Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 25, 2017

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

EDITORIAL PRESIDENTIAL TERM-LIMITS IN LIMBO It was bound to happen. The 21-month-old government now finds itself between a rock and a hard place due largely to its own doing. Most of its problems have resulted from its slowness to act, and it being embroiled in too many scandals. The ruling by the Court of Appeal against presidential term limits has compounded its problems even more. Whether it is a coincidence or not, the decision by both the acting Chief Justice and the acting Chancellor seems suspicious, especially after the government refused to extend their tenure. If nothing else, the ruling has placed presidential term limits in limbo. In a two to one majority, the court ruled that presidential terms limits are unconstitutional and that a president who has served two terms could seek re-election for a third term. Chancellor Carl Singh and Justice of Appeal, B.S Roy, have upheld the decision of former Chief Justice Ian Chang that presidential term limit was unlawful as such constitutional changes should have certified by a referendum. The only dissenter was Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards who said that the amendment to limit presidents to two terms is not unconstitutional. In handing down the court’s decision, the acting Chancellor of the Judiciary made it clear that any law that would have the effect of suppressing the right to freely elect someone of their choice is unconstitutional. He asserted that in keeping with democratic principles, the people are entitled to freely elect their representatives. He reasoned that such disqualification will further diminish the sovereign and democratic entitlements of Guyanese and that the deeply entrenched Articles 1 and 9 of the Constitution could only be changed by referendum to achieve legal validity and efficacy. Acting Chief Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards has stated that the people of Guyana in whom sovereignty resides, exercise their sovereignty through the representatives of Parliament and Local Democratic organs. Since the sovereignty of the people is exercised by their representatives, the amendment did not alter, dilute, affect or amend Articles 1 and 9 of the Constitution. Justice Cummings-Edwards said the people gave that power to Parliament to change the constitution in keeping with their desire to have the right to vote or choose who should be their president. She added that the appellant has failed to prove the amendment that provides for term limits was unconstitutional. This exercise began in 2000 when the National Assembly passed amendments to Act 17 of 2001 governing eligibility to seek the Presidency of Guyana. Those amendments made it ineligible for someone who would have been elected to serve twice as President to seek a third term. The appeal had been filed against a ruling by then acting Chief Justice Ian Chang in July 2015. Justice Chang’s ruling was based on a constitutional motion brought by private citizen who challenged the two term limits created by the amendments to Article 90 which were enacted in 2001 after the bipartisan Constitution reform process. The Acting Chief Justice ruled that Article No.17 of 2001 is without legal effect because it does not comply with the other articles of the constitution. Chang further stated that while the constitution provides for representative democracy, such representative democracy cannot infringe on the popular sovereignty from which it derives and which is entrenched by the requirement of the referendum. He opined that the two-term limit of Presidents has diluted the rights of citizens to elect the person of their choice to govern the country regardless of the number of times he/she was elected. The decision by the Acting Chief Justice and the Chancellor came at the end of their tenure. However, there is still hope, because the court’s decision was not unanimous. The case is now destined to the Caribbean Court of Justice which will be the final arbiter.

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

Those who didn’t steal should not fear the SARA Bill Dear Editor, Now that the State Assets Recovery Bill is about to be passed in the parliament there is a concerted effort by the opposition PPP, the Private Sector Commission and some individuals whose income and wealth are inextricably tied in one way or another, to activities associated with the criminalized state. The PPP and the individuals and organizations concerned are hell bent on either delaying its passage in Parliament or, attempting to apply enough pressure on the Government to abandon the proposed bill. It is important to note that most of those persons in the forefront of resistance to the Bill are in a lot of ways beneficiaries of the looting of state assets which took place during the tenure of the PPPC r e g i m e . T h i s political/business/criminal alliance is desperate and fearful. They dread the exposure of their criminal activities which were conducted even as they pretended to be decent law abiding citizens. They are aware that the government is serious in its resolve to get back stolen assets. It is this realization that is giving them jitters. They know that the SARA Bill will make it easier for the state to recover stolen state assets, both at home and from those countries aboard where they have stashed some of the loot. Since the bill in its present form is based on civil recovery and not criminal prosecution

