statements issued by these individuals. The Maha Sabha is strong and well. Like every other functioning organization the Maha Sabha has several internal problems, but I see no reason why these problems should be highlighted in the media. If persons have suggestions to make, then the Sabha welcomes such, but we would not tolerate persons who seem to have several ulterior motives to tarnish the reputation of our prestigious organization. Mr. Editor, I grew up within the environs

misinformation as follows and I quote “His articulate exposition was made in the equally eloquent silence of the President of the union sitting alongside him. One wondered how many viewers (including the legally informed decision makers) recognised the schizophrenic status of the main employment officer of the Government, no less than the Chairman (ag) of the Guyana Public Service Commission, in plain view, unrepentant about explicitly identifying himself as the GPSU’s active vocalist” (end of quote) Mr Editor, at the time of the press conference, Mr Yarde was attending the World Credit Unions Conference in Vienna, Austria, Europe six time zones away. Hence it was physically impossible for Mr Yarde to be sitting next to me at the Press Conference. It seems to me that Mr John has a personal grudge against Mr Yarde for him to hallucinate like that and seized that opportunity to launch a salvo at the Chairman (ag) of the Public Service Commission. In fact we saw him doing this before

hard earned money. Mr. President I humbly ask that you take a moment after church on a Sunday morning because I know you are a very religious person and focus on food production which will not only make us self sufficient and to export to the Caribbean and beyond but we will earn foreign exchange. And at the same time help our small industries will blossom and grow by processing our tropical organic products for the world market. At the same time, we will take care of our unemployment problems, and more people will return to the land. A country like the USA gives priority to AGRICULTURE & TOURISM and here we have 83.0000 square miles of fertile lands and we are neglecting this important sector while we wait for OIL MONEY. What happens if the price of OIL continues to fall? Britain has already announced beginning 2040 no

GASOLINE & DIESEL cars will be allowed to run on its roads. What happens if other developed countries follow Britain, Mr. President Please give it some serious thought, because a bird in the hand is worth millions in the bush. Mr. President, I suggest you develop 25 twenty five miles of roadway as the first phase along our rivers and creeks and put D&I infrastructure in place and give lands to farmers where we can produce organic products, while you employ qualified offers ( not military men ) to guide in the processing and find markets around the world. I read in the press of taking agriculture to Region 9 where we have developed D&I infrastructure. How long will this take? Why neglect what we have in our hand and dream of something we cannot handle? If we are going to sit, fold our hands and wait for our dreams come true, this nation will surely die hungry. Harri P.Beharry

The Maha Sabha has a young priest that we support With oil money, corruption will... dedicated DEAR EDITOR, of the Sabha and over the several projects at the Sabha From page 5 him that when you take something that does not belong to you it does not go away that easily? Lately his ego seemed to have gotten the better of him-he took the bold step of suing Kaieteur News and Minister Patterson for an extravagant one billion dollars for an article entitled, “Govt makes no effort to recover 27 million from former GPL Deputy CEO.” His contention is that the above article makes “the whole world understands that Deonarine had stolen 27 million from GPL or at least took the sum to which he was not entitled to from GPL and had committed a criminal offence”. Sounds like a confession secret from the Play Boy magazine! Note the heading. “Govt makes no effort….” One would have expected the Govt. to sue KN. Could it be that Deonarine having done something to get the law off his back, saw that heading as an incitement to the authorities to change their action? After all, he did not sue when KN had reported that he had offered to repay in the early stages of the investigation- offering to REPAY is indicative of a confession. Kaieteur News was simply doing its moral duty to the citizens of this country by informing them on the matter of Aeshwar Deonarine and Carvil Duncan as it

years I have been a witness to the tremendous service that the Sabha does for Hindus all over Guyana. My advice to these persons; all of who seem hell bent on painting a bad picture of the Sabha, is why not come on board and lend your expertise? So far I have never seen or heard of any of them at any of the Sabha’s outreach programs or any other event facilitated by the Sabha. So far all that I’m getting from these individuals is the bitterness and resentment that has probably been locked away within them for many years. Instead of doing nothing but criticizing and shielding behind your pens, come forward show some action. That is what the Hindus of this country need not another critic! Mr. Editor, in relation to the priest of the Sabha, I have had the distinguished honor of watching him grow into a defender of our faith and a gem of sanatan dharma. Mr. Editor, our priest is a young and industrious individual and like many of us youths, his journey on the path of becoming a Pandit has not been one that was easy. Yet he picked up the reins of the Sabha at the tender age of nineteen, at a time when the Sabha was without a priest and has since overseen

including the erection of the Sabha’s multi million dollar complex located on Lamaha Street. Mr. Editor, our priest is not perfect, but he has made several efforts of his own to reach out towards his fellow Hindu brothers and sisters, to give and lend a helping hand to anyone he comes across. We definitely need more like him in Guyana. Mr. Editor, we at the Sabha stand firm; we will not give up our young priest for anyone else, instead we will work with him and ensure that he grows. Finally Mr. Editor, I would like to pose a question all those persons who are using their pens as weapons against someone who does much for his religion. What have you done so far to uphold your dharma? Does it benefit the common Hindu out there when you sit behind your fancy degrees and doctorates and lambaste a Pandit? Instead, I urge you to use your education, use your cutting edge intellect to inspire change for the Hindus. It was Ghandhiji who once said, “be the change you wish to see in the world”. Stop fighting down those who are trying and start making a change. Long live the Maha Sabha! Pandit Yogeshwar Mathoo, B.sc Soc.

Monday August 07, 2017

Speaker disallows questions on rental for Ministers’ housing Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland on Friday disallowed an attempt by Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall to question government about the rental of houses for Ministers. Nandlall presented a series of questions without notice. But the questions were disallowed by the Speaker on the grounds "that they were not urgent and did not relate to the business of the sitting of the House." Nandlall told this newspaper that he views this as “Another exhibition of the Speaker exercising undue censorship over opposition's right to question and scrutinize Government's spending.” Nandlall’s questions were titled “Expenditure on Rental of Ministers’ Residences.” They were directed to Minister of Finance Winston Jordan. Nandlall sought to have Jordan inform the National Assembly which, if any, of the housing rental contracts for ministers were considered or approved by the Ministry of Finance and or the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). He also asked that Jordan provide the House with the relevant documentation on the approvals of the ministry or NPTAB on these matters. Nandlall questioned, too whether the government’s policy on the rental and rates of accommodation for ministers was/is guided by fiscal availability and budgetary considerations, as well as, which agencies’ budgets in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 budgets made provision for the expenditure and under which sub-heads. “There is no question about its availability or applicability; no question of time being an issue. It was properly presented at the time it was presented. The question is important; the question of ministerial accommodation

Member of Parliament, Anil Nandlall has attracted attention far and wide and certainly is one that I believe continues to attract comment and attention” said Dr. Scotland. But he then explained that those points are simply not enough to satisfy Standing Order 18:3, which governs questions without notice. Standing Order 18:3 calls for questions without notice to be urgent and important or relate to the business of the day. Scotland told the House that though important, the questions failed to qualify as urgent or related to the business of the day. The State is paying five hundred thousand rents for two junior Ministers of Government, Simona Broomes and Valarie Patterson. Clerk of the National Assembly Sherlock Isaacs, who manages the Parliament Office, said that it is the Parliament Office that is footing the bill. He said that it was an Administrative decision to rent the houses at $500,000. Many, including the People Progressive Party/ Civic opposition and the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) which is part of the governing coalition, have condemned the rental. WPA thinks that the rental of two $500,000 houses for two junior ministers of government is “immoral” and “unconscionable.” WPA’s Chair, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley said that the (Continued on page 8)

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Kaieteur News

Thanks to new measures...

Tax revenue represents over 80 percent of total revenue collection Several tax measures which were introduced in the 2017 budget last year have proven to be worthwhile efforts on the part of the Government. These measures have actually helped to increase government’s revenue collection significantly this year. This is according to the half year report which was prepared by the Finance Ministry. According to the report, revenue collection increased to $97.2 billion at the end June, 2017. This is a13.1 percent increase above the corresponding period in 2016. The Finance Ministry said, however, that this year’s tax revenue represents 88.3 percent of total revenue collection. This is an indication of the magnitude of the contribution Guyana’s traditional sectors have made thus far towards total revenue collection. With regard to internal revenue collections, the Finance Ministry said that this increased by $5.0 billion, reaching $41.6 billion during the first half of 2017, compared to $36.5 billion in the same period of 2016. The Ministry said that this increase was primarily attributed to a growth in corporation tax payments of $2.3 billion by several companies in the manufacturing and services sectors as well as the natural resource sector. As for withholding tax, the Finance Ministry found that this grew by $865.5 million, or 27.2 percent, mainly due to payments by two com-

- Finance Ministry panies providing support services to the oil and gas sector, and interest earned on savings accounts at commercial banks. Of the amount collected, the Ministry said that almost $191.9 million was arrears. The Finance Ministry also noted that collections of personal income tax during the first half of 2017 were $265.3 million above the $10.6 billion collected in the same period of 2016. It said that employers compliance increased by six percent, with 1,777 employers making payments during the period January to June 2017 and nearly $1 billion in arrears was collected. Collection of customs and trade taxes grew by $5.6 billion, in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The Finance Ministry stated that Value added and excise taxes increased by $2.04 billion and $1.96 billion respectively, reaching $19.29 billion and $16.84 billion, respectively, during January to June 2017. The Finance Ministry said that value-added tax (VAT) from imports of goods grew by $1.2 billion, partly as a result of policy changes in Budget 2017. It said that the value added tax on domestic goods also increased by $838.5 million primarily due to higher payments from the telecommunication, and wholesale and retail trade sectors. Furthermore, the Finance Ministry said that revenue collection from petroleum

products increased by $3.2 billion to $10.9 billion, offsetting the reduction in excise tax on motor vehicles during the reviewed period. It was observed that Excise tax collection on motor vehicles declined by $1.5 billion to $2.9 billion compared to $4.4 billion, during January to June 2016. However, revenue collection from excise taxes on domestic alcoholic beverages increased by $238.0 million to $2.1 billion due to the Budget 2017 measure that amended excise taxes for alcohol consumption and higher sales of beverages on the local market. With regard to Travel taxes, the Ministry said that this was 23.0 percent higher than the January to June period in 2016. The Ministry said that this growth resulted from a combination of a $1,000 increase in the airport departure tax as well as a 6.3 percent increase in the number of departing passengers. The Finance Ministry also stated that total non-tax revenue rose by $567.4 million to $11.3 billion during the first half of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. The increased collection reflects higher transfers from statutory agencies during the review period. The Finance Minister said that fees, fines and charges also reported a 4.2 percent increase to $684.0 million at the end of June 2017. However, rent and royalties declined by 32.3 percent reflecting lower

gold declaration from both Troy Resources and Guyana Goldfields. The Finance Ministry stated that the remissions of tax for the first half of 2017 were $24.5 billion or 28.6 percent of tax revenue. This compares with remissions of $20.7 billion or 27.5 percent of tax revenue in first half of 2016. The increase was in the categories of companies/businesses, $3billion; Ministries and Government Departments, $1.4 billion; and foreign funded projects, $488.8 million. Decreases in remissions granted were in the categories of diplomats, $284.5 million; remigrants, $348.8 million; churches/charitable organisations, $275.5 million; hospitals, $66.6 million; and public officials/officers, $47.8 million. Furthermore, a sum of $16.9 billion was expended under Other Goods and Services, a 6.3 percent increase over the same period for 2016. This is attributed to the early passage of the 2017 Budget which facilitated early commencement of the 2017 work programme in several areas.

