Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Friday August 05, 2016

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

EDITORIAL

VENEZUELANS FACING A BLEAK FUTURE Three years after power in Venezuela was bequeathed to President Nicolás Maduro by the late Hugo Chávez, Guyana’s oil-rich northern neighbour is suffering from the worst economic and political crisis in its history. Hunger, desperation and the spread of unrest and criminality have threatened the survival of the government. Most supermarkets are empty, and the few with food are being ransacked by angry, hungry mobs comprising mostly youths. Food is now being transported under armed guard, and basic necessities are being rationed. People have to queue for hours and sometimes overnight on their assigned days to receive staples like rice and cooking oil. Many, especially the children and the elderly, are starving. Blackouts, looting and murder have led President Maduro to declare a state of emergency in a desperate bid to cling to power to deal with the issues. Rule by decree has enabled him to confront all the international and national threats. Based on IMF figures, Venezuela has the world’s worst negative growth rate at minus 8 percent, and one of the highest inflation rates at 482 percent. The unemployment rate is high and is expected to climb to 70% by year end. Its currency, the Bolivar, has slumped to 792 to the US dollar on the black market. President Maduro inherited a ruinous state-run system from Chávez, but his policies have made things worse. Chávez built his popularity on the oil wealth and excessive borrowing to pay for food imports. He nationalized more than 1,200 companies deemed to be against Venezuela’s interest. However, in 2015 the steep fall in the price of oil and reckless spending by the government; have made Venezuela a high-risk debtor. Unable to borrow from foreign banks, the government increased its finances by printing more money, which fueled inflation. It also used the country’s gold reserves to pay its foreign debt and basic food imports. Obviously its gold reserves have been depleted, and Venezuela has defaulted on its payments and the import of food is at a minimum. It is catastrophic. As the crisis deepens, President Maduro has accused the United States of having imperial designs on Venezuela, and of playing a role in the crisis that has gripped the country. He also accused the Organization of American States of being a tool of the United States, and claimed that right-wing leaders in the region are generating chaos in order for the US to intervene in Venezuela. However, those are old tactics often utilized by Maduro in an attempt to reverse his flagging popularity and deflect public attention from the economic and social turmoil in the country. President Maduro apparently wants Venezuelans to ignore the fact that their country is in ruins. According to Transparency International, Venezuela is the ninth most corrupt country in the world and billions of dollars have been siphoned from the coffers by government officials. Given the devastated economy and falling oil prices on the world market, it is not surprising that Venezuelans are experiencing power blackouts, shortages of food, medicine, and basic goods. Many have fled to neighbouring countries to seek refugee status. The crisis has gone beyond economics into the politics. It is not a healthy situation, but Maduro continues to deal with the issues in his usual iron-fisted style. He has no respect for democracy. The opposition-controlled Congress has attempted to pass laws against the rule by decree, but state institutions which are controlled by the government have blocked its efforts. However, the opposition has galvanized support on the streets and has organized 2,138 protests since the beginning of the year in its attempts to force Maduro to resign. Guyanese are hoping for a brighter day for Venezuelans who are facing a bleak future.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Stop saying sugar is dead; it is not Dear Editor; Editor’s note; This is the final part of the letter that was published in Thursday’s edition. As in rice where 65 edible by-products can be manufactured from the grains, so in sugar cane both edible and industrial byproducts can be garnered from this sugar cane plant. Our nation lacks one word in its consciousnesssustainability, and this is a pivotal concept of development. The success and fame of Demerara Sugar saw the expansion of sugar production across the globe which in Guyana’s case resulted in the creation of a multi-ethnic entity, the result of the British Slavers having to find replacements for the

enslaved who originally laboured in the cane fields. This was the beginning of the social formation that is now known as Guyana. Simply put, sugar brought us all here; we may as well appreciate that fact. Sugar crystals- the end product of agro industrial processing - is but one part of the chain of products from the sugar cane plant; cane juice, molasses, alcohol in the main. The sugar industry is more than production of edible crystal sweetener. Brazilian ethanol has proven that the sugarcane industry can be profitable and functional economically. The point to this somewhat long winded exposition is ‘King Sugar’ in a Guyanese context reverberates as part of our

local history and is fundamentally tied to the industrial revolution that allowed European civilization to spread globally. The politics in our country have been and still are strongly influenced by the socio-political matrix that evolved to facilitate the i n d u s t r y. F r o m t h e industrial/commercial viewpoint and the cultural/political sphere, there exists a contestable argument for the prolongation of the life of ‘King Sugar’. Sugar cane crystals are the end product of an industrial process that can be stopped at various points depending on the desired products- cane juice, m o l a s s e s o f d i ff e r i n g viscosity and chemical

makeup, dark sugar and refined sugar crystals. In the process of arriving at crystals from cane, there are by- products from sugarcane leaves, through to bagasse in the pre and post processing stages. It is highly technological which would not have been conceived by the early planters/industrialists. Every part of the sugar cane processing activity is of great value in their own right. The fibers of the sugarcane leaf are formidable as anyone knows who has been cut by the leaves. The skin of the cane is clearly related to the sturdy bamboo and the bagasse- a web of tissue that has unexplored possibility of being a fabric on its own or as a subset to more complex (Continued on page 5)

Inaccessibility in Kuru Kururu DEAR EDITOR; Please allow me a small space in your prestigious newspaper to express my frustration and disappointment on the conditions of Kuru Kururu, Newtown settlement roads. Kuru Kururu is one of the most populated and established villages along the Linden Highway. Although we still have a long way more to be really established, one of the main challenges that is stopping

us is the inaccessibility to the community. It is a nightmare because of the deplorable roads. The village is also one of the biggest on the highway that has many crossroads and intersections but only one major road tarred and poorly so. The rest of the streets are sand and potholes. My issue as a resident of this beautiful village, is why are our community leaders and residents not

tackling these problems aggressively? For example, there is a major intersection in the village (Mike’s Corner) that is the busiest yet it is the worst of them all. It will not cost much to repair. I mean, if we can’t repair the whole village, then repair this junction at least. The potential that Kuru Kururu has is to be an economy driven village and it starts with accessibility. Imran Khan

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2016

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Small miners complain about Religious arguments for Ministers Trotman and Broomes keeping the death penalty

DEAR EDITOR; I am one of a few small miners who work for several years on land that was a government reserve until a few months ago. We have been informed that this land now belongs to a large-scale miner and we are being told to cease working immediately and to pack up and leave this land. Sir, we have tried unsuccessfully to get mining permission for this land, now we are left wondering how this large-scale miner got documents to this piece of land, which we, the miners who are actually working the land could not receive. We have sought an audience with the Natural Resources Minister, Mr. Raphael Trotman without any success. We tried calling his office many times and on every occasion we were told he is unavailable. We also wrote to him but we are yet to receive a response. We journeyed to GGMC to meet with Minister Broomes on her “Open Day”, however we were told that the “Open Day” has been discontinued, and when we asked where is Minister Broomes’ office so we could go there to complain to her, we were told she does not have an office. Sir, it is as if this government does not want to hear the complaints of small miners. They are pretending that all is well in the gold

mining industry. Oil is the only thing we hear Minister Trotman and this government speak about, yet oil production is ten years away. What about gold and the small gold miners? We are Guyanese who have been here all our lives and we are trying to work today. We need land to work today to support our families today, not ten years from now. There is no policy or forum to address the concerns of small miners; no provisions have been made for us to receive any of the land that was recently allotted and distributed to miners. Sir, the recent distribution of land, which was promised by Minister Trotman to small miners to remedy the historic wrong, which resulted in small miners not having any lands to work, came and went. Yet, most small miners have not received any land, neither do we know what process if any exists for us to get a piece of this land. The recent land distribution is like a national secret, nobody knows anything about it. The rampant corruption continues at GGMC. Large and connected miners can receive mining licenses to land anywhere in this country at a moment’s notice, while we, small miners who are working a piece of land cannot get lawful permission to work. And now they have closed the only avenue we

had for lodging complaints against the GGMC and to receive justice in land disputes and other issues. The President told us that Minister Broomes was transferred to the Natural Resources Ministry because of her vast experience in the mining industry. So why is Minister Broomes not dealing with mining issues? Why has she stopped conducting the ‘Open Day’ and why is she no longer meeting with small miners? Where and to whom are small miners supposed to bring our complaints now? We were happy when the President transferred Broomes to Natural Resources and we gratefully brought our complaints to her on Wednesdays at the GGMC, when she convened an “Open Day” to meet with the public. We know her and we know that she knows what happens in the gold bush. Many small miners went to her and have had their problems resolved. Why has this successful initiative been abruptly scrapped? Sir, we voted for a change, and we are yet to see that change at the GGMC or in the gold mining sector. Now no one, no one is looking out for the small miners, no one wants to hear our troubles, no one wants to address our complaints, and nobody cares. Small Miner

Stop saying sugar is dead... From page 4 material structure. We burn the bagasse to produce electricity, or just burn it to be rid of this by-product of King Sugar. Ethanol produced in vast quantities in Brazil is the most well known use of sugar cane product outside of the sugar crystal. King Sugar in Guyana is so named not only because of the economic benefits that accrued from the plantation system but is also based on the reality that sugarcane planting, processing, storage, transport and marketing is a product/industry to the very nature of Guyanese culture. As an industry, it is a mosaic of activities that create a national/cultural network that involves all

economic classes/races in a socio-political matrix that were the bases for the creation of the colony of Guyana in the mid nineteen century, which in turn, has evolved into the Guyana state of the 20th and 21st Century. The future of sugar is equitable diversification. Ideas for regulated diversification have been discussed in the news media. Our policy makers have to listen to the views of all Guyanese, since sugar is we own. The Chinese Author Yang Liguang said; “Only by peering through the darkness of history can one sincerely cherish the brightness of today’s sunshine, and confidently look to the future” Hafiz Rahman

DEAR EDITOR; Please permit me space in your letter column to enter the debate on the abolition of capital punishment. There has been and still is a lot of ill-conceived reasoning on the topic of human rights. Let us just ask the question what is human right? Humans have been committing heinous crimes throughout the ages, some have been sentenced to death and rightly so. Today in this generation of vipers, we have groups of people who have armed themselves into groups asserting that they are fighting for the rights of humans who committed beastly acts of violence against their fellow human beings causing them to die. The question is; those who were slaughtered or butchered by one who appears to be human, did they have any rights?

If they did have rights what were their rights? A man has been working honestly for all the days of his life making tremendous sacrifice so that he and his family can live comfortably; during his time because of his astute and sacrificial demeanor he was able to accumulate wealth. Would it be fair for a man who has never toiled honestly to enter his house and deprive him of what he labored for honestly, and in the process of taking what he has, he murders him? The question is; which of the two deserves more human sympathy? Genesis 3: “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread.” That man labored for what he wanted and in defending what was rightfully his, his life (the most precious gift given to man by God) was snuffed out. Again I ask which of them deserve more

human rights - the murderer or the murdered. There are times when many people are left to drift aimlessly because the anchor of the ship has been broken. Where are human rights contrived? We talk so much about human rights, but is there any one of us who knows about more human rights than Almighty God? He created humans remember? Or is it that we do not believe that? If we do not believe that, then the Bible means nothing to us. But I am a believer and I know that God created the Heavens, the Earth and he created man. And in the book of Numbers, Chapter 35 verse 16, 17-18 Reads (16): “But if he strikes him with an iron implement so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death”. And (17) “And if he strikes him with a stone in the hand by (Continued on page 7)

KATO Engineering defends itself Dear Editor, Kindly allow me some space to defend my company against the sustained and unwarranted attack it has undergone in the recent past in both the electronic and print media relative to our work at KATO. Kares Engineering started as a small company and with hard work and smart application has grown to become one of Guyana’s largest and most successful engineering firms. It is part of a strategic group of companies listed below:• Kares Engineering Inc. - engineering services and general construction. • Bushy Park RediMix and Pre-stressing Inc supplying of Ready mix concrete and fabrication of pre-cast, pre-stress members i.e, piles, decking, sheet piles etc. • Bushy Park Sawmills Inc. We have always been the underdogs in the contracting

business in Guyana, however, with intelligent leadership and wise application of resources as the cornerstone of our growth, we were always able to overcome the greatest of odds to survive and do so successfully in Guyana’s harsh and competitive contracting environment. To date we have successfully completed over 30 schools, several roads, wharves, bridges and numerous other civil engineering contracts for both the private and public sector. Confidence in the firm’s capability is demonstrated by its ability to keep winning and successfully completing projects for both the Government and Private clients. We have never aligned ourselves with political parties and groups and we never will. This is evident to the intelligent observer who would have noted that the Government and the Opposition have

joined forces in their attacks on us. Those who stand to gain from this diabolic plot to damage our image will never succeed. The most sustained and detailed forensic audit of all our works will demonstrate that we are head and shoulders above our competitors who have failed on many projects. In this regard we draw your attention to: 1) Supenaam stelling, 2) The sunken wharf of Charity. Here are a few facts about the Kato school project we would like you to consider. The issue has taken a deliberate, in our opinion, political slant and we, as an engineering firm, want to clarify the engineering issues without delving into the political nuances. Please see below some of the issues that should help bring clarity to the political uttering that have been making the (Continued on page 7)

Friday August 05, 2016

KATO Engineering defends... From page 5 rounds. We are prepared to supply solid evidence to verify the statements we make below. We challenge the Government to do the same. We remain committed to the project and are willing to work with the government to discuss and correct issues for which the company may be liable. Here are a few facts the Government of Guyana has been forgetting to tell you about the Kato School project. The school was built by Kares Engineering to rigid specifications set out by the Government of Guyana. The project was completed, within budget, accepted and received by the Government of Guyana without complaint on its completion. 1. Built and completed within budget, there was NO cost overrun Original cost $728 Million; finished cost $728Million. Cost paid to contractor- $662 Million. Contractor still owed $66. Kares Engineering NEVER received $1Billion as is being claimed by the Government of Guyana and the opposition. This is a political statement that is being passed around as fact. 2. The Kato School was built within specifications as established by the Government of Guyana: The building meets and in many cases exceeds the contract specifications. This was accepted by the supervising consultant. ALL specifications and changes in design or materials were made by the consultant and passed on to the Kares Engineering. Kares Engineering made no independent decision to change or alter any specification. 3. The concrete meets and exceeds the contract specified 3,000 PSI: Kares Engineering is confident that the school will pass a compression strength test, the standard for concrete testing. The company is disputing the conflicting Schmidt Hammer readings since both the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and the “independent” contracting firm results show vastly conflicting readings with differences as high as 2,920 PSI. Kares Engineering passed 22 out of 24 structural tests conducted by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure; only after this an “independent” test was ordered. 4. The building is protected against termites for five years:

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The building is still under warranty for termite treatment and will be so for the five years from the date of the contract completion. The Government has not asked or told the contractor about any termite problem, nor have they requested the FREE remedial measures available to them under the warranty terms. 5. The Government has NEVER officially notified or requested the engineering firm to correct any works: 6. To date Kares Engineering is not in receipt of a complaint or request for corrective works. 7. The Defects Liability period was left to EXPIRE, without request for correction: The building was under warranty and corrections could have been made. The Government requested NONE. 8. There are NO structural cracks in the building: The building has a few cracks which is common to concrete structures and could have been corrected under the defects liability period. This was NEVER requested. 9. Kares Engineering paid workers in Kato higher wages than were paid in Georgetown: Kares Engineering paid workers in the village of Kato on average $9,000 per a day, this is higher than wages paid to similarly unskilled workers in Georgetown. We have wage sheets to prove this and these were submitted to the contractor. 10. Residents were paid $150 Per BM to cut wood. Initially one team requested $300 per BM, but later we were able to negotiate with another village team for a cost of $150 per BM (we have payment sheets to show this) 11. A detailed ten-page response was sent to the audit firm: They have chosen to ignore it and now claim that Kares Engineering did not respond. Questions that must be answered: Why is Kares Engineering being singled out to be made a scapegoat, when all the works were done within specification?

