Kaieteur News

Thursday February 23, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Auditor General 1992-2015 reports reveal …

Procurement system was subjected to chronic abuse for over 18 years By Kiana Wilburg Financial analysts have long lauded Guyana’s procurement rules and regulations as being one of the finest. But even with one of the best set of laws in place, the reports of the nation’s Auditor General paint a picture of chronic abuse which spans over 18 years. Speaking with Kaieteur News last night, Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran, who served as Auditor General for the period 1992 to 2004, gave some insight into what took place during his tenure. Goolsarran stated that during his time, the governing document in relation to procurement was the tender board regulations. He said that while this did not have the force of the law, all ministries and departments were required to adhere to it. The former Auditor General noted that one of the biggest problems during that 1992 to 2004 period was “contract splitting”. The former Auditor General said, “Contract splitting was one of the biggest issues and I had introduced something called a “clipboard” approach. I and about three en-

gineers would go into the fields to do inspection and we would have the Bill of quantities with us. We would measure and inspect on scene as against what was on the Bill of quantities… and we found a lot of shortchanging in the actual works done. This continues today.” Goolsarran also noted that over 20 years ago, overpayments were a huge issue. But the problem continues to plague the system to this day. Goolsarran had said that at least some $28 billion, or US$140M, is lost annually due to the weaknesses in the procurement system. His estimation was garnered from an overview of the Auditor General’s reports on the country’s accounts over the past few years. Goolsarran had said, too, that there are certain parts of the Procurement Act which have not been adhered to since the Act came into effect on 1 January 2004. These include ensuring the criteria used for selection are such that they do not discriminate against particular contractors and suppliers and the award of contracts based on the lowest evaluated bid as opposed to the lowest bid. Fail-

Timehri man perishes in early morning fire A 54-year-old man was burnt to death at his home at Timehri Base Road, on the East Bank of Demerara, during the wee hours of yesterday morning. The deceased has been identified as Adam Shaw. According to an eyewitness, the incident occurred sometime around 3 a.m. The source went on to say that Shaw was involved in an altercation with a relative who lives close by. Though the source could not say what the altercation was about, the quarrel was described as “heated”. Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle, told Kaieteur News last evening that Shaw was reportedly intoxicated during the quarrel. The official said that residents – sometime after the argument – noticed smoke emanating from Shaw’s dwelling area – an animal pen that he had converted into his home. Gentle said that the authorities are working on the theory that Shaw might have set the fire. According to reports, by the time the fire tenders arrived, the home was engulfed in flames. Shaw was seen earlier, trying to remove the security grill to escape the flames.

Auditor General, Deodat Sharma ing to look at these, he opined, have also proven to be very costly to the country. Indeed, the reports of Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, have year after year, exposed some of the most revolting cases of procurement breaches. It was also found by forensic auditors that the plague of poor procurement practices was deeply entrenched in almost every state agency. In his latest report, Sharma noted that overpayments amounting to $35.700M were made on measured works on 31 contracts administered by Ministries, Departments and Regions in 2015, which included amounts totaling $19.934M that were overpaid for works on the Synthetic Track Leonora, construction of the Kitchen Mess Hall Building at Air Corps, Timehri, land filling and concrete works at Student Dorms, Liliendaal and upgrading of the Aishalton Secondary Male and Female Dorms in Region Nine. He said that recoveries through repayments amounted to $30.517M of the sum of $407.512M overpaid on contracts that were awarded prior to 2015. Sharma said that this resulted in total overpayments amounting to $376.995M still to be recovered at the end of

Former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran 2015. Whilst some entities had made progress in recovering overpayments, Sharma said that others faced serious challenges. “As stated in my 2014 Report, this continued trend, coupled with no evidence to suggest that disciplinary action of any kind had been meted out to engineering or other staff involved in the assessment of works in progress and the certification of progress payments is of concern, and hints at management’s perceived inaction/inability to remedy the current situation,” Sharma said. Also citing instances of procurement fraud and malpractices were various forensic audit reports which were commissioned by the new administration. In fact, it did not take much for forensic auditors to realize that the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) cared not for the use of the Procurement Act of 2003.

Under the guidance of its former CEO, Keith Burrowes, the entity had its own style in conducting procurement-related transactions. It was a style, however, that was everything but transparent. This was documented in a forensic audit report that was conducted by Nigel Hinds Financial Services (NHFS). In their report, the forensic auditors said that based on investigations, the Procurement Act of 2003 was not followed or referenced. Instead, the auditors found that procurement decisions were made invariably without any Invitation for Bids or there were requests for three quotations for purchases above $250,000. The auditors said that there were also cases where no quotes were requested and other purchases were sole sourced. Also troubling was the fact that the procurement policy used by GO-Invest was not documented. The forensic auditors said that from all indications, it was clear that the Procurement Act 2003 was honoured more in the breach than in observance of the requirements of the Act. Additionally, the forensic auditors said that the accounting policy of the agency is not properly documented

as it relates to processing of payments, desktop procedures and internal controls. As a consequence, systems were not in place to accurately account for procurement transactions. Pointing to some worrying instances of breaches of the Procurement Act, the auditors said that repairs and maintenance of vehicles were performed by mechanics who were sole sourced by the former CEO, Burrowes, instead of being tendered. They also cited that Burrowes as CEO expended over $1M on cell phones for senior staff, his personal driver and one Financial Consultant. The auditors stressed that Burrowes’ personal driver and the Financial Consultant were not employees of GO-Invest, and therefore not entitled to the said privileges. Going forward, the auditors stressed that advances taken to procure materials for the entity should be timely and properly cleared. The forensic auditors said that only in exceptional circumstances should honour certificates be entertained. They also said that there needs to be a clearly defined policy to manage outstanding procurement advances, especially to officers who are requesting additional procurement advances.

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Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

Presidential term limit….

Appeal Court upholds Justice Chang ruling by split decision -matter to reach CCJ The Court Of Appeal yesterday upheld a decision by former Chief Justice Ian Chang, ruling that the twoterm presidential limit is unconstitutional. With a decision of two to one, the court dismissed the appeal made by Attorney General (AG) Basil Williams to overturn the judgment of the former Chief Justice (CJ), which essentially stated that an elected President can run for more than two terms. Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh was supported by Justice of Appeal, B.S Roy in upholding Justice Chang’s decision. Chief Justice (ag) Yonette CummingsEdwards, who also sat on the panel, gave a dissenting judgment. The former CJ’s ruling was based on a Constitutional challenge, filed on behalf of Georgetown resident, Cedric Richardson in February, 2014. The applicant argued that

Act 17 of 2001, which was passed by a two-thirds majority of the National Assembly, unconstitutionally curtailed and restricted his sovereign and democratic rights and freedom as a qualified elector to elect former President Bharrat Jagdeo as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Richardson had contended that the limit was unconstitutional and illegal. He also wanted the court to determine whether the amendment with a referendum should not have been held, instead of the two-thirds majority in the National Assembly having the powers to decide to limit the number of terms. After several months in the court, the former CJ ruled in favour of Richardson’s argument, setting the stage for Jagdeo to have a third term as President. However, the decision did

Attorney General, Basil Williams

Justice B.S. Roy

Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh

Chief Justice (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards

not sit well with Attorney General Basil Williams and the APNU/AFC administration. Williams moved to the Court of Appeal to overturn the decision. In his Appeal, Williams posited that Justice Chang “erred and misdirected himself

in the law” in ruling that the National Assembly which passed Act No. 17 of 2001 is unconstitutional and of no effect as it failed to comply with Article164 (2)(a) of the Constitution. The Attorney General said that he believed that Justice Chang also erred in ruling that the Act in question, in substance and effect, diminishes the democratic right of the electorate in electing a person of their own choice as President. Williams also posited that Chang erred in law in not satisfying himself that the Court has jurisdiction to grant the reliefs sought. Meanwhile in his representation of the appellant Attorney-at-Law Roysdale Forde, outlined the respondent, (Richardson) contended that Act No. 17 of 2001, though it purported to amend Article 90 of the Constitution of Guyana by adding two Clauses to the said Article 90, had the effect and consequence of curtailing and diminishing the electorate’s choice of Presi-

dential Candidate, by rendering ineligible the candidature of any person who had been re-elected once as President. Forde therefore underlined that the exercise of a choice of a Presidential Candidate by the Respondent or a citizen occurs or culminates at the Ballot Box. It was therefore submitted that the right to choose a Presidential Candidate does not extend to the eligibility of or the disqualification of possible candidates for President,” However Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh yesterday discharged the appeal by the AG, describing it essentially as an error. In his ruling the Chancellor said that any law that would have the effect of suppressing the peoples’ right to freely elect someone of their choice would be unconstitutional. In his ruling, Chancellor Singh asserted that the people are entitled, in keeping with democratic principles, to freely elect their representatives.

He noted that any law that the sovereign and democratic entitlement is entrenched the Articles 1 and 9 of the constitution. This legal entitlement, he emphasized, could only be changed by referendum to achieve legitimacy. But in her dissenting judgment, Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards ruled in favour of allowing the appeal. She noted that the amendment to limit presidential terms to two, did not alter, dilute, affect or amend Articles 1 and 9 of Guyana’s constitution. Justice CummingsEdwards further explained that the people themselves gave that power to Parliament to change the constitution within the various levels of entrenchment, and affect people’s right to vote or choose who should be their president in keeping with certain restrictions. Justice CummingsEdwards also said that the appellant failed to prove the amendment that provides for term limits was Continued on page 12

Thursday February 23, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Yesterday’s ruling of the Court of Appeal We are such a messed-up nation that today, 50% of the country will be happy with a judgment made by the Court of Appeal and the other 50% will be sad. Half of the population will be happy because they believe that yesterday’s majority ruling by the Court of Appeal favours Bharrat Jagdeo. The other half will be upset for precisely the same reason. Yesterday’s ruling to the effect that term-limits are unconstitutional was more about the existence of popular sovereignty than it was about whether Bharrat Jagdeo will gain a third term. The supporters of the APNU+AFC coalition should not be distraught, because the decision also means that President Granger can also be entitled to a third term. That is, of course, if the decision survives the appeal which is likely to be made to the Caribbean Court of Justice. The significance of

yesterday’s decision goes beyond who is entitled to a third term. It is about popular sovereignty which former acting Chief Justice Ian Chang had ruled cannot be diluted by an act of parliament, unsupported by a referendum. Chang’s decision was a landmark one. The issue of term limits has arisen in many countries in Latin America. In Nicaragua, the country’s highest Court held that term limits were discriminatory and violated the right of the President. In Honduras, it was held that the rules against re-election were unconstitutional. Justice Chang took a more progressive approach. He held that sovereignty resided with the people by virtue of provisions in our constitution, and essentially argued that popular sovereignty could not be undermined by an act of parliament. He found that the method by which the constitutional prohibition against term limits was enacted was

wrong; a referendum should have been held. The full ruling of Chang makes a cogent case for the exercise of popular sovereignty which can be sourced to the people. The fact that the people elect representatives to exercise sovereignty on their behalf does not give the people the right to dilute popular sovereignty. As such, Justice Chang held that the method of enactment of term limits was void of the constitution. Justice Chang’s landmark decision was upheld by a majority decision of the Court of Appeal yesterday. But the Court of Appeal ruling is likely to be appealed, because APNU is trembling at the possibility of having to face Bharrat Jagdeo in an election. The issue at hand, however, should not be about Jagdeo. It should be, firstly, about the limits to the exercise of popular sovereignty by elected officials

Dem boys seh...