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Monday August 07, 2017

Kaieteur News

No conflict of interest in relations In first half of 2017… between GOG, ExxonMobil Only 27 percent spent from Public Sector and Mangal brothers Investment Programme’s $56.8B budget Minister of State Joseph Harmon is adamant that no conflict of interest exists in the relationship between itself, the Mangal brothers and ExxonMobil. Dr. Jan Mangal is as an advisor on oil and gas while his brother, Lars Mangal, has partnered with ExxonMobil. Persons, who spoke on the grounds of anonymity, expressed concern over the relationship that seemingly has the potential to put Guyana in a bad spot. But those concerns are not shared by Minister of State Joseph Harmon. Harmon told the media, “Dr. Mangal has written a letter to this effect and it is in the public domain where he states there is no conflict of interest with the work that he is doing as an advisor to the government on oil and gas and at this point in time we do not share that view that there is, in fact, a conflict of interest.” In the letter to which Harmon referred, Dr. Mangal noted that his term as Petroleum Adviser to President Granger began in March 2017 whereas the re-negotiation of the contract for the Stabroek Block was performed about a year earlier. That statement contradicts what Harmon, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo said before which is that negotiations were continuing up to about

- Harmon three months ago. It was only on June, 1 this year that government announced a two percent royalty has been negotiated. In his letter, Dr. Mangal said that he has not negotiated contracts between any oil company and Guyana. He said, “President Granger has been clear that his priority is for the oil and gas resource to benefit the Guyanese people without corruption. The Petroleum Adviser supports this objective wholeheartedly.” As he referred to the article, Mangal said, “It is encouraging to see Guyanese journalists paying attention to potential conflicts of interest.” “Many in Guyana, including some of our most prominent officials and attorneys, seem not to recognize these conflicts. Hence journalists need to become more adept at investigating possible conflicts of interest by directly querying allegedly involved parties, and highlighting likely abuses. In the recent article in Kaieteur News about the Mangal brothers, it seems the relevant journalists failed to ask about or acknowledge the mitigation measures which are in place. “They also do not appear to have asked any of the oil companies operating in

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Guyana if they have perceived or experienced any resulting conflict.” Mangal said that the risk of corruption is likely to increase with the advent of the oil and gas sector due to the vast sums of money involved, and with the complex transnational business structures. “Objective, specialized and investigative journalism will therefore play a critical role in attaining the President’s vision.” Dr. Mangal occupies an Office at the Ministry of the Presidency. His brother, Lars Mangal, is working with ExxonMobil. He recently won a bid to construct an onshore facility for ExxonMobil. Lars Mangal, has established a company, Totaltec Oilfield Services. The company was established in 2016. Guyana Shore Base Incorporated (GYSBI) is currently constructing an onshore base facility to service ExxonMobil’s offshore operations. The site is located at the Muneshwers wharf in Houston, East Bank, Demerara. The wharf is being converted from a container port into the onshore base facility. GYSBI is a partnership between Muneshwers Limited, Pacific Rim Constructors, Totaltec Oilfield Services and LED Offshore. The 28-acre warehousing and logistics base will see services that were previously accessed in Trinidad and Tobago by Exxon, being brought to Guyana. Those services include port facilities, accommodations on site, fuel bunkering, bulk cementing and mud plants. The offshore facility will employ an estimated 100 persons directly, and 200-300 persons indirectly when it is fully operational.

The Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) which is described as the main mechanism for government’s capital spending, only disbursed 27.9 per cent of the PSIP’s budgeted allocation of $56.8B for the first half of 2017. This percentage is valued at $15.8B. Despite not being close to 50 per cent expenditure, according to the MidYear report presented by Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan last Friday to the National Assembly, the performance of the PSIP is a 19.8 per cent increase over the first half of 2016. It was explained in the report that the PSIP is financed by both local and foreign funded sources. According to the report, the locally funded projects were constrained essentially by delays in the project implementation as a result of a lack of procurement planning, lack of capacity, and delays in the tender process. The report highlighted that this resulted in only 26.8 per cent of the budgetary allocation of $34.6B expended at half year for the locally funded projects. Further, it was stated that the implementation of the foreign-funded projects was also plagued by delays emanating from the late financing agreements with both multilateral and bilateral development partners and the later setting up of the project implementation unit. “As such, a mere 29.6 per

cent of the budgeted sum of $22.1 billion of the foreignfunded portfolio was expended.” The report went on to give specific details on the funds expended on three major foreign-funded projects in Guyana. These are the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Guyana Power and Light’s Power Utility Upgrade Programme (PUUP) and the West Coast Demerara Highway project. The CJIA expansion is funded through the Export-Import Bank of China; the PUUP is being funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU), while the West Coast Demerara road improvement project is being funded by the government, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the IDB. According to the report, for the first half of the year, $2.8B has been expended on the CJIA project, $1.2B on the PUUP and $0.6B on the West Coast Demerara road project. The report said that despite the many constraints, Government remains committed to delivering the budgeted PSIP and has taken steps towards the improvement of the pace of implementation. “These include increased monitoring, the introduction of a Cabinet level reporting mechanism in June 2017, and training Ministry officials from key sectors in procurement planning. Further, in an effort

to attract more persons to the national pool of evaluators, a stipend of $3,000 per session was approved by Cabinet, for each evaluator.” Additionally, monthly stipends were introduced for members of the Ministerial, Regional, Departmental and Agency Tender Boards. In an effort to address the constraints affecting the implementation of the PSIP, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had said on Thursday during a post Cabinet media briefing that there was an extended Cabinet meeting last Tuesday involving permanent secretaries. Harmon said that some of the permanent secretaries were unfamiliar with the procurement system which led to delays in implementation. To address the issues, Harmon said that it was recommended that Project Management Officers should be attached to the various government Ministries. He reported that this measure is having an effect already, because some of the Ministries already have some of the officer. However, those Ministries that don’t have these officers are being assisted by the Ministry of Finance to have these officers in place so as to push the paperwork in those agencies. Further, Cabinet had committed itself to ensuring that the PSIP is implemented according to plan.

Speaker disallows questions on... (From page 7) issue of lavish spending on Government functionaries is one that dogged the previous government and which was correctly condemned by the

then opposition parties. Sarabo-Halley said that it is therefore a matter of grave concern when similar practices seem to be creeping into the behavior of the present government. The WPA Chair said that while the party does not object to government ministers being compensated at levels befitting their office, “We strongly object to the supersalaries and other compensation that seem to have become the norm in Guyana.” She told the media too that the WPA cannot, in all conscience, defend and support Gvernment payment of half a million dollars rent for ministers, especially when placed against the 50% rise in salary that was given to ministers in 2015. It borders on government splurging of taxpayers’ money,” she said. Sarabo-Halley said that if ministers are being paid healthy salaries, enjoy the usual perks that come with the office and get their rent paid at $500,000 per month, then that amounts to enrichment at

the expense of government. “It was wrong under the PPP and it cannot be correct now.” She said that the WPA has always felt that the APNU+AFC government must distinguish itself from the PPP on these and other matters pertaining to management of government resources. Sarabo-Halley continued, “WPA wishes to draw to our government’s attention that at a time when we bemoan a huge gap between the rich and the poor, it is inexcusable for us to be paying a monthly rent for ministers th a t amounts to approximately six times that of the monthly salary of the average public servant.” She said that while the WPA agrees that the $25,000 housing allowance for ministers may be inadequate, the party absolutely feels that $500,000 is far beyond reasonable. “We therefore call for an immediate review of the unhealthy policy of paying mega rent for ministers.”

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The Broadcast Legislation and You The Broadcast Bill has serious implications for the ordinary citizen. This is not a matter simply for the broadcasters; it concerns not just everyone working in the media but also it impacts on the rights of citizens. Mouthpieces of the APNU+AFC have tried to promote division on just who the legislation will impact. They have tried to resurrect the bogey about the issuance of licenses to friends and family of previous administration. It is not an argument without merit but it is an argument of political convenience, since it omits to mention that persons who cannot be considered as friends of the PPPC were also granted licenses. There was an attempt therefore to promote political division on this issue. There also was an attempt to create class divisions, by making this issue seem as if the resistance was coming from media owners and not the rest of civil society. One person even went as far as suggesting that employees of media owners are victims of

exploitation and therefore should not jump on the antibroadcasting legislation. This was a naked attempt to cause the Guyana Press Association which represents media workers, not to oppose the legislation. Civil society, including the Guyana Human Rights Association, the Guyana Bar Association, the Private Sector Commission, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other organizations have not, as yet, expressed any reservations about the Bill. The forces of division have been keen to exploit the absence of any nationwide condemnation of the Broadcast legislation. People act in accordance with their interests and once their interests are not affected, they will not be worried or bothered by the criticisms of the legislation. They should be, though, for the following reasons: First, a government which passes legislation which has the potential to be used to deprive existing broadcasters of their propriety rights can

pass legislation to deprive people of their house lots, land leases or to use the tax system to garnish funds from your bank accounts. Actions have already been taken, by the government, which have raised alarm bells about these issues. Second, if the government can attempt to dictate that broadcasters must air certain government programmes, then they can similarly decide in the future what they want people to see, hear and read. Guyanese have short memories. There was a time when Bob Marley’s music was not played on the airwaves in Guyana because it was felt it would give a fillip to Rastafarian membership and to opponents of the then PNC government. (Editor’s note: This ban never occurred) Burnham was so scared of the WPA that he banned a movie called the Wild Geese. Governments in Guyana, in the past, have tried to decide what people listened to, what they saw and what they read. The issue about public service announcements goes

to the heart of media freedom. If the media are compelled to air certain content, then this is a way of government saying that you must air one hour of what we want you to air. All Guyanese have a stake in the effects of the broadcast legislation. It is not a matter simply for the media. It has implications for the rights of citizens. It has consequences for freedom of expression and for property rights. Guyana has been down this road before. Burnham sized property from private citizens after passing a law which gave him the right to pay compensation at 1939 values. Persons were dispossessed of their property through this “ lawful” mechanism.