Why is a successful engineering firm being wrongfully accused without a right to reply, or official request for corrections? Did the audit team tell the media that the hole in the corridor was created by them in order to determine the thickness of the concrete? Why did the audit team choose to ignore responses sent by the contractor that explained several issues? WHY DOES THE AUDIT TEAM SEEK TO DRAW POLITICAL COMPARISIONS WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN HIRED TO DO AN ENGINEERING EVALUATION? The way forward as we see it: Kares Engineering wants to ensure that the children of Kato get to use the much needed school and that the people of Guyana get to benefit from the project. The opening of the school also delays the hydro power project promised to the Region through European Union funding. Our company always has our client’s best interests in mind; as a result we propose the following measures to remedy any issue. • Kares Engineering is prepared to meet with the Government of Guyana to discuss issues with the building and how they can be resolved. • Have coring and compression strength tests (the only acceptable industry standard) on the building to verify beyond doubt, the strength of the concrete. Kares Engineering is prepared to pay 50% of this cost if requested. • Discuss repairs that are deemed necessary to the building. Kares Engineering is prepared to fix defects which should have been identified under the defects liability period, and to remedy those that are applicable despite the fact that the liability period has expired. Radesh Rameshwar Director Kares Engineering Inc.

Unacceptable conditions at the National Cultural Centre DEAREDITOR; I would be grateful if you publish this letter on deplorable and disorganized behavior at the National Culture Center (NCC). Here is my experience at the NCC. On 31 July, there was a show to honor the Indian singers Mohamed Rafi, Mukesh and Kishore Kumar. I arrived at approximately 6:40 pm with my family for an advertised show at 7 pm. I noticed a long line and many people waiting to attend the show, so I joined it. After a few minutes, the line remained long and was extending almost to the vehicle entrance. I had my son in my arms so we went to the entrance and engaged the attention of an usher (who looked like the head usher) and asked her when she was opening the doors so we can enter. Her response was; “we are having a meeting.” This was at 6:55pm and the tone and facial expression were a far cry of what I think an usher should be. I think their job is to smile and welcome you in a friendly tone, but the woman appeared confused, baffled and her rudeness long to Linden. Her tone was unwelcomed. I tapped on the glass door to engage the people inside the air-conditioned lobby and Mr. Neeaz Subhan

came to the door, so I asked him what was the delay for us to enter the hall since it’s now after 7 pm. He said he was trying his best, but that was not a good answer. Mr. Subhan is soliciting our patronage and as a patron banging on the doors and treated like a beggar and he trying his best. I paid $1500.00 for my ticket, adhered to the dress code yet have to bang on the doors. A security came to me and said they always start late. After what appeared like chaos and confusion among the ushers and organizers the door was opened, tickets were verified and separated. While on our way to our seats another usher came in with a demanding tone saying, “let me see your ticket.” I told her I knew the location of my seats. She did not offer to direct us to our seat. This behavior reflects the deplorable attitude. I want to emphasize. After locating our seats we noticed many people trying to do the same. The row behind was Row D; a ticket holder was assigned a broken seat, so the management sold him a ticket for a broken seat. This is another example of insensitive behavior. The show started after the scheduled time, and we were

welcomed by the performers and Mr. Subhan. He apologized for the late start and delay at the door. This is now a regular acceptable occurrence at most functions in Guyana, and yet when we visit other countries and shows, we follow their rules and regulations, and we are bawling down for changes here and are breaking and ignoring our rules and regulations and expecting changes for the better. The show was fine with lots of room for improvement. It highlighted the use of Facebook, bridging the gap between the old and the new. I agree that the media is a very powerful asset. You have to look back a few days ago at Turkey’s attempted coup and how the President used the media and regained his leadership. This example should be a lesson for all, so the local and visiting Guyanese who plan to check out a show here, and witness this ugly behavior should use their cell phones to highlight this deplorable behavior to let the world know what we are experiencing, and if you planning to visit Guyana you know what to expect. Farhaud M Amin

Religious arguments for... From page 5 which one could die, and he does dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.”And (18); “Or if he strikes him with a wooden hand weapon, by which one could die, and he does die, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death.” This is the will of God for man. Today we say so many things have changed. But please be informed that the only thing in this world that has changed is human being. We have been living in this world for centuries, is there anything in history or at present that tells us that there was ever wars in the jungle? Yes, there might be fighting in a pack

to determine who it is that does nothing further. President David Arthur Granger was given the reins of Leadership of this country at a critical juncture, a time when there are sacred decisions to be made, but be assured Mr. President there are the right answers to all the questions. Mr. President, be assured that you did not ascend to the highest office of this land because of man; it was an act of Almighty God and he has the answers to all the questions that are being asked and will be asked. There must be men around you who you will ask for advice, but in Matt. 6:33 Jesus advises

“seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all other things will be added to you.” My last quote, Proverbs 29:2; “When the righteous are in authority the people rejoice. When the man rules, the people grown. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path. I close asking for God’s Mercy on this our dear land of Guyana. Elder Ewart Small

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No Deputy CEO appointed at GPHC - Govt. - unaware of any decision to reinstate CEO As far as Government is concerned there has been no appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). This assertion was yesterday made by Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, when he hosted this week’s post Cabinet press briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. This publication earlier this week was privy to information that a man by the name of Paul Clarke had turned up at the premier health institution claiming that he had been sent by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Trevor Thomas, to take up the position of Deputy CEO. Clarke, this publication was told, had reportedly held the position of manager at the Cheddi Jagan Dental Centre, prior to his surprise appearance and claim. He, however, did not produce any letter of appointment to the GPHC’s Personnel Department and therefore, stunned a number of senior officials of the hospital when he asked to engage them at a meeting. That meeting reportedly never materialised and the Board of Directors of the hospital, in questioning Clarke’s purported appointment, decided to write to Thomas seeking clarity. Harmon yesterday observed that based on an article published by this news-

paper, the Board had noted that such an appointment, if there was any, is ‘null and void’. He also took note of Thomas’ comment to this publication that he did not institute any such appointment. Thomas had, however, told Kaieteur News that “he (Clarke) might have been asked to go there, but was not appointed. The Ministry can recommend anybody to the Board, but the decision to appoint resides with the CEO and the Board,” he had asserted. An official related that part of the legal mandate of the GPHC Board is to appoint and terminate. But added to this, it was disclosed that the position of Deputy CEO does not even exist at the institution. In light of this, one official emphasised that “we are governed by rules and regulations...A position like that (Deputy CEO), if it exists, should be advertised, and interviews done before an appointment could be made”. “The Government has said that it wants transparency and that is what we are working towards – transparency,” the official asserted. The fiasco has resulted in a delay of the investigation into allegations against the hospital’s Director of Nursing Services (Matron), Sister Collene Hicks. Hicks was recently sent on administration leave to facilitate an investigation.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hospital, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, had revealed that a Committee of Inquiry would be set up to spearhead the investigation of allegations that Hicks was insubordinate and failed to perform in the best interest of the institution. Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Alan Johnson, was expected to oversee the work of the Committee. But this publication understands that Johnson has since proceeded on a monthlong sick leave. When contacted on Wednesday, Thomas did not deny sending Clarke to the hospital to function as Deputy CEO, he however, insisted that he did not appoint him. The Permanent Secretary, moreover, in emphasising that he is not aware that Clarke has been appointed as the Deputy CEO said, “I am looking into the matter and will be better able to clear up the matter by tomorrow (yesterday).” Kaieteur News was, however, unable to make contact with Thomas yesterday. At yesterday’s post Cabinet press briefing Harmon commented on yet another controversial matter at the GPHC – the findings of a recently completed forensic audit. The audit, which was conducted by Junior Finance Minister, Mr Jaipaul Sharma, required that substantive

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton

Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon

CEO of the hospital, Mr. Michael Khan, be sent on administrative leave to facilitate the process. But reports suggest that although Khan has been cleared of any wrongdoing, the Board is currently divided as to whether he should be reinstated. The Board has written to Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, to preside over that matter. Speaking on the matter

yesterday, Harmon said that although the issue is one that has been in the news and has therefore been engaging the public’s attention, it has not been brought to the attention of Cabinet as yet. According to Harmon, “Cabinet has not been informed by the Minister of Public Health that a decision has been taken for anyone to resume duties based on clearance by the audit.” He speculated that while

the audit would have seen several recommendations being made, only one might have been given attention. He noted that “sometimes when we use the word ‘cleared’ you have to look at it very closely. You might have been cleared of one allegation, but there are several others that have not been addressed. We would have to look at that very closely,” the Minister of State said.

$1M bail for causing death accused - lawyers claim victim jumped onto moving car Bail was set at $1M on Wednesday for a 31-year-old businessman, charged with causing death by dangerous driving. Mohamed Rahman, of 10 Swan Street, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, appeared before City Magistrate Judy Latchman, and pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that on July 28, at Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara, he drove mo-

tor car PSS 4430 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of Lisa Khan, 18, of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara. It was further alleged that on the same day at Ruimveldt, Georgetown, he drove the motor car fully aware that he had alcohol on his breath and failed to subject himself to a breathalyzer test. The defendant denied the latter charge and was placed on $20,000 bail. An attorney for the defendant pleaded with the Magistrate for his client to be released on reasonable bail. The lawyer said that the (Continued on page 31)

CHARGED: Mohamed Rahman

Friday August 05, 2016

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The poor are being exploited The renovation of the Kitty Market, which the City Council said it was hoping to complete in time for May 26, last, is reportedly still not completed. Latest reports suggest that it may take another three months. A close examination of that structure indicates that it is not very wide at all. It is a narrow building. It is, though, a very long building, probably in excess of 150 feet. In all, the works done so far would have involved an area about

4,000 square feet. It is hard to understand why the media is saying that the estimated cost of the works would run into the sum of 240 million dollars. This does not seem right, and there should be pressure on the Council to show what has been done. We are constantly reading about how much it is costing to do repairs to government and public buildings. We read about a school in Kato costing over one billion dollars.

Pictures showed some the areas over which there were concerns about the construction. They are not as serious, judging the published photographs, as they are made out to be. What is serious is the claim that it will cost another one hundred and forty million to fix the alleged defects. Kato is a far flung community. Supplies have to be flown in to the area, so everything is going to cost far more than on the coast. But one hundred and forty million to

Dem boys seh...

Pot tell ee mattee ee battam black Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things. A politician name Winston Churchill, seh suh. Dem boys love this quote and dem is not politician. Churchill was a one-time Prime Minister of England. De closest Rohee come to that was when he was a one-day President and Rob de Earth was he deputy and acted as Prime Minister. Rob de Earth did use de siren when he go in de back dam to meet farmers and had de cattle running helter skelter. Rohee, too, use de presidential siren, while driving all over whole day looking for Chinee food. Dem boys hear while going ee pass by de zoo all dem animal nearly break out. Jagdeo, Sam Blind, Donald Dumb plus Rohee and Rob de Earth mek de highest offices in de land into laughing stock. Dem bring shame and disgrace to de office. That cause dem to get kick out. Now dem sit down in dem party office insulting de new people who kick dem out. Wednesday morning Rohee, de goat man,

vex because Moses and Ramkarran criticize Jagdeo racial comments. He call Moses and Ramkarran two sour p**s, but dem boys seh de story carry he picture and he look like exactly like how he describe dem two men. Is a case of pot tell ee mattie ee bottom black. When he was a minister he look de same way and use to behave and smell like sour p**s. And is not dem boys seh suh, is Moses seh suh. Moses also tell dem boys that not a policeman get charge under his watch. And corruption was rampant. He issue thousands of visa to foreigners. Dem boys believe he was involved in backtracking and de ABC countries should investigate him. Dem boys hear SOCU got plans to investigate he, de Rat and of all of dem except Anil who got more than dem anyhow. Of course, Uncle Sam did tek way he and nuff of dem visa, already Dem boys know fuh sure that some of dem can’t even go near de airport to enter Uncle Sam. Talk half and hope Rohee get some decency.

fix those repairs seems over the top. If the cost of repairs is so prohibitive, what will it cost to build a new structure? This is the worry, because if the cost of repairs is so much for a building, how is the poor man going to afford to build his house? If the repairs to Kitty Market which is a long, but narrow building is believed to be going to cost the municipality in excess of two hundred and forty million dollars, then what is it going to cost a poor man to build a structure made of greenheart which is a quarter of that size? Where will a poor man find sixty million dollars from? If to effect repairs to the Kato school will cost one hundred and forty million, then what is it going to cost a poor person in the hinterland to build a small concrete structure. No forty per cent increase in salary is going to make things easy for poor people to build their own homes if

what is being reported is true. We have heard nothing so far about the outcome of the negotiations between the union and the government, but one of the things which must now be factored into those negotiations is the high cost of construction, because this translates into high rentals. The poor people are hurting and some inquiry into construction costs needs to be undertaken. There was a Commission of Inquiry into conditions of service for public servants. That report has not yet been made public, but the press seems to have had some access. If the forensic reports can be made public, there is no reason why these reports should not. A commission needs to

established to determine what it costs to build a home for a low income family and what steps can be taken to reduce this cost. The poor people of this country deserves better. The poor people are being exploited. Some carpenters are now asking for $8,000 per day. This is too high. How can a poor person afford this high labour cost much less the high cost of building materials? Perhaps they should start selling phone cards.

