Monday February 20, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Parking meters - one of The Wales Estate fiasco is getting worse the best deals for Guyana DEAR EDITOR, The ongoing GuySuCo siege in Guyana has intensified. APNU+AFC has taken advantage of the population’s riveting focus on the Parking Meter scandal and spiraling crime around the country to accelerate the demise of GuySuCo in Guyana. In the last week they quietly announced the shelving of first crop operations at Skeldon and refused severance payments to workers from the closed Wales Estate. The Skeldon Factory suspension of operation for the present crop has not made big news because last week APNU+AFC sneaked in the announcement while people were occupied with resisting the Parking Meter monster and while crime gripped the nation. No explanation has been proffered for the shelving of the first sugar crop at Skeldon, but many of us are suspicious that this is a deliberate strategy to further under-value Skeldon as they prepare to give it away to one of their favored investors. Essentially, GUYSUCO’s operations at Skeldon are winding down, ostensibly in preparation to hand over operations to one of two private investors - either to
the AFC-favored Trinidadian auto parts dealer or the Nagamootoo-favored Indian Company. APNU+AFC seem determined to hand over operations to one of these favoured investors on terms favourable to the investors. This is the only plausible explanation for the deliberate under-valuing of Skeldon. Seems senseless, but there is actually method to their madness. Under-valuing Skeldon means that the investor will obtain a prime national asset for a “song”. But in addition, those who are giving away this national asset expect to benefit. Guyana will lose again. This is yet another corrupt deal in the making, but unlike the others which we found out after the fact; this one has been exposed beforehand. In the meanwhile the Wales fiasco gets worse. Workers who are entitled by law to severance have had their rights railroaded as APNU+AFC’s clueless Minister of Agriculture announced that the workers must take up jobs at Uitvlugt Sugar Estate. Should the workers refuse this offer, they would have forfeited all rights as sugar workers. This is a high-handed, dictatorial response from the regime, but squarely in keeping with the
assault on sugar that began on day one of the APNU+AFC administration. As of right now the scorecard is despicable. Wales Estate has closed. Sugar cane cultivation at Providence (part of the Rose Hall, Canje Estate) and LBI has been terminated. Sugar cane cultivation at Rose Hall has contracted, as is sugar cultivation at Skeldon. Operations at the Skeldon Factory have now been suspended, perhaps permanently. The ethanol plant at Albion has been abandoned. Sugar packaging at Enmore has been in hiatus, perhaps because they are making preparation for its privatization. Rose Hall Factory is slated for closure in 2017. Sugar workers have not been given a wage increase for 2015, 2016 and already in jeopardy for no wage increase in 2017. They received a reduced Annual Production Incentive in 2015 and zero for 2016 and 2017 seems poised for another zero payment. But the Board of GUYSUCO is one of the highest remunerated boards in Guyana and the management team is one of the highest paid in the country. Something is wrong with this dismal picture. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
This man writes on GuySuCo from a position of ignorance DEAR EDITOR, With reference to a letter which was published in the Kaieteur News on 15 February, 2017, titled ‘The management team at GuySuCo earns G$14.1M per month’ and written by Mr. Sookram Persaud. As indicated in our letter dated 2 February, 2017, Mr. Sookram Persaud was invited to meet with us to discuss his concerns. Instead, Mr. Sookram Persaud opted not to take us up on our offer to meet but continues to write. It is very evident to us that Mr. Persaud has a personal problem with the leadership of GuySuCo. He persists in misleading the readers with his perceived intimate knowledge of GuySuCo but effectively writing on the basis of ignorance of the facts surrounding the issues he writes about, the most recent being in relation to the Skeldon factory. We at GuySuCo have reason to believe that Mr. Sookram Persaud is a pseudonym for a former executive of this Corporation.
This person parted company with GuySuCo under the previous administration and applied to return after the change in Board and management in June/July, 2015. Upon review of the individual’s past performance, we concluded that he could not be rehired since his past performance left much to be desired. There were weaknesses in the manner in which he discharged his responsibilities, weaknesses in character and poor leadership. If Mr. Sookram Persaud is this person then we can only conclude that he is pursuing a vendetta against the present leadership team.
This is an opportunity for him to stand up and be counted by issuing an appropriate rebuttal. If Mr. Sookram Persaud is indeed Mr. Sookram Persaud, then we repeat our invitation for him to meet with us so that we can enlighten him on the realities of GuySuCo as it relates to the matters he has raised in the media. Should Mr. Persaud not come forward, then we are left to conclude that he is the former executive described above and we may therefore feel obligated to release his name. Audreyanna Thomas Communications Unit Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc. (GuySuCo)
DEAR EDITOR, Given the history of Guyana and foreign investors in the past, I would like to voice my concern and say that Smart City Solutions is one of the best deals Guyana has received in the past years unlike the notorious investors such as Omai Gold Mining Inc. and the infamous Bai Shan Lin International forest deals, not forgetting the insidious Marriot Hotel Project. It was shown in the contract that was made between Guyana and Omai Gold Mining Inc. that Guyana was given a meager 5% of the total earnings that Omai made while operating in Guyana, whereas Smart City Solutions is giving Guyana an abundant sum of 20% of its gross income to the Mayor and City Council and an additional 14% of its income to the government through VAT which collectively can be used for the growth and betterment of the city and its citizens. Furthermore, in another contract signed between Guyana and the well-known
Bai Shan Lin, it was clearly evident that the company never complied with laws of Guyana and was ‘ripping off’ the nation in several ways! In addition, the company was resorting to malicious means to harm the environment, not considering the impact it would have on the world, country, citizens and the wildlife. Moreover, the company resorted to not paying dues and royalties to Guyana, whereas Smart City Solutions is trying its best to meet the needs of the people in this city and country. Smart City Solutions is also making amendments to the contract it has with the M&CC to meet the needs of this city. Even in the sight of knowing they will incur a huge loss, SCS is for the people and with the people of Guyana. Why do I say so? It is that SCS promotes a green economy, enables the development of Georgetown into a smart city and it’s a company that doesn’t discriminate against anyone.
If you explore the employees of SCS, you will be able to discover that the company hires local persons of all race, creed, sex and culture unlike the builders of Marriot hotel where they only employed persons that weren’t even from Guyana, but from China. In my opinion, I think SCS is one of the best deals in Guyana’s recent history, hands down due to the immense percentage that the city is receiving from SCS, because the company follows the laws of Guyana. They don’t evade taxes and most of all they value the needs and wants of the citizens of this country and try their utmost best to accommodate their requests. I strongly look forward to see Smart City Solutions continuing its operations in Guyana for the foreseeable future because I know that the citizens and city alike will benefit tremendously from this lawful project. Let us all build a better city, a smart city, a green city! Say YES to one of the best deals of all time! Rohan Persaud
Smart City contract is synonymous with incompetence DEAR EDITOR, Smart City’s Ifa Cush’s recent retrospective on conditions ‘back in the day’ is a figment of his imagination (he has since been dismissed) And coupled with his diatribe against citizens protesting the parking meters speaks to a mind disengaged from the realities in Guyana and particularly in Georgetown. Guess whose interests are being promoted? Now, with the disclosure of the terms all City and national government officials who have been a party through review or signature of this giveaway contract have taken leave of their senses. Major incompetence now has another name, ironically - Smart City. The contract must be voided. Citizens should be extricated from this insanity and a commission of inquiry set up to get to the bottom of this utter insult to the intelligence of residents of Georgetowners and by extension, all Guyanese. That we are at this point with a fiasco of a contract and no one is resigning or being fired is a signal of the sheer lack of integrity in our public officials. City Hall and inaction by the national government
gives rise to the belief that this contract might still be valid. This contract is nothing short of a travesty. That procurement procedures were not followed seems to be tantamount to malfeasance and should be treated as such. Without the massive broad based parking meters protests the authorities would have let this disgraceful giveaway of personal and public resources slide through without full disclosure. The Mayor and City Clerk offering to reduce parking fees is like a pick-pocket offering you some of your own money. This utterly disgraceful contract and the fact that no prompt firings or resignations have been forthcoming reflect poorly on the capacity of key City and by extension national officials. Yes, these officials are fiddling while public confidence wanes and foreign investors are yet to be convinced. What seems to be clear is those involved do not possess the requisite skills to quickly assess an emerging potentially damning situation and take appropriate remedial actions. Truly, they do not belong in positions so critical to development of Georgetown or Guyana. Phil Williams
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Monday February 20, 2017
Guyana and Black History; Classic case of pessimist versus the optimist conundrum time to change the story DEAR EDITOR, We are currently in the month of February, traditionally the period when Black History Month is celebrated. Truth be told Guyanese do not need to worry in any way shape or form about negritude or history as both are being daily celebrated. To be clear and also frank, Guyanese in Guyana have failed to make the progress that they mouthed, spouted and voted for. In fact, it appears that they have fast forwarded backward. So let us forget about placating ourselves by celebrating Black History Month. We have not broken any stereotypes. We have made no progress. We just haven’t. When will we start allowing the world to once again acknowledge our once famous country, not one month out of the twelve, but every single day? Guyana the country that is larger than New York State - home of the largest eagle, largest water lily, home to No. 2 ranked top waterfall in the world, home of the largest rainforest in the world. When will we begin to treat one another as fellow citizens, and realize that our country that is being destroyed was built because our forefathers and mothers
were willing to go the extra mile even laying down their lives, all in the name of progress? When, oh when will we come to realize that we need to support each other as a culture? The time is now for the truth to be faced and bravely spoken. The truth about what it is like this day - this very moment in time to be a Guyanese living in Guyana the double standards in the education system, the government, the police, the business world, the spiritual arena etc. Here is another serving of truth, although some may not like to hear it, but then again how can we pull ourselves up by our yachting boots strings in a country replete with visual and auditory deficients. We are still a divided nation, national disunity is still prevalent and the election promise nowhere near to being fulfilled. Where is the emotion and anger at the unthinkable wrongs that are still being done – to our own people by our own people? We started out behind, and are still behind. That’s the reality. How can we go about changing things, being proactive rather than reactive and destructive? Here are some steps along with a caveat. Let it be known that I do not claim to have a
monopoly on answers, remedies or solutions. Let us stop being silent when we see wrong being done. Silence is endorsement. Why are we killing each other? The answer speak volumes about the value we place on ourselves, answers the question as to the esteem in which we hold each other, and how we have been conditioned to think less of ourselves and each other. So let us stop violence against each other, especially the ongoing abuse of our women. It is time to step out of the past and come to the realization and awareness that God created us in his own likeness. Initiate previously avoided conversations with each other and call out cronyism or racism when it is seen, heard or practiced. The time to be afraid has passed. We must find our voice and guard our hearts. It is imperative that we start now, striving cooperatively, intentionally and with courage and continuing long past February 28. Remember that it is not all about us but also the children and their future. Enough is enough! Let the action start. After all Black History begins with a positive “who am I experience”, not heroworshipping. Yvonne Sam
DEAR EDITOR, Change can be magnificent or malevolent, however sometimes it matters not the subject of change but particularly how it is viewed a classic case of pessimist versus the optimist conundrum. Individuals who perceive the glass as half empty contrary to their counterparts seeing it as half full. Hence I provide a simple scenario to deduce how one’s current perspective can afflict their immediate future. Have you ever heard the story of the ‘China Jar’? As an older Guyanese folk tale the story goes; once upon a time there was a poor middle aged China man. He somehow managed to acquire a huge jar used to churn butter and thought to himself, “if I am able to fill this jar with churned butter and sell it, I will make a lot of money, then I can buy two jars, and from the earnings of two, I can purchase two more”. He smiled and relished in delight as he plotted his path to affluence. He continued with his merry contemplation, “Then I will be a rich man and I will have a beautiful wife. We will have two children first a boy, then a girl.” Suddenly his face then became rigid, his jovial
expressions vanished. “But my daughter maybe foolish and steal my wealth to leave home with her lover”, and in that moment he took a stick set by his side and struck out with anger, breaking the jar and shattering all his plans and sealing his fate as a poor man forever. The fiasco of the parking meter continues however, there have been a number of benefits to be acknowledged. My first and foremost is the ease of congestion not only of vehicular traffic but also of foot traffic eradicating ‘limers’, loiterers and opportunists or placing them in better view of the law at least. Criminal elements usually take advantage of the chaos and bustling of the downtown Georgetown area, posing as shoppers, vendors or masking themselves in the background of the busy city streets. However the parking meters have helped to restore some order ease congestion and aid the city and national police in alleviating crime. I feel safer! And that is good; I need to feel safe, I want to feel safe, it is my right as a citizen of Guyana. Approximately two years ago, I was accosted by three men who relieved me of my cellphone and other