When dem talk it does come to pass None body in Guyana can ever seh dem boys ever wrang. Dem talk and expose so many things and everything come to pass. Just last week dem mention de Chancellor. He willfully postpone a ruling to de day after Valentine Day thinking Soulja Bai woulda extend he time fuh another couple years wha he beg fuh. When he didn’t get no letter from Soulja Bai and he know he going home, he postpone de same ruling to de last day he had to come out de office. Dem boys seh when dem see de game plan dem know he was planning to go out wid a bang. So said! So done! Dem boys did tell de world that last week. Dem also seh de same minute de Chancellor coming out de office is de same time de country setting off fireworks in a bigger bang, bigger than de bang wha he think he can give. De big bang wha he think he give Guyana telling de people that Jagdeo can run again, de CCJ gun over rule and overturn it de same way how dem overrule and tun over de decision wha de same Appeal Court did give fuh Dr Walter Ramsahoye against dem boys and de Waterfalls paper.

Dem boys seh dem hope all dem smart judges sitting pun de CCJ will not only overturn de Appeal Court, but will jail Jagdeo, de Chancellor and Chang fuh wasting de CCJ time. That would be de biggest bang dem boys hoping and praying fuh happen. And Dem Boys hope Soulja Bai find five clamp quickly and start by putting de first one pun de Mayor lef hand. And connect that same clamp to Royston King right hand. He gun tek de second one and put it pun King left hand and to Clarke right hand. De third one must go pun Clarke left hand on to Garrett right hand. De fourth one going on Garrett left hand to de Mayor right hand. That is a complete circle—well clamped. De fifth one will have a chain that clamping Cush neck in a pumpkin jumpsuit wha he did wear before. That will connect to de circle and drag de four into eff-in Lot 12. Soulja Bai mek space fuh nine when he pardon nine women, but this gang only got five. Talk half and watch out fuh more clamping.

Secondly, it should be about limitations which term limits place on the right of the people to decide who should rule them. Thirdly, the matter concerns the right of any person to serve his country in the highest office. Fourthly, it is about whether term limits are an obstruction to democratic rule. These are the issues which should be concerning people, not whether it means that Jagdeo or Granger could have a third term in office. These are all constitutional issues. In Guyana, the constitution is supreme. In the United Kingdom, there is no written constitution and it is

the parliament which is supreme.A referendum was recently held in Britain to determine whether that country should stay in the European Union. The votes said no. But a Guyanese woman challenged the withdrawal from the EU on the grounds that the parliament was supreme and that it required a vote of parliament for any pullout of the EU. The lower court agreed with the Guyanese woman. The British government appealed and in a divided decision, the UK Supreme Court upheld the original decision of the lower court. Steps will now have to be taken by the

British government to comply with the ruling of the Supreme Court. This is how the rule of law operates. People should not get upset about yesterday’s ruling. Guyana’s Court of Appeal is not Guyana’s final court. The Caribbean Court of Justice is. It is left to be seen what position that court will take. Important constitutional issues are at stake. People should not get worked up. It will all be resolved in another few years.

Missionary, tourist fined for overstaying, illegal entry A missionary and a tourist, both Americans, were on Monday fined and ordered escorted to the nearest port of exit by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after they appeared before her on charges of illegal entry and overstaying. Richard Robbins, 62, and Ronald Horrer, 66, pleaded guilty to the immigration breaches. Particulars of the charge, against Robbins stated that between December 6, 2016 and January 16, 2017, at Lethem, having been permitted to stay in Guyana from September 5, 2016 to December 5, 2016, he overstayed the period. Horrer’s charge stated

that between October 1 and October 31, 2016, at Lethem, he crossed a land frontier, without presenting himself to an immigration officer. An attorney for Robbins told the court that his client has done work with nongovernmental organizations in Region Nine, where he is involved in teaching of bible classes. Police Prosecutor Deniro Jones said that Robbins was arrested during a raid conducted by police on February 16, at a hotel in Takutu. He said that the foreigner’s travel document was examined and it was revealed that he was breaching the law. Robbins and Horrer were

each fined $30,000 on their charge. They were given an alternative of four weeks’ imprisonment. The Chief Magistrate ordered that the men be escorted to the nearest port of exit after payment of the fines or serving the default prison terms. Before the Magistrate passed sentencing, Robbins apologized and expressed his desire of returning to Guyana to complete his mission.

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Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

While we celebrate, the country is losing civilization I saw a picture of a man beaten to death. He was in his boxers only and all his limbs were brutally tied up. Villagers numbering more than two dozen stood looking at him as if he was a snake that I recall we used to beat and kill when we found them in the gutter on D’Urban Street during my small boy days in Wortmanville. What could this guy have done to receive such uncivilized treatment from his fellow humans? This incident occurred literally 18 miles from Vreed-en-

Hoop at a village named Ruby. If you add the miles from Georgetown to Vreed-enHoop then we are not talking about some isolated village in Guyana where the inhabitants are cut off from mainstream life. This country is not China that is very large with a population of one billion, three hundred million people. In such a vast land with a colossal population, it is possible that there are villagers removed from the main currents of life and do not frown on violence the way their counterparts do in the more developed parts of the nation. But this is Guyana, where the people of Ruby are just as modern as those in the rest of Guyana, and therefore would be as right-thinking people. The police have laid charges, so I better leave it there. But equally depressing is the murder of a man who was stoned to death in Lethem after he and his

brother were attacked. His face was brutally torn up. I grew up in South Georgetown with people pelting stones at each other during a brawl, but it was unheard of that a person would be killed by being stoned to death. You can get killed and many numbers in Guyana have died when someone threw a large rock at the head or inflicted a lash to the head with a large piece of wood. But never in all my life in this country have I ever heard about a group attacking someone they had a problem with and literally stoning him to death. Something inexplicable has descended upon this nation. And it is not a country with millions of people; it is a land with less than 800,000 souls. What has come over the inhabitants of such a thinly populated country? You see this inexplicability every day. The way the roads are used by drivers in Guyana has no

counterpart elsewhere in the world. And it is not taxi drivers and minibuses only. It is

Frederick Kissoon drivers in general. I see insane driving daily and when you see the people who do these crazy things you would not believe such people are irrational. Yesterday, the traffic signals went down at a dangerous junction – Railway Embankment and Sheriff Street; it was pandemonium. Into the madness drove a woman with

her small kid in the front seat. I see her type all over the roadways. The nature of the violence defies sociological explanations. Is this country riveted by a sadistic impulse? When you read about violent deaths from robberies and other homicides it is as if you are in the United States. A woman attempted to kill her three children over a love dispute. That is straight out of the National Enquirer. These are the things you read about in the US, not in a little, poor country with a small population. I am one of the citizens of this world that cannot bring myself to vote for the continuation of the death penalty, but I acknowledge this is not the time to argue against the death penalty; enraged people will literally cuss you down. I haven’t done the research, but I wonder if a day passes in Guyana where there isn’t a death either by

violent robbery, personal disagreement, dangerous driving or suicide. What explains the descent into bestial instincts, sadistic drives and irrational behaviour that have become ubiquitous in this land? It is outside the scope of a newspaper column to offer an elaborate sociological theory, but my thinking leads in the direction of a broken down country where there are no redemptive signs on the horizon. People then, especially the young ones (and it is not restricted to the male gender) live a resigned, pessimistic existence. In such a condition, nihilism is easily bred. In Guyana, there is a complete lack of awareness of what values are and how important they are to humans. The ordinary Guyanese do not see their country as having admirable leaders, including our police officers. This lack of respect takes eerie forms. The future does not look good.

Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Digicel to slash quarter of workforce worldwide The telecoms landscape is expected to see some major changes in the coming months. Not only are Digicel and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) expected to use less staffers, but the focus will be heavily on the customer experience. One week after US-owned GTT announced that it will be sending home up to 120 staffers in another 12 months in a cost-cutting measure to tighten up on its operations, Digicel seems set along a similar path. Yesterday, Digicel announced that its Digicel 2030 global transformation programme promises customers a completely new communications and entertainment experience made possible by a “more agile, customer-centric application of resources and investment”. Digicel also announced that it has signed a global partnership agreement with ZTE - a leading global provider of integrated telecommunication solutions - for an ongoing multiyear network upgrade programme. “These initiatives occur as telecoms providers across the globe move to benefit from significant technology advances and manage changing customer needs in terms of data usage and competitive threats from unregulated OTT operators.” The announcements by Digicel would come as Guyana prepares to entertain other players in the telecoms field to compete in data, landline and mobile services. GTT has been here for over two decades, with Digicel its main competitor. With Government now negotiating with GTT to break its monopoly on landline and international calls, Digicel has already signalled intentions to land its own internet fibre optic cable to compete in the data arena. Digicel insisted yesterday it has become “one of the first communications and entertainment providers in the world to initiate a wide scale transformation agenda. The core elements of the Digicel 2030 transformation see it undertaking a complete re-design of its organisational structure; putting customers in control and making a commitment to deliver a superior superfast network experience.” Disclosing some of the plans, Digicel said its future organisational structure will comprise a small number of regional hubs (two for the Caribbean and Central America regions and two for the Pacific region) housing back office centralised functions and delivering shared services, allowing staff in Digicel’s 31 markets to focus on sales and enhanced service delivery - and ensuring that resources and investment are prioritised to drive competition and innovation. This will mean some staffers will have to be sent home. STAFF CUTS “This will result in an approximate 25% reduction of the global workforce over the next 18 months with the first step in the process being the offer of an Enhanced Voluntary Separation Programme opening on 1st March 2017,” Digicel said in its statement.

- to concentrate on data, customer experience

Digicel will cut quarter of its global workforce over the next 18 months. Up to 2008, the company had over 5,500 staffers. Over the last three years, Digicel said it has invested over US$1.65 billion in upgrading its networks and platforms, and in rolling out fibre to the home and mobile broadband connectivity. “Of particular note is the success of its fibre to the home offering with Digicel racking up 120,000 customers to date – well ahead of its business plan. Coupled with a “digital first” approach, this means customers can enjoy an enhanced entertainment, content and business solutions experience with an array of advanced new products and services and a refreshed retail experience putting customers in the driving seat with Digicel delivering their total communications needs.” NETWORK UPGRADE Work is also currently ongoing to upgrade its internet services.

“With a hallmark of providing customers with the best network, Digicel is now taking things to the next level and initiating an ongoing data network upgrade programme. To this end, a global partnership agreement was signed on 9th February in Shenzhen, China, by Digicel Chairman, Denis O’Brien and Dr Zhao, Chairman and CEO of ZTE.” Last year, amidst a wait for frequency, the Guyana Government allowed both GTT and Digicel to roll out their 4G services, allowing smart phone users to live stream videos and messenger calls while on the road, using the network’s internet. With rollout commencing in the coming months, this is the largest network transformation ever undertaken by Digicel and customers will very soon start to see the benefits, the Jamaican-based Irish-owned company said. Commenting on the programme, Digicel Group CEO, Colm Delves, explains: “We are building Digicel for 2030 and beyond. Our transformation programme sees us taking the bull by the horns and daring to be different by challenging the status quo and by innovation-led growth. That’s what we are known for and that’s what we will continue to be known for into the future.” He continued: “Over the years, we have built a great company with a proud legacy of democratising communications and making an impactful contribution to countries and people across the globe. That’s something we all take great pride in. Now we’re on a mission to build Digicel for the future with our sights set on delivering a superior superfast network experience and putting our customers in control.” Digicel Group is a leading global communications provider with operations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and South Pacific. After 15 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$5 billion worldwide.