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Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

A strange thing is happening inside the police force On the night of Thursday, July 14, 2016, a policeman from the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) walked into Kaieteur News and approached the editor-in-Chief, Adam Harris. After a brief discussion, Mr. Harris called me to talk to the gentleman. I was the person whose help the officer sought. He was sent by Superintendent Wright of

the OPR. Mr. Wright was acting on an order that came directly from the Commissioner of Police. This was what Mr. Wright told me. The officer wanted my help in contacting a woman named Lisa Smith. She was the subject of a column of mine in January this year when I saw traffic ranks stop her at random. Mr. Wright explained to me that the reason

why the Commissioner wanted a statement was to use it in the investigation of the ranks who stopped Ms. Smith as a random act, since the ranks knew they were no longer empowered to do so. I offered to supply Mr. Wright with a statement, as I have seen routine traffic stops literally countless times since the police force announced that it was discontinued. Mr. Wright

Cybercrime Bill sent to Special Select Committee The Cybercrime Bill of 2016 was presented and read for the first time in the National Assembly yesterday by Attorney General Basil Williams. The Legal Affairs Minister also referred the complex legislation to a Special Select Committee, so that it can be properly perused and amendments made where necessary. Williams explained that the Bill seeks to combat cybercrime by creating offences related to it and provide for penalties, investigation and prosecution of the offences and related matters. The Bill sets out that a person commits an offence if he intentionally, without authorization or in excess of authorization, or by infringing any security measure, accesses a computer system or any part of a computer system of another person. The draft legislation also deals with child pornography and child luring. It says that a person who produces child pornography for the purpose of distribution through a com-

puter system, or offers or makes available, distributes or transmits child pornography through a computer system, commits an offence. It says, too, that a person who uses a computer system to arrange a meeting with a child with the intent of abusing or engaging in sexual activity with the child or producing child pornography, whether or not he takes any steps to effect such a meeting, commits child luring. Another clause in the Bill addresses the publication or transmission of images of the private area of a person. It states that a person who captures, stores in, publishes or transmits through a computer system, the image of the private area of another person without that other person’s consent commits an offence. Additionally, the political opposition said that it is pleased that after some 15 months, the Government is actually utilizing the option of sending important Bills to a special select committee.

said I wasn’t a victim and they need a statement from a victim. I don’t know what came out of that story. I don’t know if Lisa Smith gave a statement. Since Thursday, July 14, 2016 when that officer walked into Kaieteur News and I spoke with Superintendent Wright, I have seen random traffic stops more times than I could count. I saw it yesterday on the Railway Embankment about 20 seconds drive from the private residence of the Prime Minister. I was heading to the National Park to jog. The time was 7.35 a.m. I pulled over and went to the three policemen. Two of them were traffic personnel – Mr. Saul and Mr. Patterson. The officer in charge was Inspector Griffith or maybe he was a Superintendent. I asked Mr. Griffith if the operation was from Sparendaam, he said yes. I showed him numerous documents I had that is evidence that the police force has discontinued the policy. He walked towards the police car and together with Mr. Saul and Mr. Patterson, they drove away; the vehicle number is PKK 1264. There was a witness to everything. They had stopped this driver who had his family with him; they were heading to the hospital. He agreed to speak to the press. He permitted the publication of his personal details. His name is Adesima Newtown

– licence plate PKK 6670. Mr. Newton told me he would give a statement, because he is fed-up with the police stopping people as a matter of routine. I drove into the National Park and called the officer in charge of traffic at Brickdam, Mr.Ashraf. He said he has no jurisdiction over Sparendaam. I called the officer in charge of Sparendaam. He said he would contact the divisional commander, Mr. Marlon Chapman, who is based at Cove and John. Here is the part that readers are going to be curious about. On my way home, I got a call. The voice on the other line said he was travelling up the Corentyne Highway on the very morning at the same time he was speaking to me (he said he pulled over) and he saw at Number 73 village, traffic cops stopping people as a routine process. I asked if he was willing to be identified. He agreed, because he said he does some occasional correspondence work for Kaieteur News. When he gave me his name, I immediately recognized him, because he writes frequent pieces in the letter section of this newspaper. He is Mr. Ashan Bacchus, school teacher at Friendship Primary School at Sisters Village in Berbice. I called the commander of Springlands, Superintendent Ralph Park. He

Frederick Kissoon readily admitted that he is aware that random stops are no longer in force. My intervention yesterday on the Railway Embankment marks the fourth time in the occurrence of routine stops. On each occasion, the police packed up and left. On each occasion, I have penned a column on the incident. I think I am tired writing about this aspect of police behaviour. It is important to note the courage of Mr. Newton and Mr. Bacchus that they are willing to give statements and were prepared for their personal details to be published. More citizens need to emulate Newton and Bacchus. So the question is; why do the traffic ranks still stop drivers at random? Strange indeed! Attorney, Patrice Henry has a plausible explanation. But I haven’t got his permission to quote him.

Friday August 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Opposition loses motion on curbing rise of suicide rate By Kiana Wilburg Even after putting forward significant arguments, the political opposition still lost the fight to have its motion on curbing the rise of the suicide rate in Guyana, successfully passed in the National Assembly yesterday. The motion was brought before the House by PPP Member, Dr. Vindhya Persaud. The Opposition parliamentarian said that the incidence of suicide has been consistently increasing in 2016 with the younger members of the population taking or attempting to take their lives. Dr. Persaud said that suicide accounted for 1.4 per cent of all deaths worldwide in 2012, making it the 15th leading cause of death. Among the age group of 15 to 30, anywhere in the world, suicide is among the top three causes of deaths, she said. The Member of Parliament told the House that in Guyana’s case, suicide has ranked in the top 10 causes of death for the last several decades. She said that in the age group 15 to 24, suicide ranks between one and three, in terms of the top causes of deaths. Dr. Persaud said that in the 1980s, suicide deaths were about 200 to 250 per year. In the last decade it has been between 150 and 200 cases per year. The politician also informed her colleagues that it is estimated that there are between 1,500 to 2,000 attempted suicide cases each year or about one attempt every five hours in Guyana. Around the world, she said, it is estimated that there is one suicide attempt almost every second. Dr. Persaud asserted that while Guyana has done no such studies, it is estimated that suicide costs the Health Ministry, conservatively, about $600M to $900M annually, excluding the loss of life, family income and emotional and psychological anguish for the surviving family members. The Member of Parliament said that the majority of suicides occur among people suffering mental health conditions and illness such as depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia. Social issues such as alcohol abuse, poverty and unemployment also contribute to the growing number of suicide cases. “The current economic situation in the agricultural communities due to falling rice prices, loss of income and consequential foreclosures on loans in the banking sector, coupled with the state of the sugar industry where jobs are under threat, and, the unemployment of thousands of people in the last nine months in the public service and general society, are leading to a state of despair and hopelessness which are factors contributing to this rise,” Dr. Persaud asserted. She added, “Whilst there are cultural, religious, class and other prejudices that

“They want to steal our thunder and pontificate as though they are the genuine ‘Popes and Bishops’ of the issue and they are not.” - Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

PPP Member, Dr. Vindhya Persaud

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan

inhibit people from seeking help for mental health problems, the mental health services are inadequate to meet the demand, with only three full time psychiatrists (based in Georgetown and New Amsterdam), insufficient hospital beds and trained personnel in the National Psychiatric Hospital, and no day treatment or community residential facilities, and, inadequate numbers of counselors, to help and treat patients.” Dr. Persaud stressed that there are insufficient counselors in the educational system, both private and public, to provide support to students of all ages. She said that the availability and easy accessibility of poisons, especially in r u r a l agricultural communities, contributes to making this the easiest method of committing suicide in Guyana.

She called on the Government to implement the comprehensive 2014 Mental Health Strategic Plan and the National Suicide Prevention Plan 2015 — 2020 which was crafted under the PPP government. She also called for the Government to ensure that funds are allocated to provide the financial, human, technical and physical infrastructure needed to treat mental health and level of suicide as a national health priority; The Opposition Member also emphasized the need for the Ministry of Public Health to resuscitate the National Suicide Prevention and Control Committee with regional

committees, comprising both professionals from health, education, law enforcement and civil society, so as to update and lead the National Strategy to Prevent and Control Suicide Committee within three months of its appointment, on a national education and awareness campaign. There were several other speakers on this motion, some of whom included the Opposition’s Yvonne Pearson and Dr. Frank Anthony. The Government’s side was represented by Junior Public Health Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings; Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry and Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan. Like his colleagues on the eastern side of the House, Ramjattan said that he could not support the motion. The politician also expressed disappointment that the Opposition members would have the temerity to belittle the significant efforts being made by the Government on the fight against suicide. Ramjattan said that the Opposition never saw it fit to do many of the things it proposed in its motion. In fact, the Public Security Minister saw the PPP’s motion as an attempt to steal Government’s thunder, since it included several of the initiatives already being embarked on by Government ministries. “They want to steal our thunder with this motion, and come and pontificate as though they are the genuine Popes and Bishops of the issue and they are not. We have done a number of things in the government, including being accommodating to a number of NGOs,” the Parliamentarian expressed. In the end, Ramjattan acknowledged that the fight against suicide requires a collaborative effort, and on that note, he said that he is willing to work along with the Opposition on the matter. He stressed, however, that he could not support the motion in its original form. In closing the debate, Dr. Persaud said she was heartened by Ramjattan’s openness to collaboration and thanked her colleagues for their support on her motion.

PAGE 12

“Greater coordination” promised to deal with illegal drugs Government is making changes to its strategies as it intensifies the battle against illegal drugs, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon told the media yesterday. The Minister was at the time responding to questions about the yet to be released CANU Inquiry also known as the ‘Dataram Report’, at a post-Cabinet media briefing at the Ministry of the Presidency. Minister Harmon said that the final report will be released eventually by Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan. He explained however, that the report contains sensitive information. “It is a matter of how you treat with this information. It will affect reputations of people who are in office and so on, because these are allegations that have been made against public officials, and the investigation would have dealt with these allegations.” Some of these allegations have been placed in the public domain, Minister Harmon noted, and “sometimes the public may take judgment based on what has been put out there in the allegations.” Minister Harmon refused to say whether there would be a “major shakeup” of the leadership of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) due to the findings of the report. However, “the architecture of the fight against drugs will undergo some changes, with the establishment of the National Anti-Narcotics Agency that will see greater levels of coordination between the agencies that are involved in the fight against illegal drugs. I’m not saying there is going to be a shakeup, but there is going to be greater coordination.” Additionally, the Minister of State sounded a warning to those engaged in the illegal drug trade. “The drug dealers out there can be assured that the Government is going to take a very firm stance on the matter and that we are going to increase the style of coordination of these agencies.” The National Anti-Narcotics Agency will coordinate the activities of CANU, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana Police Force.

Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Rosignol Chinese Restaurant fatal stabbing…

“Rabbit” guilty of murder “Guilty of murder,” was the reply of the forewoman when asked for the decision by the Registrar in the Rosignol Chinese Restaurant murder. Twenty-three year-old murder accused Shazam Khalil called “Rabbit”, a cane harvester, of 53 Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice, was on trial for the capitol offence before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. Khalil seemed tense as he awaited the verdict and seemed lost when it was handed down. He was before the court for the murder of 19-year-old Shazina Mohamed, of Edinburgh Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice. The young woman was brutally stabbed about her body around 19:00 hours on January 17, last year, in front of the Yang Yi Chinese Restaurant, at Rosignol, West Bank Berbice. Both the prosecution and defence had closed their cases and presented arguments to the jury. State Prosecutor Stacy Goodings had urged the jury to believe the state’s case which had two eyewitnesses and the doctor’s testimony. Defence lawyer Tajenarine Ramroop in his presentation pointed to some inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, and urged the jury to believe the defence’s case of self defence and accident.

- to be sentenced following probation

Victim: Shazina Mohamed

Guilty of murder: Shazim Khalil

Justice Barlow subsequently summed up the evidence to the jury and directed the panel on the law. After retiring, the jury returned just under two hours with a unanimous verdict of guilty of murder. Before asking for the benefit of a probation report for his client, Ramroop told the court that his client is just 23 years old, is not married, has no children, and lives with his parents. It was the first time he was charged for any offence. Khalil told the court that he was never expecting to be found guilty. Prosecutor Goodings had told the court that on the day in question, in a fit of rage, the accused knifed the teen, who was his ex-lover. The woman was at the Yang Yi Chinese Restaurant when she was ambushed and stabbed by the accused, who then fled the scene. The woman was

picked up and rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, and subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital where she succumbed. The matter was subsequently reported and Khalil was arrested and charged. During the trial, the Prosecution called a number of witnesses including Dr. Vivekanand Brijmohan who gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to multiple stab wounds. He testified that Shazina Mohamed had a lot of clot blood and her right lung had collapsed. The wounds, he had told the court, were mostly stab wounds and were not self-inflicted , but caused mainly by an attack. Also testifying was detective Constable Andel Doris, main prosecution witness Vishwa Sukhdeo, his sister Latchmi Sukhdeo, Detective Corporal Kofi Robinson and Constable

Orwin Barton. Khalil had given an unsworn statement from the docks. The court also applied section 95 of the Evidence Act to have the deposition of Shafique Mohamed - which was taken in the Magistrate’s Court - admitted in evidence. The state called a number of witnesses to support its application, including Police Sergeant Alexis Adams of the Central Immigration and Passport Office in Georgetown, Fazia Mohamed, daughter of Shafique and sister of Shazina, and Legal Clerk attached to the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court, Ophelia Marques. The statement was read into evidence by Marques. The accused had given an unsworn statement from the dock. He said that he was called by the deceased on his phone. He claimed that when he arrived she was with a male individual and told him that this is her “new man”. Khalil said that he was about to walk away when Shazina Mohamed grabbed him back. “She was bigger and stronger than me. She cuff me in my left eye. I beg she to loose me, she nah loose me. She brace me up to a white car and call the boy to come with a beer bottle to kill me. After I see the boy coming with the beer bottle, I tek de knife and cut she so that she can loose me. After she did not loose me I cut she harder. I then loose she and run away.” “I never want to hurt Shazina because of the feeling I had for her.”