valuables at the corners of Regent and King Streets. They took advantage of the crowd and the vendors and I never saw them coming. A policeman that was a corner a way gave chase but lost them in the crowd. For a long time I was fearful to walk the streets. Secondly if the parking meter contract is legal and binding, why would we want to opt out now? It is not logical; remuneration paid upon materials and services we have not yet utilized. Is it seriously a waste of my taxpaying dollars? I would rather see these clauses adamantly amended and once there is adequate compromise and consensus with the Guyanese populace who are going to be paying for these services are satisfied, we forge ahead. Let’s not be the China man from the China Jar story. Let’s be thinkers, be deliberate in your thoughts and actions to move us forward as a country in a positive direction. Do not let your paranoid perception or misconceptions guide you. Let your thoughts be clear, embrace reason, rally together when diplomacy has all but failed. But do not destroy the vision before you see what’s in store. Chandra Ramnauth
Parking meters have Quoting Martin Luther King brought order to a chaotic city
Jr. to educate the Mayor DEAR EDITOR, Just when you think you have heard it all, and things could not get worse something even more bizarre comes out of City Hall, the latest being Patricia ChaseGreen seeking to blame Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan for “taking misinformation to the public on the parking meter contract, and causing ‘civil unrest’. First of all, someone needs to tell the Mayor that peaceful demonstrations and protests that abide by the law, such as the one held by civil
society and the Movement Against Parking Meters, do not constitute civil unrest. Civil unrest is typically defined by law enforcement as a gathering of three or more people, in reaction to an event, with the intention of causing a public disturbance in violation of the law. Civil unrest typically involves damage to property or injury to other people. The Collins Dictionary defines ‘Civil unrest’ as fighting between different groups of people living in the same country, and losses
caused by this fighting are usually not covered by insurance. The Travel Industry Dictionary defines ‘Civil unrest’ as a loose term to describe anti-government activities as varied as organized protests, rioting, general strikes, arson and looting, and armed insurrection. Sometimes used as a euphemism for civil war. How could the Mayor of a capital city not know simple concepts and meanings like this? To make it worse with Councillor Bostwick, called for Deputy Mayor Sherod Duncan to prove why he should not be disciplined. Martin Luther king Jr. once said; ‘Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity’. Sambu Jacobus
DEAR EDITOR, Georgetown as the capital city of Guyana is the place where most persons frequent to conduct business on a daily basis. Over 4000 vehicles pass through the city of Georgetown where there are approximately 3000 parking spaces. Before implementation of parking meters in Guyana, illegal acts of parking became solid legal ambitions in the eyes of these drivers; some would double park on major roadways such as Regent Street obstructing the flow of traffic. On the contrary since the operation and enforcement of parking meters into the city of Georgetown on the 23rd of January, 2017, we have notably witnessed a significant reduction in the congestion of traffic and illegal parking acts, bringing order to the chaotic heart of this city. It has further reduced noise pollution and enabled drivers to have a safe parking space. It’s commendable to appreciate that the Mayor and City Council found a way
through the parking meter project to reduce illegal parking, carbon emissions and provide citizens with a safer, green city. Most importantly the parking meter project provides more revenue for the City. The contract signed by the M&CC and Smart City Solutions states that the City will get 20% gross of any monies earned from the project, while the remaining 80% is Smart City Solution’s. The idea generated by people about this deal was that Smart City Solutions is giving too little back to the M & C C h o w e v e r, a s a citizen it is my humble opinion that it is only fair since the company absorbs the overhead and set up costs for this project as well as payment to the employees and taxes of the company out of that 80% before being able to generate a profit. With that said, one must also submit that it is commendable of Smart City Solutions to be giving back 20% its gross revenue to M&CC whereby other foreign
investors such as Omai only gave 5% of their revenue back to the country when they started operations. The percentage of revenue gained from this project can be used by the M&CC to improve the infrastructure of the city by building better roads, cleaning drains and trenches, and building of bridges and paves. Finally, providing jobs for young people is a major concern within our society. This project has created over 60 jobs so far for youths and adults alike, enabling them to sustain themselves and also spearhead them to follow their aspirations and further their studies to elevate themselves in society. I have reached the inescapable conclusion that this project will do a lot of good for this city and the citizens of this country. I urge the fellow citizens to look upon the positives of this project and see the whole lot of good that it would be able to accomplish within this city for everyone. Aradhana Singh
Monday February 20, 2017
Constitutional Reform...
Executive presidency has to go Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds, is disillusioned by the fact that the Government has not taken an aggressive approach towards Constitutional Reform. In a recent interview with this publication, he stressed that there has simply been no energy from the government in this area. This is most disappointing, he said. Dr. Hinds asserted that Guyana is not going to break out of its political stranglehold if the authority of the day does not change the rules of engagement. Dr. Hinds insists that power has to be democratized. The political activist said that the Constitution must reflect the character of the country. “The Executive presidency has to go—it’s too imperial. Winner takes all elections rules must go. Local Government must be removed from the tyranny of the Central Government and most of all, they must be controlled not by party zealots, but by the people.” The WPA Executive Member remarked that it is a shame that the government has not moved on these matters. Additionally, the political activist said that
- Dr. Hinds urges
WPA Executive Member, Dr. Hinds there has been an overconcentration of power in the hands of a few people—the Cabinet. He stressed that this is dangerous for democracy. Dr. Hinds commented that decision making in a Coalition cannot be confined to a few people in Cabinet. He said that it simply defeats the logic and praxis of a Coalition. “The APNU does not function—it’s a partnership in name only. The APNU+AFC do not function outside of Cabinet. Recently an AFC member revealed that problems are ironed out by the leaders. This is a clear case of personalizing power at the expense of institutions.”
Dr. Hinds commented that the government essentially runs the risk of killing institutions and reinstating “one-manism and twomanism.” He said that the Government can still do better. “I still have hope that this government would find its feet and dance better than it has done. I do not want the PPP to put its hands on power in the near future, at least not by themselves and not with the current crowd in charge. Guyana cannot and should not be subjected to another round of extreme abuse that is sure to come from that party.” He noted however that the citizenry should not let the fear of the PPP lead it to condone the lethargic and uninspiring leadership of the government. “If we have to take to the streets, as the anti-parking meter protestors are doing, to inspire them to lift their game, then so be it—they have to do better. If they don’t, even the oil which we eagerly await will not save them and us.”
New Diamond well to be ready... (From page 2) and the reporting of leaks to us (GWI),” Dr. West-Charles stressed. He noted that while the water company has been slothful in responding to some complaints, efforts are being made to change this for the better. Dr. West-Charles noted that GWI is currently doing house to house visits to take reports and inspect pipelines along the East Bank of Demerara, to ensure all the leaks are detected and remedied. This is being facilitated under a wider project funded by the Inter-American Development to develop the water delivery system of Diamond Housing Scheme. “We want to work with the communities, because the leaks have an impact on (water) pressure,” Dr. West-Charles told reporters. He highlighted that only recently, two major breaks were detected in the pipelines at
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Herstelling, East Bank Demerara. “There were two major 12-inch lines leaking, and that has dropped the pressure considerably, but once that was fixed, the pressure was back up.” There have also been instances where the road works done by contractors have affected the water lines below. Engagements are ongoing with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to ensure that this situation is addressed. Additionally, GWI is also looking to work closely with Neighbourhood Democratic Councils across the country, to ensure that when residents are executing massive cleanup exercises, they are mindful of the existence of the water pipes. “We think we need better coordination, with respect to protection of the water mains.” Plugging up the leaks will also eliminate the risks of water being contaminated.
Govt. should insist on financial responsibility from City Council There have been repeated calls for public entities to conduct their affairs in a manner that is transparent and accountable. As such, the government of the day is being called upon to insist on financial responsibility from the Georgetown Mayor and City Council. This plea was made by attorney-at-law Ronald Burch-Smith who was at the time addressing attendees at a Town Hall meeting on parking meters on Saturday. Burch-Smith said the council’s proposed budget for this year is in the region of $3B and should be enough reason for the municipality to be audited. “I shudder to consider any organisation, private or
- Attorney Ronald Burch-Smith
Attorney-at-law, Ronald Burch-Smith public in this country that spends that sort of money and cannot produce an audit. It is obscene. The idea that
they are going to continue to contribute to an entity that spends this sort of money with absolutely no explanation of where it went or where it went wrong, makes no sense.” He said that even if things aren’t going wrong, an audit points to areas which can be improved so that citizens can get value for money. Important areas he said would be to find out if projects are being executed on time, and whether the tendering process is being respected. According to BurchSmith, such information is critical to ensuring that the (Continued on page 8)
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Kaieteur News
Monday February 20, 2017
In observance of International Women’s Day… East Bank four lane highway… Non-compliance of contractors Student Society Against Human Rights Violation gears for massive march causes further delays
A massive march demanding the introduction of comprehensive sex education in public schools; an end to violence against women and children; free, safe and easily accessible reproductive health care for all is set for next month in observance of International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day, observed worldwide on March 8, is seen as a celebration of the contribution of women to society and an opportunity for them to refocus on the struggle for their rights. Being held under the theme, ‘A March for Girls,’ the event will commence on March 11, at 15:00hrs at Stabroek Market Square. Participants will travel along Brickdam towards the Square of the Revolution, where the march will conclude with addresses from sexual abuse survivors. The march is being planned and organized by the Student Society Against Human Rights Violations (SAHRV) for which Akola Thompson is the President and co-founder, along with Diana Cruickshank and
Alessandra Hereman and the Socialist Workers Alliance Guyana. ‘A March for Girls’ Guyana will be held in solidarity with other marches occurring at the same time and date across the Caribbean. It is intended to bring attention to the scourge of sexual abuse and violence against women and children, but will also serve as a platform for survivors to share their stories and talk about what can be done collectively to adequately dent the number of persons abused each year. This march was inspired by the #lifeinleggings movement which was started in Barbados by Ronella King. This movement bravely brought the issue of street
harassment of women into the spotlight and demonstrated that there is an audient for fighting back, given the spread of the hash tag from Barbados to other nations throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). While the organizer of this march disclosed that they were inspired by the Life in Leggings movement, and will be marching in solidarity with them, it is not a sister march. According to Akola Thompson, “Someone from the Guyana Community of Positive Women and Girls will be holding the sister march on the same day, but at 6:00 a.m. I had met with her when I heard of their march to see if we could collaborate instead of having different marches (Continued on page 24)
The failure of local contractors to fulfill the requirements of the National Tender & Procurement Administration (NPTA) has resulted in further delays of the East Bank Four Lane Project. While the construction of the road and bridges is essentially complete, another contract still has to be awarded for the installation of road furniture. “Which is the safety measures - the crash barriers, the traffic lights, and things like that,” Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, told Kaieteur News during a recent interview. He said that government had already opened tender for the supply and installation of these equipment, but was informed then, that none of the contractors were compliant. As a result, the tender was annulled. “We were trying to see if any of them could have been, but now we have to re-tender it,” the Minister explained. He is hoping that the contractors would soon become compliant, so that works can begin on finishing
construction of the long overdue thoroughfare. “At the end of this new tendering process, we will procure the crash barriers, traffic lights, translucent signs and paint and stuff like that. As soon as we get these, we will begin to install them, and that will complete it (the East Bank Four-Lane Project),” Patterson said. The East Bank Four-Lane Project was supposed to have been completed 18 months after construction began in 2011. There have been many delays and extension in deadlines. One of the most recent was when DIPCON Engineering Services was unable to complete the phase of the project awarded to the company. The Public Infrastructure Ministry had said that Phase One of the project, which spans Providence to Covent Garden, had not been meeting its deadlines. The company had said at that time, that it was stuck at a bridgewidening near Providence and Herstelling. The Government was looking to institute the penalty clauses of the
Public Infrastructure Ministry, David Patterson contract signed with the company, but instead, there was an amicable settlement between the construction firm and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Chief Roads and Bridges Officer, Ron Rahaman, had said that the government had been looking at the possible installation of four lanes from Grove, all the way to Timehri, East Bank Demerara. However, Rahaman believes that the current project will ease traffic congestion to the extent where four lanes running to the vicinity of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, are not necessary.