Burnham denied newsprint to private newspapers. The State media stopped printing private newspapers which were considered opposed to the government. The media workers then felt, as some are feeling now, that this was matter between the government and the media owners. They soon discovered how wrong they were. The State media became under the full control of the ruling party and professionalism of media workers were the next victims. Many of them, in order to save their jobs, had to report what the government wanted them to report. All of this happened because Guyanese allowed themselves to be divided on

issues concerning human rights. And when the government moved against those who failed to take a stand on the abuses by the government, there was no one to whom they could complain. Many of them ran overseas. Some of these are now emerging out of their tunnels, attempting to defend the recently passed broadcast legislation. Guyanese can therefore e delude themselves into believing that the broadcast legislation has nothing to do with them. They are wrong and they should learn from history before it is too late.

Monday August 07, 2017

Gates to be installed at Le Repentir Cemetery A section of Le Repentir Cemetery.

The Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of Georgetown appears to be once again attempting to restore the unsightly Le Repentir Cemetery to the beautiful landmark it once was. They are making one small start by erecting steel gates at the entrances soon. This is according to Town Clerk, Royston King who disclosed that the gates will be erected within the next two to three weeks. When questioned about works on the cemetery, King said that the Mayor and City Council have begun consultations with engineers in an effort to undertake the task. “At this point the team is very proud about the

condition of the cemetery and they are also making moves to have the cemetery cleared before installing the gates,” the Town Clerk noted. The Town Clerk disclosed that once the burial spot is cleared of weed, the City Council will work on implementing a progressive maintenance program which will ensure that the cemetery is kept “cleared, clean and healthy” at all times. According to the Town Clerk, ensuring the cemetery is in a presentable manner is a major priority for the Council. “We are not very proud about the condition of the cemetery.” The Le Repentir Cemetery which is located in Georgetown has in the past served a number of families

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as a suitable spot for burying their family, friends and loved ones. Over the years, the size of the cemetery has been extended and therefore requires a lot of care and upkeep by the Mayor and City Council on a more regular basis since they are responsible for the maintenance of the Cemetery. While the garbage issues are no longer affecting the residents living near to the Cemetery, there are still shrubs and bushes that are prevalent in various sections of the cemetery. While some relatives are happy with the progress that the M&CC is making they are concerned about the upkeep of the Cemetery on a regular basis.

More than half of NGSA students lack foundation to excel at Secondary level Notwithstanding the recent improvement in the performance of students at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), “half of all students lack the basic foundation needed to excel at the secondary level”. This is according to the Mid-Year report presented by the Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan to the National Assembly on Thursday. The report said that preliminary analysis of the results from this year’s NGSA indicated that efforts, at all levels, including government, community and family have begun to result in some improvement. “From 2016 to 2017, the pass rate of students sitting for mathematics at the NGSA has risen from 13 per cent to 45 per cent.” Despite this, the report said that the fact that such a large number of students are unable to excel at the secondary level, is an unacceptable position that government will continue to address as matter of national priority. The improved performance in mathematics, according to the report, was due to measures being put in

– Mid-Year Report place following the disappointing results of last year’s NGSA. Government had responded with a plan called the “Programme for Emergency Education Reform (PEER). This year, $337.1M was allocated towards the programme. Based on figures presented in the report, $166M of that total was expended during the first half of the year, with $66M being spent on training, $62M on learning materials and $40M to hire coordinators and monitors. “With regards to training, 548 grade 6 teachers, 452 head teachers and 51 coordinators and monitors were trained in the area of content and methodology, during the first half. PEER will ultimately serve as part of the series of planned interventions aimed at improving the outputs and outcomes of the education sector.” Moreover, it was explained that while PEER is a targeted intervention, government had started the process of systemic overhaul

with the Guyana Education Sector Improvement Project (GESIP). The report said that the initial package, as part of the overarching education reform process, will include integrated curriculum reform of mathematics at the primary level with emphasis on content and pedagogy, which is the method of practice and teaching. Additionally, it was stated that this process is expected to be repeated for mathematics at the secondary level and English at the primary level, according to the report. Further, it was reported that an additional 380 teachers are expected to complete training in the second half of this year, which is reduction from the original target of 600. “The Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), in enforcing graduation standards, saw 133 trainee teachers withdrawing. An additional 200 trainee teachers had to repeat courses across semesters, delaying their graduation.”

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Time for a tougher stance on repeat criminals? By the time he was 24, Winston Hinds already had quite a rap sheet. Armed robbery was his specialty, and the community in which he had grown up was his hunting ground. Police finally got the Blueberry Hill Wismar, Linden, resident in March, 2015, on four gunpoint robbery charges. On November 10, 2013, Hinds and others allegedly robbed Clayton Thomas, of Mackenzie, Linden, at gunpoint of $800,000 in gold jewellery. On February 9, 2015, Hinds, armed with a gun, allegedly robbed Marlon Daniels of his backpack and blackberry cellular phone, all worth $38,500. On February 17, 2015, at 1 Mile, Linden, he allegedly robbed Indra Campbell of her $100,000 cellular phone and $400,000 in cash. On that same day, the suspect, and others, robbed Hubert Campbell of a $20,000 cellular phone. But by then, Hinds had apparently gravitated to murder. On February 12, 2015, the decomposing and bullet-ridden body of 43-year-old Richard Remington was found in a clump of bushes along a

track near Matthews Lane in the Christianburg/ Cholmondeley Hill area. Police implicated Winston Hinds and others in the apparent execution-style killing. He was remanded for Remington’s murder in January, 2016. Last Friday, at the relatively young age of 26, the murder accused was shot dead at the Timehri Prison, after allegedly attacking other inmates and fleeing into the compound. The saga of Winston Hinds is the pattern that too many other young criminals have followed: from petty offences, to armed robbery, to murder. It’s the almost similar tale of 22-year-old Jason Howard, who, along with 12 others, had escaped from the Lusignan Prison last month. His criminal career started with a string of armed robberies, then to attempted murder, then to a horrific double murder. It is alleged that on October 28, 2016, at Water Street, he unlawfully and maliciously wounded Security Guard Kwasi Joseph, by shooting him with intent to murder him. On October 12, 2016, at Church Street, Georgetown, while in the company of oth-

Clive Forde

Jason Howard

ers and armed with a gun; he allegedly robbed Bibi Jahbar of $6,000. Howard is also accused of robbing Roopnarine Budhoo, of $800,000 while he was armed with a gun and in the company of others. On November 6, 2016 at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara, he allegedly robbed Bibi Bacchus of $100,000, while he was armed with a gun. He is also accused of robbing Sheik Sadick of $35,000, on November 18, 2016, at Lot 248 Oronoque Street, Georgetown, while he had a gun. Then, in December, 2016, Howard and two others were charged with murdering elderly rice farming couple Mohamed Munir, 75, and his

wife, Bibi Jamila Munir, 69, by setting their house on fire with the victims inside. This allegedly happened after the couple refused to open their bedroom door, for the men to steal the $20M that was rumored to be in there. Young men like Howard and Hinds were allowed to gravitate to more heinous crimes thanks to a legal system that repeatedly grants bail for serious offences such as armed robbery. Their criminal careers often only conclude when they are slain by lawmen or their own associates. Such was the case of Clive

Victims of a broken legal system? Mohamed Munir and his wife, Bibi Jamila Munir; burned to death in their home Forde, one of the 13 Lusignan Prison escapees. At the time, he was on remand for the September 04, 2015 killing of Senasie Lewis, who was gunned down outside the Ghetto Flex night spot in Albouystown, Georgetown. Forde was shot dead two Mondays ago during a confrontation with police and army ranks in East La Penitence. Some suggest that crimi-

nals are emboldened to commit heinous acts because the death penalty is no longer enforced and they are aware they will be bailed once they apply to the High Court. The real tragedy may be that many individuals, like elderly Mohamed Munir and his wife, Bibi Jamila Munir, might still have been alive had repeat offenders been tried and given lengthy sentences before they could have gravitated to murder.