where the state has the burden to prove that the assets were acquired from criminal activities, the Bill shifts the burden on the defendant to show how the assets were acquired. The SARA bill signals that no longer in Guyana will public officials and their cohorts be allowed to plunder the resources of the state with the impunity they did under the PPPC regime. It is zero tolerance from here on. It will also allow SARA to access information necessary to pursue its cases and to seek court orders to freeze assets in Guyana and overseas. The critics of the bill, in attempting to justify what they refer to as draconian measures, are raising red herrings. They are arguing that the bill is unconstitutional, that it puts too much power in the hands of the person who will function as SARA’s director, that it is a violation of citizens’ rights and it is a political instrument to be used by the government against its opponents. They are trying to scare the public in supporting their criminal deception to save their skins. Contrary to their propaganda that SARA will function as both judge and jury, the truth is that SARA will have to prove its case in a court of law. Are they saying that the courts would not protect citizen’s rights? Their concern is not about citizens’ rights, they want to kill the bill in order to prevent public disclosure of the extent of their collaborative efforts to rape the

country’s resources and enrich themselves by illegal means in the process. These crooks are underestimating the masses intelligence. People are not fooled by their antics. The popular view is that government should have tabled and passed the bill in parliament shortly after it assumed office. If there is one thing that can be said against the coalition, it is that it has taken too long to act in relation to placing the bill in parliament. When the government appeared to be dragging its feet on the Bill the opposition became emboldened to the point that it mocked the regime by saying that it spent millions of taxpayers’ money on numerous audits and on SARU and there is nothing to show for it. They implied that in spite of the claims the members of the coalition had made while it was in opposition now that they are in government they are embarrassed by the fact that the audits have proven that the allegations against the PPP government were misplaced. If the PPP leadership believes its own propaganda that they ran a lean and clean government and their newly gotten wealth could stand up to scrutiny then they have nothing to worry about. But they know that SARA in pursuing recovery of assets will expose them and they have much to lose financially and politically. This explains their hostility against SARA and the person who is very

likely to be its first Director, Professor Clive Thomas. Old people say “monkey knows which limb to jump on” T h e y, a l l o f t h e m , politicians, businessmen, criminals and professionals who facilitated and benefitted from the operations of the criminal cabal are having sleepless nights and nightmares that SARA is knocking at their doors. They see a SARA operative in every worm hole of their surroundings. Not excluded from these traumatic nightly experiences is former President Bharat Jagdeo. He is fully aware of the dominant role he played in the theft of the country’s resources and he is as jittery as the others. He knows that in this new dispensation he is not above the law. In an effort to extricate himself he talks about his commitment to place ministers of the coalition government on trial for corruption. He said that he will pay money to persons who come forward with information. The man is prepared to do more than the government since he is willing to pay for information. This is no joke we are in a period of political desperation. We should therefore not be surprised if the nation’s suicide rate skyrockets after the passing of the SARA Bill. In closing the Guyanese people deserve justice. This is long overdue. The nation wants its stolen assets back! Let the chips fall where they may. Tacuma Ogunseye

Bharrat Jagdeo seldom behaved in a presidential manner Dear Editor, During his tenure as President, Mr. Jagdeo very seldom behaved in a presidential manner. There were numerous instances in which he cuss-down and verbally assaulted those citizens of this country who had often expressed opposing views. He was the all-powerful monarch behind the throne during Ramotar ’s pseudo presidency. He could barely resist the temptation to openly dictate policies to Ramotar such as the ill-fated prorogue of Parliament and the calling of elections which led to the defeat of the PPP. Without verbalizing any policies, Jagdeo seems committed and happy to criticize the present administration on almost every issue, including its

promotion of national unity. Many Guyanese believe that Jagdeo has absolutely no interest in social cohesion. In fact while national cohesion is likely to help the coalition retain power, the PPP seems convinced that such a scenario is a recipe for its demise. The actual goal of Jagdeo and his cohorts at Freedom House is to continue to divide the races and spread propaganda and distort the truth. Recently Jagdeo had proposed several policies on how to keep the sugar industry afloat. However, a careful examination of those policies has shown that they have not only failed under his regime but have exposed how deceitful he is. Under Jagdeo’s stewardship, the sugar industry collapsed despite the US$ 208 million