Friday August 05, 2016

Taskforce Commission’s “Restore Guyana” project moving apace - Upgraded airstrips, Solid Waste sites identified for several regions

Garbage dumped atop a ravine at Khan’s Hill, Mabaruma The National Taskforce Commission held a press conference yesterday at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to enlighten the media and the public about the work it has done so far. From all indications it appears as though the Commission is making headway in achieving its mandate. In the Ministry’s boardroom, Chairman of the Taskforce, Major General Retired Joe Singh highlighted several updates on successes and challenges during the Commission’s one year lifetime. Singh reported that the CJIA runway expansion is moving along according to plan. He said that the project will undergo close monitoring so as to ensure the country gets value for money, since he noted that it is absorbing significant expenditure. He said that the Mabaruma Airstrip is currently going through an upgrade, particularly to the terminal. Additionally, the Surama Airstrip in North Rupununi is being upgraded. He said that the strip will be

PAGE 13

Kaieteur News

extended to 4000 feet. In addition to the extension, the laterite surface of the strip has been stabilized, since a new type of fluid is being used to bind the material. The work on the airstrip was done by JR Construction, who is currently working on the Fairview Airstrip in Iwokrama. The Task Force is mandated to provide oversight services to specific government agencies in five areas, particularly National Drainage, Solid Waste Management, Traffic Management, Sustainable, physical structure renewal countrywide and welfare management of homeless, addicted and mentally challenged. In the area of Solid Waste Management, Singh reported that the Ministry of Communities has identified several sites to be used as official dumpsites. For Region 10, an area at Kara Kara has been identified. He said that there is currently a bid being advertised for the construction of an access road to the site. Further, in Region Nine,

the site intended to be used as the community’s dumpsite will be in Bon Success, north of Lethem. Region Eight’s site will be in the White Hole/Red Hole area which is east of Mahdia. According to Singh, the site has already been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Region Six’s site will be made at Bellevue, West Bank Berbice. A new site will be identified for Region One since, according to Singh, the current site at Khan’s Hill, Mabaruma, is not suitable. It is located atop a ravine, and nearby is a tributary into which the waste can eventually pollute. Singh said that if the residents don’t curb their behaviour they will be “shooting themselves in the feet” because pushing the refuse over the hill will contaminate the same water that they use. He said that the unauthorised dumping of garbage should be of concern to residents, especially when done near waterways and culverts which eventually get blocked up.

Govt.’s $M advances from Contingencies Fund for debate next week Finance Minister Winston Jordan yesterday presented to the National Assembly, Financial Paper Number One, which dealt with the Contingencies Fund advances on the Current and Capital Estimates totaling some $931M. That total dealt with expenses covering the period January 1 to July 28, last. He also laid in the National Assembly, Financial Paper Number Two which was essentially a Supplementary Provision on the Current and Capital Estimates totaling $2,089,699,085. Jordan proposed to the House that both papers be considered by members next Monday, which is the final sitting before the National Assembly heads into a period of recess. That period would normally last for two months. According to Financial Paper One, an advancement in the amount of $63M was made on the Fund in order to facilitate the rental to New GPC for the storage of pharmaceuticals for the period March to June 2016, as well as payment of rental to Linden Holding Company as per Cabinet decision for July 2016 and security deposit amounting to $25M. There was also a $406M advance made on the Fund to facilitate the completion of the D’Urban Park Development Project which was used for the 50th Anniversary celebrations. The abuse of the Contingencies Fund is an issue that has been well documented by the country’s Auditor General, Deodat

Finance Minister Winston Jordan Sharma. In one of his reports, Sharma pointed to the abuse of amounts totaling over $550M drawn from the Fund and utilized to meet expenditures that did not meet the eligibility criteria as defined in the laws. In his 2012 report, he said that $95.661M in advances was illegally drawn from the Fund. For the year 2013, he reported that $510M was withdrawn from the Contingencies Fund which did not meet the specified criteria. The 2014 report once again flagged the inappropriate use of the Fund under the previous administration, as $962M was withdrawn without meeting the specified criteria. Over the years, the abuse of the Contingencies Fund was a topical issue for A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change when they served as the Parliamentary opposition. AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan had emphasized on

several occasions that the National Assembly is the first device or mechanism for which emergency advances can be protected from abuse. The politician had asserted, “The (PPP) has been abusing its understanding of the criteria of an emergency under the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act. When we run to the Fund it is only to be used for emergency cases, like if there is a serious flood in Mahaicony and we need to remove citizens. Money would be used in that case.” The Public Security Minister was also one who constantly called for sanctions to be imposed against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, for his abuse of the Contingencies Fund.

PAGE 14

GFC Board votes to end BaiShanLin’s “illegal” joint ventures The new Board of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) yesterday voted against the continuation of BaiShanLin Forest Development’s operations through its joint ventures. The Board has found these ventures to be illegal. At present, the joint ventures are the only known logging operations of BaiShanLin, as all other lands previously under the company’s control have been reverted to the State. An end to the company’s joint ventures would mean an end to its present operations in Guyana. The issue of BaiShanLin’s joint ventures has been boldly highlighted in the report of the forensic audit that Anand Goolsarran conducted into the operations of the GFC.

Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Goolsarran had noted that BaiShanLin gained control of five major companies in the forestry sector - Sherwood Forrest Inc, Haimorakabra Logging Co., Wood Associated Industries Co. Ltd., Puruni Woods Inc. and Kwebanna Wood Products Inc. Goolsarran found the ventures to be illegal. He said that the Forests Act prohibits the transfer of ownership/ control of a forest concession without the specific approval of the GFC. Goolsarran found no evidence that the specific approval of the GFC was granted in relation to the change of ownership/control of these companies. He argued that in the circumstances, the holders of the Timber Sales Agreements (TSAs) should have surrendered their authorizations to the Commission for reallocation to other potential concessionaires. In his response, GFC Commissioner James Singh maintained that the ventures were legal. This is a stance that Singh has maintained over the years. He said this since in 2014, when questions were initially raised. Despite Singh’s stance

and his submission to the Board, members found different. Kaieteur News understands that the findings of forensic audit report were considered and the GFC Board has agreed that all the takeovers by BaiShanLin of Guyanese logging licences were actually illegal, and that the licences should be revoked. Kaieteur News was not able to get all the detailed consideration of the board in arriving at its decision. But the fact that there was no trace of specific approval for the ventures by the Board is not the only illegality. This was highlighted by Goolsarran, who had told the press, “the argument that BaiShanLin is involved in joint ventures with these logging companies as previously approved by the Commission is not valid, because joint ventures can only be entered into with holders of concessions.” BaiShanLin was never the holder of a concession. It was the holder of two State Forest Exploratory Permits (SFEPs). The two State Forest Exploratory Permits, which were illegally granted in the first place, are however no longer in the company’s possession.

Govt. finds parking meter contract burdensome and heavily in favour of investors - recommends fees review

Director of NPS and SCS, Kamau Cush While noting that the terms and conditions of the controversial parking meter contract are burdensome and heavily favour the investor, the Government has recommended that the details of the agreement be reviewed by an accountant. The recommendations were made following considerations from Attorney

Minister of State Joseph Harmon

General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan. The parking meter project contract, signed last November, has been generating heavy criticism against the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC). The contract was signed under the previous

Council, by Town Clerk, Royston King, for a consortium to spend US$10M to install solar-powered parking meters around the city. However, several of the councillors, including Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan, have been complaining of limited information regarding the Continued on page 27

Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Implementation of regulations for state care institutions in progress The Social Protection Ministry has already embarked on regulations for state care institutions, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence said. Minister Lawrence was responding to a recent report circulated in the media by ChildLink which stated, that children living in institutional care have been abused by their caregivers. Minister Lawrence told the Government Information Agency that she has not received a copy of the report; however, work has already begun to implement regulations and provide and organise training for Social Services assistants and caregivers at state care institutions. “I have not seen a copy of that report, you have read what was written in the newspapers, but I can say that the reasons that we are looking for regulations at the home is to ensure that these things do not happen, not only in the homes but at the Early Childhood Development centers…We are seeking guidance in terms

of how people treat with our small persons, and also to ensure we have the persons with the requisite skills to deal with children,” Minister Lawrence explained. The issue of children being abused in institutional care is one that the Government inherited. The report stated that while caregivers have unanimously reported that corporal punishment was not applied to the children in their care, children are saying they have been physically abused. “…In most instances persons are just employed, there are no back ground checks. They just come to do a job and many of them, they don’t know how to parent a child and so they just do what they know. Many of us, we speak about corporal punishment … but in many of the homes, they believe that if they ‘spare the rod’ they ‘will spoil the child’ and so that is the measure they use. I look

forward to seeing the report and seeing what the report says, so that it will help us as we go forward to provide the various regulations and guidance for the homes,” Minister Lawrence said. The Ministry is looking specifically at training and the quality of persons being employed at these institutions, and to ensure background checks are carried out on individuals to be employed. Minister Lawrence said that the Ministry will start the process in -house, and by the end of the year, will engage private institutions to have a dialogue on the way forward to ensure that the country’s children are protected. There are 23 child residential care institutions in Guyana, of which 20 are privately owned and managed, and 3 being state care centers, namely the Dropin-Centre, Mahaica Children’s Home and the Sophia Care Centre. Currently, there are approximately 700 children at these institutions with about 165 in state care.

From page 14 agreement which provides for City Hall to receive 20 percent of the gross revenue and the investors, National Parking System (NPS) and Smart City Solutions (SCS) Inc, 80 percent. During a Post Cabinet press briefing yesterday, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon announced that Cabinet had reviewed two reports submitted by Minister of Finance and the Minister of Legal Affairs on their findings of the contract. “The sum total of the finding was that there was nothing illegal about the contract and it appeared from a review of the documents that the terms and conditions were onerous and they were heavily in favour of the concessionaire,” Harmon stated. The Minister of State said that the AG therefore recommended that the Mayor and City Council hire an accountant to review the rates and fees contained in the agreement between City Hall and the investor. According to Harmon, the recommendations were handed to Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, who has overall jurisdiction for the councils. He said that Bulkan has since written to the Council advising them on Government‘s proposals. Affirming Government’s position on allowing the Council autonomy in carrying out its functions, Minister

Harmon said the Government has allowed the Minister of Communities and Georgetown Mayor and City Council full scope to deal with the matter. “As a general principle, we don’t interfere with activities or actions of the Council, unless they are being patently illegal or unlawful.” Earlier this year, the Georgetown Mayor and City Council announced that some 1,500 parking spaces will be erected between Stabroek, South Road, Camp Street ,Church Street, Regent Street ,Robb Street and other central commercial areas of the city. The Mayor and City Council had disclosed that the parking meter project, which will bring in 20 percent of the gross of the revenues to the city, with zero investment by the council. The council claimed that the 20 percent was arrived at after intense negotiations with National Parking System (NPS) and Smart City Solutions (SCS) Inc. Concerns were however raised about the authenticity of the two companies after little information was found on them. But, despite the objections, the companies have been moving ahead with efforts to implement the project. During a consultation exercise with taxi operators at the conference centre of the National Library yesterday, Director of both NPS and

SCS, Kamau Cush, listed a number of benefits which he claimed would be generated as a result of the project. Cush said too that the meeting would serve to clear the air on what he described as “manufactured controversy” surrounding the project. However, the Director refused to comment on the issues raised about the details of the contract. He essentially noted that he was not there to speak on the model of his business. The SCS official told the small gathering of operators that the plan is to bring development, provide jobs and ease to the traffic congestion in the city. Cush said that the regular parking fee is set at $50 for every 15 minutes usage, but reassured that taxi and minibus operators would be given special rates to conduct their business. Further highlighting the benefits of the project, Cush claimed that about 117 jobs will be provided to facilitate the system. These include call centre representatives, manufacturers, Information Technology staff and other technical persons. “The lowest category of staff will be paid at least $100,000 per month,” Cush added. The Parking Meter Project is expected to come on stream in September. According to Cush, SCS will be installing some 415 meters at 4,500 spaces across Georgetown.

– Minister Lawrence

Govt. finds parking meter contract...

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Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Brazil Senate committee clears way for Rousseff’s removal BRASILIA (Reuters) - A Senate impeachment committee voted yesterday to put suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on trial in the full chamber for breaking budget laws, opening the way for her to be removed from office. The 21-member committee voted 14-5 to try Rousseff for allegedly doctoring government accounts to allow more public spending in the run-up to her 2014 re-election. Her impeachment would mark the end of 13 years of rule by the left-ofcentre Workers Party. Along with a string of corruption scandals, it has already set off Brazil’s worst political crisis in decades as the country prepares to host the Olympic Games in the midst of a severe recession. The political uncertainty has kept most foreign leaders away from the Games, which open today in Rio de Janeiro. The Senate will vote next Tuesday whether to accept the charges against Rousseff and begin the trial that should reach a verdict at the end of

Dilma Rousseff the month. “The committee vote confirms not only that Rousseff knowingly broke fiscal laws, but also that she was a dishonest administrator,” committee member, Senator Ricardo Ferraço, told reporters. Surveys by Brazilian media indicate that more than two-thirds of the senators favour removing the leftist leader, which would confirm interim President Michel Temer in her place for the remainder of her term through 2018. Rousseff has denied she

broke budget laws and maintains she is the victim of a right-wing conspiracy to overthrow her government that advanced the interests of Brazil’s poor. Rousseff is accused of altering official budget figures and using funds from staterun banks to cover up the real state of Brazil’s faltering economy as she ran for reelection. Brazil’s stock market and currency have strengthened since Rousseff was suspended by the Senate on May 12 as investors bet on her removal and the confirmation of Temer, who has outlined policies favoring private business. Only 28 heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance at the Summer Olympics, far fewer than the 50 expected by organizers last week, Brazilian government sources told Reuters on Wednesday. They said there have been no requests so far for bilateral meetings with Temer, a conservative who Rousseff has accused of being part of the conspiracy against her.