PM charges alumni to invest in... (From page 10) tennis champions and cricketers. “You have passed through the J. C Chandisingh benefitting from an education that was inaccessible. J. C Chandisingh is one of the schools in Guyana that can credit itself for training great people. You’re all proud alumni of J. C Chandisingh.” Prime Minister Nagamootoo concluded by presenting Rishi Persaud, President of the J.C Chandisingh Global alumni, with copies of two books he authored, ‘Emancipation the African resistance’ and ‘Indian Culture and Courage 100th year of Abolition of Independence.’ Mrs Sita Nagamootoo, a past student of the then Corentyne High School, was filled with nostalgia as she recalled her years at the school. Mrs. Nagamootoon noted that, “though things have changed we are all proud of the J. C Chandisingh. It helped to make Guyana a better place.” She thanked the past teachers for their hard work especially since in those days

there were no social media or various technologies as there is now. Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, also a past student of the J.C Chandisingh Secondary School, noted the importance of remembering where you came from. The Minister highlighted that he was equipped with many cultures from the school. “It is important to pay homage to such a school, I remember when I used to read plenty days but it was because of that kind of education and discipline we had that generation which I feel was extraordinary and will go places.” The Minister alluded to the great heights Guyana will be going, especially with its oil and gas sector. He implored the local and overseas students to continue to support the school since their assistance continues to be important. Past student of class of 1977, Diane Shields used the opportunity to thank all her teachers and others who aided in incorporating strong values in the students of the

J. C Chandisingh Secondary School including the Public Security Minister Ramjattan. “You were the nurturers of our thirsty, impressionable minds, the shapers of our destiny and the foundation on which our futures were carved.” Shields welcomed all those students who travelled from near and far especially those from overseas, who she urged to remain Guyanese. “You can take us out of this country, but you can never take this country out of us. We are Guyanese to the core and proud of it. I man barn ya!” Prime Minister Nagamootoo was awarded as an honorary student while Minister Ramjattan was awarded from his alma mater. Outstanding athletes were also awarded medals and the homecoming queen for 2017 was crowned by Mrs. Nagamootoo. J.C Chandisingh Secondary school was the former Corentyne High School but was renamed after its famous headmaster in 1980. (A DPI feature)

Monday August 07, 2017

Kaieteur News

Venezuela crushes small antiMaduro uprising at military base VALENCIA/CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuelan authorities suppressed a small rebellion at a military base near the city of Valencia yesterday, arresting seven men who they say participated in a “terrorist attack” against the government of unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro. Yesterday, a video circulated on social media showing a group of men in military uniform announcing an uprising in the wake of the creation of a pro-government legislative superbody on Friday, which was widely condemned as a power grab. Hundreds took to the streets in Valencia to support the uprising, said resident Carolina Herrera, who like other witnesses reported shots through the night. But hooded protesters had been largely dispelled with tear gas by midday yesterday, and the rest of the South American country of 30 million appeared to be calm. Still, the episode highlights how volatile Venezuela is after four months of sustained

anti-government protests over what foes call a lurch into dictatorship in the midst of a bruising economic crisis. Venezuela’s armed forces issued a statement calling the rebellion an ill-fated “propaganda show” aimed at destabilizing the country and reaffirmed their allegiance to Maduro. Authorities said the men were mercenaries working for a U.S.-backed opposition to bring down nearly two decades of Socialism in oil-rich Venezuela, raising the specter of a further government crackdown on dissent in coming days. In yesterday’s video, a man who identified himself as Juan Carlos Caguaripano, a former National Guard captain, said: “We demand the immediate formation of a transition government.” He was flanked by about a dozen men in military uniforms. “This is not a coup d’etat,” added Caguaripano, who was removed from the National Guard in 2014, according to a document seen by Reuters.

RISE OF REFUGEES…

Asylum applications double as foreigners turn to T&T

Ruben Barbado, protection officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and Nikita Mohammed, assistant coordinator at the United Nations Port of Spain office. Trinidad Express - As turmoil continues to plague countries globally, including neighbouring Venezuela, more people are turning to Trinidad and Tobago as a haven from pain and persecution as evident in a drastic increase in the numbers of those seeking refuge. This is according to data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Human trafficking is also an issue, with cases of trafficked women being referred to the Counter Trafficking Unit of this country’s National Security Ministry. Ruben Barbado, protection officer with the UNHCR, and Nikita Mohammed, assistant coordinator at the Living Water Community, sat down with the Sunday Express at the United Nations Port of Spain office last Friday and shared statistics. They expressed hope the Government would move forward to enact legislation to help with the refugee crisis gripping the world. Barbado said there has been a “substantive” increase in people seeking asylum in Trinidad. In 2016, there was a total of 163 asylum applications. In 2017, in just the first three months, the figures have more than doubled, with some 336 asylum applications being made, with 60 per cent of this figure being men.

Barbado said Cubans remain the largest numbers of asylum seekers, but there have also been increases from Venezuela and from over 19 nationalities such as Syria, Bangladesh, Pakistan, etc. There are currently 640 refugees, asylum seekers and other persons of concern in Trinidad and Tobago. Barbado said Trinidad and Tobago is one of the largest refugee receiving countries in the Caribbean, but third in the region next to Belize and the Dominican Republic. These two countries have legislation in place to deal with refugees. In response to the growing number of asylum seekers in T&T, the Government adopted a refugee policy in 2016 and UNHCR established an office in January 2016. Asylum applications in Trinidad and Tobago over a five-year period are as follows: 2013..........................................8 2014........................................40 2015........................................83 2016......................................163 As of May 2017—336, with 60 per cent being men. Refugees are people outside their country of origin because of feared persecution, conflict, violence or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order and who as a result require “international protection”.

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Balanced Budget plan 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 Vehicle servicing and repair weekdays and weekends @ Reliable Automotive Service. Call: 658-3251 or reliableautomotiveservice @gmail.com.Pickup Available Computer & mobile repairs system upgrade, software installation, unlocking devices (beat any prices). Tech Titan: 647-7622 Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezersCall:629-4946 or 225-4822

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Experienced roti/puri cook, curry cook and waiters. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with handwritten application, 5 Commerce Street. (Day Shift only) Senior Diesel Mechanic to work in G/Town. Call: 2181455 Mature, experienced salesman/driver, able to work flexible hours, apply with reference/police clearance @ Key Food, Mc Doom Mature maid to work 3 Days weekly, must know to cook . Apply with recommendation @ Key Food, Mc Doom Village. Contract cars for taxi service -$15,000, $18,000 & $21,000 weekly, according to conditions, also drivers. Call: 683-6645 One trawler to buy with shrimp / seabob licence. Contact # 609-5123 One Full Time Mechanic. Previous experience would be an asset. Call 626/8698

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:656-0087,6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11SEATMINIBUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 6987807

26 Happy Acres, East Coast, 5,830sq (53X110), 25 Million, negotiable. Call: 614-4358 2 ½ Acres riverside land, 5 Acres land with 5,000 sq.ft building, Brickery, East Bank Demerara. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874 La Parfaite Harmonie: $3M, $1.7M, $2.5M, $1.2M, Tuschen house & land -$2.7M, Eccles $6M, Herstelling - $3M. Call: 604-6724/ 686-9608 La Parfaite Harmonie (main road) - $3M, $1.2M, $1.7M, Eccles $6M, Tuschen -$2.5M, Herstelling -$3M. Call: 666-2326

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

2012 Nissan Bluebird: reverse camera, low mileage, unregistered. New model Allion coming -$3.3M negotiable. Call: 655-3400

Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

RZ, Pit Bull, 212 Carina, IST, Verossa, Suzuki Vitaera, Premio, Allion, Fielder Wagon, Spacio- Call: 6507501/ 616-2577 Tractor (foreign used) Massey Ferguson -165 -$1.7M, MF-135 - $1M, MF-265 -$1.9M, 165 Loader tractor -$2.2M. Call: 6825230/ 615-4414 2005 Tacoma from Canada bull bar -$2.3M, Ford F150 sport -$1.2M, Ranger sport $1.4M. Call: 682-5230/ 6154414 C-T Cummings Engine starter for sale (foreign used). Call: 649-8449/ 615-6683 2010 Nissan Juke, PWW series, alarm -$3.2M negotiable. Contact Dewan: 223-1332/6137542,Alok:347-617-7582

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 9 Course, Diploma in computer- office 2016, windows 10 -$20,000 off for CXC students 2017 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Summer Computer classes for age 5-14 early registration starting @ $8,500 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting, PC Repairs and graphics courses. Register Now @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057/Study in Canada or USA Call Now!

(2) 2010 Vitz - $850,000 each, 2010 Suzuki swift & Nissan March - $850,000 each (all unregistered & duties to pay). Call: 649-7771/699-3942

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FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D - $1200USD. Call 6471773 1 Bedroom apartment, well secured for working couple or single person -$35,000 monthly, light & water included. Call: 638-8858

Toyota Crown Royal Saloon $3.5M, BMW 316 $2.7M, Toyota Hilux Vigo $4M, Owner leaving country. Call 222-0675, 699-9214 Fluffy puppies. Call:6997077/ 619-6086 Fox tail, palm plants (three feet tall) price -$100 (one hundred dollars each). Call: 638-8858 TO LET FURNISHED TWO BEDROOMS APARTMENT, SHORT/LONG TERM. CALL: 222-7891/ 609-9202

- 7 Bedrooms house on double lot, fenced, private yard in Georgetown. - Executive 4 bedrooms new house in Eccles. Call: 6097766 2 Story property 5 bedrooms for sale, in central Georgetown$18M negotiable. Call: 689-5830

Finance Chris Sinckler

Daily Nation - A special committee of the Social Partnership recommended savings to the Government’s Budget of about $750 million in a pre-Budget report to Minister of Finance Chris Must sell! House & land @ Sinckler. In the report, dated April Friendship, E.B.D, PR come make an offer. Call: 648-4810 12, the committee, which was constituted by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and included representatives from Government, the private sector and trade unions, produced an “action plan” to cut the fiscal deficit and achieve a balanced budget. While the plan was styled as home-grown, the VACANCY committee urged Government to get “balance of payments Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be support” from multilateral financial institutions led by experienced. Call: 618-2020 the International Monetary One data entry clerk, must be Fund. computer literate & have However, when he passes @ CXC Maths & delivered his Financial English. Apply PO Statement And Budgetary BOX12118 Proposals on May 30, Sinckler dismissed the 1 Counter clerk, must have a recommendations as decent handwriting & unworkable in the passes in Maths & English. circumstances, though he Send handwritten application to PO BOX 12118 called the fiscal deficit “public enemy number one”. Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:154:15pm Property @ 180 Charlotte Street Bourda, 1 building in front & 2 storey house at the back, L 120X B 30- $50M negotiable. Call: 624-7341/ 227-6817/226-5183

Farm workers, live in can be arranged. Call: 661-1585/ 617-2032 Driver with minibus licence and mechanic experience living in G/Town to work with company. Call: 664-0802 1 live in couple & 2 males to cook @ outdoor grill, driver’s license+, weekend included. Call: 656-9313/675-2550 Grades 5 & 6 teachers, retired teachers are welcome @ Josel Educational Institute, 120 Peter Rose & Laluni Streets, Queenstown. Call: 226-7868/ 678-0652 American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street Georgetown: experienced cashier, apply in person with application. SALON Nail course, hair course. Call: 697-2733