of the taxpayers’ money to build the White Elephant at Skeldon and the packaging plant at Enmore. Lest we forget, it was Jagdeo who has made the sugar industry dependent on the government for subsidies in order to gain votes from the sugar workers. We want Jagdeo and his PPP cronies to know that it is insane and delusional for the government to fork out $20 billion every year to sustain the sugar industry, which is clearly in decline. While such an approach was quite convenient to him since most of the beneficiaries are PPP supporters, it is clearly not the case with this government. It seems that he does not care that the sugar industry is a monumental burden on the people. Through the years,

mismanagement has led to the squandering of hundreds of millions that were provided by the EU and UK instead of providing alternatives to diversify the sugar industry. Like many others, this writer believes that Jagdeo is a hypocrite and a m a n i p u l a t o r. T h i s administration will do well to ignore his advice since it would simply be of little value. His arrogance, vindictiveness and his belief that only he knows how to run the country have caused him to ignore proper, and the genuine council from experienced and qualified people. Many viewed him as a demagogue and would stand firm against this chauvinist, narcissist and divisive character. George Archer

Saturday February 25, 2017

Is it Cuming or Cummings Street? DEAR EDITOR, THOMAS CUMING was the owner of Plantation La Bourgade lying between Church and Lamaha Streets. During the last years of the 18th century he laid out the front lands with residential lots which he sold to various persons and the transports

could have been seen in the Deeds Registry with the name Thomas Cuming. There is no historical doubt that the name has only one ‘M’ and no ‘S.’ How did Guyana come about naming the street, Cummings and not Cuming Street? Streets were named

after Cowan, Carmichael, Thomas, Albert etc. and no letters were added to these names. Is there anyone with the historical knowledge of street naming in Guyana who would be willing to explain why it is not Cuming Street? T. Pemberton

Aruca Investment is owed substantial sums by the State of Guyana DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a news article, Tuesday 21st February, 2017, caption “Region 1 REO booted from PAC hearing over alleged attempt to mislead” in the Stabroek News in which my client Aruca Investment has been named as a defaulting contractor. Aruca Investments instructed me that it is still owed tens of millions of dollars by the Regional Administration and is not indebted to the Region as is alleged. For the year 2009 Aruca is owed the sum of $1,144,260.00 for work done on the extension of the Chinese Landing Primary School; $896,880.00 for rehabilitation of Warapoka Teachers Quarter; and $887,166.00 for rehabilitation of Lower Waini Teachers Quarter. Several demands were made for these payments and they remain outstanding. I am also advised that fraud may have been committed with the forging of the signature of the principal of Aruca to cash a cheque, a matter still unresolved. For the year 2013 the Regional Administration still owes Aruca Investments the sum of $1,140,437.00, for the supply of goods and services. Likewise, for the year 2014, the sum of $10,933,117.00; for the year 2015, the sum of $15,757,295.00; and for the year 2016, the sum of $55,716,436.00. All for the supply of

goods and services. Additionally, Aruca Investments is owed the sum of $4,630,454.00 for completion of works at Tobago Primary and Kamwatta Sanitation Block, in 2015. You may ask the question why a supplier/ contractor would, continue to do work when not paid on previous year work. The answer lies in the way the public procurement system works. A supplier/contractor run the risk of being replaced by others if it does not tender for contracts in the current year; so it tenders again, hoping that the previous year outstanding balances will be resolved. But the absence of an efficient dispute resolution mechanism, leads to year after year payments not being made, and disputes unresolved. Aruca Investments finds itself in such a situation and unfortunately was erroneously named as a defaulting contractor that is still working in Region 1, when this is clearly not the case. My client remains agreeable to meet with any entity to rectify all discrepancies soonest, and believes that it has been wrongly named as a defaulting contractor when it is the state that owes it tens of millions of dollars. Jerome Khan Attorney-at-Law For ARUCA INVESTMENTS

Parking meters affect entire nation not only rates (beyond the minimum paying for it without even the capital announced by t h e knowing so. And it is just Dear Editor, There is a feeling among people not living, working or visiting Georgetown that the high costs associated with the parking meters will not affect them. They are absolutely wrong. The parking meters in Georgetown affect the cost of living of the entire c o u n t r y. When the Georgetown business community has to pay for parking in the city, they will pass on the costs in the prices in goods and services. Thus, all consumers (moreso those not in the city) are picking up the parking costs. Unfortunately, the workers in the city cannot pass on the costs and their pay remains the same. They, like the rest of the consumers, around the country are hurt financially. Similarly, as happened with the VAT on electricity