Venezuelan general accused of aiding cocaine trade named minister of interior, justice CARACAS, Venezuela (UPI) — A Venezuelan general indicted in the U.S. on cocaine trafficking charges has been named as Venezuela’s new interior and justice minister by President Nicolas Maduro. An indictment filed in a Brooklyn court, unsealed Monday, accuses Gen. Nestor Reverol and his former deputy Edylberto Molina of taking bribes from drug traffickers when the pair led Venezuela’s anti-drug agency. Reverol, 51, previously served as interior minister under former late President Hugo Chavez and also recently served as the head of

the Bolivarian National Guard. Molina, 53, is serving as Venezuela’s military attaché in Germany. Maduro said he promoted Reverol to show his support amid “attacks from the empire” — the United States. “In the United States are there no kingpins? It is the country that consumes the most drugs,” Maduro said during a televised address. Prosecutors accuse Reverol and Molina of warning drug traffickers of upcoming raids and of giving them the location of law enforcement officers in exchange for bribes. The pair are also ac-

cused of obstructing drug investigations to allow U.S.bound drugs to leave Venezuela and worked to free people arrested in drug cases. Any assets the men have in the United States were seized after the indictment. Reverol has denied involvement in the drug trade. “As interior minister, he broke the world record for capturing traffickers; that is why they want to make him pay — the DEA and all the U.S. drug mafias,” Maduro said during a televised address. “That’s why I have named this brave, combative, experienced man.”

Brazil objects to Venezuela assuming Mercosur presidency CARACAS, Venezuela — Brazil has objected to Venezuela taking over the rotating presidency of Mercosur, South America’s customs union. On Monday, Brazil’s foreign minister, José Serra, sent a letter to Mercosur members criticizing U r u g u a y ’s d e c i s i o n t o hand over the bloc’s leadership to Venezuela, add-

ing that Brazil considers the Mercosur presidency to be vacant. The administration of e m b a t t l e d Ve n e z u e l a n President Nicolás Maduro was expected to take over M e r c o s u r ’s p r e s i d e n c y, which rotates alphabetic a l l y, f o r s i x m o n t h s starting on August 1. However, Serra said last month that Venezu-

ela has yet to fulfill fullmembership requirements, including lowering trade barriers and improving civil rights and basic democratic principles. He convinced the bloc to ask Venezuela to comply with Mercosur ’s bylaws and provide evidence of progress by late August. (Caribbean News)

Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Egypt says it killed head of ISIS Sinai branch A funeral convoy

(BBC) The Egyptian military says it has killed the head of the Sinai branch of so-called Islamic State (IS), along with dozens of its fighters. It said Abu Duaa al-Ansari was killed in a series of air strikes on fighters of the Sinai Province - or Ansar Beit al-Maqdis - group. The air strikes targeted jihadist strongholds near the town of El-Arish. Sinai Province is Egypt’s most active insurgent group and has been linked to deadly attacks in Sinai and Cairo. The Egyptian military said: “The raids left more than 45 terrorists killed, dozens of oth-

ers injured and several arms caches destroyed.” Brig-Gen Mohammed Samir said in a posting on Facebook that Ansari was killed in an operation guided by “accurate intelligence”. The posting did not say when the operation was carried out. The air strikes were on southern and south-western areas of ElArish, the largest town in northern Sinai. The jihadist group, which has been active in the Sinai peninsula since 2011, has not commented on the army’s statement.

ISIS weakened but still dangerous ISIS on the march

(BBC) US President Barack Obama says there have been gains against so-called Islamic State in Iraq and Syria but warned the group still poses a threat. As the jihadist group lost ground, he said, there were signs it was shifting to attacks abroad. “The possibility of a lone actor or a small cell that kills people is real,” he said, adding that networks in the US could be activated. Mr Obama was giving an update to reporters after a Pentagon meeting.

Separately, he strongly denied that a $400m (£305m) cash payment to Iran was a ransom for the release of American prisoners in January. The White House provided extensive comments on the issue on Wednesday. Speaking after the meeting with top military and national security offic i a l s o n T h u r s d a y, M r Obama said IS was “not invincible”. “In fact, they are inevitably going to be defeated,” the president said, predicting that the jihadist group would lose its self-

proclaimed capital of Raqqa in Syria, in addition to their stronghold of Mosul in Iraq. Mr Obama also said that IS “has not had a major successful offensive operation in Syria or Iraq in a full year”. While the militant group has been pegged back in those countries, it has carried out or claimed several high-profile attacks this year, such as in Iraq, France, Germ a n y, B a n g l a d e s h a n d several other countries. President Obama said it was important not to give in to fear.

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TO LET One fully furnished apartment $80,000 monthly & one unfurnished room $18,000 @ Diamond- Call: 668-0306, 694-7817

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Hello the doctor is back! Have your gas stove service and repairs. Call: 601-0595; 220-4073; 220-5785 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Jadesco Offers: Architectural designs, 3D modeling, building estimation/ quotation, rehabilitation works & general construction. Call: 612-0468, 629-3605, email: jadesco15@gmail.com TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby: 619-7603

2 BEDROOMS FULLY FURNISHED APARTMENT FOR OVERSEAS GUESTS @ ECCLES, E.B.D- US $30 DAILY- CALL: 609-8132, 672-8569 2 BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS APARTMENT WITH PARKING ETC. IN ECCLES, E.B.D. $80,000 MONTHLY- CALL: 6098132, 672-8569 Rooms in Albertown –Call: 225-3234 Spacious 2 bedrooms @ Vreed-en-Hoop; new apartment: kitchen, fence yard, security cameras, grill, granite cupboard. $25,000 Call: 682-5230; 628-9596

VACANCY Vacancies exist for workers @ Ice Factory and Meadow Bank Wharf. Call: 231-1408; 642-9191 8am-2pm Female room attendant. Tel: 225-0198 or visit 233 South Road, Lacytown. Assistant cook. Apply within call: 611-5615; 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff Street Part-time Babysitter with valid US visa. Experience with children. Hiring on excellent recommendations ONLY. Tel# 655-1560.

2X3 Bedrooms fully furnished luxury apartments for rent (short & long term stay). Call: 665-3505 One four storey business place located on Robb Street, next to Bourda Market. Call: 623-7731; 629-0636; 645-3489 1 Bedroom apartment @ Coverden E.B.D, just before Soesdyke. Includes: electricity, water & internet; $30,000. Call: 628-6395; 261-5229

One nail Technician- Call: 609-7458 Interesting in teaching in the Bahamas? Qualified in Technical Drawing/ Electricity. Call: 615-8363 (Guyana) or 242-352-6225 (Bahamas) Body work man needed. Call: 660-3004 Checkers, labourers, pump attendants & accountants. TI certificate needed (Berbice). Call: 330-2399; 623-5920 2 Experienced legal computer clerks. Call: 624-7087/email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com

EDUCATIONAL Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 IAE: Register for full time school (Grades 7-11) CSEC lessons; adults and school leavers CXC classes. Call Mr. Roberts: 683-5742 9 Courses: Diploma in computers -$35,000; Accounting Programs: 4 courses -$35,000 @ MircoGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057

PROPERTY FOR SALE Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Aidan’s Car Rental: 4WD pickup. Call: 698-7807

CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM Wings 4WD pickup rental: 679-3525

US and Canadian Visa application -$5,000, passport application at Cybertron, Parika Call: 260-4850 LEARN TO DRIVE Learn to drive with Fast Learners Driving School Today. Sign up on Facebook or call 690-6868

VEHICLE FOR SALE SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS -$2.5M- CALL: 6172891 3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Toyota IST-$1,895,000, Toyota Fielder-$1,895,000, Toyota Spacio-$1,895,000, BMW 318i-$2.3M, Audi A4-$3.7M. Contact#6500402

Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities -Price Reduced – Call: 662-9335; 612-3244

2009 RX8, Allion, Music Bus, Small bus, Motor cycle, Benz. Call: 265-4979

One (2) family house lot 32 Ann’s Grove housing scheme, land 100x50 $20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423

One 2007 Fielder stick gear $2.7M negotiable. One B12 Sunny $300,000- Call: 6165974, 618-8703

East Ruimveldt corner $15M. East La Penitence $13.7M 2 storey, Aubrey Barker road (corner) $30M- Call Shawn (Broker) 231-2199, 618-7483

AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154 We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154

ADORABLE FLUFFY PUPPIES FOR SALE. CALL: 615-0146

Toyota Vigo, excellent condition, $2.1M negotiable Call: 668-4553 1 Toyota Fielder Wagon 2003 in good condition $1.5M negotiable- Call: 615-6944

1 -2700 PSI pressure washer, 1 5Gal hand & Bissell wet vacuum, 1 steam cleaner, 1 tank & hose for pressure washer -$180,000. Call: 2275169

RZ minibus $1.2M, 192 Car $850,000 and unregistered bluebird 2009, fully automatic, 31,000KM $3.2M- Call: 265-0204, 6765428

Elevator (good condition) Diesel Generator (23KVA, 110/220V). Call: 231-1284/ 223-9719

House & land for sale $8,000,000, 422 Fourth Street, Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. Call: 677-0792 2 Storey house & land , 3 bedrooms, size 20x30. 2 inside bathrooms @ Best Village, W.C.D. $15 millionCall: 609-5620, 664-4415 Modern 3 bedrooms flat house in Eccles with ACs, water filtration, automatic gate, alarm, pressure pumpCall: 600-1398, 645-0405 House & land 2 storey concrete building (4 bedrooms; 2 self-contained), semi-furnished @ Grove & Diamond N/S. Call: 216-1861, 657-2300, 614-0578 Good Hope-(2)storey concrete building, Tain(2)storey concrete building, Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). Parfaite Harmony & Tuschen, each -(2) storey wooden & concrete building. Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri). 2 Storey wooden & concrete 5 bedrooms, (2 selfcontained), concrete fence & garage. 1 Roadside, 2 storey building @ V/Hoop (ideally business/residence). Call: 614-0107

2005 Tacoma -$2.4M, Massey Tractor from Canada: MF 165 -$1.7M, MF 135 $1.2M –MF 265 $2.2M, 165 Loader -$2.3M – Call: 6825230; 628-9596 Unregistered Nissan Bluebird 2006 -$1.95M negotiable & 2010 Toyota Allion. Call: 644-9277 One 4 wheel drive, automatic, extra cab, Toyota Hilux, GSS series. Call: 614-0107; 6928923 Model M truck GTT series $3.9M negotiable- Call: 6667380, 603-7090

Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, phone games, applications & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call:2259032;647-2943;604-5198

Antique household items, plants, ceiling fan, computer monitors, sauna and much more- Call: 223-9719/ 231-1284 1 Frigidaire cooler, 1-2 shelves glass case, 1-3 shelves glass case. Call: 660-7790 Purple Heart: 30X80 -$25,000, 32X80 -$28,000, 34X80 $28,000, 36X80 -$28,000, Free Delivery- Call: 688-9712; 6510717; 671-2490 1-210 Hyundai excavator, good condition, any reasonable offer accepted. Call: 610-0515; 216-1390; 6128009

Honda Civic M/Car “SS” series -$1.3M, very good condition- Call: 696-2815

LAND FOR SALE Tushen $2.2M, $3.5M, Parfaite Harmonie- Call:6421252

Computerized Accounting $30,000 4 courses, Diploma in computers -$30,000 9 courses @ Cybertron, Parika: 260-4850 CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL. COM

Friday August 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

MASSAGE ACCOMODATION Harmony Inn- furnished apartments and rooms (long term & short term) affordable prices- Call: 668-0306/6947817/ 218-1400 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

The Gent’s Spa: take time for yourself with lovely masseuses. For appointments call: 658-6677 LAND FOR SALE 457 Bachelor’s Adventure, East Coast Demerara, Acres 457=0.295 or 12,850.259FT. Call: 609-208-8282

House lot for sale @ Triumph Railway Embankment. Call Bibi: 6173365; 603-9547; 220-6799 Transported land with fruit trees, fenced, fill high -$4.3M @ Richmond Essequibo Coast, next to School–Call: 682-5230; 628-9696 Continue page 31

Friday August 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Man attempts suicide after chopping estranged partner, mother-in-law By Romila Boodram A Parika, East Bank Essequibo man is battling for his life after consuming a poisonous substance, hours after he chopped his estranged partner and stabbed the woman’s mother at their Lot 43 Greenwich Park, East Bank Essequibo home. The incident occurred around 22:40 hrs on Wednesday. The suspect has only been identified as “Moon,” a fisherman. He is a patient, under police guard, at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. The victims are 25-yearold Bibi Shareema Khan, a mother of three, and her mother, Bibi Shameela Shamshudeen, 50. Khan sustained multiple chops about her body and she is currently on a life support machine in the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)’s Intensive Care Unit. Her mother was stabbed about the body and she is a patient at the West Demerara Regional Hospital. Her condition has been listed as stable. According to information received, the suspect broke into Shamshudeen’s home and chopped Khan while she was asleep. Her three children, who were sleeping next to her, managed to escape unhurt. However, the woman’s mother was not so lucky. She was stabbed by the suspect when she rushed to her daughter’s aid. The motive for the attack is unclear. The older woman’s sister, Waheeda, explained that she was at home when her brother called and informed her that her sibling and her daughter were attacked, and they were in a serious state at the hospital. She recalled that when she visited the hospital, she met her sister, who told her that she was asleep when she heard her daughter screaming for her. “She said that she went into the room and went on the bed and hugged her daughter and then she felt her skin was wet. The light was off, so she couldn’t see. When she went to put the light on, this boy come and start stabbing her,” Shamshudeen said. The suspect then escaped from the house. It was the mother’s younger daughter who rushed to neighbours and informed them of what had happened. M e a n w h i l e , Shamshudeen’s husband, Mohamed Ibrahim, said that he was at work when one of his daughters called and urged him to rush home, since her mother and sister were bleeding profusely. “She was crying, so right

From page 30

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Stable: Bibi Shameela Shamshudeen

Teepee Suites Apartments: Lot 7 Princes Street, Charlestown, Guyana. Call: 592-223-7903/email: teepeesuites@yahoo.com

The suspect at the hospital yesterday

2 Bedrooms bottom flat to rent lot 5 Wallers Delight, W.C.D -$45,000 monthly. Call: 6744929; 662-0187 1 Snackette with warmer & glass cases, 1 grocery & bar @ 7 Durban street LodgeCall: 690-5796 Business place in prime location, fully grilled, spacious and air conditioned @ East street, North Cummingsburg- Call: 2266592, 643-8833 2 bedrooms furnished top flat front house for rent Tel # 6381112, 647-3054 Hair station rental at convenient location, Georgetown, Call: 638-1106, discounts given to newcomers, persons with experienced & clients

Critical: Bibi Shareema Khan away I know it was something serious and I rushed home. When I go, I saw two relatives hoisting my wife to put her in the car, and I rush upstairs and bring down my stepdaughter,” the man recounted. While Ibrahim could not say what caused the attack, he said that he was informed that his stepdaughter, (Khan) and her estranged partner had

OneTwo bedrooms apartment in ‘B’ field SophiaContact: 650-8827, 621-5781 an argument sometime back, during which time he had threatened her. “He (suspect) walked out and left his girl when she was pregnant. He didn’t want the child, he said that the child was not his, so she moved back with us and we say we will take care of the baby. The child is now one year,” the man said. He further ex-

plained that although the suspect refused to financially support the child, he would still go to their home to visit the baby. “He always going there and molesting her (Khan) and his family also disown this baby.” The suspect’s relatives were at the hospital yesterday, but refused to speak to the media.