Govt. should insist on financial... (From page 7) municipality is achieving optimum performance with the revenues that will be coming in. “So the idea that there has been no audit of City Hall for 10 to 15 years is way past ridiculous.” Burch-Smith added that after perusing the City’s 2017 budget, he noticed that the amount which the council expects to gain from the parking meter project is just 10 percent of its budget. “Why would City Hall expend this sort of political capital to pursue a project that does not solve its problems? It’s difficult to understand.” Further, he highlighted the issue of rates which he said under the Municipal and District Council’s Act gives a local authority to collect rates. “The money expended has to be paid for by the citizens, based on rates collected from the citizens. Those rates are based on the value of the property and what you use the property for.” The attorney said that as such, City Council cannot do anything unless the citizens
pay for it. He recognised that citizens want the council to provide necessary services, but a significant number refuse to pay their fair share of rates and taxes. “I think … a part that goes towards fiscal responsibility in the city is a commitment by the residents of Georgetown to pay their fair share of obligations. Every time I pay my rates I am appalled and slightly embarrassed at what I am paying, and what I get from the City in return. My rates can’t pay for the garbage that is collected from my home every Friday.” According to BurchSmith, it would be wrong to demand fiscal responsibility from the city while at the same time not demanding from the citizens greater participation in assisting the city to discharge its obligations. “Inefficient management of the city is something that will affect our children and our children’s children. We have to accept the responsibility of ensuring that things are done correctly.” This is not the first time an audit of the city has been under the spotlight. Last
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November, Councillor Bishram Kuppen told the media that he has moved a motion three times for an audit of M&CC accounts, but to no avail. He said, “Billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money are being spent without any credible financial reports or audits performed for the money spent, as required by the Municipal and District Councils Act Cap. 28:01 section 177.” On each occasion, Kuppen said that the Town Clerk, Royston King had informed him that he found fault with the motions, but did not advise what those discrepancies were. When this newspaper spoke with Mayor Patricia Chase-Green, she had said the document which Kuppen submitted was incorrectly worded, therefore his application was unsuccessful. According to the Mayor, her council remains open to being audited. Earlier this year, she had reported that back in 2011 and 2012, letters were written to the Office of the Auditor General on three occasions to conduct an audit, but there was no intervention. The last known audits were done by Keith Burrowes and Ramon Gaskin, at the expense of the council.
Monday February 20, 2017
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Georgetown looks like a cross between a mini-metropolis and a shantytown A visitor who has never been to Georgetown will end up with a headache if he or she takes a walk around the commercial district. He or she will see nice buildings, great stores, mini shopping, malls and good restaurants. But the visitor is also going to have to deal with vendors who are popping up all over the place. The visitor can come to only once conclusion: that Georgetown is developed but it lacks order. You can hardly walk on the pavement on Regent Street, because of the vendors and the businesses which are encroaching onto the pavement. What impression is all this illegal vending making on the minds of people who are coming to Guyana? It is a disgrace that businesses
have invested so much money to have modern stores and yet you have vendors squatting all over the place making the city look like a shantytown. The PPP/C was blamed for having a dirty city. But if you take away the garbage and the clogged drains and the vendors, Georgetown never looked as good as it did under the PPP/C. They skyline of Georgetown was transformed under the PPP/C and it continues to be transformed. People blamed the PPP for the dirty state of Georgetown, but the same people who blamed the PPP are realizing that Georgetown was always controlled by City Hall, which has to take responsibility for the services which they failed to provide in the past and
which they still not providing. The City is returning to its former glory ugliness. The stink, fetid drains have returned. The canals are overgrown with rubbish. Stabroek Square has been restored to its former confusion. City Hall has an unenviable record when it comes to not being able to maintain this City in a good condition. Now we are told that it is registering vendors. We are told that more than 300 vendors have been registered. This figure understates the number of vendors because many did not register because they feel that the list may end up in the hands of the Guyana Revenue Authority. Many vendors are afraid of the GRA because they are making
Dem boys seh...
Nutten in life is free For de first time some people coming out and protest because dem don’t want to pay de parking meter fee. These are de same people who don’t even want to pay tax and dem wukking fuh more money that nearly all dem public servants. Some of dem got three houses and dem don’t even pay property tax, but dem is de same people who complain if dem garbage ain’t get pick up. Dem boys seh de other day when City Hall try to raise taxes pun de property, these very people go to court and block de council. All it mean is that these people intend to live free all dem life. When Jagdeo was in power he try to set a tax fuh some lawyers. To this day he ain’t get through. But de parking meter is another thing. People using de road and when it break up and full of potholes de same protesters does complain because dem claim how de road
breaking up dem car. Yet dem don’t want to pay money to help repair de road. Dem boys know that parking meter is necessary but wha got everybody up in arms is de way how de Council do it. Chase and de King of de Council decide that de people got to tek wha dem serve. Well de people mekking dem realize that things don’t wuk so. And poor Soulja Bai get caught up. All of a sudden people believe that he got to step in. He didn’t step in when dem refuse to pay dem taxes and if he did do that dem woulda seh how he using he powers. Dem boys seh is a case of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. Wha dem boys know is that bright and early de parking meters back in action. And dem boys waiting foh see wa gon happen. Talk half and hope that some people realize that nutten in life is free.
more money than the stores, especially since the parking meters came into being. The pavement vendors have turned the City into an eyesore. Does the Ministry of Tourism think that visitors from overseas are going to encourage their friends to come to Guyana? These visitors cannot walk freely in Guyana. There is no pleasure in shopping. The whole city is turning in a free-for all. People are selling wherever they feel like. A food business has sprung on a road reserve in the City. It is doing so much business that at nights there is usually a traffic jam in front of the business. The City has implemented parking meters in order, they
say, to restore order. Yet you have a caravan selling food on the side of one of the main streets in the City, occupying a spot which could have been used for parking. The government said that it will regularize squatting on government lands, yet over the holidays squatters were building permanent structures on councils’ reserves. Town Hall took no action. Yet if City Hall notices a load of sand in front of the residence of someone who is paying their taxes, they will question you as to whether you got permission for the construction that you are undertaking, however minor that construction may be. But when existing squatters were
building concrete extensions during the Christmas holidays, City Hall seemed to be on vacation. Squatters are defecating over the canals in the City. If cholera breaks out in Georgetown, it will wipe out half of the population of the city. Yet no action is being taken to remove squatters from off of government reserves, especially those who are dumping their bodily wastes into the canals. The problem with Georgetown is not the government. It was never the government. It is the City Hall. It is time to build a new capital city. Georgetown cannot be restored.
Monday February 20, 2017
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Cabinet to consider amendments to Integrity Commission legislation – Nagamootoo Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo has tabled some amendments to the Integrity Commission legislation for Cabinet’s consideration. The First Vice President stated that the Government is desirous of strengthening the Integrity Legislation and to have a process by which the Chairperson of the Commission could be selected from consultations and not be the subject of any political diktat. “It is awful that the Commission, where persons in high offices were expected to declare their assets, was headless for several years. It remains so to this day and we need a process by which we can have this important body reconstituted and perform the functions for which it has been established to ensure that we don’t have officials and others benefitting from disproportionate wealth, or illgotten wealth, or unjust enrichment.” The Prime Minister also stated that it is necessary for Government to have a code of conduct for persons in public office. In this regard, he said that it is necessary to have a fence to protect officials from being “contaminated” and guidelines for them to ensure that they are “clean”. The principle behind the declaration of assets to the Integrity Commission by senior public officers is to ensure that they do not acquire large amounts of cash or
property without proper justification to the nation. But the Commission is yet to fulfill this fundamental code which led to its creation. This state of affairs was heavily criticized by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) when the parties served in the political opposition. But it has been more than year since the APNU+AFC coalition took office and there has been no change to the fact that the commission continues to operate without a Chairman. In an interview with this newspaper, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo had acknowledged that the Commission has not been functioning properly for some time. But since he has assumed responsibility for it, a fresh approach is being looked at. “As PM I am now taking a fresh look at the Commission, with a view to having a fully composed Commission with members and a Chairman, and I received a report that came from a consultant who made recommendations as to how we can enhance the work and composition of the Integrity Commission.” Nagamootoo recalled that the Ministry of Governance, which was controlled by Raphael Trotman, was housed in the Ministry of the
Presidency. He said that since Trotman was appointed Natural Resources Minister, the Governance portfolio was transferred to him (Nagamootoo). He said that there might have been some attempts during Trotman’s time, to examine the composition of the Commission. Nagamootoo said that there was also a study that was commissioned to examine the weaknesses of the Integrity Commission with a view to strengthening it. “That study looked at all aspects of the Commission, not only at the members and secretariat, but the enforcement arm of it,” Nagamootoo added. In this regard, the Prime Minister said that there is no use in having such a Commission with the necessary people and it is unable to carry out proper investigations, and more importantly, take action on the findings of the probes carried out. He promised that a more comprehensive look is underway with regard to the commission and its functions. It was since last year September that Minister of State Joseph Harmon said that the Integrity Commission would soon be able to do more than just collect statements from politicians regarding their accumulated wealth. Harmon explained that the coalition government was examining
the mandate of the Commission with the aim of giving it powers to investigate the truthfulness of such declarations. The Minister had asserted that the government was, and still is, of the opinion that the Commission does not have enough power to enforce any of its decisions. He had stated, “Public officials would just submit statements to the Commission and there was no clear procedure as to what happens after that. We need to ensure that there is some mechanism within the law to allow for follow ups. “I discussed this matter with the CEO of the Commission. I told him that there are models in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and all across the Caribbean region, where submissions to the Commission are subjected to further scrutiny.” Harmon continued, “So when you go and say you’ve got one house when you actually have 12 others across the country, and the Commission does not have the capacity to investigate that, then it is a waste of time. This is what we had in the past. Statements are taken to the Commission and then there is no follow-up. We want a Commission that has the capacity to follow-up when statements are made by public officers and action needs to be taken.” The Minister of State had said the Commission has been operating
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo without a Chairman and Commissioners for years. He reminded that there were some names of Commissioners recommended during the Tenth Parliament, but they were not appointed by the then President, Donald Ramotar. He said that in such a case, the matter will therefore have to go back to the National Assembly for new persons to be recommended and appointed. Harmon said that for the time being, the Integrity Commission is functioning with a very small staff with a very limited budget. In addition, he had said that proper investigations should be conducted to ascertain how Government Ministers and other public officials acquire their wealth. Under the laws, public officers including the President, Permanent Secretaries, Director of Public Continued on page 21
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Execution of 007 taxi driver…
Family pleads for public’s help to find killers
Having been repeatedly told that investigations into the September murder of 007 taxi driver Oswald Rambarran, are “still ongoing”, the relatives of the slain man are calling on persons with vital information on the case to come forward. Rambarran, 42, also known as ‘Downs’ of Middle Road , La Penitence was shot to the head by gunmen on motorcycles in Albouystown after he was called to deliver a meal. Based on reports, the taxi driver was in the company of other men, who fled the scene unharmed. It is alleged that after dropping off the meal, Rambarran, a father of four,
KILLED: Oswald Rambarran sat at a table outside the house where he was reportedly drinking, when two men rode up on motorcycles, drew guns and opened fire. The man’s wife Dolly
Yarde, told Kaieteur News that she believes someone saw who shot her husband and those eyewitnesses can assist police with capturing the killers. The grieving woman related that she has not heard from the police on the status of investigations since Rambarran’s death. She said she is unaware of any enemies her husband may have had, but insisted he was not a trouble maker. “From the time I been with him I don’t know him to be a trouble maker.” Rambarran’s eldest daughter said that family members were hoping that police would have been able (Continued on page 24)
Monday February 20, 2017
Removing shades of Executive abuse from Constitution a tough task While the process for Constitutional Reform seems to be a slow one, Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo recently guaranteed that it is going to be a sure one. The First Vice President made this statement during the launch of the Multi Stakeholder Group for the Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GEITI). There, the Minister stated that there has been a reaction to a process he initiated for constitutional reform. He said that questions have been raised as to whether the reform is honest and even sustainable. The Minister noted however that he has been a part of constitutional reform processes since 1996 and the task is never an easy one. He stressed that there is no shortcut to achieving something such as constitutional reform, a move that is significant and would change the lives of people and the system under which Guyanese exists. “In 1980, we were all excited about the process of constitutional reform. And though we fought for a better Constitution in postindependent and republican Guyana, we found that some of the changes in the 1980 Constitution had placed some of the advocates for
- Prime Minister reform against those very changes.” The Prime Minister said that some of the features of 1980 that had saddled the Constitution and the system with shades of authoritarianism and executive abuse have become entrenched in the society and will not be easy to remove. “Those who think that constitutional reform is a slogan, or that it could be achieved easily, our history has shown that it is a fight, that it is a struggle. I believe that when this process was started, we needed to be guided by a steering committee that would map out the scope of the intended reform and that we will be able to have along the road, perhaps a sign post of what could be achieved in the short, medium and long term.” The First Vice President stated the Steering Committee was an honest beginning to put in place, a system where one could receive advice from peers on how to proceed. Having being tasked as Prime Minister with responsibility for Constitutional Reform and Governance, Nagamootoo said, “I can tell you that I am serious about constitutional reform because it is going to become the bedrock upon
Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo which we build all these lofty edifices like GEITI …and how our extractive industry can best serve our society.” With regard to the next process, the Prime Minister said that this would entail going to Parliament to start consultations with the Opposition and civil society groups. “We are in early days yes, but we can do this with some alacrity to take consultative reform legislation to the Parliament; to set up a group that will drive the evidence staking, that will drive the fan out to listen to what people would want as changes in their constitution.” The Prime Minister is convinced that the process ahead for Constitutional Reform is going to be an exciting and dynamic one.