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government), also affect the entire nation. The government claims that only 20% of the nation would be affected by the electricity VAT and they say it is primarily the business community. The government is wrong. As happens with the parking meter charges, the business community passes on the VAT on electricity usage on the consumers. The business community never carries the burden associated with conducting business. They always pass it on to consumers and even make a profit from it by adding a few percentages. Businesses always seek to make a profit on any act of the government. The same is true with the VAT on water, health costs and private education – all are passed on to the consumers. So people outside of Georgetown don’t think the parking meter is not y o u r c o n c e r n . Yo u a r e

a matter of time before parking meters are introduced all over Georgetown, not just the red zone. And the parking meter company has the permit to expand to other parts of the country. So Linden, Rose Hall, New Amsterdam, Anna Regina, Charity, and other busy shopping areas, look out for parking meters in due course. And pe o p l e nationwide look out; higher costs for basic goods coming. Vishnu Bandhu

GuySuCo is getting personal in its responses to its critics DEAR EDITOR, I refer to GuySuCo’s response in KN edition of Feb. 20th, 2017- “This man writes on GuySuCo from a position of ignorance”. In this response, the Corporation seems to have two main peeves, that is, (1) an invitation to meet with me and (2) my expressions in the print media. To answer peeve #1, I invite Ms. Thomas to reread my letter published in KN, Feb. 7th, 2017 where I said it will be “useless” to meet. In relation to peeve #2, it is obvious that the Corporation has enormous pain when the nation receives factual information and once again it resorts to an accusation of my letters misleading readers. Again, I invite Ms.

Thomas to re-read my letter published in KN, Feb. 5th, 2017 where I posited that “In typical style, the Corporation was patently dismissive without providing an iota of evidence/detail in support of its defense.” Editor, I have presented and will continue to present this nation with information and analysis on the industry regardless how painful the truth will be to GuySuCo’s top brass. The Corporation in each of its responses thus far has not provided the Guyanese public with a single drop of evidence or proof to debunk or disprove details presented and has cleverly dodged all my queries. The only rebuttals coming from the Corporation is that, letters are

“misleading”, “poisonous” and the newest adjective “ignorance”. In deflecting from truth and real issues, the Corporation has resorted to cast blame on a person rather than answer to issues. It is quite unfortunate that a Corporation has descended into the mode of personal attacks. It is proof of professional degeneration. The fact is, a large number of executives and senior managers at various levels in GuySuCo’s current management structure are against the bad policy prescription being rolled-out but they cannot voice nonsupport or they risk their jobs. The IMC lead by a selfopinionated, CEO, manages GuySuCo in unfortunate ways Sookram Persaud

Four questions being asked about this new state company DEAR EDITOR, I have no intention of joining the two parliamentarians in the debate that is taking place about the successor company, Power Producer and Distribution, Inc.(PPDI) to the Wartsila Contract but now that we have been informed that the Shareholders of PPDI will be The Government of Guyana via a State entity, I am wondering if it would be asking too much for us, the citizens, to be given some information about the

Financial Plan for this entity re; for example 1. How much will it cost the Treasury in 2017 to get this State Company in operation? 2. Will this company be profitable from 2017 or when will it become profitable? 3. When will the company start to generate positive cash flows? 4. Will sales revenue come only from Guyana Power and Light (GPL)? In general I wonder if any

thought was given to offering to all those professional managers and efficient staff an opportunity to become shareholders or whether any consideration was given to inviting some portion of public ownership. Dunstan Barrow.