$1M bail for causing death... From page 8 mother of the deceased indicated that she did not wish to proceed with criminal charges against his client. However, the mother of the dead woman told the Magistrate that she did not want to do such, and that she had not received any compensation from the defendant. Rahman’s lawyer claimed that his client undertook funeral and wake expenses for the deceased. He said that the defendant has no pending matters or previous convictions and had been fully co-

operating with the police. The lawyer stated that on the day in question, his client was proceeding in the vicinity of Gafoors at Houston when he was overtaken by another vehicle. The attorney said that Khan ran onto the roadway and jumped on top of the bonnet of the moving vehicle.

According to the attorney, the defendant was released on $100,000 station bail pending investigations. The case of the prosecution was represented by Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt. Rahman was instructed to return to court on August 17, for statements.

1-2 Bedrooms house fully grilled & fenced with parking space in Sophia- Call:219-0149 after 17:00 daily, 627-6206 (anytime) 2 Bedrooms apartment inside, grill, light, water, toilet & bath @ La Parfaite Harmonie -$30,000 monthly. Call: 689-7701; 266-1151 Two bedrooms upstairs apartment for rent in Diamond/Grove Housing Scheme -$45,000 monthly – Call: 602-7135 1-3 Bedrooms house upstairs and downstairs with yard space @ 61 AtlanticVille. Call: 227-3407 La Grange Public Road: 3 rooms @ top & 2 rooms @ bottom (whole/separated). Toilet & bath inside; available from September. House @ C/Lodge. Call: 619-0673 258 Block ‘Y’ Section ‘C’ Golden Grove E.B.D, top flat -$60,000 monthly –Call: 6806399; 694-4276

WANTED Girls wanted to work at a popular bar in MahdiaCall:662-4738 Salesgirl & porters. Apply with written application at 1E Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. Experienced cashiers needed to work in general store on the East Coast (willing to train)- Call: 645-4238, 2740285 Wanted land to buy @ Tushen, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Parfaite Harmonie. Best price offered- Tel: 642-1252 Drivers & Labourers for garbage trucks Contact: 6707920 One used Nissan Bluebird Sylphy to purchaseCall:676-1697, 225-6138 One live-in experienced waitress 18-25 years, salary $70,000-$80,000 monthly. Boarding & lodging freeCall:610-5043 One lorry driver. Experience in selling water- Call: 6781234 Experienced cashier, apply with written application @ Hack’s Halaal 5 Commerce Street. Welders & persons to use torch set- Call: 673-7991, 6947385 1 Driver for East Bank Area – Call: 233-2745 Driver with valid driver’s license & good command of English Language. Sales experienced will be an asset. Call: 659-1004 Merchandiser with good command of English Language, previous experience will be an asset. Call: 659-1004 Experienced fiber glass workers on E.C.D – Call: 6223250; 665-9747 Urgently needed 1 watchman and 1 saw man for Interior. Call: 681-3801 Driver for canter truck must be from W.C.D -$25,000 weekly. Call: 684-8231; 6619447 2 Live in waitresses to work in Bar at Berbice– Call: 6046606; 692-4649 One driver/mechanic, one electrician with elevator wiring experienced. Call: 227-1830

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Between 2004-2014 $7b spent on Gate: $100m recovered by T&T Govt. Trinidad Guardian - While there have been reports of wastage and corruption in the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (Gate) programme, close to $100 million has been recovered for the period 2007 to 2014 from students who failed to adhere to the contractual agreement. Since the programme was introduced in 2004, taxpayers have spent approximately $7 billion to fund students’ tertiary and vocational education. Roughly $35 million in reimbursements by students were due to failures to complete courses, low GPAs, programme-hopping, institution-hopping and funding of non-nationals by the T&T Government, which resulted in millions of dollars in wastage. Nothing was recovered for student reimbursement for the fiscal years 2004 to 2007. Monies were also recovered from audits conducted on the programme — $35 million and $28 million from tertiary level institutions based on reconciliation. The money recovered from institutions was derived from a disparity in the reconciliation statements which

Anthony Garcia they are expected to submit monthly and at the end of the programme. There were students who were being financed but not attending classes. Gate liaison officers monitored and evaluated the performance of institutions who received funding. The total Gate funding recovered was $100,305,694 million. In 2013, the agreement between students and Gate and Gate and institutions were revised. When the Government entered office last September with a shaky economic environment given the decline in oil and gas prices, it signalled changes to the programme. Last month, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said his

Cabinet would proceed with “a caring eye” on the matter. While on his trip to Jamaica, he said: “We are committed to cutting out the waste, the abuse and the corruption and to ensure the sacrifice we make to pay for your education is the best we can afford.” T&T Guardian examines how monies were expended in the last ten years on different institutions and areas of the programme. Wednesday, Education Minister Anthony Garcia announced Cabinet’s decision on task force recommendations for the programme. In 2013, new clauses in the Gate agreement were created to eliminate wastage. Clause 5.2 (j) and (k) states that tertiary level institutions were required to inform the ministry promptly in writing of each student who failed to meet a minimum standard of performance in his or her course. Clause 5.2 (p) provided for a 100 per cent refund of all monies paid by the ministry on behalf of a student who at the time of payment was not a citizen of T&T with three years continuous residence immediately prior to submission of the said application.

Business Procedures At Job Creation Ministry To Be Assessed The Gleaner - Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, says he will be issuing a directive for an assessment of business procedures within the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and for the reengineering of processes where necessary to enhance efficiencies. Holness, was addressing the opening of a two-day strategic planning retreat for directors and heads of agencies of the Ministry in New Kingston Wednesday. He says improving operations within the public sector is integral to achieving sustained levels of economic growth and reducing the debt to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio. The Prime Minister advised the leaders to look at

Andrew Holness how best to utilise technology to make their agencies and departments more effective. Holness says the Minis-

try of Economic Growth and Job Creation was set up to drive the Government’s economic growth agenda. He says bureaucracy will have to be eliminated in order for the growth targets to be achieved. The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation has responsibility for more than 60 portfolio areas spanning environment, economics, investments, climate change, land management, logistics, planning, works, housing and water.

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Trump allies urge him to get back on track (Reuters) Supporters of Republican Donald Trump urged him to get back on message on Thursday after a week of dropping opinion poll numbers and a war of words with ranking Republicans over his U.S. presidential campaign. In response to the criticism, Trump pledged to focus more on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, who emerged from last week’s Democratic National Convention with a lead in the polls and who has been consistently attacking him as temperamentally unfit for the presidency. At a rally in Portland, Maine, on Thursday, Trump kept his attention on trying to undermine Clinton’s candidacy. He said the fact that she has moved past a scandal over her use of a private email server as President Barack Obama’s secretary of state was “probably the greatest accomplishment that she has ever had in politics.” Since formally accepting the Republican nomination two weeks ago, Trump has exasperated many supporters by getting bogged down in a

public spat with the parents of an American soldier killed in Iraq and some fellow Republicans. Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross said he still backed Trump, but urged him to stop engaging in exchanges that benefit the Democrats and make the real estate mogul’s behavior the issue in the campaign. “This election is Donald’s to lose and so far the Democrats have been clever about

baiting him and he generally has bitten,” Ross said in an email to Reuters late on Wednesday. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who has endorsed Trump but has not received a reciprocal endorse-

ment from the New York businessman in his re-election bid, told WTAQ radio host Jerry Bader in Green Bay, Wisconsin, that Trump has “had a pretty strange run since the convention.” “You would

think we ought to be focusing on Hillary Clinton, on all of her deficiencies. She is such a weak candidate that one would think we’d be on offense against Hillary Clinton, and it is distressing that

that’s not what we’re talking about these days,” he said. Michael Caputo, a former Trump adviser who still supports him, said Trump still has time to right the ship.

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Sinclair leads Canada ... Knight Riders advance with... From page 33 the CONCACAF power persevered as goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe recorded the clean sheet. Labbe denied Samantha Kerr on a breakaway in the 15th minute and parried Katrina Gorry's long-range attempt over the crossbar in the 51st minute. Only 20 seconds after the kickoff, the Canadians were on the scoreboard. Sinclair intercepted a weak pass and sent the ball across the penalty area to Janine Beckie for an easy finish. The previous record was held by the USA’s Heather O’Reilly, who scored 42 seconds into a

2-0 win over New Zealand in 2012. Two minutes after Zadorsky was dismissed, the Australians nearly scored, only to see Elise KellondKnight’s curling free kick hit off the crossbar. Canada head coach John Herdman made two defensive-minded substitutions, bringing on Rebecca Quinn for forward Melissa Tancredi in the 23rd minute and defender Allysha Chapman for Rhian Wilkinson at halftime. Canada had an opportunity to double its lead in the 73rd minute after Australia's Caitlin Foord

was called for a handball in the box, but goalkeeper Lydia Williams saved Beckie's subsequent penalty kick. The Canadians finally notched the insurance goal 10 minutes remaining in normal time. Sinclair beat Williams to a ball and slotted a shot from distance into an open net for her 163rd international tally. Canada returns to action on Saturday against Zimbabwe, which lost 6-1 to G e r m a n y. (CONCACAF) Photo saved as Canada's Christine Sinclair (red jersey) heads the ball in a Women's Olympic Footb a l l To u r n a m e n t m a t c h against Australia.

Friday August 05, 2014 ARIES(MAR. 21APRIL 20) Friendships will be ruined if you let too many people get involved in any disputes. You're in the mood to get out and visit friends.

LIBRA (SEPT. 24 OCT. 23) Try to channel your energy into physical work. You will find that social activities will be enjoyable and will promote new connections.

TAURUS (APR. 21MAY 21) You have more than enough on your plate already. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return. Rather than making a scene, communicate quietly about the way you feel.

SCORPIO (OCT. 24 NOV. 22) Abstain from getting involved with married individuals. Be prepared to lose friends or alienate other people if you insist on being stubborn. You will have to be careful not to fall into traps set by jealous colleagues.

GEMINI (MAY 22JUNE 21)Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. You'll be tempted to spend extravagantly today. You should include children in your activities.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Do not get involved in joint financial ventures. Put your efforts into physical fitness programs or competitive sports.

CANCER (JUNE 22JULY 22) You might find that a coworker has been two faced. Emotional relationships will be plentiful if you attend group activities. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Travel opportunities look positive, but be cautious while driving. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family. VIRGO (AUG. 23 SEPT. 23) Business conducted in your own office will proceed smoothly. Raise your self esteem and your confidence if you want to get back into the mainstream again.

CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Don't push your luck with your boss. You may have been too agreeable to someone who just wanted to use you. Work quietly on your own and you will forge ahead. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 -FEB. 19) Work quietly on your own and you will forge ahead. Things are looking up. This is a wonderful day to look into courses or hobbies that interest you. PISCES (FEB. 20MAR. 20) You can't make things better if you don't know what to fix. Get out and about. Don't say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose.

From page 37 b a c k S h a n e Wa t s o n f o r four. Mike Hussey was then run out without scoring while David Miller was caught at the wicket off Nikita Miller for 13 as St. Lucia Zouks slipped to 86-4 in 12 overs. Fletcher slammed three fours and one six before he was bowled by the impressive Ronsford Beaton for 41 off 43 balls. But Zouks were indebted to skipper Darren Sammy who provided some impetus in the latter stages of the innings, hitting one four and three sixes before he succumbed to Dwayne Bravo for a 22-ball 42. Shane Shillingford struck two maximums to remain unbeaten

on 16 as Beaton claimed 3-23 and Cooper 2-26. Hashim Amla struck Delorn Johnson for consecutive boundaries but was taken at the wicket in the first over as Trinbago Knight Riders lost their first scalp with the score on ten. Umar Akmal and Colin Munro added 47 for the second wicket before Akmal flashed at a wide ball and was caught behind off Johnson for 30 off 15 balls with five fours and a six while Munro went for 18 leaving the score at 61-3. However Brendon Mc Cullum and Denesh Ramdin added 51 for the fourth wicket to keep their team in the hunt. Ramdin struck two

fours before he went for 21 off 18 balls while Bravo was taken off Jerome Taylor for eight to leave the score at 135-5. But McCullum anchored the innings to remain unbeaten on 49 which came off 41 balls with five fours and one six while Sunil Narine who clobbered one four and two sixes ended on 22 not out. Taylor had 2-31 and Johnson 2-44. Knight Riders will now take on Jamaica Tallawahs in the eliminator tonight with the winner playing the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the final on Sunday.

Results of ACDA Emancipation... From page 39 beat Otto Barnwell XI 4-2, while in the Under-13 segment, a Rest Team squeezed past the All Stars 3-2. According to coordinator Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell, the winners of the respective competitions will be presented with their prizes on a date to be announced. The following sponsors were on board and they include National Sports Commission, P& P Insurance, Trophy Stall, Tent City, John Fernandes Ltd, John Lewis Styles, Artic Maintenance & Repairs, Paul’s Importers and Distributors, Federal Management Systems, Dr. Van West Charles and Sleep In Hotel.

Quincy Gomes/ Imran Khan... From page 38 chat. This may be so but from all appearances one can gander that the Gomes/Khan bout will rise above just cheap talk. Both pugilists are determined fighters with contrasting styles; Khan is the classy boxer while Gomes is the rough and tumble type. This alone makes for an interesting bout and fans should aspire to be in the venue early to witness every punch. The other bouts making up the card are middleweights Kelsley George up against Charwin Estwick over 4 rounds while Anthony Narine tackles Keeve Allicock in a 4 rounds lightweight shindig. Mark Austin is back from a self imposed hiatus and will face off with Jamaican Michael Gardner just before the main bout gets underway. Admission is $3000 for an inner ringside seat while general seating is just $1000. Bell time is 20:00hrs.