Monday February 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Trump’s immigration orders creating panic…
Youth urged to develop innovations TRINIS AFRAID TO LEAVE US to help solve society’s problems Trinidad Guardian Trinidadians living in the United States are being forced to adjust their travel plans as their potent anxiety reached fever pitch in the wake of an announcement last week by US President Donald Trump to roll out new immigration measures tailored to a federal court decision that blocked his initial travel ban. A 60-year-old woman from Petit Valley, who asked not to be named, lived in the US for over a decade and was now in the process of trying to obtain her green card. “I don’t know what to expect now,” the fearful woman said. The lawyer responsible for handling her paperwork advised her to not even think about travelling outside the United States. I know anybody from Trinidad in my situation, tell them not to travel anywhere because you might not be able to get back into the US. I sincerely feel everyone should be scared because you just don’t know what could happen coming in,” she told the Sunday Guardian in a telephone interview. Hundreds of Trinidadians normally flock to T&T for the Carnival season. Even those with plans for the Easter have been making adjustments to their travel plans. Solomon, who has US citizenship and now resides in NYC, said her family’s plans of all living in the same country was now in jeopardy. Her mother, she revealed, had plans of moving to the US but was now reconsidering. Even some US colleges have been placed on high alert. Two school officials from
Cabinet to consider... From page 11 Prosecutions, Auditor General, Commissioner of Police, Army Chief-of-Staff, Heads of the Services Commissions, Foreign Affairs officials, Judges, Magistrates and Department Heads are required to declare their assets. Also required to submit declaration forms of their earnings and gifts received are Regional Executive Officers, the Chief Elections Officer, Mayors, Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of state companies, Registrars of Lands and the Commissioner of the Guyana Revenue Authority, along with Presidential Advisors, and Heads of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Guyana Forestry Commission.
two major NYC colleges, who spoke with the Sunday Guardian on the condition that their names and schools not be used, both confirmed that they were called into emergency meetings to come up with a plan to deal with ICE agents coming to their campuses. One of the officials said that while she was not authorised to divulge the number of T&T nationals or even how many undocumented students attended the school, the college started providing more resources to protect their students. Undocumented Trinidadians would also not necessarily be protected under former president Barack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. DACA prevented certain immigrants–known as Dreamers–who came to the
US without documents as children, from being deported. Advocacy groups in the US clamoured last week to find ways to resist ICE’s crackdown and warned that the Caribbean community should take the recent actions by ICE very seriously. Some 41 people were arrested in NYC by ICE in the last week, two T&T nationals among them. BAJI’s programmes manager, Carl Lipscombe, said while he could not independently verify reports of sweeps and checkpoints by ICE, BAJI got a number of phone calls reporting them. “So we are inclined to believe there was a presence even if there were no arrests,” he said. ICE has since issued a statement saying their actions were targeted enforcement of wanted criminals and not random stops on the street.
Programme Director, Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat, Elizabeth Emanuel, interacts with students participating in a youth forum held at the Oxford Road offices of the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) Friday. KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Executive Director, Junior Achievement Jamaica, Alphie Mullings-Aiken, is urging young people to pursue career paths that will enable them to create wealth while offering solutions to some of society’s problems. She noted that many innovative ideas have been developed in the areas of information communication technology and robotics. She cited the example of Whatsapp, a free messaging and calling application, which has provided a solution to high telecommunications costs. Mullings-Aiken, who was addressing a youth forum at the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s (PIOJ) Oxford Road offices Friday, urged the participants to begin to think about how they can make an impact. “I want you to think about what is the problem I have personally, how can I solve that and how can I make money from that? That’s what our entrepreneurs are doing around the world,” she pointed out. The forum was staged by Junior
Achievement Jamaica in partnership with the Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat at the PIOJ and formed part of activities to mark National Careers Week from February 13 to 17 under the theme: ‘Expanding Horizons for Vision 2030’. It included interactive sessions highlighting new and emerging jobs in order to assist students in making wise career choices. It also provided them with an all day experience in a work environment. Programme Director, Vision 2030 Jamaica Secretariat, Elizabeth Emanuel, told JIS News that the objective was to engage students in a “visioning exercise” about the Jamaica they want by 2030. It also served to help them better understand their role in the fulfilment of the National Development Plan. “So they are not only beneficiaries of whatever development gains that we (achieve), but they also contribute to making Jamaica that place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business,” she said.
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VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Premio, Blue Bird, IST, Honda CRV, Toyota Spacio, Fielder Wagon, 212 Carina, RZ & Pitbull bus – Call: 650-7501
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/6605257 Register Now! Cosmetology, Nails & Wig designs courses, classes commence February 20th 2017. Call: 618-2417
INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045 Landscaping: We design, supply and implement residential and commercial indoor & outdoor Landscaping. Call 648-1821
Manager for Farm, Kuru Kuru Highway, must have van & lorry license, 35years & older. Call: 680-9898 Cook & baker for Interior location. Call: 618-2020
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Trade in your old empty printer ink cartridges for a new full one and pay HP $1,500, Canon $2,000- Call: 690-3883
TO LET New Road- V/Hoop- 3 bedrooms, top flat suitable for residence/offices. Call:649-1434/ 602-2818
1-Leyland DAF GRR Series; excellent condition. Call: 6804101
LAND FOR SALE VACANCY Customer Service Reps for Express International. Call 267-2992 or email jobs@expresstrucking corp.com.
Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822
MASH SPECIAL! 2010 TOYOTA AX10 - $2.6M, 2010 TOYOTA RAUM $2.3M – CALL: 642-7295 Ford Raptor-$8.5M, Audi A4$3.5M, BMW 318i-$2.5M, Toyota Ist-$1.9M, Honda S2000 Convertible-$3M. Contact#650-0402
Admin Staff; must be computer literate, Diploma in Business Management; 5 CXC Subjects. Call: 2181156/ email: info@cevons.com 1 Cashier, 1 sales assistant with pleasant personality & police clearance. Apply: written application @ 232 Camp & Middle St. Ice Palace Igloo. Call: 225-3672
Land @ Soesdyke, 6 lots measuring 135’X175’. Call: 627-3334/696-8935, email:fcranmore@guyana voice.com Land at Faria’s Dream, East Bank Demerara -$3.8M. Call: 665-8995 La Harmonie - $1.4M, $1.8M, $1.6M, $1.3M, Uitvlugt -$2M, $4.5M, Herstelling -$5M, Tuschen (front) $2.5M, price negotiable. Call: 614-6802 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.8M, $3.5M, Farm -$6M, Uitvlugt -$4.5M, Tuschen School Street -$3M, Herstelling -$5M. Call: 6046724 Transported corner lot with approved building plan @ 90 Garnett & Republic Streets, Newtown Kitty. Call: 6016000/227-3305
One experienced pastry maker; one driver with 3years experienced; one sales clerk. Call: 681-3983 Drivers, Carpenters, Security Guards. Call: 266 4427 Vacancy exists for one cashier to work at an ice-making facility. Must have Grade One to Grade Three in English in Mathematics. Serious applicants only. Excellent salary. Call 619 9180
Room for working couple/ single person. Light, water, 1 Female cleaner for office in bed included $30,000 Eccles and home- Call: 233monthly, $30,000 security @ 2745 South Ruimveldt- Tel:6230076 Journey Inn Apartments & Car Rental @ Eccles East Bank . Low Mashramani deals US$15- Call: 658-0927, 2332300 Two- one bedroom selfTAXI SERVICE contained apartments, situated at Public Road GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: Timehri, E.B.D – 3 minutes 219-5000; 227-1982 & from the airport. Call: 664-6000 225-7878 (24HRS)
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122, EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO. COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP REATES,SPECIAL OFFER FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494 DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MIN BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPOTR & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPESTRATE . Call: 698-7807
Monday February 20, 2017
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
Honda CBR 929 for sale; also land at Bushy Park, E.B.E – Call: 694-4609
Brains Construction & Rental Service: we rent all types of equipment, excavator, bobcat, trucks, tools. Call: 2190904/601-5024
1 Big music set, owner migrating. Call: 690-5225 1 Professional music set (complete), 1 Jacuzzi whirlpool. Call: 253-3070/654-2732 1 Marina 40HP outboard engine with 14 Aluminum boat, 1 Yamaha 75HP outboard engine in excellent condition. Call: 643-1622 1 Hilux Manual- GSS 5822, 1 Noah, excellent condition, GVV 5554. Call: 641-2763 Like new Apple I-Phone 6 and I-phone 6 plus 64GB $79,000. Call: 675-3062 1 Slate pool table- $275,000, Toyota Wagon -$175,000. Call: 661-5099 One Mazda engine gear box, one slush machine, one Tormo King refrigeration unitContact Hanif 646-2293 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Property at 14 th Avenue, Diamond, New Scheme, E.B.D -$23M negotiable – Call: 668-6940/601-1355
Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 6631876 Prime business place on Sheriff Street to rent only for offices. Call: 627-6740 or 2278644 Property for rent; 3 bedrooms top and bottom flat house on W.C.D, Canal No #2 Polder -$35,000 monthly. Call: 613-1860 One 2 bedrooms apartment in Covenden, East Bank Demerara. Call: 623-1615 Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business. Preferably with no children. Call: 226-7012 Building for rent (75ftX24ft); convenient parking space (50ft), location- Parika. Contact Ramo: 660-1248 For short term rental, 1 selfcontained 2 bedrooms apartment @ Avenue B, Diamond, E.B.D. working couple preferred- Call: 6585452 Apartment in Great Diamond, EBD- Contact: Ronique 6439286, Thandeka 603-0067 Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 Space for rent at Ashmin’s ideal for commercial, office and cafeteria use, no deposit. Call: 616-9660/ 671-1846
Goat Creek, Riverfront , 75 Acres land -$7M, Lanaballi River Front, 50 Acres -$9M. Call: 688-0087 Riviera Island: 145 Acres $30M, Tuschen property $5.8M, $6M, $15M. Call: 6880087 Tuschen 5,8,6,2 bedrooms; Hope- 2 bedrooms $7.8M, Enmore Land -$1.8M, Hogg Island 20 acres $8M Call: 6880087 2 Storey building located at 50 Durban & Halley streets, Wortmanville- Call:231-5108, 625-8884 TOURS Suriname weekend Tours Feb 23-26 & Lethem Rodeo from April 14-17 Bonfim, fallsTel:665-5171, 639-2663, 6583758, 223-7589
WANTED One driver/porter & porter. From Diamond, Grove area. Call: 216-1043, 677-6620 2 Labourers, 1 mason/carpenter. Monday- Friday, 8am-4pm- Tel:265-3586 One live in female supervisor for bar & grocery starting salary -$80,000 monthly, age 25-35yrs- Call: 610-3974 Experienced cook & cashier to work in Restaurant & internet café; preferably from the West Bank or West Coast. Call: 678-3400 Annabel Bistro. Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15 One male to work on chicken farm in the interior, must have knowledge about chicken rearing. Call: 680-2702 Waitress to work in bar, experience female office clerk; age 18-25, security guards. Call: 638-5303/ 227-7380 Body work man- Call: 6603004 1 Experienced Diesel Mechanic to work in G/town, apply in person. Call: 2271717 Ladies from Zeelugt/Meten Meer Zorg area to do cleaning. Call: 662-9341/ 6848231 Drivers for water truck to work on W.C.D $50 per bottle/ $26,000 weekly. Call: 662-9341/ 684-8231 1 House to buy in La Parfaite Harmony/ West Coast Demerara $4-6M with legitimate papers. No agents! Tel: 628-4854, 628-4879 Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606;692-4646