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Monday August 07, 2017

China says dialogue vital to tackle Korean peninsula crisis MANILA (Reuters) China’s foreign minister said yesterday new U.N. Security Council sanctions on North Korea were the right response to a series of missile tests, but dialogue was vital to resolve a complex and sensitive issue, now at a “critical juncture”. Wang Yi, in what he described as “very thorough” bilateral talks yesterday with North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho at a regional meeting in Manila, said he had advised him to calmly assess the U.N. resolutions and not carry out nuclear tests that would only stoke tensions. The U.N. Security Council on Saturday unanimously imposed the new sanctions on Pyongyang over its two July intercontinental ballistic missile tests, a move that could slash North Korea’s $3 billion annual export revenue by a third. Wang said diplomatic and peaceful means were now necessary to avoid tensions and an escalation of the crisis. “We call on all sides to take a responsible attitude when making judgements and taking actions,” Wang told reporters. “We cannot do one and neglect the other. Sanctions are needed but sanctions are not the final goal,” Wang said. North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006. The new measures were a response to five nuclear tests and four long-range missile launches. The United States, which has long maintained that China has not done enough to rein in North Korea, negotiated with China for a month on the new resolution before putting it to the Security Council. It bans North Korean exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood and

China’s foreign minister (righ) Wang Yi and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, yesterday. prohibits countries from hiring additional North Korean labourers. It also bars new joint ventures with North Korea. The standoff is expected to dominate today’s ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which gathers 27 foreign ministers, including former participants in the halted six-party talks Russia, Japan, the United States, China and North and South Korea. Wang’s meeting with North Korea’s Ri started off cordially, with Ri smiling as the two shook hands. Wang placed his hand on Ri’s shoulder as the two entered a meeting room. “The Chinese side urged the North Korean side to calmly handle the resolutions ... and to not do anything unbeneficial towards the international community such as a nuclear test,” Wang said. He declined to say what Ri had told him. Wang earlier said it was important that Ri was attending the Manila meetings so he could hear “suggestions” and present his own views. Wang accepted that a resumption of six-party talks would not be easy, but said it was the right direction.

South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung Wha expressed hope that she could meet Ri. She met U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson yesterday and both described as a “good outcome” the passing of the tougher U.N. sanctions. In Kang’s later meeting with Wang, however, China expressed doubts about the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system’s ability to protect South Korea. Wang said THAAD could not block the North’s intercontinental missiles and added: “South Korea’s security cannot be built on a foundation of China not being secure.” Tillerson held talks for over an hour with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, who said he believed his U.S. colleagues were ready to continue dialogue, despite tensions over new sanctions on Moscow. Tillerson also met his Chinese counterpart, who said they had “specific and meaningful” talks about North Korea and agreed that the new resolutions should be a means of returning to dialogue.

Nigeria church shooting kills 11 ABUJA (Reuters) - Gunmen killed 11 people and wounded 18 others in a church in southeastern Nigeria yesterday in an attack arising from a feud between members of the local community, officials said. However, police believe that a man the gunmen were hunting for was not present in the church and so escaped the attack. The attackers struck the church in Ozubulu early in the morning, said Garba Umar, head of police in Anambra state. They were believed to have been trying to kill a local man, who was not identified by the authorities. “The gunmen came thinking that their target was in the church but incidentally he was not,” Umar said, adding that the violence may be linked to drug-trafficking. No arrests have been made, he said.

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Nigeria’s southeast is predominantly Christian and the attack is a rare act of violence at a church. Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano said the attack stemmed from a feud between members of the local community who were living outside Nigeria. “We are not going to relent until we bring those that perpetrated this heinous crime to book,” he said. Nigeria is wracked by insecurity, with Islamist insurgency Boko Haram having killed more than 20,000 people since 2009, s p a r k i n g o n e o f t h e w o r l d ’s l a rg e s t humanitarian crises. Ethnically-charged violence is common throughout the central states and militancy is a constant threat in the oilrich southeast.

Saudi Arabia still sees no role for Assad in Syrian transition DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia, a main backer of Syrian rebels, said yesterday it still supported an international agreement on the future of Syria and President Bashar al-Assad should have no role in any transition to bring the war there to an end. The Saudi Foreign Ministry denied media reports that Saudi Arabia was considering a political transition with a first phase in which Assad will stay in power. Several media, including the state-owned Russia Today, said Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir had informed the Syrian opposition’s High Negotiations Committee (HNC) about the decision. A ministry statement, carried by the Saudi state news agency SPA, called the reports attributed to al-Jubeir “inaccurate”. “The position of the kingdom on the Syrian crisis is firm, and it is based on the Geneva 1 communiqué and

Adel al-Jubeir

Bashar al-Assad

on U.N. Security Council resolution 2254 that stipulated the formation of a transitional body that will run the country,” it said. The agreement also called for drafting a new constitution and holding a new election with no role for Assad in the whole transitional process. Saudi Arabia supports the HNC and its efforts to widen its membership and unify the Syrian opposition, the

statement said. The announcement came ahead of the next round of United Nations-led Syria peace talks expected in September. Assad’s negotiators have not met directly with the opposition because there is no unified delegation as the HNC and two other groups, known as the Cairo and Moscow platforms, all claim to represent the opposition.

Pence denies eyeing presidential bid amid distance with Trump over Russia

President Donald Trump (right) and Mike Pence WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence yesterday denied that he is preparing for a presidential election run in 2020, saying the suggestion is “disgraceful and offensive.” Pence was responding to a New York Times report that some Republicans were moving to form a “shadow campaign” as though President Donald Trump were not involved. It said multiple advisers to Pence “have already intimated to party donors that he would plan to run if Mr. Trump did not.” The report said Pence had not only kept a full political calendar but also had created his own independent power base, including a political

fund-raising group called the “Great America Committee.” But Pence called the article “fake news” and said his entire team was focussed on advancing Trump’s agenda and seeing him reelected in 2020. “The allegations in this article are categorically false and represent just the latest attempt by the media to divide this Administration,” Pence said in a statement. The Times stood by its coverage. “We are confident in the accuracy of our reporting and will let the story speak for itself,” New York Times spokeswoman Danielle Rhoades Ha said in an email. Pence has good relations with conservative political groups and some of the Republican Party’s big

donors, including billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. He is also a Trump loyalist, and there is typically little distinction between his public statements and the policies of the president. But as investigations deepen into Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. election and possible ties to members of Trump’s campaign, Pence has put some distance between himself and the president on the best way to approach Moscow. On a trip to Eastern Europe last week, Pence condemned Russia’s presence in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, with which Moscow fought a brief war in 2008. He also said ties with Russia would not improve until Moscow changed its stance on Ukraine and withdrew support for countries like Iran, Syria and North Korea. The U.S. Congress recently passed a bill imposing new sanctions on Russia with overwhelming bipartisan support, but Trump signed it into law last week with reluctance. “Our relationship with Russia is at an all-time & very dangerous low,” Trump wrote on Twitter after signing the bill. “You can thank Congress.”

Monday August 07, 2017

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Monday August 07, 2017

Monday August 07, 2017

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PM ROWLEY TO UNIONS:

Acknowledge reality, return to tripartite approach

Trinidad Guardian - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley wants labour leaders to acknowledge the reality and outcomes of T&T’s “straitened circumstances” and return to the tripartite approach enabled by the Government, rather than rely on “threats, bombast, finger pointing and insults.” Rowley said this in a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister, following a march by the labour movement on Friday in Portof-Spain, during which head of the Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM) Ancel Roget issued an open-ended ultimatum to Rowley to meet with the unions within the next two weeks or else. Failing this, JTUM has signalled its intention to intensify action following Friday’s united labour march. JTUM head Ancel Roget also called for the immediate removal of the “four nonperforming ministers”, among them National Security Minister Edmund Dillon, Finance Minister Colm Imbert, Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe and Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan. Rowley’s call for the return of labour leaders to the “tripartite approach” comes months after union heads walked away from the National Tripartite Council

Dr. Keith Rowley (NTAC) established by the Government to facilitate discussions among labour, private sector and the Government on national issues. In his statement, Rowley said the invectives from the union would do little to assist us (the country) in treating with the harsh realities of T&T’s current circumstances as a nation in the midst of an economic downturn which was driven largely by T&T’s location in external markets beyond the State’s control. “Far from the views expressed by some voices in the Labour Movement, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is not unmindful of the stresses and strains exerted on the national

population, especially those who face inadequate income earnings or who encounter the prospect of reduction in employment opportunities,” the statement said. The statement said Government acknowledged and respected the Labour Movement as it steadfastly sought to highlight the plight of workers and the unemployed under the current difficult circumstances. “It is against this background and with this commitment to all workers and the wider national community that very early in the life of this administration, the Government took immediate steps to open the door to a collaborative platform of discussion and dialogue between Government, labour and the business sector.” Natuc: We are ready to meet with PM National Trade Union Centre (Natuc) President James Lambert, in an interview yesterday, said a return of labour leaders to NTAC would form part of discussions if the Prime Minister acceded to labours request to meet within the next two weeks. Lambert said it was necessary for Rowley to meet and have discussions and dialogue and then a decision can be made by the leaders of the unions.

PM Says Jamaica Poised For Economic Boom …As Country Marks 55 Years Of Independence

The Gleaner - Prime Minister Andrew Holness says Jamaica is currently positioned for an “economic takeoff”. In his Jamaica 55 Independence Message yesterday, the prime minister said the country was experiencing a boom in tourism, with more than US$1.46 billion in earnings generated from January to June. He says the Special Economic Zone regulations are expected to be passed into law soon, and should open up significant economic employment opportunities for Jamaicans and also opportunities for manufacturing, small business development and foreign exchange earnings. Holness says growth in

the business process outsourcing sector also continues to improve. He says Jamaica is currently positioned for an “economic takeoff”. Holness says the country should celebrate the macroeconomic stability it has achieved. He says the country has accomplished record low inflation rates and has significantly cut its debtto-GDP ratio. In addition, the Jamaican leader says the country also boasts a budget surplus after many years of chronic deficits. He says Jamaica achieved a primary balance surplus of $135.9 billion in the 2016/2017 fiscal year, 7.7 per cent or $12.9 billion above the minimum seven per cent target.