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Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

86 investigations ongoing into NICIL operations The Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) is currently conducting 86 different investigations into the operations of National Investment and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). According to the Head of SOCU Sydney James, these investigations are complex and the entity has to prioritize since there are in excess of 300 investigations that they are conducting with a limited staff. James said that significant moves should be expected in the coming days and weeks. He explained that in the interest of justice there is very little he can say. However, he

maintained that the investigation into NICIL is “a very live one”. Additionally it was noted that of all the entities under investigation, NICIL is the one where the most malpractices were found. Further James said that SOCU is working closely with the Special Prosecutors who are advising them on these matters. James said that there are significant developments ongoing behind the scenes that he cannot talk about since this investigation may overlap into different entities and persons outside of NICIL. Dr Sam Sittlington, the British Adviser to SOCU, said

that he is pleased with the work that is being done by the entity in light of the limited staff it has available and the amount of investigations it is conducting simultaneously. Sittlington said that it was a good move to have SOCU and the Special Prosecutors work in tandem, since this is playing a pivotal role in moving many of these cases forward. Sittlington said that he wanted to make clear that he is only advising the current administration and nothing else. He stated that persons looking from the outside will think that much is not being done, but in fact they are

working tirelessly to bring many of these cases to court. When asked about officials who may be implicated in wrongdoing that are now living abroad, Sittlington said that if these people are certain that they have done nothing wrong they should make themselves available for questioning if it comes to that. Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran discovered that in relation to the expenditure on the 2007 Cricket World Cup, NICIL had transferred amounts totaling $650 million to the Local Organizing Committee, but failed in its responsibility of ensuring that there was proper account-

Special Adviser to SOCU Dr Sam Sittlington

Head of Special Organized Crime Unit Sydney James

ability for the amounts transferred. With regards to the construction of a controversial property at 44 High Street in Georgetown, the forensic auditor found that the contract was awarded in 2007 but at the time of reporting, the building remained substantially incomplete. Goolsarran stated in his report that the building was abandoned, and the structure was expected to be torn down because the floors were not constructed to the required specifications. He said that as the “Project Executing Unit”, NICIL’s role was to ensure that the works were executed according to the agreed specifications and had again failed to discharge its respon-

sibility for this project, resulting in some $350 million of taxpayers’ funds being wasted. Goolsarran in his report also stated that despite the size and complexity of its operations, NICIL does not have its own procurement rules, which is a key requirement of the Procurement Act. In the circumstances, he said that it would have been more appropriate for NICIL to involve the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the assessment of tenders received for the award of contracts. Instead, the assessment of bids was done internally, and would have lacked the level of independence, especially for large projects such as the Marriott Hotel.

Appeal Court upholds... From page 8 unconstitutional. Following the decision, Attorney General Basil Williams asserted that while the Court has made a ruling, the decision is not absolutely final. Williams noted that his legal team has up to thirty (30) days to file action with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Meanwhile lawyer for the applicant, Shawn Allicock emphasized on the seriousness of the matter. He noted that democratic rights of people take precedence in such matter. Allicock expressed confidence that that his side will be victorious at the next stage of the proceedings.

Thursday February 23, 2017

Speaking about what is right or wrong in Guyana is not “overstepping”- British envoy Diplomats in Guyana have some time or the other, faced harsh criticisms for speaking candidly on local issues. In some cases, they are even told that they are “overstepping.” But British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn does not subscribe to this view. In an interview with this publication, the envoy said that he believes he has an obligation to “speak about things which are right and speak about things which are wrong.” He added, “And while I don’t consider that ‘overstepping’, I think I would be remiss in my job if I wasn’t commenting on things. I know there are things which I said in the past which certain people have taken exceptions to, but I am firmly of the view that I have the right to comment on things, especially if I am asked to.” One official who had been particularly critical of diplomats during his time in office was former President Donald Ramotar. On several occasions, he went on the offensive against western representatives and other critics of his government, saying their actions helped to create the negative images of Guyana that sometimes detract investors. Ramotar had also accused diplomats of “overstepping” their boundaries and taking positions without prior consultation. But regardless of this, and the viewpoints of other critics, Ambassadors to Guyana have held their own and continue to comment on important issues of the day, ranging from corruption, to the effects of the political divide in Guyana and the need to protect the freedom of the press. Recently, High Commissioner Quinn also spoke about the need for both government and opposition to work together. He was at the time, responding to questions on how the Government could get the opposition to the table more often to engage on matters of national importance. Quinn noted that it is not just a question of the government finding a way of bringing the opposition to the table. The envoy stressed that it is important to note that there is an obligation on both sides to be at the table for discussions. “Everyone, on both sides, needs to accept the fact that they have a responsibility to represent the people who voted them in and they have a responsibility to be at the table and represent those people. I think that should be the fundamental and

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Kaieteur News

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn overarching approach of any politician. They should ask themselves, ‘Am I representing the people who voted for me by doing x action or y action?’ Other Ambassadors who have served Guyana have also made similar statements. Former USA Deputy Chief of Mission, Bryan Hunt was one such person. Hunt had said that for too long, many Guyanese have felt that their interests were not always represented in the halls of power and insisted that it must change. In fact, the official asserted that development cannot take place if one half of the population feels as though they are not being fairly represented by the government. “And it is time for Guyanese to ask, ‘how do we get a system where all are represented in the corridors of power? ‘A large portion of this country has felt excluded from the corridors of power and regardless of the party in office, whether it is the PPP

or the AFC, the feeling is still there, and it shifts depending who is sitting in the chair. But the fact of the matter is that, I feel there are some structural failings which should be addressed,” Hunt had expressed. The US representative had said that this can occur through meaningful Constitutional reform. Hunt noted that while there has been much dialogue at the Government level about the need to redefine executive powers, the conversation must now stretch to the citizenry. He had said, “It needs to be a broad-based discussion by Guyanese about what they think needs changing when it comes to powers of the executive. We strongly believe that they need to have a discussion on what they don’t like; what are other models out there that they may be interested in looking at, and how the Constitution can be improved.” More importantly, Hunt had said that it is imperative that any discussion on Constitutional reform be grounded in taking the nation beyond its political and ethnic divides. The US official had said that he was struck continuously by how divided such a small country is. He explained that whether one wants to call those lines ethnic or political, they are there, and they are very “stark”. He had emphasized that this is not a suitable situation where you have such stark lines in such a small country. Hunt had said that this circumstance is further polluted by a system where one side controls all the levels of powers and the other side is excluded. The envoy said that this needs to be changed in the interest of the country’s development.

Chinese Embassy container imports attract GRA’s attention Tax authorities have started a probe into an alleged racket in which the Chinese embassy was used to bring in containers of goods for its nationals who are operating businesses here The matter was reportedly raised by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently. According to well-placed Government officials this week, GRA late last year stumbled on what seemed like an abnormally large number of containers brought in by the Chinese embassy. As a matter of fact, when GRA officials checked, they found that the Chinese embassy brought in more containers than all the other embassies combined. Investigators initially believed that maybe there was a mistake with the number of containers. However, further checks confirmed that the embassy allegedly used its diplomatic channels to pass the containers through the wharves. Under the diplomatic arrangements, shipments and packages for embassies are not too closely scrutinized. It is the belief that the containers were filled with all

sorts of items - from hardware and other accessories - which eventually ended up in a number of Chinese-manned stores. It meant very little or no taxes were paid on the items. Kaieteur News was not told exactly how many containers, but officials insisted that they were enough to be equivalent to tens of millions of dollars in lost taxes. Contacted this week, Commissioner-General of GRA, Godfrey Statia, was reluctant to delve into details. He said that since being appointed last year by the administration, he has overseen the tax collection agency embarking on a number of initiatives to widen the tax base and also close some areas that were being taken advantage of over time. “We have been losing billions overtime because of tax evasion, smuggling and other areas. We have started tightening up in some areas and we are seeing improved collections there.” Statia made it clear that he is not allowed by law to share details of any tax transaction. He declined to confirm or deny that a complaint was launched with the Foreign Ministry. However, while Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge, could not be reached yesterday, a number of officials

acknowledged that a complaint was lodged at the ministry. Local businesses have been complaining of being unable to compete in terms in prices against the Chinese especially, no matter how they tried to bring down costs or purchasing directly from the manufacturers. GRA has reportedly been looking into instances to determine the extent of underinvoicing but it is unclear what sanctions, if any, have been taken against a number of businesses that have been found guilty. There have been reports of a significant amount of goods being smuggled from Suriname also. Landscape of the city has changed significantly in recent years with traditional store owners renting out their properties or selling out to a number of Chinese, Brazilian and other nationals. Regent, Robb and Church Streets are but a few of the main shopping area that have been experiencing the changes. China, one of the largest producers of goods, has been aggressively expanding their reach in countries across the globe. Guyana has been one of the countries that it has been seeing an influx of Chinese businesses, workers and projects.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 23, 2017

Adolescents prone to health and safety issues ...but Govt. committed to intervening measures – Social Protection Minister

As youths transition from adolescence to adulthood they are more likely to be prone to serious health and safety issues. This notion was recently amplified by Minister of Social Protection, Ms. Amna Ally. According to Ally, who was at the time addressing a forum at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown, some youths at this stage of their lives are subjected to violence, substance use and risky sexual behaviour that can adversely affect them. “The effects of poor health during teenage years can have negative, life-long impact,” the Social Protection Minister asserted. But Government, according to her, is committed to its young people. As such, she noted that “ensuring that adolescents are healthy is a valuable investment that we are fully committed to because we are cognisant that intervention

during this period in [the lives of] young people is critical.” She pointed out that strategic and well-planned implementable actions can result in positive adult health outcomes not only at the individual level but to our society as a whole. “Studies have shown that young people growing up in circumstances of deprivation are more likely to engage in health risk behaviours and are more exposed to risk factors such as poor nutrition, low levels of exercise, and limited access to good quality services,” Minister Ally noted. She however observed that poverty is perhaps the greatest contributor to poor health in Guyana. “Therefore, if we as a society wish to improve the health of persons in our nation, particularly for children and young people, then addressing inequality, disadvantage and family poverty has to be at the heart of our programmes,” Ally posited.