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Saturday February 25, 2017

Granger and Nagamootoo have failed the poorer classes DEAREDITOR, What sets great leaders apart from poor ones? The literature is rife with provocative writing about this subject matter that establishes that great leaders possess an open and transparent set of attitudes. They can cut through differences be it race, gender, age, religion and personality and tap into those very few needs we humans all share, in their bid to rally the people to a mission. There are a couple of aspects to the David Granger Presidency that clearly establishes that he is not even a mediocre leader and is in an active competition with Donald Ramotar for the bottom of the barrel. First of all, great leaders do not hide from the wider press on a “mushy” program in fantasy land called the “Public Interest”. It has been almost 2 years now that President Granger has been hiding from

the press in a stage-managed environment called the “Public Interest” Program. True leaders do not act like this. True leaders straighten their back and consistently account to the people through the fourth estate; unless of course, they have something to hide. Then there is the tax and spend show that is now alive and kicking under David Granger and Moses Nagamootoo. This show clearly is set to oppress the poor and the working class, in a theater of deception and dishonesty. But you have to be totally “dotish” to think that the people have not logged on to these blatant acts of public oppression. And if we thought incompetence was their only political sin, we are involuntarily led to observe their blatant acts of vindictive politics that seem to be designed to punish anything

that is remotely associated with an independent thought set. One has to only reflect on the condition that advanced the career of a former Jamaican CARICOM staffer who worked closely with a certain politically well-connected personality. Does this remind you of the friends and family syndrome? In the process, one of Guyana’s outstanding sons in the field of good governance and public procurement reforms was made into collateral damage while the so-called revolutionaries like Nagamootoos and Ramjattans sit idly by like obedient poodles only focused on their personal agenda. The same thing happened on the sugar and rice belt and the reactions from the political poodles were predictable - “the silence of the Balgobins”. How dare the “shallot” planters in villages like Bath Settlement and Whim support the PPP in the local government elections in

2016? They must be punished and I as the king of kings (and might I say lord of lords), shall borrow a US$10 million agriculture loan in the name of all of the people of Guyana but only distribute it to people who voted for me in certain places in Guyana. And I can do this because the political poodles will again act predictably and meekly rubberstamp my decision like voiceless “political opportunists”. This is the show that failed Guyana in the 1970’s when in 1974 another political master declared that; ”the Party shall assume unapologetically its paramountcy over the Government” when he made the Sophia Declaration. In those days the “silence of the balgobins” like the Kassims and the Cammies were again predictable, It is déjà vu, as today the actions of the Granger government clearly exposes that it is nothing but a mere executive arm of the powers that be, in Plantation Sophia.

Complaint of torture against Sparendam police station DEAREDITOR, This letter was sent to Mr. Seelall Persaud, Commissioner of Police. I am kindly asking Kaieteur News to publish it . The letter follows - Mr. Commissioner, I send this letter to you seeking an objective investigation into the following. I was pulled in by a police road block at the Better Hope, public road on the night of Sat-

urday 11th February 2017. I was riding my motor cycle #CH 3240. I admit hereby, immediately, that I was under the influence and I tested above the limit. Myself and my motor cycle were taken to the Sparendaam Police Station and handed over to a certain policeman While I was on the bench, a certain rank told me that this matter can be settled if I told him the

right thing. If I do not, then he would put me in the cell where about twelve persons were waiting to sexually assault me. He also was forcing me to sign a document. I did not sign it. I told him that I will go to court and pay my fine, but I am not giving any bribe. Another then came up to me and slapped me saying that “I should ‘expletive’ hear what the man telling me.” After I refused to hand over any money, this policeman put a black plastic bag over my head and knotted it under my chin and told me he wanted to see how long I would survive. I started to kick up and I shouted with my head in the plastic bag. After about 2 minutes, he removed the plastic bag and asked me if I was ready to say what he wanted to hear. I told

him that I was not giving any bribe and that I was prepared to go to court. I was then put into the cell and placed on bail the next morning. After I posted bail I asked for my belongings. But the policeman went away and came back some two hours later. I had to retain a lawyer before I got my belongings back. I have to attend Sparendaam (Better Hope) Court, which I will do. Sir, having a plastic bag put over my head and having been slapped by the Police whose names I mentioned above (given but redacted) is to my mind, against the law and not permissible. I am respectfully seeking your intervention and investigation into my complaint and let the chips fall where they may. Bisnauth Chan