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U.S. women beat New Zealand Soccer: Brazil held goalless in exciting opener to open Olympic gold defense

Antony Lozano (9) of Honduras competes for the ball with Ryan Keniche (4) of Algeria. Reuters/Gonzalo Fuentes Home advantage, a multimillion dollar strike force and a man advantage for almost half the match could not help Brazil to a winning start as South Africa held the home side to a 0-0 draw in their opening match at the Rio Olympics yesterday. Brazil, who have never won the Olympic gold, started with a highly rated front three of Neymar, new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Barbosa, the 19year old Santos striker who is expected to head to Europe before the transfer window shuts. But the little-known South Africans matched them until they had Mothobi Mvala sent off 10 minutes into the second half. Brazil pinned the visitors down for the rest of

the game but could not score. "That's football," Barbosa told television cameras after the game. "Sometimes the ball doesn't go in the net."Barcelona striker Neymar had two of Brazil's best chances, forcing keeper Itumeleng Khune to make diving saves to thwart two rasping drives from outside the box. Jesus smacked the ball off the post from two yards out when it looked easier to score. And Barbosa should have done better when he scuffed a shot with only the keeper to beat. But a big crowd in the National stadium in Brasilia went home unhappy after the second game of the day ended goalless. Earlier yesterday, Iraq and Denmark kicked the

tournament off with a 0-0 draw in the same stadium. The first goals in the competition came soon after in Rio, where Honduras beat Algeria 3-2 in an enthralling match. Mexico and Germany battled to an exciting 2-2 draw; Portugal was emphatic in their 2-0 win over Argentina. Nigeria defeated Japan 5 - 3. The opening ceremony for the Rio Games takes place today but the men's soccer tournament began 24 hours earlier, a day after the women's soccer teams began their quest for gold. Twelve women's teams are in Brazil, along with 16 men's sides. The Olympic football competition is being played in host city Rio de Janeiro and six other cities.

Sinclair leads Canada women to Olympic opening win Sao Paolo, Brazil -- Christine Sinclair scored and set up the quickest goal in Olympic women’s soccer history to lift 10-player Canada to a 2-0 win over Australia in the opening Group F match of Rio 2016 on Wednesday. The 2012 bronze medalist was forced to play shorthanded for the final 72 minutes of the match at Corinthians Arena after defender Shelina Zadorsky was red carded for denying Michelle Heyman an obvious goal-scoring opportunity in the 18th minute.Despite the handicap, (Continued on page 32)

Canada's Christine Sinclair heads the ball. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images)

USA's Carli Lloyd (#10) reacts after scoring against New Zealand. (Photo: FIFA via Getty Images) Belo Horizonte, Brazil -The United States kicked off its quest for a fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand in the Group G opener for both on Wednesday night. Midfielder Carli Lloyd, who connected for the gamewinner in the last two Olympic finals, and striker Alex Morgan tallied for the Americans (1W-0D-0L, 3 points) at the Estadio Mineirão. The win was the 12th straight in Olympic play for the Americans, who last lost

in the Summer Games to Norway in the opening match of Beijing 2008. They are 5-0-1 in Olympic openers. The USA also remained unbeaten in 16 matches this year (15-1-0) and improved to 12-1-1 all-time against New Zealand. Lloyd, the 2015 FIFA and CONCACAF women’s player of the year, gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead in the ninth minute. Midfielder Tobin Heath sent a cross from the left corner of the box and the veteran attacker split two defenders, heading past goal-

keeper Erin Nayler for her 26th goal in her last 27 international matches. A minute into the second half, Morgan connected for her team-best 12th goal of 2016 to double the advantage. Morgan Brian sent a short ball in the area to Morgan, who finished inside the left post from about 12 yards. In what should be the group stage’s marquee match, the Americans, No. 1 in the FIFA women's rankings, will meet No. 3 France here tomorrow. (CONCACAF)

Rio Games preparation chaos hopefully a one-off event: IOC The troubled preparations for the Rio Olympics proved that the model for the Games could withstand the toughest challenges but the IOC hoped it would not have to face such a stress test again, president Thomas Bach said yesterday. Speaking on the eve of the opening ceremony, Bach said organizers and the International Olympic Committee had braved and survived Brazil's economic meltdown and political turmoil. "If this financial model of the Olympic Games withstands a stress test like in Brazil then you can see that this model is more than robust," Bach told reporters. "The crisis the country is in is maybe the worst crisis in the history of Brazil. "These were not always easy times, not even now. Therefore I think we can say very clearly the financial model of the Games has really stood a stress test which I hope we will not have to withstand in the future again." When Rio was awarded the

IOC president Thomas Bach speaks during his press conference at the Main Press Center. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports Olympics in 2009 the country was enjoying a financial boom with near double-digit annual growth. Yet only a few years later organizers had run out of cash and the state of Rio had suffered

a financial catastrophe as the country slipped into its worst recession since the 1930s. The IOC then had to pay out part of its financial contribution to the organizers in advance so they could complete preparations that were running dangerously late. On a political level President Dilma Rousseff was suspended pending an impeachment trial for corruption with interim President Michel Temer taking over just months before the country hosted the biggest multi-sports event in the world. Instead of basking in the glory of successfully organizing the first Olympics in South America, organizers were struggling to get the event ready in time. "There were huge, huge challenges," Bach said. "Nevertheless you see this country... has managed to transform a city and put the Olympic Games on the stage." (Reuters)

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Exclusive: CAS partially upholds Olym- Irish boxer Michael O'Reilly bepic appeal of Russian swimmer Efimova comes first athlete to test positive

for drugs at the Rio Olympics

Yulia Efimova

Four-times breaststroke world champion Yulia Efimova was handed an Olympic lifeline yesterday when the Court of Arbitration for Sport partially upheld her appeal against a Games ban. Efimova had been disqualified from competing by

swimming governing body FINA between October, 2013 and February, 2015 after testing positive for traces of the anabolic steroid DHEA. That triggered an automatic Games ban based on the IOC's set of criteria issued for Russian competitors follow-

ing revelations of widespread state-backed doping across many sports in the country. CAS say that Olympic ban is "unenforceable", saying an athlete cannot be sanctioned twice for a doping offense. FINA will now have to decide on her eligibility. (Reuters)

Britain's boxers dodged a battalion of allegedly clean Russian boxers in the early stages of the Olympics as news broke that an Irish fighter has failed a drugs test. Michael O'Reilly, the 23-yearold maverick of the Irish team, has become the first athlete of these Games to be exposed as testing positive for drugs. The middleweight from Portlaoise — who was fined £5,000 and sent home from an Olympic qualifying tournament in Turkey in May for bringing Irish boxing into disrepute — was caught by a random test before flying to Rio with the rest of the team. The Irish Amateur Boxing confirmed that O'Reilly is temporarily suspended pending a full investigation. Following his positive test he has the right to request a Bsample. He has a week to clear his name before being struck out of the Games as his opening bout, a second round fight as he is third seed, is scheduled for next Friday. The news was much better for Team GB. Nicola Adams, the reigning flyweight champion, and Joe Joyce, the super-heavyweight, were given plum draws. Adams, as first seed in her division, gets a bye and needs to win only one fight to reach the semi-finals.

Irish boxer Michael O'Reilly has failed a drugs test at the Olympics in Rio She will not be in action until the second week of theGames and faces tough tests thereafter, including her Chinese opponent in the London final, Ren Cancan. Londoner Joyce, by being seeded third, also faces a long wait before his second-round bout against an Ivory Coast opponent in the inviting bottom half of his draw. The only other GB seed is being mobbed in Rio because of his name. Muhammad Ali, from Keighley not Louisville, should become better known for his own boxing at flyweight. The others in a large

team of 12 qualifiers from a maximum 13 had mixed fortunes. Light-heavyweight Lawrence Okolie, assuming he prevails against tough Pole Igor Jakubowski tomorrow, would then confront Erislandy Savon, the brilliant Cuban against whom Anthony Joshua was fortunate to be given the decision in London. The Russians, whose entire team of 11 were cleared to fight in Rio despite their country's doping scandal, are off the GB radar for the moment. (Mailonline)

Pele and Dame Judi Dench to add sparkle to £40million Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony Dame Judi Dench and Pele will be among the star performers at tonight’s lavish opening ceremony in the Maracana. The leading lights of English stage and global football are among the cast of 3,000 dancers, 700 extras and 12,000 essentials — the athletes of the competing nations. Dench will read a poem and Pele is tipped to light the Olympic cauldron. The organisers yesterday were predicting a spectacular beginning to this 17-day extravaganza on a budget 12 times less than London’s four years ago and 20 times less than Beijing’s in 2008. So what can you do with approximately £40million? Provide an antidote to negativity in recession-hit Brazil, according to the Danny Boyle of these Games, Fernando Meirelles, who directed the four-time Oscar nominated City

of God, an account of life in Rio’s favelas. All the athletes will be handed a seed that will go towards creating new life. Neymar, the Barcelona star, is also thought likely to have a part in the ceremony. One thing that will not be happening, so the organisers claim, is Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen, the wife of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, being mugged as rumour had suggested. That scene has either been dropped for fear of projecting a negative image or was never intended. ‘This is going to be medicine for Brazil’s depression,’ said Meirelles. ‘I’m prepared for the haters. ‘Countries are always talking about themselves, their contribution to the world and how they are the centre of the universe. Like London: the industrial revolution and the internet revolution. It’s all

“hey world, this is me, me, me.” We decided to do it the other way round. We are talking about “us”, how we should behave from now on — not just Brazil, but mankind. We are talking about the future. ‘The ceremony has a very strong and clear message. It is very contemporary, very pop. And of course it is Brazil, so the music is good. Whatever we are showing may not be huge but it looks good. ‘But the Maracana has one big problem which is there is no entrance. There is one door which is not big and four normal doors. So if you want to take something big in you can’t. We can’t have any machinery, so we are doing it all on the ground.’ The exact details of the ceremony are not being publicised ahead of the threehour event today. (MailOnline)

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Aslam and Azhar put Pakistan in control Pakistan's Old Trafford drubbing is already feeling a long time ago. On the second day at Edgbaston, Azhar Ali's tenth Test century, and a second-wicket stand of 181 with Sami Aslam, carried Pakistan to a strong position as they closed on 257 for 3, just 40 short of England's total, only for the gloss to be taken off slightly when Azhar fell to the final ball. Yet it was still an outstanding innings. Azhar had made just 39 runs in four innings during the first two Tests but here showed the determination and fight that Pakistan needed from one of their senior batsmen. He reached his century when he gloved his tenth boundary down to fine leg during the final session, celebrating extravagantly and following the lead of his captain at Lord's with a set of press-ups. England paid the price for dropping him twice. On 38 Joe Root moved late for an edge at second slip and the on 69 Moeen Ali could not hold a stinging return catch. Those moments were part of a day of increasing frustration for England. James Anderson was warned twice in an over by Bruce Oxenford for running on the danger area on a day when his grumpy side was on full display. It would not be surprising if some of his actions gained the interest of the match referee, although after play he said he had apologised to both umpires, Oxenford and Joel Wilson. In many ways, however, the story of the day belonged to 20-year-old Aslam who made a wonderfully composed 82 having been recalled to replace Shan Masood. He was closing in on becoming the youngest opener to make a century in England when, having run superbly between the wickets with Azhar during their 62-over stand, he was sold short by his teammate when he chanced a single to point. James Vince provided the spark England desperately needed when he swooped and hit direct with a fierce shy. But the breakthrough did not bring immediate further success. Younis Khan was unconvincing, repeatedly being beaten as he continued to move around the crease, but survived to reach the close with 21 off 68 balls and Azhar was one delivery away from walking off unbeaten with him only to jab at Chris Woakes' final ball and send the edge to Alastair Cook at first slip. England's day had started promisingly when Mohammad Hafeez, playing

Azhar Ali performs the now-obligatory press-ups ŠAFP

in his 50th Test, cut the fourth ball of the innings low to point: it ended up being their high point as the bowlers did not take a wicket for the next 89.1 overs with the Pakistan line-up, led by their secondwicket pair, putting England's 297 into context. After the first day's play, Gary Ballance, the top-scorer, suggested they were content with the total in what he said were tough conditions. Twenty-four hours later, though, not only did Misbahul-Haq's decision to bowl look even more well-informed, but Aslam and Azhar had given an exemplary display of what a bit of graft - not a word often associated with this England batting order, except for Cook - can bring. England will consider that they did not make the most of the first new ball, bowling a fraction short and wide, and will have to follow-up Woakes' late strike with further inroads on the third morning to even the contest. Both Aslam and Azhar were content to bide their time: 72 runs came in the first session and 82 in the second. They left well, backing them-

selves to soak up the pressure when maidens were strung together, pushing

England's bowlers deep into the day. Even with a five-man attack, if wickets are hard to

come by the strain will be felt. To add to the quality of Aslam's innings was the fact that he had not had a firstclass knock since last December. His smart leaving meant the bowlers were drawn into being straighter, when he would either knock them into the off-side gaps or work them off his pads, and neither was he unsettled when he ducked into a short ball from Woakes that struck the back of his helmet. He rarely looked hurried into his shots and only attacked when it was a lowrisk option. He also showed that trait of all Pakistan batsmen: the desire to target Moeen. Either side of tea he pressed his accelerator against the spinner, reaching his fifty with a paddle sweep then providing a repeat before twice biffing Moeen over mid-on, the second of them clearing the boundary. His strike rate against

Moeen was 108, the best against the seamers was 50 against Steven Finn His departure was unfortunate, but what Pakistan could ill-afford was for it to knock Azhar off his stride and give England an opening to claw their way back. He did not linger long in the 90s, reaching his second century against England, and then kicked on ahead of the second new-ball being due. He then began setting himself again, adding just another 10 runs off 40 balls, before his concentration let him down at the last moment. However, he has given his team a platform from which to dominate. The full context of this innings will emerge over the next few days, but it has the potential to achieve something very significant for Pakistan. Pakistan 257 for 3 (Younis 21*) trail England 297 by 40 runs. (ESPNcricinfo)

Pacquiao to return against WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in November Manny Pacquiao will take on American WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas when he returns to the ring on November 5, according to the Filipino boxer's manager Michael Koncz. 'Retirement doesn't suit Manny right now,' Koncz told the Los Angeles Times of the former eight-division world champion. 'Boxing is in his blood. When he trains, it's like a pressure-release valve. You can see a dramatic difference in his mood... he's happy. It's amazing what training and fighting does for him.' Pacquiao (58-6-2) had announced his retirement after defeating Timothy Bradley in April and was elected to the Philippines senate in May. His promoter Bob Arum announced last month that he would fight again in November. Arum tweeted earlier this week that he would travel to

the Philippines for a meeting on August 10 to discuss the 37-year-old southpaw's return. Koncz, who will also attend the meeting, said the trio were not discussing a potential opponent, but whether to stage the bout in Los Angeles or Dubai. 'That's the essence of the meeting,' Koncz added. 'Not choosing the opponent. That's already been done.' Pacquiao's unanimous decision win over Bradley was his first fight in nearly a year after his tame loss to Floyd Mayweather. He had said he was bringing the curtain down on his career to concentrate on politics and his family. The 27-year-old Vargas (27-1) beat fellow American Sadam Ali in March to claim the WBO welterweight crown and has won 10 of his bouts via a knockout or stoppage, with his only defeat coming on points to Bradley in June 2015. (MailOnline)

The 37-year-old dribbles during the match in Quezon City and he is close to a return to the ring.