She spoke of the need for adolescence to be recognised as a unique and critical stage of development, that can bring with it special challenges and opportunities during which physical, intellectual, emotional and psychological changes occur. “While adolescence is a fairly healthy period, adolescents begin to make lifestyle choices and establish behaviours that can affect both their current and future health,” said Minister Ally. She considered that many, if not all, of the priority health issues that affect adolescents and youths are interrelated, and thus require an integrated mechanism if intervening programmes are to succeed. She added, “The implementation of adolescents and youth health programmes requires a consorted multisectoral action by a diverse team of strategic actors and departments”. “There must be integrated

and coordinated actions between the health sector and the partners at the regional, national and local levels. These partners must include those of government entities – education, judicial, labour, public security, housing and the environment, among others – private institutions, the academic community, mass media, civil society, youth organisations, faithbased organisations and community groups including teachers, parents and young people themselves,” said Minister Ally. She stressed that some of the issues that must be addressed include unwanted pregnancies, gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, sexually transmitted infections, poor nutrition, lack of oral health services, lack of physical activity, obesity and eating disorders, mental health issues, violence, road traffic accidents and substance abuse including: alcohol, tobacco and illicit substances. And according to the Social Protection Minister, “It is important to note that behavioural changes in adolescents and youth are influenced by the environment in which they live, study and work. A favourable family and community environment is essential to achieve positive health and education results for our boys and girls. The development and support of adolescents and youth health promotion and prevention programme through community-based intervention is important, and I am happy and quite pleased to see the introduction of community parent support groups.” Such support systems, the Minister said, will facilitate and further strengthen adolescent health programmes. But added to this, she noted that strategic information is also critical for informed decision-making. “In order for us to pro-

Social Protection Minister, Ms. Amna Ally mote and secure the development of enabling environments and implementation of effective, comprehensive, sustainable and evidencebased policies on adolescent and youth health, key data is essential,” said Minister Ally. However, she added that the acquisition of social and health data on young people remains a challenge, despite access to increasingly sophisticated information technology. She moreover pointed out that, “These are issues that must be addressed with the utmost urgency, so as to facilitate effective policies regarding the health of our adolescents. We as a society must formulate tools to promote the environment of adolescents and youths, and facilitate their meaningful participation in the communities where they live.” This process, the Minister said, includes the identification of young people’s strengths and weaknesses, and the creation of opportunities for them to continue the decision making in the design and implementation of programmes that affect them. She also stressed the need to develop effective monitoring and evaluation of comprehensive programmes for adolescents and youths to not only ensure success, but also

sustainability. The Minister further shared that since technology can have a significant impact on the health of adolescents and youths, it is essential that “we work with mass media networks to promote positive images, values and behaviours regarding adolescents’ health, and to incorporate new technology in health promotion interventions.” “I want to urge all persons in society to let us recommit to health, personal, spiritual, social, mental and physical development. I would like to categorically state that we must never grow weary of continuously highlighting the importance of investing in our children,” said Minister Ally. She continued, “We can and must seek to create and establish strategic polices and programme-oriented goals that facilitate the development of their (adolescents) full potential, especially their health and well being.” “We as a government are cognisant that investing in our children is necessary and morally imperative for creating an enabling environment for sustaining an equitable long term goal for our nation. That is why we will continue to develop programmes, because Guyana needs every single child to thrive in order to support a future of high productivity, innovation and economic growth,” Minister Ally underscored. She moreover sought to encourage all sections of society to invest in young people since, according to her, “every investment made towards the development of the social and physical environment of adolescents is an investment in the future human capital of our nation.” “Promoting the health, nutrition, education, safety and prosperity of the next generation is key to ensuring the survival and productivity of Guyana,” the Minister said in conclusion.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday February 23, 2017

Nine female prisoners pardoned by President

Sasha Christopher

Barbra Hunte

Malinda Beaton

Jenny Davis

Vanessa Frank

Kamla Bisram

Dhamnattie Seenarine

Khemawatie Ramnauth

T

hirty-year-old Kamla Bisram, Malinda Beaton, 31, Charissazan Charles and Sasha Christopher, 18; Jenny Davis and Vanessa Frank, 26, Barbra Hunte 51, Khemawattie Ramnauth, 23, and Dhanmattie Seenarine, 47, will all be home in time to celebrate Mashramani with their families today. The inmates, all of the New Amsterdam Prison, were pardoned by President David Granger, acting in accordance with article 188 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. A statement from the Ministry of the Public Security said that the women are all prisoners that the Head of State considers to be fit and proper to receive such pardons. “These Presidential Pardons shall be effective as from February 23, 2017, in observance of the 47th Anniversary of the Republic,” the statement said.

Charissazan Charles It explained that the released prisoners have all served the majority of their respective sentences for offences ranging from larceny and assault to the unlawful possession of ammunition. The Ministry said that, “It is expected that this expression of compassion and humanity by His Excellency will result in families being re-united, and the pardoned offenders leading good and useful lives hereon.”

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Kaieteur News

Thursday February 23, 2017

St. Vincent singer dropped from finals of Calypso Monarch finals KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC- The St. Vincent and the Grenadines government Wednesday described as “terrible” a decision by the Trinidad and Tobago Unified -Calypso Association (TUCO), to remove the St. Vincent-born singer Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd Reid from the Calypso Monarch finals scheduled for the Queen’s Park Oval there on Sunday night. Culture Minister Cecil “Ces” McKie, speaking on a radio station here, noted that the decision to exclude the singer came despite the fact that she has been competing and winning calypso competitions in Trinidad and Tobago for years. “How could you have somebody competing in your country, winning competitions, not having changed her status, competed in your semi-finals, made it to the finals, you announced her in

Lornette “Fya Empress” Nedd Reid the finals, and then all of a sudden, you realise that she is not suited to compete in your finals?” McKie said. “That really cannot stand. I can’t see that standing. You should have known that a long time ago. If it’s a loophole in the system, they will

have to fix that after, not before. Certainly not now,” he said. (TUCO), apparently bowing to a threat of legal action by calypsonian Lynette “Lady Gypsy” Steele removed Nedd Reid from the show. Attorney Gerald Ramdeen said that his client, will now participate in the finals as Trinidad and Tobago celebrates the annual Carnival celebrations. Ramdeen had earlier sent a pre--action protocol letter to TUCO, giving it 24 hours to respond and which could have led to an injunction being sought in the High Court preventing Nedd Reid from performing in the finals. In the pre-action protocol letter, Ramdeen had called for the immediate disqualification of Nedd Reid, who he argued did not fit the nationality criteria to perform at the competition.

BLP announces plans for national march, calls for fresh general election BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The main opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Wednesday announced plans for a “National March of Disgust” on March 11 as the first step into to forcing the Freundel Stuart government to call fresh general elections. Opposition Leader Mia Mottley told a news conference that Barbadians must now be given an opportunity to have a say in the economic decline of the country and the ongoing battle by the government to dismiss Central Bank Governor Dr. Delisle Worrell. The High Court is expected to rule on the matter on Thursday. “We will be marching on the afternoon of Saturday, the 11th March 2017, and we call upon all civic minded Barbadians to join with us in send-

ing a message to Freundel Stuart and his cabinet that their style of governance is not cute, but above all else that Barbados cannot bear the weight of the indifference and the incompetence of Freundel Stuart and his cabinet for another 12 months,” Mottley told reporters. “Ironically, yesterday was the fourth anniversary of Barbadians going to the polls at the last elections and several commentators have said over the last two weeks and we have sat back and listened to them, including some of their own, this crisis situation is bigger than each of us”. Mottley said that the BLP is determined “that no one, not even the titular leader of this country must be allowed to stand in the way of the urgent need to stop the haemorrhaging, to stabilise

the country and to put us back on the proper path to recovery.”The will of the Barbadian people may be delayed but it may never be denied,,” she told reporters, adding the march and the rally afterwards “is but the first salvo by the Barbados Labour Party to let it be known that enough is enough”. She warned that the BLP “will not sit silently and permit the wholesale destruction of Barbados simply to allow a government to limp or crawl its way to the constitutionally stipulated finish line. “This is not about finishing the five years given to a government. This must now be about stopping the rot and re-energising Barbados for Barbadians. This must be about giving Barbados and Barbadians a chance,” she added,

Canada defends visa requirement for visits to North American country CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – A senior Canadian diplomat has defended the decision not to grant visas to a number of St. Lucians even though her country would like more people to visit. “The rate is very high because we don’t receive proper documentation for visas,” says Canadian High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Car-

ibbean, Marie Legault. “H o p e f u l l y w e c a n work on that and we can solve the situation in the future,” she said, adding that in addition to improper documentation, false information is also being provided to Canadian authorities. The Canadian diplomat stressed that St. Lucia and Canada have a strong relationship and it is important to

recognise the issue of Canadian security. On September 11, 2012, the Canada implemented visa requirements for visitors to Canada including those from St. Lucia and St. Vincent. Canadian authorities were reported to be concerned that criminals from both countries could legally change their names and acquire new passports.

Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

Mexican man kills himself after being deported from US

A Mexican man has apparently taken his own life just half an hour after being deported from the United States. Guadalupe Olivas Valencia, 45, jumped from a bridge at the border after he was deported for the third time. He was found unconscious next to a plastic bag with his belongings and died in hospital a short while later. His death came as the Trump administration issued new guidelines to widen the net for deporting illegal immigrants from the US. Wi t n e s s e s s a i d Mr Olivas was shouting that he did not want to return to Mexico and seemed to be in severe distress. He jumped off a bridge

just yards from El Chaparral, the main border crossing point between the US city of San Diego and Tijuana in Mexico. Local media said a plastic bag like those US customs officers put migrants’ belongings in was next to the man. Mexican officials said it was the third time Mr Olivas had been deported from the US. He died of a heart attack and concussion. Mr Olivas was a native of Sinaloa, one of Mexico’s most violent states and the stronghold of a major drug cartel. Many Mexicans cite violence as a reason for leaving for the US. The US released two memos on Tuesday aimed at speeding up the removal of undocumented migrants.

One memo, from Homeland Security chief John Kelly, includes instructions to enforce an existing provision of the US Immigration and Nationality Act that allows authorities to send some people caught illegally at the border back to Mexico, regardless of where they are from. It is unclear whether the US has authority to force Mexico to accept foreigners. But Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray said Mexico would not accept the “unilateral” immigration proposals. An estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the US, many of them from Mexico. US President Donald Trump made immigration and border control a key part of his campaign.

US troops wounded on the front lines in Mosul

Washington (CNN) US troops operating around Mosul have come under fire from ISIS and some have been wounded in the last six to eight weeks as they have moved closer to the front lines in Iraq, military officials acknowledged Tuesday. “Yes, they have been under fire at different times,” Col. John Dorrian, a coalition spokesman for Operation Inherent Resolve said at a Pen-

tagon news conference. A US defense official later told CNN that some number of troops had been wounded and medevaced off the battlefield but declined to say how many have been wounded. The US forces in the area are providing advice and assistance to Iraqi units battling to retake Mosul. One of their key tasks is to help Iraqi units targeting ISIS strongholds. Dorrian declined to offer

specifics on the firefights that have taken place, but said: “They have come under fire at different times. They have returned fire at different times in and around Mosul. That has happened at different times.” The coalition posted several photos on its Twitter and Facebook accounts showing US troops in and around Mosul helping with calling in airstrikes and artillery.