LEARN TO DRIVE EDUCATIONAL I.A.E Classes for CSEC June 2017: Mathematics, English A, Business & Science Subject for Students, Adults & repeaters. Call: 683-5742
C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
Monday February 20, 2017
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Kaieteur News
U.S. senators look to new sanctions Suppressing free press is ‘how dictators against Iran for missile development get started’: Senator McCain Reuters - U.S. Republican senators plan to introduce legislation to impose further sanctions on Iran, accusing it of violating U.N. Security Council resolutions by testing ballistic missiles and acting to “destabilise” the Middle East, a U.S. senator said yesterday. “I think it is now time for the Congress to take Iran on directly in terms of what they’ve done outside the nuclear programme,” Senator Lindsey Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told the Munich Security Conference. Graham said he and other Republicans would introduce measures to hold Iran accountable for its actions. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have risen since an Iranian ballistic missile test that prompted U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to impose sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the country’s Revolutionary Guards. “Iran is a bad actor in the greatest sense of the word when it comes to the region. To Iran, I say, if you want us
Mohammed Javad Zarif to treat you differently then stop building missiles, testfiring them in defiance of U.N. resolution and writing ‘Death to Israel’ on the missile. That’s a mixed message,” Graham said. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif told the conference earlier on Sunday that Iran did not respond well to sanctions or threats. James Jones, a former Supreme Allied Commander in Europe and President Barack Obama’s first national security adviser, told a separate event in Munich that
Youth beaten to death at Lethem Police from F Division are questioning several people in connection with the beating death of a 21-year-old man at Takatu, Lethem, at around 01.30hrs yesterday. Reports indicate that the victim, Lee Anton, of Bon Fim, Brazil, and a brother were walking along a trail after leaving a drinking establishment, when they were attacked by a group of men. The attackers reportedly threw stones at the siblings. One of the brothers told police that he managed to escape, while Anton was clubbed to death. Police reportedly found his body on the track, which is some distance from the Takatu Bridge that links Lethem to Brazil.
Mangroves: Nature’s gift to coastal... (From page 19) involvement of coastal communities. Communities need to become involved in the management of their mangrove forest to reduce the impacts of grazing, garbage dumping and cutting. Mangroves are a unique ecosystem that provides a range of ecosystem services for our protection and wellbeing. They protect coastal communities from flooding, serve as a nursery for a variety of fish species including crabs, provide a habitat for a variety of bird species and support our fight against climate change by sequestering carbon in the atmosphere.
Lindsey Graham he remained convinced that sanctions had persuaded Iran to negotiate the 2015 landmark deal with six world powers to curb its nuclear programme. “The sanctions did work. Iran would never have come to the negotiating table without sanctions,” Jones said. “This is a new form of response that if properly utilised can change behaviour and get people to do things that they otherwise wouldn’t do.” Senator Christopher Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told the same panel there was nothing preventing Congress from imposing sanctions beyond those that were lifted as a result of the 2016 nuclear agreement with Iran. Murphy, a Democrat, said had backed the nuclear deal in the explicit understanding that it would not prevent Congress from taking actions against Iran outside the nuclear issue. “There’s going to be a conversation about what the proportional response is,” Murphy said, referring to Iran’s missile test.
MUNICH (Reuters) Senator John McCain, defending the media against the latest attack by President Donald Trump, warned that suppressing the free press was “how dictators get started”. The Arizona Republican, a frequent critic of Trump, was responding to a tweet in which Trump accused the media of being “the enemy of the American people”. The international order established after World War Two was built in part on a free press, McCain said in an excerpt of an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that was released in advance of the full Sunday morning broadcast. “I hate the press. I hate you especially,” he told interviewer Chuck Todd from an international security conference in Munich. “But the fact is we need you. We need a free press. We must
John McCain have it. It’s vital.” “If you want to preserve I’m very serious now - if you want to preserve democracy as we know it, you have to have a free and many times adversarial press. And without it, I am afraid that we would lose so much of our individual liberties over time.
That’s how dictators get started,” he continued. “They get started by suppressing free press. In other words, a consolidation of power. When you look at history, the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press. And I’m not saying that President Trump is trying to be a dictator. I’m just saying we need to learn the lessons of history,” McCain said. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, told the conference on Sunday she was also concerned about Trump’s comments. “The real danger is the president’s criticism of the media,” Shaheen told the conference. “A free press ... is very important to maintaining democracy, and efforts on the part of a president to undermine and manipulate the press are very dangerous.”
Trump administration mulls changes to trade deficit calculations – WSJ Reuters - U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is mulling changes to how it calculates U.S. trade deficits in a way that would likely help bolster political arguments to renegotiate key trade deals, the Wall Street Journal reported yesterday, citing people involved in the discussions. The main idea being discussed is whether to exclude “re-exports” from the calculation of U.S. exports, sources told the newspaper. Re-exports refer to goods that are imported into the United States, then transferred to another country. Trump has been highly
critical of trade deals including the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Mexico and Canada. By using a metric that widens the trade deficit, it could give him political leverage to make sweeping changes, the paper reported. If the government adopted the new method, the deficit with Mexico would be nearly twice as high. The Journal reported that career government employees at the U.S. Tr a d e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e ’s (USTR) office objected to a request to prepare data using the new
methodology. Although they complied with the request, the newspaper reported, the staffers explained why they disagreed with the approach. In a statement to the newspaper, the office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s deputy chief of staff, Payne Griffin, said officials there are not close to a decision yet on whether to adopt a new approach. “We had a meeting with the Commerce Department, and we said, ‘Would it be possible to collect those other statistics?’” he was quoted as saying.
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Too early to predict US president’s impact on tourism – PM CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC- Prime Minister Allen Chastanet, has asserted that it is way too early to predict the likely impact of the Donald Trump presidency in the United States on Caribbean tourism in general and St Lucia’s tourism industry in particular. Chastanet, a former tourism minister, however asserted that there was good news in that the stock market in the United States is up and people believe that the economy is going to grow. “That is very important to us because it means that there are wealthier people – wealthier people means that there’s more travel.” “How restrictive immigration becomes could then potentially create an opportunity for us – offshore
universities and offshore medical facilities. People who could have potentially gone to America for vacation might consider coming to the Caribbean,” Chastanet stated. He said he would like to think that generally things will be positive for the Caribbean. “While we tend to support the Democrats, we tend to do much better economically when a Republican is in the house,” Chastanet asserted. He expressed regret that he was not present at the recent 28th Intercessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Guyana but expressed hope that at the CARICOM Heads of Government conference in July, the leaders can work
Allen Chastanet together to approach the United States. “I would like to see us bring back the three borders policy – a doctrine that used to exist before, so meetings with Canada and Mexico will be necessary so we can approach the US,” Chastanet explained.
SCHOOL SOFT-DRINK SALES TO STOP IN APRIL Trinidad Express - These were the problem of maternal deaths, which he said have since decreased, and the banning of the sale of soft drinks in schools. “On becoming Minister of Health, Trinidad and Tobago was faced with a very bad problem with maternal deaths, so I had a vision to decrease maternal deaths and we have been successful... and (as) the Minister of Health, and I take full responsibility for this, whether good or bad, is to ban the sale of soft drinks in schools from April,” he said. Deyalsingh said he intends to roll out “serious policies” for children to have a healthier lifestyle. He called on parents to support this initiative and asked that they practise not giving their children -sugary drinks and unhealthy foods. He said he was surprised to see children as young as 15 at dialysis centres. He said it costs the State
Terrence Deyalsingh $130,000 for one person per year for dialysis treatment. Deyalsingh also asked president of the Rapid Fire Kidz Foundation Kevin Ratiram to submit a proposal to join the ministry with the distribution of free glasses to children across the country. He said his ministry in 2015-2016 conducted vision screening of 26,765 primary
school pupils, including 12,849 Standard Four pupils; and for the same period, the ministry tested 12,849 pupils for hearing problems. Ratiram said this distribution was a significant milestone for the organisation, as it marked the 500th pair of eyewear to be distributed for free to children in two years. He said the foundation partnered with See Vu Optical, and over 3,500 children were screened from 24 primary schools. Ratiram said the foundation was making a positive difference in the lives of children, and made an appeal for others to assist. However, he said there were children who get involved in criminal activities because they lacked proper teaching aids and support. Ratiram, who is an attorney, called for a better criminal justice system in matters relating to offences against the abuse of children.
Hundreds of Cubans deported after US immigration status end: Cuba Havana (AFP) - More than 680 Cubans have been deported back to Cuba since the United States ended its decades-old policy giving them preferred immigrant status in January, state media reported Saturday. According to official Cuban reports, 683 people have been sent back to the Caribbean island from the United States, or from Mexico, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, where they were crossing in a bid to reach the US border. On January 12, then-president Barack Obama scrapped with immediate effect a 1995 policy that had given Cubans near-automatic entry to the United States if they managed to
set foot on American soil, regardless of their visa status. Cubans attempting to enter the country by sea had been turned back. The end of the so-called “wet-foot, dry foot” policy was part of the broader normalization and warming of US-Cuban relations after a half-century of hostility that Obama helped engineer in 2015 along with Cuban President Raul Castro. Now, overland Cuban migrants are treated like those who have attempted to cross into the United States by water and can be sent back to Cuba — unless they can convince US officials that they fear persecution or have valid humanitarian reasons to be let in.