Andrew Holness

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Monday August 07, 2017

Israel moves to shut down local operations of Al Jazeera JERUSALEM (Reuters) Israel plans to revoke the media credentials of Al Jazeera TV journalists, close its Jerusalem bureau and pull the Qatar-based station’s broadcasts from local cable and satellite providers, Communications Minister Ayoub Kara said yesterday. The closure did not appear imminent, however, and an Israeli official said a legal process was still required to implement most of the proposed steps. The Israeli move adds further pressure on Qatar, which has been involved in a dispute with four of its Arab neighbours. Kara said the measures were intended to bolster Israel’s security and “to bring a situation that channels based in Israel will report objectively”. Al Jazeera said Kara’s comments were unsubstantiated and it would take all necessary legal measures if Israel acts on its threat.

Journalists working for the pan-Arab station in Israel said they did not expect imminent moves against them. “Al Jazeera Media Network denounces this decision, which comes in the context of a campaign that was initiated by a statement made earlier by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu...” Al Jazeera said in a statement late yesterday. Last month, Netanyahu said he would work to shut the network’s offices in Israel, accusing it of inciting violence in Jerusalem, including over an Old City site that is holy to both Muslims and Jews. Kara said he would ask the Government Press Office to revoke the accreditation of Al Jazeera’s journalists in Israel, where it has about 30 staff. Cable and satellite providers have expressed their willingness to turn off its broadcasts, he said.

Monday August 07, 2017

Cool-headed Marquez at the double at Czech GP

Honda’s Marc Marquez led a Spanish podium sweep at the Czech GP. Brno (Czech Republic) (AFP) - Honda’s Marc Marquez led a Spanish podium sweep at the Czech GP yesternday to extend his MotoGP world championship lead with a second straight win. Dani Pedrosa was second almost 13 seconds back ahead of Maverick Vinales in third and nine-time world champion Valentino Rossi in fourth after a race. “I could have gone faster but there was no need to do so, I had it won and I’m not taking those risks anymore,” said the three time world champion who however celebrated by standing on his bike as he rode past the main stand to an ovation. “These kind of races (mixed weather) can be very challenging and you have to remain focussed,” Marquez said after negotiating his tyre change early in a race where wet conditions quickly turned to dry. The result leaves the overall standings on a razor’s edge as Marquez leads with

154 points ahead of Vinales on 140, Andrea Dovizioso is third on 133, Rossi fourth on 132 and Pedrosa has 123 in fifth. In his third win of the season, defending world champion Marquez was in truly imperious form, starting from pole and dominating, holding his nerve during an early change from wet tyres as he temporarily dropped down the field before gradually lap after lap extending his lead. After also winning in a similar fashion at the German GP last time out Marquez has galvanised the defence of his title that was in danger of being a landslide for the Yamaha tyro Vinales who took a big early lead but who is now second after ten of 18 races. “This weekend was very tough, then luckily on the grid the sun started to come out,” said Vinales. “On the rain tyre I was feeling good, but I was already thinking after two laps maybe I should go in but

there were too many people, so maybe I went in a lap too late. “Warming up the slicks was difficult but then the bike felt good again. I was feeling great in the last laps and I’m happy to have that back. It’s important to be back on the podium for confidence and motivation.” Having three Spaniards on the podium was a fine tribute to 13 time world champion Angel Nieto who died on Thursday aged 70 after a quad bike accident last week. Ahead of the day’s proceedings riders and teams from all categories gathered behind a banner saying ‘Gracias Maestro’ and observed a minute’s silence. Earlier Swiss Kalex rider Thomas Luthi emerged victorious from the rain interrupted Moto2 GP as championship leader Franco Morbidelli finished eighth. And Spain’s Juan Mir led a Honda sweep in the Moto3 race to register his sixth win of the season from ten.

Gayle, careless batting sink Warriors... From page 35 swing next ball off Tanvir in the penultimate over. Gayle survived a run out shout as TV replays were inconclusive in the final over, while King was run out going for a suicidal bye as Gayle missed a perfect leg-stump yorker from Emrit who bowled a brilliant last over. When GAW began their replay without Skipper Martin Guptill, who is troubled by a hamstring problem, Walton (10) pulled Cotterell for the first boundary in the third over before he pulled the Jamaican Solider to square leg at 12-1. Home boy Steven Taylor (2) was stumped off Samuel Badree without addition to the score while Mohammed swept Badree for four. Azad was dropped by Hafeez off Hasan Ali. Hafeez floored Mohammed in the next over and Mohammed rode his luck and thumped Ali for six to bring up the 50 stand before Mohammed Nabi removed Azad at 63-3. Mohammed hit Braithwaite for six before

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Allen pouched the catch of the tournament when he dived full length to his left and held a marvelous one handed catch to removed Mohammed off Hasan Ali to change the completion of the match and leave the score on 102-4 in the 17th over. Paul (4) edged Cotterell to the keeper at 115-5 but Singh kept hopes alive with some nice shots and urgent running until he lost his head and lost his wicket as the Warriors lost three wickets for a run to hand Tallawahs what seemed unlikely at the start of the final over. “Happy independence Jamaica, I still love you. I would like to give credit to the bowlers for pulling this one though for us. We started off slowly but I felt 130-140 should be enough,” said Jamaican Gayle. “It’s still a long way to go and a lot for us to do. We need to go to the drawing board and think about the future games. I didn’t quite get the momentum in my innings but I am only going to get better from here with my batting,” Gayle said after the win.

Jadeja bowls India to series-clinching victory COLOMBO (Reuters) Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja broke the back of Sri Lanka’s resistance after lunch to secure India’s seriesclinching victory by an innings and 53 runs in the second test yesterday. The all-rounder claimed his ninth five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka, forced to follow on after being shot out for 183 in the first innings, made 386 in the second before collapsing minutes before the tea break on the penultimate day. It was a first victory by an innings or more for India in Sri Lanka and, following their biggest victory by runs in Galle last week, ensured an eighth straight series triumph under Virat Kohli. “We said this morning that even if we don’t get wickets early on, we are going to enjoy the tough times because they really improve you as a side and you need those tough times to improve as cricketers,” the India captain said. “We were very happy that we went through that difficult phase as well, for you never want to get complacent as a side.” Kohli will fancy equalling Australia’s modern era record of nine consecutive test series wins when India host Sri Lanka for three matches later this year. Sri Lanka will take a modicom of confidence into that series from a second innings resurgence that was built around the 191-run stand between Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis, who fell for 110 on Saturday. Lefthander Karunaratne’s gallant 141 merely delayed the inevitable on Sunday, though, as Jadeja (5-152) and spin partner Ravichandran Ashwin (2-132) tormented Sri Lanka on a worn-out track where the ball spun alarmingly and often kicked off. Sri Lanka had resumed the fourth day on 209-2 at the Sinhalese Sports Cricket Ground with Karunaratne continuing his grim battle with the Indian bowlers. Nightwatchman Malinda Pushpakumara threw away his wicket, attempting a bizarre reverse slog against Jadeja who dismissed Sri Lanka skipper Dinesh Chandimal for two in his next over. Karunaratne and former captain Angelo Mathews resisted India for a while during a 69-run stand but Jadeja returned to wreck Sri Lanka after the lunch break. Karunaratne’s defiant knock, which included 16

Ravindra Jadeja rattled through the Sri Lanka line-up with a five-for, Sri Lanka v India, 2nd Test, SSC, 4th day, Colombo, ©Associated Press boundaries, came to a cruel end when he was presented with an unplayable delivery that reared up, hit his gloves and ballooned into the air for Ajinkya Rahane to catch behind the wicketkeeper. Mathews followed next, edging Jadeja to perish caught behind for 36 and Hardik Pandya claimed a couple of late wickets to hasten Sri Lanka’s collapse. “We were outplayed in the first innings both with bat and ball,” Chandimal said after his team lost a test inside four days for the second time in the series. “Credit goes to them, they batted brilliantly in the first innings and put us under huge pressure. I’m really happy the way guys played in the second innings.” Jadeja, who smashed 70 not out and claimed seven

wickets from the test, was adjudged man-of-the-match. Rahane was the bright exception in India’s otherwise poor catching display, grabbing four in Sri Lanka’s second innings alone. Wriddhiman Saha also shone behind the stumps, taking a couple of spectacular catches, effecting a stumping and conceding only four byes on a pitch where the ball frequently misbehaved. Pallekele hosts the dead rubber third and final test from Saturday. Scores: India 622 for 9 dec (Pujara 133, Rahane 132, Jadeja 70, Saha 67, Rahul 57, Ashwin 54, Herath 4-154) beat Sri Lanka 183 (Dickwella 51, Ashwin 5-69) and 386 (f/o) (Karunaratne 142, Mendis 110, Jadeja 5152) by an innings and 53 runs.

Bahrain’s former Kenyan... From page 31 “I think that last 2km was the most difficult. All the way I worked so hard, but the last 3km was too long for me. I think I was too tired after the previous sprints (to try to break Chelimo),” Kiplagat said. Of her distinguished rival, Chelimo said: “Edna is strong. At 35km I pushed, after some time Edna came and I said to myself ‘let her go’. I already accepted to be second. “But then I caught her, I was encouraged and thought ‘maybe I can try’ and I succeeded.”

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Monday August 07, 2017

Kirui wins world marathon title after duel with Tola LONDON (Reuters) Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui prevailed in a compelling east African duel with Ethiopian Tamirat Tola on the streets of London to win the men’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships yesterday. Kirui, victor at the Boston Marathon in April, finally broke Tola, the fastest man in the field, with five miles (8.05 km) of the 26.2-mile course left after they had gone head-tohead over the second half of the race. At the 19-mile mark, Tola, the fastest man in the field, had made his decisive effort and sped away from the 24year-old Kenyan but within two miles Kirui had hauled back the lead before surging away immediately and emphatically. Kirui forged on so powerfully that by the end of the race as he came toward the line at Tower Bridge, he even had time to tap the hands of some of the hundreds of fans lining the finish. “This is the best moment

of my career, easily. I am so happy to win the world title because it is my first time at these championships,” Kirui said afterwards. “This was the best course and the best crowd I have seen at a marathon.” Kenya’s fifth men’s world champion at the distance eventually clocked 2 hours 8 minutes 27 seconds, finishing one minute and 22 seconds ahead of Tola (2:09:49). The Ethiopian, who had tired rapidly after Kirui’s second wind, just held on for silver by two seconds from the fast-finishing Alphonce Simbu, who won Tanzania’s second medal ever at a World Championships. Britain’s Callum Hawkins then earned the biggest cheers from the big crowds lining the streets when he came home in a remarkable fourth place in a lifetime best 2:10:17 amid familiar African domination. Enthusiastic spectators were crammed 10 deep at key points along the four-lap route which started and

Kenya’s Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui wins the men’s marathon at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in central London. (GLYN KIRK/AFP) finished at Tower Bridge and took in some of London’s most famous sights like the Tower of London.