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VEHICLE FOR SALE

MASH SPECIAL! 2010 TOYOTA AX10 - $2.6M, 2010 TOYOTA RAUM $2.3M – CALL: 642-7295

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

1 Big music set, owner migrating. Call: 690-5225

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Brains Construction & Rental Service: we rent all types of equipment, excavator, bobcat, trucks, tools. Call: 2190904/601-5024

Nissan Pathfinder Jeep; Toyota Vigo pick-up. Call: 609-7766

One Mazda engine gear box, one slush machine, one Tormo King refrigeration unitContact Hanif 646-2293

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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, C a n a da & UK; Guyana p assport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

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

One Tundra for sale -$1.2M – Call: 682-8236

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Trade in your old empty printer ink cartridges for a new full one and pay HP $1,500, Canon $2,000- Call: 690-3883 Building Contractor Estimates, house plan to be drawn give us a call: 2160671/692-8464/622-0267

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Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Three new industrial singer sewing machines. Call: 6616076/ 689-5743

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Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezer-Call: 610-5846 or 661-8158

Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

One complete sawmill situated at Yarrowkabra Industrial Site Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Call: 6441190/ 609-8041 Brand new heavy duty electric treadmill - $97,000 and slightly damage treadmill $70,000- Call: 673-9283

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1 Cashier, 1 sales assistant with pleasant personality & police clearance. Apply: written application @ 232 Camp & Middle St. Ice Palace Igloo. Call: 225-3672

Uitvlugt New Scheme (100ftX50ft) with Reserve $3M, La Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M-Call: 233-3006/ 6585897/ 651-1969

Drivers, Carpenters, Security Guards. Call: 266 4427

33 Acres of land for agricultural purpose at Kuru Kururu. Call: 619-0673

Accounts Clerk for Eccles, Industrial Site area knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT, Quickbooks. Call: 614-4358

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 Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/ residence /business. Preferably with no children. Call: 226-7012 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

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

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CAR RENTAL CAR RENTAL

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WANTED One driver/porter from Diamond, Grove area. Call: 2161043, 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 Live in or live out babysitter/ domestic. Call: 223-7500 Monday-Saturday 8:15-4:15 Body work man- Call: 6603004 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 Experienced salesgirl @ Christine’s Variety Store, Lambard Street. Call: 2278529 1- Nail Technician with clientele, 1 barber station & 1 hairdressing station to rent. Call: 616-6221 Experienced Boat Captain to work in Bahamas; experience mechanical background; general maintenance. Email:lightbourneseafoodGB@ outlook.com/ Call: 1-242-6464989 General Domestic to work 2 days per week. Call 638 6891. Counter girls @ Dian’s Deli. Call:225-3700 Arc/Acetylene welder / fabricator; live in couple, driving and mechanical experience is an asset. Call: 227-1830

Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Iran ready to give U.S. ‘slap in the face’: commander DUBAI (Reuters) - The United States should expect a “strong slap in the face” if it underestimates Iran’s defensive capabilities, a commander of the elite Revolutionary Guards said on Wednesday, as Tehran concluded war games. Since taking office last month, U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to get tough with Iran, warning the Islamic Republic after its ballistic

missile test on Jan. 29 that it was playing with fire and all U.S. options were on the table. “The enemy should not be mistaken in its assessments, and it will receive a strong slap in the face if it does make such a mistake,” said General Mohammad Pakpour, head of the Guards’ ground forces, quoted by the Guards’ website Sepahnews. On Wednesday, the Revolution-

ary Guards concluded three days of exercises with rockets, artillery, tanks and helicopters, weeks after Trump warned that he had put Tehran “on notice” over the missile launch. “The message of these exercises ... for world arrogance is not to do anything stupid,” said Pakpour, quoted by the semi-official news agency Tasnim.

Thursday February 23, 2017

Cressida Dick appointed as first female Met Police chief (BBC) Cressida Dick is the new Metropolitan Police commissioner, becoming the first woman to take charge of London’s police force in its 188-year history. She succeeds Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, who announced his retirement last year. Ms Dick, previously the national policing lead on counter-terrorism, said she was “thrilled and humbled”. But her appointment was criticised by the family of Jean Charles de Menezes, who was wrongly shot dead during an

operation she led in 2005. The Brazilian electrician was killed two weeks after the 7/7 London Bombings when he was mistakenly identified as a terror suspect. A jury later found the Met had broken health and safety laws, but found there was “no personal culpability for Commander Cressida Dick”. Ms Dick, 56, left the Met for the Foreign Office after 31 years of service in December 2014. She was chosen for the commissioner’s job ahead of National Police Chiefs’ Coun-

cil chairwoman Sara Thornton, Essex Police chief constable Stephen Kavanagh and Scotland Yard’s Mark Rowley. Her appointment means that for the first time all three top policing jobs in the UK are held by women: the Met commissioner, the head of the National Crime Agency and the president of the National Police Chief’s Council. Ms Dick’s statement said: “This is a great responsibility and an amazing opportunity.

Major European company says employee has gone missing with $100M (CNN) A major European conglomerate says one of its employees in South Korea has gone missing — along with $100 million. Power and robotics firm ABB (ABB) announced Wednesday that it has “uncovered a sophisticated criminal scheme” at its South Korean unit. It only noticed the huge sums had been stolen after the employee of the subsidiary disappeared about two weeks ago. The employee, who has not been identified, is suspected of forging documents and working with individuals

outside the company to steal the money, ABB said. It’s working with local police and Interpol to investigate. The embezzlement and misappropriation of funds is limited to South Korea, where ABB employs about 800 staff, it said. Other people could still come under investigation. “We’re looking at every option,” ABB spokesman Domenico Truncellito said. “We are investigating externally and internally as well.” He declined to provide more information about the missing employee or the investigation.

As a result of the theft, the Swedish-Swiss corporation said it expects to take a pretax hit of $100 million on its 2016 results. ABB reported net profit of nearly $2 billion last year on revenue of around $34 billion. The company said it is trying to recover the missing money and is also pursuing legal and insurance claims in an effort to reduce the blow to its finances. ABB, which employees roughly 132,000 people around the world, said the affair may delay the publication of its annual report.

Trudeau defends move to give U.S. agents more powers in Canada (Reuters) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Tr u d e a u o n We d n e s d a y defended plans to give more powers to U.S. border agents stationed in Canada, saying travelers would at all times be protected by domestic laws. As part of a 2015 deal between Canada and the

United States, Trudeau’s government has introduced draft legislation allowing U.S. border agents based in Canada more leeway to question and search people wishing to enter the United States. Critics say this increases the chance of abuse at a time when the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is cracking down on immigrants, prompting dozens of people to cross the border into Canada every week. “Canadian laws are in place, so there is extra protection when Canadians go through American customs in Canada,” Trudeau told reporters. U.S. border agents have been working in Canada since the 1950s, pre-clearing would-be visitors and addressing potential security threats. The agents are currently based at eight Canadian airports and under the 2015 deal, the programme will be expanded to two more airports as well as Montreal

train station. Travelers who change their minds and decide not to enter the United States are currently allowed to leave. The new law permits U.S. agents to question and if need be strip search people seeking not to enter the United States. Officials say the new tougher provisions are needed to deter militants probing for weaknesses at U.S.-operated border facilities. Trudeau is under pressure in Parliament from the left-leaning opposition New Democrats, who say U.S. border guards are already racially profiling Canadians who wish to enter the United States. “What will the government do to secure clear assurances for Canadians who wish to cross the border? When will the Prime Minister stand up for Canadians ... will he stand up to the bully?” asked Jenny Kwan, the party’s spokeswoman for immigration, referring to Trump.

Thursday February 23, 2017

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Taylor, Boult shine as NZ square South Africa series (Reuters) Trent Boult took the prized wicket of AB de Villiers then bowled Dwaine Pretorious in the penultimate over as New Zealand secured a serieslevelling six-run victory in the second one-day international against South Africa yesterday. The visitors had been set 290 to win in Christchurch after Ross Taylor (102 not out) scored his 17th ton to become New Zealand’s most prolific ODI century-maker in leading his side to 289 for four in their 50 overs at Hagley Oval. South Africa, who won the opener of the fivematch series in Hamilton last Sunday, appeared set for victory courtesy of a

half century by Quinton de Kock (57) and solid partnerships through the middle order but were unable to finish off the job. “There were quite a few soft dismissals but not enough good partnerships,” de Villiers said. “The ones that did get going, they didn’t extend and it’s crucial to do that if you are going to win games of cricket.” The chase faltered when David Miller’s dismissal for 28 by leg-spinner Ish Sodhi reduced South Africa to 192-5, triggering a lower-order collapse. Boult then had de Villiers caught behind by Tom Latham for 45 before Chris Morris was brilliantly

run out with a backhand flip by Dean Brownlie. Mitchell Santner stepped up to trap Wayne Parnell in front for a duck to leave the visitors stuttering at 214-8 as the hosts closed in on what appeared to be a comfortable victory. Pretorius (50 from 27 balls) and Andile Phehlukwayo (29 not out), who had helped de Villiers through to the four-wicket victory in Hamilton, however, then combined for 61 runs in 7.2 overs to p u t N e w Z e a l a n d ’s nerves on edge. South Africa fought back well to require 20 runs from the final two overs but some excellent death bowling by Boult (363), who ended Pretorius’ re-

Thursday February 23, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Look into family outings or projects. Recognition can be yours if you present your ideas and stand behind your beliefs. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Don't forget to let your mate know how much you care. Friendships could be terminated quickly if disappointments occur. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Tell it like it is. You need more time to think this whole situation through. You may not be that popular at home but you should be able to shine at social gatherings. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't try to deal with important issues or make changes that will upset the apple cart. Make changes that will enhance your appearance and entice potential partners. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Get busy. Take a look at investment opportunities. Get involved in the activities of children. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can evade the issue as usual by being affectionate, fun loving, and far too active for your lover to catch on.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) You may find that someone you really cared for in the past has come back into your life. You'll stay out of trouble if you pick projects that will benefit the whole family. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) It's doubtful anyone will try to stand in your way or cut you off at the pass today. You will communicate with ease today. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Avoid arguments with relatives who might be conservative and outdated. Talk to someone you trust in order to see the whole picture. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You can expand your circle of friends if you get out and socialize. You're not your usual self today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't be afraid to make additions to your house. Your ability to communicate with ease will win the hearts of those you are in touch with today. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Sudden changes at home will affect family members more than you anticipated. This will not be the time to give too much to your children.

sistance, and Tim Southee (160) ensured the hosts were able to restrict the visitors to 283-9. “Another tight one so it was nice to be on the right side of this one,” New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said. “Wins against the best team in the world aren’t going to come easy. “The death bowling was superb and the boys held their nerve at the end. It’s great to level the series but we need to improve. South Africa learn very quickly.” The third match is in Wellington on Saturday. Scores: New Zealand 289 for 4 (Taylor 102*, Neesham 71*, Williamson 69, Pretorious 2-40) beat South Africa 283 for 9 (De Kock 57, Pretorius 50, Boult 3-63) by six runs.

Ross Taylor was the fourth New Zealand batsman to reach 6000 ODI runs © AFP

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Kaieteur News

Full Membership no longer permanent under proposed changes ESPNcricinfo - Full Membership of the ICC will no longer be a permanent right but instead a privilege up for review every five years, under proposed sweeping changes to the constitution of cricket’s governing body. In a plan that will open up the game to emergent nations such as Ireland and Afghanistan, while also placing pressure on struggling nations such as Zimbabwe and even West Indies, the ICC’s executive board resolved at its February round of meetings in Dubai to push ahead with a fundamental redrawing of the level of accountability faced by Full Members. In an email circulated among ICC members and obtained by ESPNcricinfo, the proposal from the ICC’s governance working group demonstrates how the concept of Full Membership is to be opened up. And now that there will only be two types of membership - Affiliate membership is to be removed - Associate nations will also need to adhere to stricter membership criteria. They will have their status reviewed every two years, but with far greater incentives for doing so - there is now a clear pathway to Full Membership and its attendant advantages. “Full Member status is not enshrined forever,” the email states. “A Full Member may be re-classified as an Associate Member upon the recommendation of the Membership Committee where it fails to meet the Retention Criteria.” While the Executive Committee, or ExCo, synonymous with the “Big Three” changes of 2014 is to be disbanded, a new and influential Membership Committee will be raised to deal specifically with membership compliance and decisions on whether to elevate Associate nations to Full Membership or demote current Full Members to Associate level. This “MemCom”, which will include both Full Member and Associate representatives, is to be empowered to decide on applications independent of the executive board. “All applications for a new, enhanced or reclassification (demotion) of Membership will be conducted by a committee separate from the Executive Board. The essence of the MemCom’s role will be to objectively apply the criteria and make a decision on the application. “The Board’s role will be limited to ensuring that due process has been observed by MemCom. This process

ensures the elimination of any prejudices, bias or ‘politics’ of Board Members in the consideration of any application. The new Constitution will also provide for regular reviews of the membership criteria to ensure that Members are compliant, failing which they may be reclassified. “In short, a Full Member is no longer guaranteed his status forever. All membership and the continuation of the membership will be on merit. A review of membership compliance of the criteria will take place every five years for Full Members and every two years for Associates.” The email did not spell out what criteria for the two memberships will be, saying only that “new, detailed and objective Membership Criteria have been developed. These criteria and the utilization of the Membership Committee aim to make the processes around dealing with the membership matters objective, transparent and free from political influence.” One of the main criteria, however, is likely to be some degree of financial transparency. The ICC will withhold funding from members unless they provide information on their finances, as well as how it is spent. The ICC will also retain the right to request members for an independent audits where applicable. The executive board of the ICC, meanwhile, is to be expanded to 15 directors, including the chairmen of the 10 Full Member nations, three chairmen of Associate nations, the independent ICC chairman and one other independent director who will be female. The Associate chairmen and the new independent female director will all have full voting rights, with a two-thirds majority required to carry the vote. Provision will also be made for the use of secret ballots when required, meaning board members will no longer need to stare down each other when voting. The working group has also proposed a reduction in the number of committees, proposing “more debate and decision-making for the Board.” But on important committees such as Finance and MemCom, they propose adding an Associate representative. A new-look Development Committee will now be headed by, effectively,