Monday February 20, 2017
Kaieteur News
Commonwealth Secretariat calls for peaceful discourse in Dominica
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit (L) with Commonwealth Secretary General, Baroness Patricia Scotland, during her visit to Dominica when she told the opposition parties to “sousey sel” (suck salt) LONDON, England — In a press release on Saturday, the Commonwealth Secretariat said it has been monitoring developments in Dominica and was saddened by the violence that occurred following a public rally on February 7 organised by opposition parties. This is the same opposition in Dominica that Commonwealth secretary general, British Baroness Patricia Scotland, famously told to “sousey sel” (suck salt) a deeply offensive Creole curse, for which she has never apologised. Saturday’s expression of concern by the Commonwealth, coming 11 days after the incident in question, is therefore hardly likely to carry much weight domestically, regionally or internationally, especially as the BBC reported that the British government recently stepped in to shore up the troubled organisation amid concerns over the leadership and profligate misspending of Dominica-born Scotland. The Commonwealth Charter provides that freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, the rule of law and human rights are the foundations of a democratic society and accountable governance and, according to the Secretariat, it will work closely with regional partners such as the
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to encourage Dominicans to continue to find ways for peaceful dialogue and discourse. “It is important for the government and people of Dominica to uphold and respect the rule of law and that due process takes it course,” the Secretariat said. However, any attempt by the Commonwealth Secretariat and others to enlist the support of CARICOM is likely to be an exercise in futility since current chairman, Guyana’s President David Granger, said on Friday that concerns raised by Dominica’s opposition leader are an “internal matter” – the customary response to any political turmoil within any member country. The Secretariat said it is already supporting the efforts of Dominica to deepen democracy in the country, claiming that Scotland recently deployed a delegation to hold discussions with key stakeholders to strengthen and build trust in the country’s electoral systems and framework, a development that appears to have been conspicuous by its absence in recent media statements or reporting. “This support will continue,” the Secretariat said. (Caribbean News)
Trump comment about immigration ‘problems’ baffles Sweden Reuters - U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Sweden experienced an immigration-related security incident prompted a baffled response from the Scandinavian country on Sunday as diplomats asked for an explanation and citizens responded with amusement. Trump, who in his first weeks in office has tried to sharply tighten U.S. borders on national security grounds, cited Sweden as a country that had experienced problems with immigrants in remarks at a rally on Saturday. “You look at what’s happening last night in Sweden,” Trump said. “Sweden. Who would believe this? Sweden. They took in large numbers. They’re
having problems like they never thought possible.” That appeared to confuse the Swedish government, which asked the U.S. State Department to explain what the new president meant. “We are trying to get clarity,” Swedish Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Catarina Axelsson said. The State Department said it did not comment on diplomatic communications. Trump has been widely criticized for making assertions with little supporting evidence. In recent months, he has argued that more than 3 million people voted fraudulently in the U.S. election, an assertion that election officials say is false, and incorrectly stated that he
won the election by the most decisive margin in decades. Swedish news sources made no mention of a recent terrorism attack or other highprofile crime in the country. “Nothing spectacular happened in Sweden on Friday,” wrote the Local, an English-language website in Sweden. Fox News, a U.S. cable news channel that has sometimes been cited favourably by Trump, ran a report on Friday night about alleged migrant-related crime problems in the country. Sweden’s crime rate has fallen since 2005, official statistics show, even as the country has taken in hundreds of thousands of immigrants from war-torn countries like Syria and Iraq.
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‘That bus has gone’ - EU Trump administration drafts plan to sees no Brexit U-turn now raise asylum bar, speed deportations Reuters - Tony Blair wants fellow Britons to “rise up” and block or soften Brexit, but it may now be out of their hands — many Europeans just want them to get on and get out. After their June referendum vote to quit the EU, stunned European leaders insisted Britons were welcome to change their minds. That may have encouraged those like expremier Blair who last week challenged Prime Minister Theresa May’s plan to launch the process next month and exit in two years whatever the EU offers. Yet whatever their hopes of legal obstacles or of an electoral backlash, the mood across the rest of the bloc has shifted away. While officially the door remains open to Britain to stay, many on the continent would not welcome a U-turn now. “This bus has left,” said one senior EU diplomat. “No one is happy about it. But we have moved on and the last thing anyone wants now is to reopen the whole issue.” To be sure, with closefought elections in core EU members France and Germany this year and upstart populist movements shaking up politics across the region,
Tony Blair few would want to predict with any confidence the final outcome of the Brexit process. Even among allies with most to lose from Brexit, there is little talk of a reprieve: “We have to accept the decision that Brexit will happen,” Irish Europe Minister Dara Murphy told a Dublin forum where many voiced fears for Ireland’s economy. From the European Commission, the Brussels executive whose Michel Barnier will negotiate Brexit for the Union, some also detect harder tone, warning against those in Britain who want to pull back from a “hard Brexit”, or the clean break with the EU market that May
spelled out last month. “‘I’m a bit in, I’m a bit out, maybe tomorrow I’ll be back’ ... — this isn’t on,” Commission President JeanClaude Juncker chided last week. “You’re either in, or you’re out.” “The mood in Brussels ... has hardened really over the last few weeks,” said Giles Merritt, chairman of Brussels think-tank Friends of Europe. Some still talk of hope: “Despite the hard rhetoric and threats by the British government ... the European Union remains a project of mending,” said German lawmaker Terry Reintke, who speaks on Brexit for the Greens in the European Parliament. “If the UK was to decide to stay a member of the European Union, the Greens will fight against closing the door.” But Germany, France and other big powers worry that being soft on London could lead to a further unravelling of the EU. So even if May were to seek a “soft Brexit” — under which it would notably retain full access to the EU’s single market in return for accepting its rules — many have lost patience with a Britain that has long secured special favours.
People participate in a protest march calling for human rights and dignity for immigrants, in Los Angeles. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson Reuters - The Department of Homeland Security has prepared new guidance for immigration agents aimed at speeding up deportations by denying asylum claims earlier in the process. The new guidelines, contained in a draft memo dated February 17 but not yet sent to field offices, directs agents to only pass applicants who have a good chance of ultimately getting asylum, but does not give specific criteria for establishing credible fear of persecution if sent home. The guidance instructs asylum officers to “elicit all relevant information” in determining whether an applicant has “credible fear” of persecution if returned home, the first obstacle faced by migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border requesting asylum. Three sources familiar with the drafting of the guidance said the goal of the new instructions is to raise the bar on initial screening in order to ease strain on the courts and reduce the number of immigrants allowed to stay in the United States, often for years, while they await a hearing. The administration’s plan is to leave wide discretion to asylum officers by allowing them
to determine which applications have a “significant possibility” of being approved by an immigration court, the sources said. The guidance was first reported and posted on the internet by McClatchy news organisation. In 2015, just 18 percent of asylum applicants whose cases were ruled on by immigration judges were granted asylum, according to the Justice Department. Applicants from countries with a high rate of political persecution have a higher chance of winning their asylum cases. A tougher approach to asylum seekers would be an element of President Donald Trump’s promise to crack down on immigration and tighten border security, a cornerstone of his election campaign and a top priority of his first month in office. The guidelines are contained in two draft memos signed by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly and currently under review by the White House, according to two people familiar with them. The memos also outlined plans for greatly expanding the categories of people that immigration agents target for deportation, and gives them wide discretion in deciding who to deport.
Iraq launches offensive on last Islamic State stronghold in Mosul Reuters - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces yesterday launched a ground offensive to dislodge Islamic State militants from the western part of the city of Mosul, and put an end to their ambitions for territorial rule in Iraq. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of the offensive in the northern city, asking the armed forces to “respect human rights” during the battle and to take care of those displaced by the fighting. Islamic State militants are essentially under siege in western Mosul, along with an estimated 650,000 civilians, after they were forced out of the eastern part of the city in the first phase of an offensive that concluded last month, after 100 days of fighting. Up to 400,000 civilians could be displaced by the offensive as residents of western Mosul suffer food and fuel shortages and markets are closed, United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande told Reuters on Saturday. Iraqi federal police units are leading a northward charge on the Mosul districts that lie west of the Tigris River, aiming to capture Mosul airport, just south of the city, according to statements from the armed forces joint command. They dashed through several villages,
reaching Zakrutiya, a hamlet 5 km (3 miles) south of the airport by the end of the day, the statements said, and captured a power distribution station along the way, killing several jihadists, including snipers. The Rapid Response, an elite Interior Ministry Unit, is advancing alongside the federal police and captured several villages, according to an officer, who said they were largely abandoned. “Mosul would be a tough fight for any army in the world,” the commander of the U.S.led coalition forces, Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend, said in a statement. To date, the coalition has conducted more than 10,000 air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and trained and equipped more than 70,000 Iraqi forces, the statement said. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis declined to offer details about U.S. battle plans when speaking to reporters in the United Arab Emirates. “The coalition forces are in support of this operation and we will continue ... with the accelerated effort to destroy ISIS,” he said, using an acronym for the militant group. Islamic State has escalated its insurgency in retaliation for the military setbacks that have, over the past year, forced it out of most Iraqi cities it had captured in 2014 and 2015.
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Title success well deserved, CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship - Bahamas 2017 Hamid confident Guyana will says skipper Holder
hold its own as history beckons By Franklin Wilson in the Bahamas with the compliments of Ringbang, Crown Mining Supplies, Fazia’s Collection, Fitness Express, German’s Restaurant and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.
Barbados Pride celebrate their capture of the Regional Super50 on Saturday night. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Captain Jason Holder has praised the Barbados Pride bowling unit, after they played a key role in helping the side lift the Regional Super50 title here Saturday night. Defending 272 at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Pride held Jamaica Scorpions to 212 all out in the 45th over, to come away with a strong 59-run victory. Left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn spearheaded the attack with three for 33 from his 10 overs while seamers Holder (2-28), Carlos Brathwaite (243) and Kemar Roach (2-54) all claimed two wickets each. Off-spinner Ashley Nurse, who finished as the tournament’s leading wickettaker with 26 scalps, managed just one wicket but was instrumental throughout. “Our bowlers were outstanding all tournament long, led by Ashley, I thought he was outstanding,” Holder said. “He wasn’t at his best today but that’s what a good team does – they pick up the slack when one of the other teammates are down. I thought Sulieman had an outstanding game and bowled extremely well. He got three crucial wickets for us and that’s what he was in the team to do – take wickets. “Credit must be given to
the entire bowling department and also our fielders. I thought we held our catches and out in a clinical effort.” Holder produced a superb attacking innings in helping to set up Pride’s win, hammering an explosive 47ball 69 to propel his side to 271 for nine off their 50 overs. He put on a 127-run, sixth wicket stand with Shai Hope who carved out 101 from 98 deliveries, to post his second straight hundred following his 125 in the semi-final against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last Thursday. Pride were languishing at 138 for five in the 35th over when Holder and Hope joined forces, and the West Indies Test and one-day skipper said the partnership had been a crucial one in reviving the innings. “When I went in to bat with Shai, I thought it was important for us to get a partnership and I just needed to be positive as well,” he explained. “There was no point me going out there and trying to soak up balls and put pressure back on us. It was a period where I had to consolidate a bit but still had to remain positive and it was important that I kept instilling confidence in Shai and made it easier for him by rotating the strike.
“I was able to do that and I was also able to launch. But again, Shai Hope was absolutely outstanding and must be given credit for the way he’s played in the this tournament. He didn’t have the best of starts but he finished the back end – the most important part of the tournament – really well.” Hope finished with 482 runs, Test opener Kraigg Brathwaite scored 484 while Holder gathered 213 runs and also picked up 18 wickets. Holder said Pride had been the best side throughout the tournament and deserved the success. “I thought the guys were very, very consistent all tournament long, we put in the performance needed to win this final and I don’t think a better team could have come up and won this final so congrats to the Barbados Pride team and everyone who would have contributed to this.” Scores: PRIDE 271 for nine off 50 overs (Shai Hope 101, Jason Holder 69, Kevin Stoute 41; Rovman Powell 227, Jason Campbell 2-35). SCORPIONS 212 all out off 44.3 overs (Rovman Powell 65, Andre McCarthy 30, Damion Jacobs 28; Sulieman Benn 3-33, Jason Holder 2-28, Carlos Brathwaite 2-43, Kemar Roach 2-54).