The bells chimed at St Paul’s Cathedral and they rang out for Kirui when he surged home alone on the last

Dutch beat Denmark to win women’s Euro title

Netherlands celebrate winning the Women’s Euro 2017 Final. (Getty images) LONDON (Reuters) Vivianne Miedema scored twice as hosts Netherlands beat Denmark 4-2 to become only the fourth nation to win the women’s European Championship since its inception in 1984. Underdogs Denmark took the lead through a Nadia Nadim penalty after just five minutes of the final, but the Dutch struck back quickly, Miedema slamming home Shanice van de Sanden’s superb squared pass. Lieke Martens then put the home side in front by curling in a bouncing shot, but Pernille Harder equalised before the break, cutting in from the right and rifling the ball home with her left foot.

The Dutch would not be denied however, and Sherida Spitse scored a free kick early in the second half before Miedema put the result beyond doubt with a brilliant run and finish in the 89th minute. The Danes stunned the world of women’s football when they ended Germany’s 22-year reign as European champions, coming from a goal down to win 2-1 in the quarter-final to crush German hopes of a seventh successive title. Spurred on by that victory, they beat Austria on penalties to reach the final where they showed the hosts no respect in the opening exchanges, and when Sanne

Troelsgaard was brought down in the box, Denmark’s Afghan-born striker Nadim confidently smashed the ball into the top corner. It was the first time the Dutch had trailed in the tournament, but the setback was temporary. Speedy winger Van de Sanden has tormented every opponent and her blistering run and pass set up Miedema for a simple finish in the 10th minute that brought the hosts back into the game. In Martens, the Dutch have a superbly skilful twofooted player who curled the ball home to settle their nerves. Hardly mentioned as contenders in the run-up to

Euro 2017, the Dutch quickly showed themselves to be the strongest, fittest and most skilful team and, spurred on by raucous home crowds, have won every game. Harder’s equaliser was well-deserved, but Denmark ran out of steam and could not cope with the home side’s seemingly limitless pace and power as they notched two second-half goals to secure the trophy. The sight of the victorious players dancing on the pitch after the final whistle of a memorable final added a new celebratory chapter to this football-loving country. The challenge now is to build a Dutch dynasty in the years to come.

circuit, to complete a remarkable breakthrough year. He said he had not been expecting to triumph because Tola had run a dominant 2:04:11 in winning the Dubai marathon earlier in the year. “I feared the Ethiopian because he had such a fast time, so I just followed my plan to 35km and then felt my body to see how I was doing. Good for me, it responded well. I was smart not to follow him,” added Kirui. “Winning this title has been my goal for so long. Now my goal will be to repeat it.” He had run a similar race in Boston, producing a late surge over the last few miles to destroy the opposition. Now, in just his fourth marathon, he strode away majestically on an historic day when both the men’s and women’s races were staged, one after each other. On a fine, sunny late morning, the field of 75 had to negotiate a tricky, windy course with tight turns,

especially when the runners entered the business area of The City, with the real contenders just sparring over the first two laps. With the field having gone through half-way in 1:05:28, though Tola, Kirui and another Kenyan Gideon Kipkemoi Kipketer opted to make the race-changing move as they forged ahead. Three quickly became two as Kipketer began to pay and eventually trailed home fifth. Meanwhile, the race favorite, Daniel Wanjiru, who had won the London Marathon in the spring run on a very different course, never looked comfortable, eventually finishing eighth. The real shock, though, came from Hawkins who, evidently inspired by competing in his home championships, was perfectly happy to take up the pace over the first half of the race and then held on superbly to record the bestever finish by a Briton in a world championship marathon.

Van Niekerk forced to work his way to tantalizing 400m final LONDON (Reuters) Wayde van Niekerk duly qualified for the World Championship 400 meters final yesterday but the defending champion and world record holder looks to have a real battle on his hands after some searing semi-final performances. The South African was desperately trying to conserve energy as he bids for a 200/400m double but was forced to go deeper than he would have liked by Botswana’s Baboloki Thebe in the second of three semifinals, eventually clocking 44.22 seconds. By that stage two 21year-olds had fired out a warning with massive personal bests. Steven Gardiner improved his own Bahamas national record and went under 44 seconds for the first time, clocking a 43.89 which he might pay for in the final on Tuesday. Nathon Allen also set a Jamaican record, taking almost half a second off his best with 44.19. Botswana’s Isaac Makwala looked very comfortable in winning his heat in 44.22 seconds. Van Niekerk was originally drawn in the opening heat but organizers changed the lineup, which

Wayde van Niekerk (AFP Getty Images) pleased the South African. “Whoever changed it, thank you, I wasn’t ready for 43 seconds,” he said. “It seems like every time we go on the track someone breaks 44 seconds. It is good competition but it just means I always have to be on my game. “I’m just trying to get through the rounds as conservatively as I can.” American’s big hope Fred Kerley scraped into the final as a fast loser but former Olympic and world champion LaShawn Merritt, another man to serve a doping ban though unlike compatriot Justin Gatlin loudly cheered by the London crowd, failed to make it.

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Moeen strokeplay maintains Bahrain’s former Kenyan England’s command Chelimo wins women’s marathon

Moeen Ali struck three sixes as he reached 67 not out before the rain arrived. (Getty Images) MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Moeen Ali’s sparkling strokeplay in his undefeated 67 put England in total control of the fourth test with a lead of 360 over South Africa at Old Trafford. England ended a third day curtailed by early evening rain on 224-8 and, with two full days remaining, will be confident of wrapping up a 31 series win. Although the comfort of their first-innings lead meant there would have been few nerves in the England dressing room, the hosts were struggling at 134-6 when Moeen walked to the crease. Jonny Bairstow, whose first-innings 99 had been key to England’s lead, soon departed for 10, leaving Moeen with only the lower order for support. England had struggled against the spin of Keshav Maharaj who was making the most of the rough outside offstump to the left-handed batsmen. But Moeen took the game to the left-arm spinner, putting on a 58-run partnership with Toby Roland-Jones and eliminating the concern over the rough with positive footwork. He was fortunate to be dropped on 15 by Dean Elgar at slip off Maharaj but, with that let-off behind him, went on to bring up a fifty with a towering six that was caught on the players’ balcony by a beaming Bairstow. Three times Moeen hit Maharaj for six and his confidence, shot selection and execution raised the question of why he is batting down at number eight. “I think it was my best (innings for England) in terms of trying to take momentum and putting pressure back on them,” Moeen said. “I had a few hacks early on that I got away with but I

felt the situation of the game needed a little impetus, a few shots. Sometimes you can be a sitting duck and I just felt today I didn’t want to do that,” he added. After Roland-Jones departed, top-edging as he tried to pull Rabada, Broad joined Moeen and the pair will resume today after rain cut play short in the final hour. South Africa’s firstinnings batting had left them with an extremely difficult task but their bowlers were not intent on ending the series without a fight. Paceman Morne Morkel got the early breakthroughs, striking twice before lunch. Alastair Cook went in the seventh over, attempting a cover drive, but his thick edge flew to Theunis de Bruyn, who comfortably pocketed the catch at gully. Tom Westley went in similar fashion, edging to substitute fielder Aiden Markram, who held on at a gully to leave England on 302. After lunch, England opener Keaton Jennings, who has struggled throughout the series and

was badly in need of a good score, departed for 18, making a mess of a short delivery from Rabada to give Hashim Amla a simple catch at first slip. England skipper Joe Root looked composed and confident again but fell one run short of his half-century after dragging on a low delivery from Duanne Olivier. Olivier had his tail up, causing problems with his clever right-arm medium-fast deliveries and, after troubling Stokes outside the off-stump on several occasions, got his reward when the England batsman edged to skipper Faf du Plessis at first slip. Broad had earlier claimed the final wicket of South Africa’s first innings. Olivier’s attempted pull ended in a top-edge which was safely gathered by keeper Bairstow. James Anderson ended with his best figures in a test on his home ground of 4-38 in 17 overs. Scores: England 362 and 224 for 8 (Moeen 67*, Broad 0*, Olivier 3-38) lead South Africa 226 (Bavuma 46, Anderson 4-38) by 360 runs.