Let me be very clear, oil or no oil, if this politically bankrupt attitude continues at the highest levels in the Ministry of the Presidency, Guyana will fail developmentally today, as it did in the 1970’s and 1980’s and since then. Where is the reform agenda from the David Granger administration? Where are the tax reforms to bring the good life to the doors of the poor and the working class? Where are the infrastructure reforms that will move Guyana closer to a lower cost and more reliable electricity supply? Where are the production reforms that will leverage the core competencies of Guyana to catapult the nation up the value-chain to be able to better compete internationally? Where are the financial reforms to bring back private sector confidence in the economy? This David Granger administration is nothing but a bad dream for the majority of poor families of Guyana and race, gen-

der, age, and religion do not matter. The pain for the poor families is universal across the length and breadth of the land. Unfortunately, many Guyanese families have just received their first GPL bill after the newly imposed VAT was applied and they are now realizing “how poorer they really are” now in 2017 compared to 2016. It is clear that this Granger administration is all about command and control rather than empowerment and release of the people from mental slavery. Because of this hostile developmental environment, the creative energies of the people cannot multiply so that they can make a unique value-added contribution to their homeland. Transformation for Guyana will never come when we have a bunch of geriatrics making all the decision for the brilliant young minds of the land. It is time to combat this backwardness in the streets. Better must come! Ryan Basdeo

Did this police rank take a bribe in a fatal accident? DEAR EDITOR, A traffic rank at an Essequibo station in Region 2 was relieved of his position instantly after information surfaced that he allegedly collected one hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00) to favour a driver whose vehicle was involved in a fatal accident with a motor cyclist. The rank who has since been assigned to other duties in the district had conducted investigations into the incident. It was revealed that from a report submitted by the rank which was carried in the press, the true facts were not provided and this caused family members to vent their dissatisfaction with senior officials at the Divisional Head-

quarters in Anna Regina. With the reopening of fresh investigations the rank was found to have liked with the measurements and also that the motor cyclist had slammed into the vehicle resulting in his instant death. The family members had contended that it was the motor cyclist right of way and the driver did not stop on reaching the main road on his way out from a cross street. They also expressed the belief that the rank deliberately twisted his findings for personal gains. After it was learnt that the lorry driver would be charged for causing death by dangerous driving, the money transaction was exposed. Ameer Baksh

Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

AG Williams, Nandlall to meet Monday on GECOM Chairman position Attorney-General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, is scheduled to meet with Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Anil Nandlall, on Monday to resolve an impasse which has to do with the interpretation of the constitution to select a new Chair for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Williams confirmed, yesterday, that a letter has already been sent inviting Nandlall. The meeting will commence at 15:00hrs at the Attorney-General Chambers, Carmichael Street, Georgetown. This would be the second meeting. The first interaction, which was held earlier this month, saw Nandlall and fellow opposition parliamentarian, Priya Manickchand, presenting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s interpretation, along with what they believe to be sup-

Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall.

Attorney-General, Legal Affairs Minister, Basil Williams.

porting case law and statutes. Immediately after that meeting, the Attorney General told media operatives that whilst the Government has already established its position, it will carefully examine the points, which have been put forward by Nandlall to ensure that the interests of

the country are protected. The Opposition delegation had expressed discontent after they claimed that the AG was “unprepared” to put forward his, or the Government’s interpretation. These last meeting and the upcoming one are in (Continued on page 24)

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Saturday February 25, 2017

Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Albouystown men charged for robbing business man after trailing him from bank - number one accused caught with money in pants crotch Two men who are accused of trailing a business man from a city bank and robbing him were yesterday arraigned before Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrate Courts. Regan Singh and Mark Prince, both of Albouystown, were jointly charged for armed robbery. They both pleaded not guilty. The charge read that on February 17 at Lamaha Street Georgetown, Prince in the company of others robbed Herman Bello, of $488,000, and two cellular phones. According to information, on the day in question Bello, after withdrawing the cash placed it in his shoulder bag along with his two cellular phones, then exited the bank. The man proceeded to his vehicle which was parked on Lamaha Street. Prince exited a vehicle which was parked in same vicinity and demanded that the man

hand over the bag with the cash while pointing a gun to his face. The business man, fearful for his life, handed over the bag with the cash. Singh who was waiting in a car drove up and Prince entered the vehicle. The victim Bello, then made a report to the Police Station. With the quick action of the police officers they were able to intercept the vehicle and found the number one accused Prince with $305,000 in his crotch. A cellular phone was also found in the car. According to the police an identification parade was conducted and the victim was able to positively identified Prince as the person who pointed a gun to his face and took the bag of money from him. Police Prosecutor Kevin London objected to bail being granted to the two citing the seriousness of the offence and the penalty it at-