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Trayon Bobb is GFF / Stag Elite League Finale MVP Trayon Bobb of champion team Slingerz FC was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) when the Guyana Football Federation / Stag Elite League Finale presentation was held yesterday at 704 Sports Bar, Albert and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown. Slingerz ended the league phase with 40 points but lost to Alpha United FC on penalties in the Finale final. Fruta Conquerors finished on 34, Alpha United FC 30, Pele 17, Guyana Defence Force

17, Buxton United 11, Monedderlust 6 and Georgetown Football Club 5. Bobb team mates Julian Wade and Winslow Mc Dowall were given the highest goal scorer (14 goals) and best goal keeper prizes while Joseph Wilson of Slingerz’s FC got the best coach trophy. Alpha United and Slingerz collected the winner and runner-up trophies while third place Fruta Conquerors and fourth place finisher Pele

FC received their accolades. Additionally Slingerz FC were given an award for accumulating the most points in the league p h a s e w h i l e Buxton FC grabbed the Most Disciplined team prize. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, GFF President Wayne Forde congratulated Alpha United and expressed gratitude to the sponsors Ansa McAl, players and fans. He noted the importance of corporate sponsorship and stated

that despite a few challenges the tournament was successful. Forde added that the league has provided a platform for the players to further develop their careers pointing out that Guyana has won four of their last six international engagements. He said that he is elated about the prospect to further develop the relationship GFF has with Ansa McAl and informed that Guyana will

be playing against Jamaica and Suriname in round three of the CFU Scotiabank Men’s Championship in October.

Going forward, Forde indicated that the league will be adjusted in many forms of its operations and it is all part of the learning experience.

Trayon Bobb (left) collects his MVP prize from GFF president Wayne Forde.

Darts Competition for C/ bean champ on this Sunday Recently-crowned Caribbean Darts champion Sudesh “Kerry” Fitzgerald, who is also the current national champion has organized a birthday tournament for Sunday, at the Malteenoes Sports Club, Thomas Lands. According to a release, the tournament will be open

to all interested darts players and registration commences from 12.30hrs. Trophies and cash prizes will be up for grabs and the games to be played are male and female’s singles, Luck of the Draw and team competition. The release added that entrance fee is $2000.00 per player in each category.

Kaieteur News

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Hope replaces Chandrika in West Indies Test squad West Indies have included Shai Hope, the 22-yearold opening batsman from Barbados, in their squad for the third Test against India, which begins on August 9 in St Lucia. Hope replaces Rajendra Chandrika, who made scores of 16, 31, 5 and 1 in the first two Tests, and saw his Test average drop to 14.00, the worst by any West Indies opener who has played 10 or more innings. Hope, a right-hand batsman who is also capable of keeping wickets, has played six Tests so far, scoring 171 runs at an average of 15.54. He has been in excellent form in recent months,

Shai Hope scored a century for the WICB President's XI in the Indians' first warm-up match Š AFP

CPL T20

Knight Riders advance with 5-wkt victory over Zouks

Brendon McCullum ŠCPL/Sportsfile Trinbago Knight Riders defeated St. Lucia Zouks by five wickets with nine balls to spare to advance to second qualifier when the Caribbean Premier League T20 continued last night in St. Kitts. Zouks got up to 164-8 after they were inserted at Warner Park before Knight Riders led by an unbeaten 49

from Brendon Mc Cullum responded with 165-5 in 18.3 overs. Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles added 62 for the opening stand to lay the platform for a decent total before Charles who hit three fours and two sixes in scoring 31 off 22 balls was removed by Kevon Cooper who also sent (Continued on page 32)

with two hundreds in his last four matches in the WICB Professional Cricket League four-day tournament, and a century for the WICB President's XI in the Indians' first warm-up match in St Kitts. The selectors have made no other changes to West Indies' 14-man squad. India lead the four-Test series 10. West Indies squad for third Test: Jason Holder (capt), Kraigg Brathwaite (vice-captain), Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Miguel Cummins, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Shai Hope, Leon Johnson, Alzarri Joseph, Marlon Samuels. (ESPNcricinfo)

Kaieteur News

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Guyana Boxing Board of Control ‘Bad Intentions’...

Quincy Gomes/Imran Khan clash should be a gem The main bout on any boxing card is usually designed to be the attractive one and most times boxing buffs ignore the undercard and arrive just in time for the feature attraction. There are times that these very fans recognize their errors when they arrive late and are told of the action they missed in one or more of the supporting bouts. It is that rationale that suggests that fans arrive before the first bell of the card organized by the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC), slated for August 27 and dubbed ‘Bad Intentions,’ and designed to produce fireworks. A l r e a d y, f a n s a r e confident that the Dexter Gonsalves/DeMarcus ‘Chop Chop’ Corley bout will be a scorcher; at least the fighters’ record and their previous encounters suggest a bruising affair in the making. Amidst it all, the

Quincy Gomes

Imran Khan

bout that will have fans rushing for an early seat is the Quincy Gomes/Imran Khan 6 rounds lightweight affair. Just out of the amateur ranks, Khan has only managed to chalk up two fights and apart from the loss to Gomes when they faced off last February 27, he had scored a technical

knockout over David Thomas to improve his fledgling record to 1 win with as many losses and 50% knockout ratio. Gomes had walked away with a unanimous verdict after six rounds of blistering action but the uninitiated viewing the early rounds would have easily selected Khan for a shutdown; he

entered the fight with flailing fists and had Gomes covering up to stem the tide. This pattern continued for three rounds until Gomes used his experience to good advantage. He systematically turned up the heat and erased the hard work of Khan in the early stages and won the fight on points. Naturally, Khan was

crestfallen and demanded a rematch. Officials of the GBBC obliged and the two fighters signed their contracts just about a week ago. Khan spared no efforts in ‘talking down’ to Gomes while promising a host of violent things. He admitted that he had overtaxed himself in the early stages of the first encounter and had nothing in his reserves towards the end of the bout. “This was my first professional fight and my approach was basically due to lack of experience,” Khan said at the signing ceremony. He said that he has worked with his coach to repair the faux pas and his approach to the impending bout would be more structured. Khan is working out at the Harpy Eagles B o x i n g G y m i n Albouystown and is under the shrewd guidance of James ‘Sack’ Walcott. With approximately 4

weeks to fight night, he is methodically grooming himself into the required shape. “I am going all out for a convincing victory,” declared Khan. He also ventured further to say that he is so confident of winning that should he lose he would quit the game. Gomes seemed more amused that afraid of Khan’s outburst and threatened to out his light by the third round. “The last time I virtually played around in the early rounds but when I noted how mannish (Imran) was getting I decided to turn up the heat,” explained Gomes. When Khan had chimed in that he would retire if he lost Gomes had responded, “This time I will not only win the fight I will take you out by round 3.” Boxers have been known to be braggarts and many times some of them are unable to back their (Continued on page 32)

GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17

UDFA kicks off tomorrow at Wisburg ground; Wakapau and Mainstay notch wins in Essequibo The inclement weather continues to hamper the flow of matches in the inaugural Guyana Football Federation / NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association League. The tournament had kicked off in June and lasted for just over four weeks before consistent rainfall put paid to its continuation due to grounds not being in playable conditions. Berbice, East Demerara, Georgetown, East Bank, West Demerara and Bartica have all been affected. The Upper Demerara leg is set to kick off tomorrow from 12:00hrs at the Wisburg ground. Essequibo Football Association Wakapau did not have to break a sweat to notch full points as their opponent, Super 11 FC failed to show up for the match at the Charity ground on Saturday last. The other match for that venue saw Dartmoth Dominators clawing their way back from a 2-0 deficit to earn an equal share of the

Charity Extreme (red) and Dartmoth Dominators before the start of their match on Saturday last. points against Charity Extreme, the match ended 22. Charity had sailed to a 2-0 lead by the 20th minute thanks to goals from Gavin France and Gavin Duke in the 7th and 20th minute, respectively. But a second half double off the boot of Ridley Victor

saw Dartmoth dominating this period of play to secure a draw. Victor was on target in the 62nd and 68th minute. Over at the Mainstay ground, Henrietta United trounced the home team Mainstay 4-0 in the lone fixture for the day. Goals were netted by Jumain

Bowen in the 12th, Jumanne John in the 27th minute, Jarod Granville in the 44th minute and Christopher Boston in the 80th minute. Matches will continue this weekend. Tomorrow at the New Opportunity Corp ground from 15:30hrs, Queenstown United is set to

face Good Hope while on Sunday at the Anne Regina Community Center ground from 13:30hrs, Henrietta United will match skills with Super 11 FC. West Demerara Football Association Action is set to resume at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground with one

match tomorrow and another on Sunday. Tomorrow’s fixture from 12:00hrs will see Beavers coming up against Slingerz FC. On Sunday at the same time and venue, Eagles FC will seek to soar to victory but standing in their way will be Wales United.

Kaieteur News

Friday August 05, 2016

PAGE 43

Stag supports Carter Digital Technology donates 42" LG Smart Dominoes tournament TV Gate Prize for Boyce/Jefford Classic VII

Stag Brand Manager Lindon Henry presents the cheque to Deon Carter. Stag Beer has thrown its support behind Deon Carter 5th annual birth anniversary dominoes competition which will commence tomorrow at Phantom Sports Club, Meadowbrook. Stag Brand Manager Lindon Henry yesterday presented a cheque to Carter at 704 Sports Bar. Henry said they are pleased to be associated with the tournament while Carter thanked Ansa Mc Al for their support. Entrance fee is $9,000 and the winning team will take home a trophy and

$150,000, runner-up a trophy and $60,000 and third place a trophy and $30,000. The competition will continue on Sunday and concluded on Monday; action gets underway at 16:00hrs tomorrow. Among other sponsors on board are Faye Joseph, Big Boss Trucking Service, White Castle Fish Shop, G. Bacchus and Sons, HJ 94.1 FM, Dynasty Sports Bar and Christopher Matthias. Teams can contact Carter on 696 7781 or Mark Wiltshire on 665 5855 for more information.

EDFA / Stag Senior League

Four matches to herald restart this weekend All things being equal, at least weather wise, competition in the Stag sponsored West Demerara Football Association Senior League will resume tomorrow from 14:00hrs at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground after being affected by consistent rainfall over the past few weeks. Eagles and Jetty Gunners will have the

honour of kicking things back into action when they play the first match which would be followed by a clash between Young Achievers of Pouderoyen and Vegae Boys. On Sunday, Uitvlugt and Stewartville will match skills in the feature match at 16:00hrs, the opening match will bring together Golden Warriors and Wales United.

Results of ACDA Emancipation Sports Programme Sophia All Stars registered a narrow onewicket win over Sophia Warriors to capture the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) 8 overs Softball Cricket Competition which was played on Monday, at the National Park. The event which formed part of the ACDA Emancipation Sports Programme saw Warriors bat

first and compiled 43 all out off the allotted overs with Alvin Ragubir hitting a top score of 12. Seeraj Rahaman, Hamid Johnson and Carlton Cummings each took three wickets. In reply, All Stars struggled, but eventually reached the victory target, ending on 44-9 in 7.4 overs. In football, Akeem Barnwell XI (Continued on page 32)

Chairman of the Boyce and Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce (left) collects the 42" LG Smart TV from Digital Technology Sales Representative, Sakeema Cox-Fernandes, and the Administrative Manager, Gillian Bisnauth (right) yesterday. Digital Technology, located on the Public Road, Diamond and 74 Brickdam, yesterday handed over a 42" LG Smart TV to the Boyce and Jefford Track and Field Committee that will be used as a Gate Prize for the A u g u s t 2 7 - 2 8 Championships. The prize forms one of 10 prizes all worth over $50,000 to commemorate Guyana’s 50th year of Independence, which the Coordinators of the track meet announced that they will give to lucky

ticket holders. The giveaways segment has become a feature of the track meet to give back to patrons, who have helped with the growth of the competition. Last year, the Coordinators gave away five prizes that included a 20 pennyweight gold chain. This year they have included two gold chains among the items to be given away. The retail value of the 42" LG TV at Digital Technology is $127,000. Administrative Manager,

Gillian Bisnauth said yesterday that the store currently has a sale. She said that the company is happy to be associated with such a major event that also considers giving back to supporters as well as athletes. Chairman of the Boyce/Jefford Committee, Colin Boyce thanked the Proprietor, Terrence Sukhu for his contribution. Boyce said that the “attractive” gate prizes that are given to Adult ticket

holders have become a feature of the meet. He said that it is something that the community looks forward to annually; as such it is only fitting to continue to improve the gate prizes. Apart from the LG TV and gold chains, an airline ticket to Jamaica, compliments of Fly Jamaica, food hamper and $50,000 are among the items to be handed out during the drawing at the event, which will be held at the MSC Ground, Linden.

t r o Sp

Pele and Dame Judi Dench to add sparkle to ÂŁ40million Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony

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Dame Judi Dench (right) will play a role in the opening ceremony for the Rio Olympic Games.

Football icon Pele will also take part in the ceremony in his native country today.

Trayon Bobb is GFF / Stag Elite League Finale MVP

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Respective award winners pose with their accolades with GFF head Wayne Forde (2nd right), and Ansa Mc Al’s Lindon Henry at left.

CPL Knight Riders advance with T20 5-wkt victory over Zouks P.37 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210