It is being proposed that the ICC will withhold funding from members unless they provide information on their finances, as well as how it is spent © Getty Images a Chairman of the Associates. The committee will be “constituted by the 7Elected Reps (including the Global Regional representative) and 2 Full Member Representatives. The Chairman of the Development Committee will as of right be the Chairman of the Associates. This will result in more autonomous decision-making by Asso-

ciates for Associates (subject to Board’s approval, of course).” As with the post of ICC chairman, the Associate chairman will also be an independent official. These changes are being proposed alongside a new financial model for ICC tournament revenue that will recut the pie rather differently to the model adapted in 2014 - a project of particular con-

cern for the governing body’s chairman Shashank Manohar, who has been a vocal critic of the “Big Three” structure enshrined three years ago. They were agreed to inprinciple by the ICC executive board at recent meetings, though the boards of India and Sri Lanka were notable objectors. The new landscape will face more debate

at the next round of quarterly meetings in April, before their first chance for formal ratification at the ICC annual conference in June. Other work on league structures for international cricket is also progressing, with models for Test, ODI and T20I championships being approved in principle for introduction from 2019 onwards.

Renault aims for fifth place in 2017 championship LONDON (Reuters) Renault unveiled their 2017 Formula One car yesterday and said it targeted fifth place in the championship and possible podium finishes after struggling among the backmarkers last season. The former world champions, who returned as full constructors in 2016 after taking over the failing Lotus team, finished ninth out of 11 last year with drivers Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and Briton Jolyon Palmer. Magnussen has since left for U.S-owned rivals Haas F1 and been replaced by experienced German Nico Hulkenburg from Force India. Russian Sergey Sirotkin retains the role of development driver. The team, whose engine plant is in France and main factory in England, have invested heavily in adding headcount and infrastructure over the past year with the aim of returning to the top by 2020. “We expect to be fifth in the championship,” Renault

Renault’s Jolyon Palmer, Nico Hulkenberg, test driver Sergey Sirotkin and managing director Cyril Abiteboul during the launch. (Reuters/Alan Walter Livepic) Sp o r t R a c i n g P r e s i d e n t Jerome Stoll told the audience in a central London hall before the black and yellow RS17 car was presented to pounding music

and strobe lights. “We are hungry for the podium, hungry for success,” said Stoll. Renault Sport F1 mana g i n g d i r e ctor Cyril

Abiteboul, who has effectively been running the team since the departure of principal Frederic Vasseur in January, said the key word for the year ahead was ‘integration’.

Thursday February 23, 2017

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Kaieteur News

CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships

Captain Deshawn Joseph’s brace leads Guyana to victory over Belize; GK Sparman has huge game 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. Guyana recorded its first win at this level when they scored all five goals against Belize but only won 4-1 as one was an own goal last evening in their final group A game of the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships being played at the BFA Soccer Stadium at Malcolm Park here in

Nassau Bahamas. In with a chance of making the quarter finals if they had posted a big win, Guyana started very offensive minded taking the attack to Belize in the first meeting between the two countries in this format of the game played in consistent rainfall. With about three and a half minutes on the clock Captain Desahwn Joseph took a free kick from the half way mark after the Belizean goalkeeper was penalised for handling the ball twice. In the rainy conditions Joseph’s kick dangled along the sand and bounced over Frank

Adulphus Lopez’s outstretched hands into the back of the nets for Guyana’s opening goal. Belize equalised in the most luckiest of ways from a corner kick in the sixth minute when Jamal Haynes in an attempt to clear the ball guided it past his countryman Ethan Sparman in goal; Guyana 1 Belize 1. The exchanges were fast and furious between the two sides throughout the first period with Guyana enjoying the better of the exchanges but could not convert the many corners they were awarded. Captain Joseph put the ball way over the heads

Smalta U-14 Indoor Hockey League commences The Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) in its effort to develop players for the Junior Pan Am in 2020 launched its first Under-14 Indoor League last Friday, at St Joseph’s High School. The League, which is sponsored by AnsaMcAl’s Smalta brand, is the GHB’s first ever tournament to be held within schools. It is a 4-a-side format with a maximum of 10 registered players per team and includes teams from Saints Hockey Club (SHC), Hikers (HHC), Old Fort, GCC, Marian Academy and St Joseph’s High School. According to a release from the Board, the tournament will utilise the auditoriums of Saints Stanislaus College, St Joseph’s High School and Marian Academy with a different venue being used each week. Last Friday, the Girls Division saw SHC Silencers overcoming SHC Sensations 2-1 and St Joseph’s 3-0 in back to back games with Mariah Seegobin scoring both goals in the first game and Devonte Hernandez scoring all three goals in the second game. St Joseph’s made their debut with their boys and

girls teams, many of them holding a hockey stick for the first time. St Joseph’s boys managed to defend a 3-2 lead over the SHC Scorchers, who earlier in the day beat HHC Hatchets 5-3. Old Fort defeated SHC Samurai 3-2 despite having started the game with only two players. HHC Garnett Street despite losing to SHC Scalpels 3-1 earlier in the evening managed to draw with Old Fort 33 in one of the most exciting matches of the night with Samuel Garnett from HHC Garnett Street and Kai James from Old Fort being the only goal scorers for either team. The league will be held every Friday with games starting at 16:00hrs and concluding at 19:00hrs. Tomorrow the action resumes at Marian Academy with the GCC and Marian Academy teams getting their first games of the tournament. Girls SHC Silencers defeated SHC Sensations Score: 2-1 Goal Scorers: Mariah Seegobind (2)/ Kieara Williams (1)

SHC Silencers defeated St Joseph’s Score: 3-0 Goal Scorers: Devonte Hernandez (3) Boys SHC Scorchers defeated HHC Hatchets Score: 5-3 Goal Scorers: Justin Dookie (2), Oshazay Savory (2), Naresh Mohadeo (1), Kelvin Simon (2), Jaden Smith (1) SHC Scalpels defeated HHC Garnett Street Score: 3-1 Goal Scorers: Keron Bacchus (2), NkumaHutson (1) / Tahrea Garnett (1) Old Fort defeatedSHC Samurai Score: 3-2 Goal Scorers: Shoran James (1), Urlington James (1), Kai James/ Azarya Williams (1), Alex Quinn (1) St Joseph’s defeated SHC Scorchers Score: 3-2 Goal Scorers: Brandon Abrams (2), Erik Yasim (1) / Justin Dookie (2) HHC Garnett Street drew with Old Fort Score: 3-3 Goal Scorers: Samuel Garnett (3) / Kai James (3)

Australia brace for tough road test on... From page 35 inclusion looms as the only probable change from the side that beat Bangladesh in Hyderabad. Unless the selectors see such a raging turner of a pitch that they call for a third spinner - in which case Mitchell Marsh could miss out and either Glenn Maxwell or Ashton Agar would be included - Australia’s XI appears fairly settled. Matt

Renshaw batted with David Warner for a long period at training on Tuesday, and is expected to retain his place ahead of Usman Khawaja. All up, two changes are likely from the side that beat Pakistan at the SCG last month: the Marsh brothers, Shaun and Mitchell, both in at the expense of Khawaja and Hilton Cartwright. Pitch and conditions The pitch for the

inaugural Pune Test match is so dry that Australia are believed to be considering a third spinner. India’s captain, Virat Kohli, said he was expecting the turn to be slow. Like at the Wankhede Stadium, the practice pitches at the MCA Stadium are on the main square. That means a lot of barren patches on the square. There is a good chance of reverse swing.

of his teammates on all three occasions when he took the corner kicks. The second period saw the Guyanese keeping up the pace on the wet sand which definitely tested their level of fitness but with steady subs by Coach Abdullah Hamid, they were able to keep the Belize side in check. Sparman continued his good showing with some clinical saves as Belize also showed their desire to win with a few offensive moves of their own in Guyana’s third. With 21.3 seconds remaining in the second period/third, Jahshawn Moore sent the Guyanese ahead with a well taken shot from close range. Belize came close to equalising when Marlon Meza hit the upright when the ball was restarted but Guyana went into the three minute break leading 2-1 with all to play for in the final 12 minutes; final period/third. Jamal Haynes made amends

for his own goal in the first period/third with a goal in the first minute of the final period to send Guyana further ahead, 3-1. Sparman was again keeping Guyana ahead and in the lane for its first win with more brilliant saves as the Belizians kept fighting with all their might. Four and half minutes into the period Captain Joseph added more distance between the two countries score-wise when he blasted in the fourth goal for a 41 lead and his second of the match. Guyana showed a high level of fitness in even more challenging conditions than their two earlier matches that they lost to Bahamas and Jamaica. The Golden Jaguars of the beach were relentless as they were constantly cooled down by the continuous rain; custodian and unofficial player of the game, Sparman, being the star of the show bringing off dazzling saves as Guyana went on to win the

match 4-1 even though they scored all the goals. The result in last night’s feature game between Bahamas and Jamaica would have determined if Guyana could sneak into the quarter finals, details in tomorrow’s edition. In earlier matches, El Salvador defeated Panama on penalty kicks 2-1 after they battled to a 4-4 draw in regulation and extra time. The win for El Salvador saw them moving to four points with the single point from the draw and an earlier win to seal their quarter final berth. Trinidad and Tobago hammered the United States Virgin Islands 5-1; the United States trounced Antigua and Barbuda 7-2, while Costa Rica beat the Turks and Caicos Islands 82. The top two teams in each group will advance to the quarter finals while the other teams will battle.