When the whistle is blown by the referee at 20:00hrs Bahamas time tonight at the BFA Stadium, Malcolm Park to signal the start of the feature match of six on the opening night of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship, it will be forever etched in history as the first time Guyana is represented at this level. Months of preparations which started with the first ever National Beach Soccer League sponsored by Corona Beer in early 2016 was then followed by a squad being named to commence preparations towards participation at the CONCACAF Championship, it is now a reality. Coach Abdullah Hamid and his Technical Staff along with the excited players have all expressed that they are here to do their best for Guyana come this evening and every other match that they will play whilst here, six in total. Hamid noted that whilst the road has not been easy to travel, the team is satisfied with efforts made by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) to ensure that they are here as well as was able to participate at the Barbados Beach Soccer Showcase last weekend in the Land of the Flying Fish. Guyana will play the sixth and final match of today’s opening day and have been drawn in Group ‘A’ which also has Jamaica and Belize. Hamid, who was part of a CONCACAF Programme to equip the coaches of the sixteen competing nations at this championship, told Kaieteur Sport that preparations have gone very well and they are now eager to show what Guyana can do. “We are ready and rearing to go here in the Bahamas. Our training was boosted no doubt with the Barbados competition and we are grateful since it allowed us to iron out a few areas in our play.” Guyana which had played back to back matches on the opening night in Barbados lost to both Trinidad and Tobago and England but rebounded in style to down the host nation and Antigua and Barbuda before enjoying a short camp in Barbados before
heading to the Bahamas on Friday last. “We learnt quite a bit from the two losses in Barbados and the good thing is that we had ample time to work on the weak areas, that we did and it brought us two wins. The guys recognized the style of play that is needed at this level and we adjusted. We strived to maintain possession instead of just kicking and running behind the ball.” Zooming in on this tournament, Hamid boasted that the players have matured mentally and will give of their best. “We have been improving all along and when it comes to knowing a bit about our first opponent, I was fortunate to be in Miami at the CONCACAF training exercise and Bahamas was there to do execution of drills for us, so I know them. We have also spent quite a lot of time watching DVD’s of them playing and their style.” Hamid stated that the advantage Guyana has is that, a lot of people only knew and saw them playing in Barbados. He is calling on the nation to support the team. “What we are trying to accomplish is being the first football team from Guyana to qualify for a World Cup. I would like to see our fellow Guyanese supporting us. I know many of them are doing so, so I am encouraging others to follow them. We are here to set Guyana on the map of Beach Football and once we achieve that, Beach Football would spread to all parts of Guyana. We need more youths to come to the sport.” Hamid informed that the GFF has rendered overwhelming support to the team and they are very grateful for this. “They have been there from the start and all the way giving support and ensured that we would have been given some level of international practice ahead of being here for our biggest Beach Soccer campaign to date. Guyana will play Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz tomorrow in the main supporting match at 18:45hrs while they will close out group play on Wednesday with a match against Belize. The top two teams from each group would advance to the quarter finals.
Elaine clocks world-leading... From page 30 champion Britain’s Mo Farah marked his final race indoors by winning the 5,000 metres in a new European record time of 13 minutes 9.16 seconds. The 33-year-old distance great, who won gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m at both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games, plans to retire from all track events to concentrate on road-racing after the World Championships in London in August. In Birmingham, he was run close by Bahrain’s Albert Rop, who managed to stay with Farah after he burst clear from the rest of the field before being beaten in a sprint finish. “I had amazing support from the crowd today and I can’t quite believe it’s my last indoor race,” Farah told the BBC after improving his own record for the event. “I’ve had a great career indoors and particularly on this track,” added Farah, who finished a disappointing seventh at last month’s Edinburgh cross-country. In other events, Britain’s Andrew Pozzi ran
a new personal best and world-leading time of 7.43 seconds in the 60m hurdles, with the United States’ Aries Merritt, the 110m hurdles word record-holder third. The women’s 1,000 metres saw Britain’s Laura Muir just miss out on a world record as she won in two minutes 31.93 seconds. Muir’s time was just a second off Maria Mutola’s world indoor record of 2:30.94. However, the 23-year-old Scot’s time was a new British record, beating a mark set by Kelly Holmes in 2004 — the same year Holmes won gold in both the 800m and 1500m at the Olympic Games in Athens.
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Wills is Circuitville Jaguars FC President
The new Circuitville Jaguars FC executive pose with some of the club’s members following the installation of the executive on Friday afternoon last at Yarrowkabra. Owan Wills has been elected President of the Circuitville Jaguars Football Club based at Yarrowkabra, Linden Soesdyke Highway. The club’s first general meeting was held on Friday afternoon last at their field where Wills and eight other executives were installed by President of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA), Franklin Wilson. Also in attendance at the
meeting was Technical Advisor to the EBFA, Winston Benons. The other positions are : Samuel Simpson (Vice President), Donetta Phillips (Secretary), Jessica Hamilton (Treasurer), Obene Nelson (Assistant Secretary/Treasurer), Matthew Sue-Kam-Ling (Admin Officer), Melissa Joe, Ernest Adams and Deceius Mundo (Committee Members). Wilson commended Wills and
his young executive for taking up the challenge to organise the game in the area and noted that they have been showing admirable commitment ever since writing to the EBFA to be affiliated. The club has been doing well in the GFF/NAMILCO Flour Power National Intra Association Under-17 championship and is in third place (16 points) of 9 teams following the conclusion of the
Thompson bowls Demerara to comprehensive victory
Player of the match Akaze Thompson accepts her prize from match referee Grantley Culbard. Skipper Akaze Thompson grabbed a career best 6-8 as Essequibo were bowled out for a paltry 20 against Demerara when the Guyana Cricket Board senor female inter county 50-over tournament continued on Saturday at the Everest Cricket Club. After deciding to bat, Essequibo lost openers Nadia Conyers (00) and Estel Lewis (01) to be reduced to 1-1 in three overs. The Essequibians, who were told about the tournament
only one day before it commenced thus giving them little or no preparation time, never recovered and were sent packing for 20 in 8.1 overs. Wickets continued to fall like rain drops as Essequibo were reduced to 9-6, before Keesha Tucker who hit two fours to remain unbeaten on 14 and Eyhinda Abrams (00) added 14 to take them to their eventual total. Seven batters failed to get off the mark as Akaze Thompson finished
with 6-8 off 4.1 overs, while Heema Singh had 2-12. Demerara replied with 21 without lost. June Ogle made 11 while Mandy Mangru got seven. Clearly from the short stint in the middle, the Essequibians showed that they have the potential to do a lot better, but the lack of cricket in the county played a significant role in their poor showing. Muchless female cricket, Essequibo did not experience a first division tournament for the past year. Neither has there been an inter association tournament at any level which was used as the yard stick to select any county team. Apart from Wakenaam, East Bank Essequibo and South Essequibo, little or no cricket is being played in the other area committees which make it difficult for the selectors to arrive at the county’s best team at any level. Sadly the players representing Essequibo in this tournament, which is being used as a yard stick to select the national team, were only told about the tournament one day before it commenced; there was no practice or encampment. With the presence of Althea Newark, Keesha Tucker and Estel Lewis, Essequibo has shown that they have talented players, but if those talent is not being harnessed properly, female cricket in the county will remain stagnant.
first round. They are currently preparing their senior team to compete in the EBFA Senior League which will kick off next month as well as the association’s annual Under-11 competition which will also commence next month. Benons in remarks also complimented Wills and the executive whilst encouraging them to inculcate the correct attitude and
work as a collective. He encouraged them to be respectful display good desire and be disciplined. The new body was also encouraged to treat the players well and be positive examples. Wills thanked his fellow executives for taking up the challenge and they all committed to doing their best to make Circuitville Jaguars FC one of the best clubs in the EBFA.
Elaine clocks world-leading 6.98secs in Birmingham ...Mo Farah sets new European 5,000m record in last indoor race
Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson (left) wins the Women’s 60m final during the Indoor athletics Grand Prix at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham, England, Saturday. (Photos: AFP) BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom (AFP) — Elaine Thompson, the reigning Olympic 100m and 200m champion, led a Jamaican sweep of the women’s 60m at the Birmingham Grand Prix Saturday. For the win, Thompson clocked a personal best and world-leading 6.98 seconds, the eighth-fastest time ever. She was followed by compatriots Gayon Evans (7.12 secs) and Christania Williams (7.18). In the men’s equivalent, the Jamaican pair of Everton Clarke (6.58 secs) and Julian Forte (6.59) could
only manage fourth and fifth, respectively. The event was won by the American Robbie Baker (6.55), followed by St Kitts and Nevis’ Kim Collins (6.58) and Great Britain’s Richard Kilty (6.58). Another Jamaican, Megan Simmons was eighth in the final of the women’s 60m hurdles in 8.24 seconds. The race was won by the USA’s Christina Manning (7.83 secs), with second going to her countrywoman Sharika Nelvis (7.94) and Australia’s Sally Pearson (7.96). Meanwhile, four-time Olympic Continued on page 29
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Kaieteur News
Entries roll in for Berbice Volleyball Association holds Guyana Cup rematch successful one day extravaganza for schools set for Sunday Over 40 entered as entries close Wednesday The prolonged inclement weather is continuing to play a cat and mouse game with outdoor activities in the country. However, entries have been rolling in for the annual Guyana Cup rematch Horserace meet, set for Sunday 26th February at the Rising Sun Turf, Club Arima Park, West Coast Berbice. The event is, organised by the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stables in collaboration with the Rising Sun Turf Club. So far over 40 horses have been entered for the meet and according to Organiser Nazrudeen Mohammed Jr , closing date for entries have been extended to Wednesday. He said that a number of stables, owners and trainers have indicated their interest in participating, but is asking for a few more days to fine tune their animals. He said the inclement weather has been hampering final preparations, but he expects a packed house. Eight races are listed on the days programme with over $7M up for grabs. The feature event for animals classified D2 and lower over 1800M already has an interesting lineup with the likes of CP Got Even, Score Even, Just Call Me Boss, and Princess She is not, Spit Fire, Jack in My Style, Golden Blue Ecko, Lady Budapest and Light up Canada looking for the coveted $1M winning purse and trophy. The other events listed, which has also garnered interesting line-ups are – the
event for horses classified E1 and lower West Indies bred non earners for 2016 and E3 US and Canadian bred non earners for 2016. That event will see the winners collecting $600,000 and trophy over 1400M. The event for 4 years old West Indies Bred and animals classified G3 and lower for a winning pocket of $300,000 and trophy over 1400M. Horses classified H and lower will race for a winning take of $275,000 and trophy over 1100M. The 3 years old West Indies bred and I1 and lower horses will cover 1400M for a first prize of $225,000 and trophy. There is an 1100M event for three year old West Indies bred horses maiden animals for $180,000. The J2 and K class event has its first prize tagged at $175,000 and trophy over 1100M. The animals classified L and lower will compete for the winning pocket of $130,000 and trophy over 1100M. The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the Trophy Stall of Bourda Market and the organizers. Interested persons can contact Fazal Habibulla on 657-7010 or 232-0232, Donald Lawrie on telephone No 2254530, Compton Sancho 6021567 or Ramnauth on 6971979. Race time is 12:30 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition
Richard Ishmael destroys Brickdam
Richard Ishmael inflicted a crushing 7-2 win over Brickdam Secondary as play in this year’s Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition continued Saturday at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. They were led to victory through a brace apiece from Sevon Wintyer, who netted in the 14th and 42nd minutes, Tamiel Hutson’s 52nd and 53rd and Trevon December’s 63rd and 65th minutes, while Azandee King’s 32nd minute goal completed their tally. For Brickdam, Dequan Duke in the 24th and Kirwan Davis’ 45th were the players on target. In other results: Christ Church edged Cummings Lodge 2-1 in an entertaining affair. The top two finishers in each group will advance to the elimination round. The championship is slated to conclude on April 23rd. Winner of the tourney will collect $500,000 towards a school project and the championship trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed sides will receive $300,000,$200,000 and $100,000 respectively towards a similar endeavour and trophies.