Nafi Thiam of Belgium (facebook)

LONDON (Reuters) - Rose Chelimo, a Bahraini who switched allegiance from her Kenyan homeland, sprinted away from her former compatriot Edna Kiplagat to win the women’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships after a tactical battle and exciting finish yesterday. Chelimo, who had looked beaten, fought back over the last few hundred metres approaching the Tower Bridge finish after Kiplagat struck for home too soon with two kilometres left. Forging away to victory, the 28-year-old, who acquired Bahraini citizenship two years ago and was cleared by the IAAF last year to run for her adopted country, denied Kiplagat what would have been an unprecedented third world marathon gold. Chelimo finished strongly in 2 hours 27 minutes 11 seconds, seven seconds clear of Kiplagat. American Amy Cragg made a tremendous final burst to overhaul another Kenyan Flomena Daniel, who had looked set for the bronze medal. Cragg also closed in swiftly on the tiring 37-year-old Kiplagat but had to settle for third place in the same time of 2:27:18. Chelimo had enough energy to wave to the crowd as she approached the line and took the Bahraini flag offered by her team officials. This, though, was the sort of scene that the IAAF want to see ended. Earlier this year, they froze new transfers of allegiance to stop oil-rich countries luring talented athletes from poor countries with offers of school and financial rewards. Chelimo was one of those athletes, who has achieved success particularly in halfmarathons since switching allegiance, and she was effusive in her praise of Bahrain. “My life will change because I am a world champion for my country now. It is so special for Bahrain, the country is so happy for me to be the winner in 2017. They support me a lot,” Chelimo said. “I am feeling good and am happy to be the winner. This is one of the best days in my life and, hopefully, there are more to come.” FOURTH MARATHON This was only Chelimo’s fourth marathon. Having won on her debut in Seoul, she finished eighth at the Rio Olympics before her runnerup spot behind Kiplagat in Boston in April. Chelimo’s victory stopped Kenya celebrating a marathon double alongside men’s champion Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui on the first occasion both races had been held on the same day. Chelimo proved a worthy winner of a race that only came alive in the final few kilometres over a tricky, tight-cornered four-lap circuit of central London around some of the city’s most

Rose Chelimo (File:MarathonRio2016) famous sights. Watched by huge and enthusiastic crowds, British stalwart Aly Dixon, at the age of 38 and with no chance of winning, was the unlikely home star. She opened up a 32-second lead by the half-way point as she gestured cheerily to the crowd to give her more support. The real race, though, had not even started. A pack of 14 were still only edging up the pace gradually, allowing Dixon, who eventually finished 18th, to lead until the 18th mile. Even when caught, she managed to hold on to the main contenders until the two-hour mark as they held off making the first move. American Cragg eventually broke but, when the field splintered, Chelimo pushed for home only for the more rangy Kiplagat to storm past her. She had, though, made her move too early with a deceptive uphill stretch towards the finish. Continued on page 29

Thiam adds world heptathlon title to Olympic crown LONDON (Reuters) - Nafi Thiam of Belgium eased her way to heptathlon gold at the World Championships yesterday to go with the Olympic title she claimed in Rio last year. The Belgian went into the final event, the 800 metres, with a 172-point lead over Germany’s Carolin Schafer – roughly 12 seconds on the track in the London Stadium. That meant Thiam could take it relatively easy and that is exactly what she did.

The 22-year-old has a personal best of 2:15.24 in the 800m but she fell towards the back of the chasing group in the third heat and came in last in a time of 2:21.42. It was still enough to secure her first world title as she finished on 6,784 points. “I’m super happy,” Thiam said. Schafer was in a more perilous position and needed to make sure she did better than Anouk Vetter of the Netherlands, who was behind

her in the standings by just three points. Although Vetter achieved a season best time of 2:19.43, it was not enough to reel in Schafer who finished four seconds ahead of her to secure silver with 6,696 points, the German’s first senior medal. Vetter thrilled the crowd earlier yesterday with her championship best javelin throw of 58.41 metres which proved crucial in helping her win the bronze medal on 6,636.

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Kaieteur News

Monday August 07, 2017

Sky Plus Sprint Classic horse My prayer for sports in Guyana race meet set for August 20 Letter to the Sports Editor

DEAR EDITOR, In the last 16 months, Guyana basketball has hosted the Caribbean Basketball Confederation Under-16 Championships for men and women. Our men finished as the second-best Under-16 team in the Caribbean, earning themselves a place in the Centro-basketball Under-17 championships 2017. Recent successes in basketball also included; the National Under-15 men’s team competing in Centrobasketball 2016, the national senior men, with a majority of players under age 23, competing in a tri-nation tournament in Jamaica, and just recently the national under-17 men despite tough circumstances, competing at the Centro basketball championship held in the Dominican Republic. Despite all these notable efforts, for those who do not know, basketball does not get a single dollar from its international parent body. Even if it did, that could not have sustained this level of activity which is necessary for the development of our players and the game over the long term. I cannot speak for the national federation officially, but from the little that I do know, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, and particularly Nigel Hinds, its president, have been left severely indebted from these efforts. This is despite the support received from the Government of Guyana, The National Sports Commission and generous sponsorship towards the hosting of the

Caribbean Basketball C o n f e d e r a t i o n Championships 2017. The fundamental problem with basketball, and sports in Guyana in general is funding. Accountable administration and adequate facilities are equally important issues as well. But the problem of funding has ensured a crippling effect to developing a sustainable progressive framework for the game to flourish. The GABF, as admirable as their effort has been over the course of these 16 months, is simply being asked and expected to do too much on its own. It is like being asked to make “bricks from straws” - an impossible task. I told Nigel Hinds privately, which I will now say publicly, as admirable as his effort is, it is not right that he should carry this personal cost. It is just not sustainable. Nigel and I have had our differences, but the commitment and focus given to creating opportunities and providing exposure for youth players by his administration, is greatly appreciated. Especially by those of us who are involved at the youth and school levels. A very important aspect of youth development has been answered by this federationexposure to international competition. So, the President of the national federation deserves a great deal of credit for this amount of heavy lifting. I do hope that some amount of his personal financial debt could be recovered even at this stage. The most difficult part for me personally as a sports

Chess August holiday Classes start today The Guyana Chess Federation will be holding August holiday classes for all who are desirous of learning to play chess. The classes will commence today, August 7th, 2017 and conclude on the 25th of August, 2017 with classes being held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 PM to 4 PM at the National Aquatic Center, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara. The classes are open for children and adults. For more information, please call Mr. James Bond on 600-0007 or Mr. Irshad Mohamad on 664-1650.

administrator in Guyana is the conflict in answering the questions many of our young aspiring student athletes have: how can they get from where they are to the next level? Sometimes, I counsel myself that the best thing to do is to discourage these young people from pursuing what often turns out to be a dead-end street. But then I cannot do that either. How could you live peacefully knowing that you are a dream killer? This then lends itself to the dilemma we find ourselves in: cornered between a rock and hard place. One wonders now in light of these circumstances, what else could sports administrators do to penetrate the short-sightedness that is restricting Guyana sports potential? In the just concluded Centro-basketball Under-17 championships, 16year-old Kevon Wiggins led all scorers with an average of 25.2 points, quite remarkable, for the little lad from Berbice. Kevon, shortly after the 2016 CBC Championships, migrated to the United States where he attends the Evander Child’s Campus in Bronx, NY, and plays on the school’s basketball team. Kevon’s allround skills set in just a year has improved considerably and he is the same talented and motivated youth that left Guyana a year ago, with the aspiration of pursuing his dream as a pro basketball player. The difference in the last year has to do with the environment. Kevon went into an environment that believed in his ability to succeed and gave hope to the idea that if he works hard enough he would gain a scholarship to go on to college in order to pursue his life-long dream. He is well on his way in doing exactly that, and the entire basketball fraternity is cheering him on. But what about all the other boys and girls from Berbice to Kwakwani with those same aspirations? What about their dreams? What do we say to them? My hope is that basketball, and grass-roots sports in general would be viewed as a national collaboration between Association, Government, Sponsors, Community and participants all working towards one end: to create opportunities and to maximise the potential of Guyana’s youth. This is my prayer for sports in Guyana. Yours Sincerely, Chris Bowman YBG.

The Nand Persaud Group of Companies through its Sky Plus Incorporated Promotion Group has organised a horserace meet for Sunday 20 August. The event is slated for the Company’s racing facilities at No36 Village, Macedonia Estate, Corentyne, Berbice. The seven-race card has over $4M in cash, trophies and other incentives available. The meet which is dubbed the “Nand Persaud Karibee Sprint Classic” will once again see the horses running in a straight line from start to finish. The races will be 880 and 660 yards. The events listed for the day will see horses competing in the feature D and lower event over 880 yards for a winning purse of $400,000 and trophy. The event for animals classified H and lower is for a top prize of $300,000 and trophy

also over 880yards. There is an event for 3 Years maiden and animals born and bred in Guyana over 660 yards for $220,000 prize. The J class and lower animals will be looking to heat up the track for a winning take of $200,000 and trophy over 660 yards. The K and lower 660 yards event has a winning take of $140,000 and trophy. The L Class and lower contest is expected to be a heated affair over 880 yards for the first prize of $100,000 and trophy. The final event is expected to be for two year old animals or those classified LL and lower, and will be decided shortly. Champion jockey, trainer and stable will all be rewarded with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall and the organisers. The Coordinator is Mohendra Persaud.

Bowie snatches 100 metres from Ta Lou on the line

American Tori Bowie dips to the line to win the 100m. (Getty Images) LONDON (Reuters) - America’s Tori Bowie delivered a finish line masterclass when she timed her dip perfectly to win the women’s 100 metres world championship gold in spectacular style on Sunday, leaving Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou with a consolation silver. The momentum of 26-year-old Bowie’ exemplary dip sent her sprawling onto the track but by the time she recovered enough to look at the big screen she saw that she had won by one hundredth of a second and denied Ta Lou the chance to claim Ivory Coast’s first world title in any event. Olympic champion and race favourite Elaine Thompson never got going and finished fifth, as Dutchwoman Dafne Schippers took bronze. Ta Lou appeared to have the race sewn up but fatally failed to throw herself at the line and there were moments of suspense before the result appeared on the stadium scoreboard. The 26-year-old Bowie, who finished in 10.85 seconds, went one better than her silver medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro last year while Ta Lou was left to ponder another desperately unlucky finish. “I never give up until I’m over the line,” Bowie said. “Ta Lou went away fast but she always does. It didn’t bother me and I just kept pumping my legs and arms until the finish. “The dive doesn’t feel too good now. But that has saved me at championships in the

past. I’ve got a couple of days to recover before the 200 heats so I’ll be okay.” Ta Lou was also unlucky not to walk away with a bronze medal in Rio after being denied a place on the podium by the rarely-resorted to thousandths measurement. “I am just happy to have this medal, it is a dream come true,” she said. “I didn’t expect to be in the top three because all the girls have the power and the talent to make the podium.” Slideshow (2 Images) Thompson’s shock defeat came after Usain Bolt finished third in the men’s 100 metres on Saturday making it the first time since the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki that Jamaica failed to win either 100 metres race. It was also the first sprint double for the U.S. since Helsinki when Gatlin and Lauryn Williams were the champions. Thompson, who had looked in fine form in the heats and won on the same track in trainers to protect an injury in a Diamond League meeting one month ago, was at a loss to explain her defeat. “I don’t know what happened. I just wanted to get a good start but they race well,” she said. “I’ll have to watch the video back because I don’t know what went wrong. “I have to give those three girls a lot of credit, so big congratulations to them. I didn’t execute my race which is a shame but I’m healthy.”