Nand Persaud Karibee Rice and Elcock... From page 37 earners for 2016 and E3 US and Canadian bred non earners for 2016. An event for four years old West Indies bred and animals classified G3 and lower. horses classified H and lower. The three years old West Indies bred and I1 and lower horses. There is an event for three-year-old West Indies bred maiden horse. An event for three and four-year-old

Guyana bred maiden horses. The final two events are the J2 and K class event and the race for animals classified L and lower. Other animals such as Lady Budapest, Score’s Even, Just Call Me Boss, Right To Rule and Cat Messiah are also expected to make an impression. 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 organisers. Calls can be made to Fazal Habibulla on 657-7010 or 2320232, Donald Lawrie on telephone Nos 225-4530, Campton Sancho 602-1567 or Ramnauth on 697-1979 for additional details. Race time is 12:30 hrs. The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed. (Samuel Whyte)

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All set for Courts NA 20-lap BVA action continues with Mashramani cycle race today beach volleyball on Sunday Volleyball players in Berbice will be kept busy when the action oriented Berbice Volleyball Association (BVA) stages a one day, two man beach volleyball competition on Sunday at the popular No 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice. All of the top teams from both East and West Berbice and Orealla up the Corentyne River are expected to be represented by more than one team. Over 30 pairs are expected to participate in the day’s action

which is expected to serve off at 09:00 hrs. The day’s action is expected to see play in the senior males, females and junior males category. The top teams in each category along with outstanding individual players will be presented with incentives including cash, trophies and other memorabilia. The Coordinator is BVA president Levi Nedd. (Samuel Whyte)

GCB/MOE/DMLAS School’s cricket

Mahaicony defeat IBE by 80 runs, face Chase Academy in Demerara semis First place finisher Orville Hinds receives his award from a representatives of the Courts store in last year’s event. A number of the top cyclists in the country are expected to throng Berbice today for the Courts New Amsterdam Branch Annual Mashramani 20-lap cycle road race in observation of the 47th Mashramani celebrations. With the cycling season in full swing the event is expected to be hotly contested for the lucrative prizes that will be on offer. The event is set to pedal off from in front of the Courts store at Main and St Ann Streets in New Amsterdam and is being staged in collaboration with the Flying Ace Cycle Club. The riders will then proceed towards High

Bridge then turn left into Philadelphian Street, left into Republic Road (Back dam), left into Vryhied Road, then left into Main Road where they will pass the starting point 20 times. The veterans will cover 10 laps, the juveniles five laps; the 12-14 cyclists and the females will ride for two laps. The BMX cyclists will begin the day’s proceeding with a one mile ride from Alphonso Square at Tacama Turn to the finish line at Courts. Starting time is 09:00 hrs and the cyclists are expected to be sent on their way by Regional Chairman David Armogan and Courts Berbice

Branch Manager Stanley McKenzie. There will be prizes for the first six finishers, five veterans, four juveniles, the first three females, first three U-1214 riders. The first three BMX 12-14 and 9-12 riders and riders to cross the finish line will receive prizes. There will also be eight sprint point prizes up for grabs. The event is organised by the Flying Ace Cycle club and coordinated by Coach Randolph Roberts. Orville Hinds is the defending champion. Cyclists are reminded that they must ride in their club colours. (Samuel Whyte)

Rookies Peters, Hector in World Cup training squad ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Uncapped Akeira Peters and Shawnisha Hector have been named in a 20member training squad to prepare for the Women’s Cricket World Cup in June. The 23-year-old Peters is an all-rounder from Grenada who was part of the training setup ahead of last year’s home series against England in Jamaica, but failed to gain selection. She was also a member of the Windward Islands squad for the Women’s Regional Championship in Guyana last year. Seventeen-year-old Hector, meanwhile, is a fast bowler who hails from Antigua and who captained Leeward Islands during the Regional Championship. The call up represents her first to the West Indies setup. The duo will join the likes

of mainstays Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin and Merissa Aguilleira in the squad which undergo camp from March 720 in Antigua. Later this year, West Indies Women will have a twoweek camp in England to further prepare them for the Women’s World Cup which is also being staged in England from June 24 to July 23. At the last 50-overs World Cup in India four years ago, West Indies Women were good enough to reach the final before losing to Australia Women. West Indies Women are the reigning World Twenty20 champions following their triumph last April at the T20 World Cup in India. SQUAD – Merissa Aguilleira, Shemaine Campbelle, Shamilia Connell, Britney Cooper, Shanel Daley, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher,

Veteran player Merissa Aguilleira. Erva Giddings, Shawnisha Hector, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Chedean Nation, Akeira Peters, Shaquana Quintyne, Tremayne Smartt, Shakera Selman, Stafanie Taylor.

Led by a blistering 49 from Paul Durga and 5-12 from Omprakash Barrat, Mahaicony Secondary School beat Institute of Business Education (IBE) by 80 runs in the East Coast Demerara district final of the GCB/MOE/ DMLAS 30 overs National Secondary School’s cricket tournament last Monday at the Fairfield ground. The win guaranteed Mahaicony Secondary School a place in Tuesday’s Demerara semifinal against National defending Champions Chase Academy at Fairfield. West Demerara Secondary beat Saraswat Secondary in their West Demerara district final and will play East Bank District Champions St Cuthbert Mission tomorrow at the MetenMeer-Zorg ground in West Demerara in the other Demerara semi-final. The winners of these two matches will advance to the National semis against the Berbice and Essequibo district winners respectively with winners advancing to the National final. At the Fairfield ground, the home team batted first and Durga smashed a 24-ball 49 decorated with four sixes and four fours and shared in 50-run stand with Shoaib Shaw who struggled to get the ball away in a tedious 29 from 72 balls with just a single boundary. The pair provided Mahaicony Secondary with a firm foundation before they lost their way and were dismissed for 137 in 27.1 overs on a slow track. Only Barrat, with 20 from 34 balls which included two fours, of the other batsmen offered resistance as Mario Franklyn (3-11), Daniel Motoo (3-28), Nicolas Narine (2-7) and Asif Sammy (2-13) did the damage with the ball.

Paul Durga (left) made a blistering 49 while Omprakash Barrat captured 5-12 to lead Mahaicony secondary to victory. IBE were dismantled for 57 in 18.1 overs despite a fighting 31 from 29 balls with three fours from Khemraj Pananam. Barrat captured 5-12 for Mahaicony Secondary to give them their first ever district title.

IBE last reached the National Final in 2004 when they lost to St Joseph’s High at Bourda in what is still the largest crowd turn out for a school final in the last three decades with the IBE turning up with Tassa drummers.(Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

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Australia brace for tough road test on Pune’s debut ESPNcricinfo - In this era of facts and alternative facts, let’s consider one of each regarding the Test series that starts in Pune today. Australia can regain the No.1 Test ranking by the end of this tour. That is a fact. Australia have a good chance of doing so. That is an alternative fact. In other words, a falsehood. A statement that is backed up by no evidence whatsoever. To do so, Australia would need to win this series either 3-0 or 4-0, and not even Sean Spicer could claim with a straight face that such a scenario is feasible. A different sort of spin will be required to succeed in this series. Consider some more facts. India have not lost a Test - any Test, anywhere since August 2015. That is a stretch of 19 consecutive Tests they have either been won or drawn. Admittedly, since they were last defeated, by Sri Lanka in Galle, they have played only one away series, against West Indies last year. At home they are utterly dominant. Of their past 20 home Tests, India have won 17 and drawn three. Last time they lost at home was to England in Kolkata in December 2012. It is so long ago that Yuvraj

Singh was still a Test cricketer, but Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja were not. Australia, meanwhile, have lost their past nine Tests in Asia. If they were a cat, they’d be out of lives, and out of their misery. Until last year, Sri Lanka was the one Asian venue at which Australia always seemed to win. Then they encountered Rangana Herath and were crushed 0-3. Nine men who played in that series are part of the squad in India. What have they learnt from that experience? We are about to find out. What is certain is that R Ashwin, Jadeja and whichever other spinners India choose to play will test Australia’s batsmen every bit as sternly as Herath and Dilruwan Perera. Last time India hosted Australia for a Test series, Ashwin and Jadeja combined for a remarkable tally of 53 wickets. Only one Australian century was scored in the four Tests in 2013 - by Michael Clarke, on the opening day of the series. From then on, Australia’s tour was beset by poor techniques against spin, an inability to restrict India’s batsmen, internal angst within the squad, and detentions over neglected

After a humiliating series loss in Sri Lanka, can Australia’s batsmen turn their spinning-pitches form around? © Associated Press homework. India only gained momentum, not just winning but annihilating Australia in the process. Four years later, a very different Australia will try their luck. Peter Handscomb, Matt Renshaw and Shaun Marsh will all play Test cricket in India for the first time - Marsh, the selectors hope, could be Australia’s trump card on the spinning pitches, given his success in Sri Lanka - while Josh Hazlewood and Steve O’Keefe will have their first experience of bowling in Tests in India. The hosts, since 2013, have lost legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and MS Dhoni, but appear no weaker

Australia beat Sri Lanka to avoid Twenty20 series whitewash

Adam Zampa’s variations hassled Sri Lanka’s middle order © AFP (Reuters) Australia beat Sri Lanka by 41 runs in their final Twenty20 game yesterday, avoiding a whitewash in the three-match series and salvaging some pride. Australia got off to a flier courtesy of captain and opening batsman Aaron Finch’s 53 runs off 32 balls. His partner Michael Klinger scored a controlled 62 runs off 43 balls to help take the hosts to a total of 187. Sri Lanka began impressively but wickets tumbled as they struggled to cope with leg-spinner Adam Zampa, losing five

wickets, including that of in-form allrounder Asela Gunaratne, between the eighth and 12th over. Zampa and medium pacer James Faulkner picked up three wickets each. Australia were fielding a below-full-strength side with their test squad currently in India. Gunaratne was named man-of-the-series after scoring half centuries in the first two matches. Scores: Australia 6 for 187 (Klinger 62, Finch 53) beat Sri Lanka 146 (Faulkner 320, Zampa 3-25) by 41 runs.

for it. They are No.1 in the world, by a distance. Expect that chasm only to grow over the next few weeks. In the spotlight How will Australia’s batsmen combat the dual threats of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja? They are the top two Test bowlers in the world, according to the ICC’s rankings, and for Australia to have any hope of respectability in this series

they will need to find some way to limit their impact. One turns the ball away from the right-handers, one away from the left-handers, and both will be threatening with every single delivery. Their figures are quite remarkable: no bowler in Test history has reached 250 wickets faster than Ashwin, while of Jadeja’s 117 Test wickets, 96 have come in India at the average of 20.22. Expect this

pair to once again be at the top of the wicket tally. The oldest man in Australia’s squad, Shaun Marsh gets his first chance to play Test cricket in India at the age of 33. The selectors view Marsh as a good player of spin, and is expected to slot in either at No.3 or No.4, effectively replacing Usman Khawaja, whose previous struggles in turning conditions in Asia appear to have cost him his spot. Marsh was a calm presence in Colombo last August, when he was brought in for the third Test against Sri Lanka and made 130, which was Australia’s highest score of the tour. With hundreds in three of his past four firstclass matches and two of his past three Tests, he should e n t e r t h i s Te s t w i t h confidence. Team news India appear likely to play three spinners, with Jayant Yadav set to join Ashwin and Jadeja. His (Continued on page 33)

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Thursday February 23, 2017

Africa tells FIFA it wants 10 places at expanded World Cup JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) Africa will be looking to double the number of places it has at an expanded World Cup, the c o n t i n e n t ’s f o o t b a l l association presidents have t o l d s o c c e r ’s w o r l d governing body FIFA. Africa wants at least 10 spots in the 48-team World Cup that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed from 2026 as the continent gave a ringing

endorsement to the expansion plans. “All associations back the idea to expand the World Cup and there is the hope that Africa can have 10 places in future,” South African FA chief Danny Jordaan said yesterday. That would be double the five places the continent has at the next two finals in Russia next year and Qatar in 2022. Europe is seeking a

minimum of 16 places, up from 13, and wants its sides to be separated in the 16 opening round groups of three teams, with the top two advancing to a 32-team knockout phase under plans approved by FIFA last month. Asia are expected to get eight to nine places, compared to 4-1/2 now, and South America, which has 10 member countries, a total of six, also up from 4-1/2.

The CONCACAF region, made up of the Caribbean, Central and North American countries, would get 6-1/2 places, compared to 3-1/2, with Oceania, the small Pacific Islands confederation, having one automatic place at the finals instead of 1/2. Inter-continental playoffs between countries with 1/2 a place would determine the additional spots at the finals.