Action in the BVA schools volleyball programme at Port Mourant last Friday. Despite the inclement weather the Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) on Friday held a successful one day volleyball extravaganza for schools in the East Berbice Corentyne, Region 6 area. The activity, which was held at the Port Mourant Community centre, saw most of the day’s activity being held indoors. Participation were drawn from both Primary and Secondary Schools with some nine schools participating with some 130 students, 37 being females. There were one training Center and a female team also in attendance. The BVA, which has also taken a strong anti-suicide stance, saw the day’s activity being held under the theme “Live up don’t give up with
suicide.” The day’s extravaganza saw the students being exposed to a full day programme. After prayers the students were entertained by an anti-suicide dance performed by students of the Port Mourant Training Center. They were also treated to a number of other cultural items. They were taken through their paces by President of the Berbice Volleyball Association Levi Nedd and President of the St Francis Community Developers, Alex Foster. They were assisted by teachers and members of the BVA and senior players. Foster delved into the topic of suicide and congratulated Nedd and the BVA for taking the stance
against the scourge. He encouraged the students to stay in school, take their education seriously and help in ridding the country of the scourge. Those in attendance were taught the different aspects of volleyball. They were engaged in both theoretical and practical sessions. Among the areas covered were introduction to volleyball, ball control, passing and serving among other areas. The student were then involved in a number of novelty games. As the weather cleared up during the afternoon session the student were taken outside and were involved in a number of exhibition games. The schools represented were – Line Path Secondary,
Berbice High School, Port Mourant Secondary, J C Chandisingh, Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, Lower Corentyne Secondary, Tain Primary, Rose Hall Primary and Port Mourant Primary. The Port Mourant Training Center (PMTC) and the Port Mourant females were also in attendance. Some of the schools were represented by both male and female players, senior, junior and females. The outstanding players were all presented with trophies and other accolades compliments of Mr. Alex Foster of the St Francis Community Developers (SFCD) and the BVA. The day’s activity began at 09:00 hrs. (Samuel Whyte)
Co-founder and Coach of the Guyana Road Runners Track and Field Club, Diallo Jamal Shabazz was returned unopposed as President of the Club last Sunday when it held an Annual General Meeting (AGM) at Floral Creations on Quamina Street, South Cummingsburg, Georgetown. Javon Rocke (First VicePresident); Corlene Skekel (Second Vice-President); Twana McAlmont (Secretary); Nigel Siland (Treasurer); Marilyn Gibson (Asst. Sect Treasurer); Wince Thomas (Organising Secretary); Delon Grandison (Public Relations Officer) and Committee Members: Gladstone Hopkinson, Donicia Bess, Debra Douglas, Clifton Thom and Safa Shabazz formed the new Executive of the Club. The Club Captain is
Beyonce Skekel and ViceCaptain, Lennox Whitney. Major General (Retired) Norman McLean holds the position of ‘Patron’. According to a press release from the club, the Returning Officer was Winston St Hill. The Coaches are Thomas, Shabazz, Siland and Happo Hopkinson. The following former members were bestowed honorary life membership: Devaun Barrington, Kevin Abbensetts, Siddiqua Shabazz, Carlisa Atkinson, Dawud Shabazz, Virlyn Gibson, Daniel Benjamin, Jonathon Fagundes and Patrick Bobb. According to the press release, the Club intends to stage a recruitment drive to enroll male and female athletes from Albouystown, Sophia, Agricola and Tiger Bay areas. Shabazz expressed
his gratitude to several entities and individuals for the support the Club has received over the years. Those include McLean, Larry London, Dr. Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, Director of De Sinco Trading, Frank DeAbreu, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Director of Banks (D.I.H), George McDonald. “For positive changes in
Track & Field, Administrators and Coaches need to put aside egos, personal ambition and more importantly our differences and get to work, communicating and agreeing on putting Track & Field first and club and self, second,” the release said. “People don’t care how much you know until they see how much you care”, it added.
Diallo Jamal Shabazz reelected Road Runners President
WBCA T20 festival rescheduled for March 5 The West Berbice Cricket Association Goodwill T20 festival which was set for yesterday has been re-schedule for March 5 at D’ Edward, West Bank Berbice. Defending champions East Berbice Universal DVD Titans, West Berbice Super Kings, Chowramootoo West Bank Berbice and Demerara Cricket Board XI are the teams involved. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the winner, runner up, third place, man of the series, best bowler and batsman in an innings, man-of-the-match in the final and first round matches.
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Kaieteur News
Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Tournament 2017
Deje Dias wins Open Category and Abosaide Cadogan Category A The Guyana Squash Association (GSA) in collaboration with its corporate sponsor Digicel concluded its 2017 season with its customary Bounty Farm Ltd Handicap Squash Tournament at the Georgetown Club Inc. courts. The curtains came down on the five day tournament when spectators and supporters were treated to another day of spectacular squash yesterday. In the Open category Deje Dias (-2) showed why over the years he has won several crucial team matches for Guyana when he clawed his way back from match ball down in the second game to secure victory over Daniel Islam (+3). The first game was close throughout and when Deje caught Daniel at five all it seemed as if Deje would easily win this game but Daniel had other ideas. From five all the game went back and forth with Daniel eventually winning the first game 15 – 13. When Daniel won the first three points of the second game with Deje seemingly exhausted it appeared all over but Deje has always been a fighter. Somehow he won the next six points to close to within two points of Daniel then after losing a point, won the next five points to take the lead at 9 – 7. From that point onwards the two players traded points and when Daniel reached to match ball at 14 – 13 it appeared all over. Deje however won the next two points with spectacular shots to force a third and deciding game. Daniel now appeared to be the more tired of the two players and when Deje caught him at six all and then moved straight to thirteen the game was as good as over. Deje would eventually close out the match 15 – 7. Both finalists had won their respective semi finals matches on the previous day with Deje (-2) outlasting Javid Rahaman (+5) 15 – 12, 14 – 15, 15 – 12, while Daniel (+3) had easily outplayed Adam Alves (+7) 15 – 8, 15 – 10. In Category A, Abosaide Cadogan (+5) won her first senior tournament when she held her nerve to outlast Madison Fernandes (+5). Abosaide won the first game 15 – 11 with both players showing remarkable retrieving abilities. The second game was close throughout but Madison eventually won this game 15 – 13. The third game was never close as Abosaide
Results of the other matches played on the previous day were as follows: Category A Mohyryan Baksh (+7) beat Paige Fernandes (+8) 15 – 5, 15 - 12 Samuel Ince-Carvalhal (-8) beat Kirsten Gomes (+5) 15 – 9, 5 – 15, 15 – 9
Ms. Nichole Melville representative of the sponsors Bounty Farm Ltd hands over the winner’s trophy to Deje Dias.
Ms. Nichole Melville representative of the sponsors Bounty Farm Ltd hands over the top trophy to Abosaide Cadogan. quickly moved out to a six point lead which she never relinquished and won the third game 15 – 4. Both these players had upset wins in their respective semi finals matches the previous evening. Abosaide (+5) beat defending champion Samuel InceCarvahal (-8) 9 – 15, 15 – 3, 15 – 12, while Madison (+5) easily defeated Gianni Carpenter (-6) 15 – 13, 15 – 5. In the Open category, third place playoff Javid Rahaman (+5) came from one game down to defeat Adam Alves (+7) 7 – 15, 15 – 13, 15 – 6, while in Category A Samuel Ince-Carvahal (-8) secured an
easy win against Gianni Carpenter (-6) 15 – 5, 15 – 6 for third place. In the Open category plate final, Joe Mekdeci (+4) took care of Regan Pollard (14) 15 – 4, 15 – (-6) while in the Category A equivalent, James Mekdeci (+7) easily defeated Zachary Persaud (+7) 15 – 3, 15 – 9. In the battle for third places in the two plate categories, Johnathan Antczak (+7) outlasted Douglas De Groot (+7) 15 – 11, 14 – 15, 15 – 7, while Nicholas Verway (+10) defeated Isabella Ramjohn (+12) 15 – 8, 15 – 7.
Madison Fernandes (+5) beat Aliyah Persaud (+7) 7 – 15, 15 – 5, 15 – 7 Gianni Carpenter (-6) beat Liam Carpenter (+10) 15 – 12, 15 – 13 Abosaide Cadogan (+5) beat Mohyryan Baksh (+7) 15 – 8, 15 – 8 Open category plate Regan Pollard (-14) defeated Douglas De Groot (+7) (-3) – 15, 15 – 13, 15 – 13 Joe Mekdeci (+4) beat Jonathan Antczak (+7) 10 – 15, 15 – 14, 15 – 11 Category A plate James Mekdeci (+7) beat Nicholas Verway (+10) 15 – 10, 15 – 10 Zachary Persaud (+7) defeated Isabella Ramjohn (+12) 15 – 5, 15 - 7 Christiana Fernandes (+13) beat Rayden Persaud (+13) 7 – 15, 15 – 9, 15 – 9 Zachary Persaud (+7) beat Nathan Rahaman (+9) 15 – 13, 15 – 13 James Mekdeci (+7) defeated Louis da Silva (+9) 15 – 7, 15 – 6 Nicholas Verway (+10) beat Mikhail Persaud (+10) 15 – 13, 11 – 15, 15 – 6 Isabella Ramjohn (+12) defeated Christiana Fernandes (+13) 14 – 15, 15 – 13, 15 – 12 Final results in each category Open category Deje Dias – Winner Daniel Islam – second Javed Rahaman – Third Adam Alves – Fourth Category A Abosaide Cadogan – Winner Madison Fernandes – Second Samuel Ince-Carvalhal – Third Gianni Carpenter – Fourth Open category plate Joe Mekdeci – Winner Regan Pollard – Second Jonathan Antczak – Third Douglas De Groot – Fourth Category A plate James Mekdeci – Winner Zachary Persaud – Second Nicholas Verway – Third Isabella Ramjohn – Fourth Prizes were presented to the winners by Ms Nichole Melville representative of the sponsors Bounty Farm Ltd.
Monday February 20, 2017
Yorke did NOT run afoul of Trump travel ban; T&T W/Cup captain supposedly had visa issue
Manchester United star Dwight Yorke (centre) and goalkeeper Raymond van der Gouw prepare for action on day one of the BA Tobago Legends Football Tournament in June 2015. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868) WIRED 868 - Former Manchester United star and Trinidad and Tobago World Cup 2006 captain Dwight Yorke was not turned back from Florida nor was he denied access to the United States due to President Donald Trump’s controversial “travel ban”, which was already overturned by the US courts. Instead, according to Trinidad and Tobago Government sources, Yorke was allegedly denied the opportunity to fly through Miami—in transit—due to a visa issue. The 45 year old Yorke, who is his country’s most celebrated footballer, was attempting to leave Qatar for Trinidad via Miami. He never dealt with US Immigration directly at all and, according to sources, was not allowed to board a flight to Miami since he “did not have the appropriate visa.” Yorke told the UK Sun newspaper that he felt “like a criminal.” “I couldn’t quite believe what was happening,” Yorke told the Sun. “I have lost count of the number of times I have been to America, I love the country, yet I was being made to feel like a criminal. “I had bought my ticket and checked in and was about to get on the flight when I was stopped by two officials. “I thought ‘what is happening here?’ They told me there was a visa problem and a red flag had come up against my name because of an Iranian stamp in my passport.” Yorke subsequently re-booked his flight to Trinidad using another transit point. Yorke’s travel woes became international news after his media colleague and former Sky Sports presenter, Richard Keys, tweeted: “Well done @realDonaldTrump. Man U ambassador Dwight Yorke denied transit access to Miami cause he has Iranian stamp in passport. #crazy.” However, there is no evidence to suggest that Yorke’s problems were related to Trump’s controversial and shortlived travel suspension. Keys and Yorke both work for beIN Sports. Yorke, according to Britain’s Mirror newspaper, played in a charity match in Tehran, two years ago, alongside former Brazil World Cup winner Roberto Carlos and Portugal legend Luis Figo. Money from that exhibition game, which featured members of the Iranian national team, was donated to sufferers of multiple sclerosis. On 27 January 2017, Trump signed an executive order that placed a 90-day visa suspension on travellers from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The order exempted certain visa categories from the ban as well as person’s fleeing “religious persecution” from the predominantly Muslim nations. Trump’s executive order was subsequently thrown out by the US courts, although he has vowed to craft a new one by next week.