The final allocation of places must be passed by the FIFA Council. THREE-DAY SUMMIT The subject of the e x p a n d e d Wo r l d C u p featured prominently at a three-day summit between FIFA chief Infantino and more than 50 presidents of the African FAs. The talks were behind closed doors but FIFA o ff i c i a l s t o l d R e u t e r s yesterday that Infantino had outlined plans for an expanded World Cup and new development assistance for member countries. It is the first time a summit of this type has been held, giving Africa’s FA representatives informal contact with the FIFA leadership, including the world governing body’s recently appointed general secretary Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura. “It has been a very good idea and a

chance for the associations to also speak directly to the FIFA leadership about their issues and concerns,” said Ahmad, the president of the Madagascar Football Federation. Ahmad, who uses just one name, is running for the presidency of the Confederation of African Football against longstanding incumbent Issa Hayatou of Cameroon next month. The summit comes three weeks before the CAF elections in Addis Ababa on March 16 and the FIFA event in Johannesburg has been dominated by intense lobbying, delegates said. “Most of the business at this summit is actually outside of the conference room, in the corridors and the hotel lobby as different candidates try to persuade associations to vote for them,” said one African FA chief, who asked not to be named.

Possible Mayweather-McGregor bout ‘a joke’ - Alvarez NEW YORK (Reuters) A possible bout between Floyd Mayweather and mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor is getting lots of buzz but two fighters that are getting in the ring said the crossover tilt would be a black eye on boxing. Irishman McGregor has been challenging Mayweather to a fight for months but the two have yet to reach terms while both have been doing their part to drum up interest with plenty of back and forth in the media. “It’s a joke for boxing if that happens,” two-time world champion Canelo Alvarez, who fights fellow Mexican Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in Las Vegas in May, told Reuters on Tuesday. Mayweather, who retired in 2015 after compiling a perfect 49-0 record, has said he would require a guaranteed $100 million to make the fight with McGregor happen. “It is a businessman fight,” Chavez said during Tuesday’s promotion stop in

New York for the Cinco de Mayo weekend bout with Alvarez on May 6. “I like to fight a serious fight.” Famed boxing trainer Freddie Roach believes the much-hyped MayweatherMcGregor showdown will happen and that he may get involved himself. Roach, who prepared Manny Pacquiao for the “Fight of the Century” against Mayweather, said in an appearance on The MMA Hour show on Monday that the 12-time boxing champion visited his Wild Card gym and told him that he will fight McGregor. “According to Mayweather, yes. He told me he would fight him. Everything is pointing in that direction right now,” said Roach, who added that he would consider training McGregor if asked. “I think Mayweather is the favourite, yes, but I wouldn’t count anyone out. Because (McGregor) throws, he throws hard and he’s not afraid to throw.”

Thursday February 23, 2017

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Shariff and Jumbo Jet set for head on collision Nand Persaud Karibee Rice and Elcock CP racing stables stake claim As preparations continue for the much anticipated Guyana Cup rematch horserace meet intense action is anticipated as the major horseracing stables in Guyana stake their claim for supremacy at the coveted meet. The charge will be led by the Jumbo Jet Racing stable and the bounty-hunting Shariff Racing stable as they tangle for supremacy. However, they will not get things their way as other major entities like the ever improving Nand Persaud Karibee Rice and Elcock Racing stables will be in the thick of things also with multiple entries. The event, which is organised by The Jumbo Jet Auto Sales and Racing Stable in collaboration with the Rising Sun Turf Club, is set for Sunday at the Rising Sun Turf Club, Arima Park, West Coast, Berbice. The eight race meet has a

$7M price tag consisting of cash, trophies and other incentives. The Jumbo Jet stable will include the likes of Jack is MY Style, It’s My Choice, Release the Beast, Passion for Song, Keep On Swinging, Red Rocket, Isn’t She Charming, and Appealing Harvest. The Shariff Stables will be looking to keep things in control with Princess She Not, Spit Fire, Settling Star, Wichie Poo, Firing Line, Miss Kristina, Campador, Mischief Maker, and Puppy Tail. The Nand Persaud Stable is expected to feature Golden Blue Echo, Honey Flow, Light up Canada, Brave Sky, Blacka and T and T. The Elcock C P racing stable is reportedly entering C.P Got Even, Quiet Dancer, Sweet Return, Secret Escape and Flow Jo among others. Other stables such as Jagdeo, Rising Sun, Singh, Bacchus, Crawford and

Jockey Paul Delph aboard C.P Got Even distancing itself from the rest of the field in a recent feature A and lower event.

Bactowar among others are expected to enter multiple entries. Entries have reportedly touched 65 with horse owners making sure

that their horses are in the best of shapes and are taking no chances as they vie for the lucrative prizes on offer. The feature D and lower

1800M event hasJockey Paul Delph aboard C.P Got Even distancing itself from the rest of the field in a recent feature A and lower event. a

winning take of $1M and trophy. There are also events for horses classified E1 and lower West Indies bred non (Continued on page 33)

Thursday February 23, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Limacol Round Robin/Knockout Football Competition

Kaieteur Sport picks Tigers and Police for championship game

Part of the action in this year’s Limacol Round Robin/Knockout Football Competition. With the semi-finals in this year’s Limacol Round Robin/Knockout Football Competition scheduled to

be played tomorrow evening at the GFC ground, Kaieteur Sport will once again attempt to predict the outcome of the two engagements. In the feature clash between Western Tigers and Santos, Kaieteur Sport is forecasting a 2-1 win for the Tigers in what will be a fascinating encounter. These two sides have a cadre of young, talented players, but the consistent form of the Tigers and their recent win against Santos in a major final (Stag Beer Cup) is what will pull them through. Andrew Murray Jnr and Devon Millington have added potency to their attack, while Joshua Britton, Jumane Somerset, Randoloph Wagner, Jamal Pedro and Linden Picketts, have all been performing excellently throughout the competition. Santos on the other hand, must be feeling confident after their come from behind victory over Mahaica Determinators in front of a hostile crowd and

that performance must instigate self-belief in the young lineup. Players such as O’Kenie Fraser, Keith Caines and Job Caesar despite their youthfulness have been playing at a high level for sometime, while Dominique Bobb and Orin Yarde are two players who we all know are capable of turning a game on its head. H o w e v e r, t h e psychological edge remains with the Tigers. In the opening fixture, Police is favoured to win by a 2-1 margin. Captain Dwain Jacobs, a former ‘Golden Jaguar’ has led from the front and in tandem with the prolific Quincy Holder, they are a formidable duo and extremely tough to contain. However, who could underestimate the skills of Milerock’s talisman Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens. He is a steady performer and alongside the likes of Garey Thompson and Sedrick Hunte, they are a tough bunch to beat.

GT Motorsports / GMR&SC Kart Meet

Experienced Canadian karter coming for tomorrow’s G/Town Grand Prix As part of its objective which is to lift the standard of karting and by extension motor racing, the organisers of tomorrow’s Georgetown G r a n d P r i x K a r ting Competition has invited top Canadian karter Darryl Timmers to compete in the event. The 28 years old Ti m m e r s h a s a v e r y impressive resume and has been racing karts since age 12. A c c o r d i n g t o information received, the highly decorated Canadian racer has racked up 17 wins, over 62 top five finishes and altogether 43 podium finishes, including the 2010 Florida Winter Tour Four stroke championship, while finishing on the podium three times at the Canadian Nationals. Additionally, Timmers was the 2008 Ontario National champion and had three podium finishes at the

Darryl Timmers. Ontario Nationals Level. M o r e r e c e n t l y, o n a p r o f e s sional level, the Canadian started training drivers in the karting industry working with one of Canada’s top karts Shops in Karts and Parts, while also working with Audi Teen Driving Academy as well as the Lamborghini Canada driving experience.

Timmers after gaining valuable experience working with some of the top teams in Canada started his own karting team in 2012 and currently has 15 students in his tent ranging between the ages 7-56 years old drivers. He has worked with manufacturers in the auto industry such as Ford, Cadillac, Land Rover, Jaguar, Honda, and Porsche for their High Performance driving events as well as a driver coach for Drive Tech, 6th Gear and Engineered Automotives High performance among others. Timmers apart from competing is also expected to provide much needed guidance and information to enhance the karting industry here during his visit. The event is being organised by GT M o t o r s p o r t s i n collaboration with the Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) and the showdown strats at 19:00hrs.

Kaieteur News

Thursday February 23, 2017

Lakers trade guard Williams to Rockets (Reuters) The Los Angeles Lakers, who named Magic Johnson as their new president of basketball operations earlier on Tuesday, have traded guard Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets,

according to multiple media reports. The Lakers are expected to receive a 2017 first-round draft pick along with forward Corey Brewer in exchange for Williams, who wrote on

Twitter: “Thanx for the love L.A., I’ve enjoyed my stay”. Williams, 30, led the Lakers with an average of 18.6 points, 3.2 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game this season despite coming off the bench.

Budapest Olympic bid on last legs as mayor to bring in government

A hostess poses with Hungary’s Olympic logo at a promotional spot as the Hungarian capital bids for the 2024 Olympic Games, in central Budapest, Hungary January 31, 2017. (REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh) BUDAPEST (Reuters) Budapest’s mayor will tell the government that political unity over the city’s bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics has broken down, according to a council resolution widely seen as the first step to it pulling its c a n d i d a c y. U n d e r t h e resolution seen by Reuters and being put to the City Council yesterday, Budapast Mayor Istvan Tarlos will ask the government to “clarify whether, as national unity ended, there is any point in s u s t a i n i n g B u d a p e s t ’s candidacy.” Bidding alongside powerhouses Los Angeles and Paris, Budapest has been considered a long-shot candidate, pinning its hopes on the International Olympic Committee’s Agenda 2020 initiative that seeks a return for the event to simpler values and smaller price tags. After local opponents of the candidacy last week submitted a quarter of a

million signatures on a petition for a referendum on the bid, Tarlos suggested the city might quit the race. But he also rejected responsibility for allowing the bid to fail, saying the issue was a national one. Yesterday’s council resolution is due to authorise Tarlos to discuss the bid with the national government and Olympic committee. According to a survey published on Wednesday by pollster Median, half of Hungarians would like Budapest to withdraw the bid, with only a third supporting it nationally. In Budapest, 56 percent of voters are against the bid, which the poll showed was unlikely to survive a referendum. With the ruling Fidesz party holding a comfortable majority on Budapest’s city council, the resolution is expected to pass yesterday. The document also blames opposition parties for having “significantly

weakened” Budapest’s chances of hosting the event. Attempting to shore up backing for the bid, Olympic Committee Chairman Zsolt Borkai told the council meeting: “Support can never reach 100 percent. Especially if there are people who want to turn the Olympics into politics. We should not allow that to happen.”

He leads all NBA reserves in scoring average and will provide the Rockets (40-18), t h i r d i n t h e We s t e r n Conference, with another spark for their high-scoring offense. In addition to promoting Johnson, a Hall of Famer who won five NBA titles with Los Angeles in the 1980s, Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss also fired general manager Mitch Kupchak and her brother, Jim, from his role as vice president of basketball operations.

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t r o Sp CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships P.35

Captain Deshawn Joseph’s brace leads Guyana to victory over Belize; GK Sparman has huge game Woman Power! Guyana’s Physio Michelle Jackman lifts goalkeeper Ethan Sparman after Guyana’s triumph over Belize last night to show appreciation for his excellent keeping.

Belizean goalie Frank Lopez is floored by Guyana’s Captain Deshawn Joseph’s second goal.

Smalta U-14 Indoor Hockey League commences

Part of the action between Saints Sensations and Saints Silencers.

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