tracts. Bail was refused and they were remanded to prison. The duo will make their next court appearance on March 10 for statements. Meanwhile in the same courtroom Mark Prince was charged separately for a similar offence. The court heard on January 21 at Blygezight Garden, Georgetown, while being in the company of others he robbed Gobin Sooknanan of $365,000. The man pleaded not guilty to the charge. According to information on the day in question around 08:00 hrs, Sooknanan went to a GBTI Branch at Diamond, East Bank Demerara. After withdrawing the cash Sooknanan went to his vehicle. The man then made a stop at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara where he paid the sum of $90,000 to an individual. Sooknanan then left

Dem boys seh ...

Another parking meter in de making When Patsy, Clarkie, Kingy and de Garrett boy went to Mexico people didn’t realize that dem was coming back wid parking meter. When people ask dem why dem go all of dem seh how dem go to observe de parking meter. Dem seh de trip didn’t cost de council no money and how de parking meter company carry dem but dem ain’t oblige to do nutten or buy anything. Only a fool would fall fuh that and de govt fall fuh it. Everybody know wha happen. A big contract sign wid de parking meter people and Guyana fighting to cancel it. Right now people deh in court lef,

right and centre. A Minister now announce that she going to Poland to observe. She seh she get invite by a housing developer and just like de Patsy Chase and others, de housing company in Poland paying all expense fuh she to see how dem building house there. She also seh she ain’t got to sign no contract or cut no deal. Dem boys seh people got to keep dem eye pun she and de Poland trip because she might sign couple contract before she lef Guyana. She might give way de whole housing devel o p project and if Soulja Bai don’t keep he eye open she might sign away he and de

Cabinet house and land. Dem boys find it funny that people coming all of a sudden to pay all de expense fuh people and carry dem away. Business people don’t operate like that nowhere in de world. If any stranger buy a ticket fuh you to visit, that stranger got to come from Poland and everybody in Poland is a Pole. Is either de person representing de company want you fuh something, be it fuh youself or fuh de government money, which is de people’s money. Talk half and be careful. Another contract like de parking meter, in de making.

and proceeded to his Blygezight home with the remaining cash. After the business man exited his vehicle he was attacked by Prince who placed a gun to his head and demanded that he hand over the cash to which the business man complied. Prince after relieving the man of his cash made good his escape in a waiting car. Police Prosecutor Bharat Mangru objected to bail being granted based on the nature and gravity of the charge. Bail was refused and the defendant was remanded to prison. He will make his next court appearance on March 10.

Remanded to prison Mark Prince

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Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Naming places after people to keep their legacy alive I got the idea of doing this column when I read that President Granger birthed the Chetwynd Learning Centre at his former home in honour of the late founder of the PNC and Executive President of Guyana, Forbes Burnham. The Centre brings under one roof, the Burnham Book Trust, Burnham Research Institute, and Burnham Educational Scholarship Trust. Mr. Granger said the entity was named after his father. The press reported it as Chetwynd Learning Centre. If that is the name, maybe Mr. Granger should think of in-

serting his father’s last nameGranger. This is important because when you have the entire name and the fact that Mr. Granger is known throughout Guyana because of the office he holds, people will naturally know the centre is named after someone related to the President. I honestly did not know what the name meant when I first read about it online. Against the background of the Red House controversy, the Chetwynd Learning Centre offers the nation a moral example. Mr. Granger put the operation in his pri-

vate home. It is not housed in state property. What the PPP did with Red House was vulgar. The fanatics of the PPP must attempt at least to have some decency and acknowledge that a government cannot take public property and do what it wants with it. There was a simple pathway the PPP could have travelled with Red House--privately purchase the building through a transparent process. It meant the PPP Government would have sold public property to a private organization named the PPP. The PPP Government did this be-

fore and there was no outbreak of a national scandal. When the Ministry of Housing under Irfaan Ally, announced a house lot scheme in Bath Settlement in Region Five, the PPP bought two lots for itself. That should have in fact generated a scandal because it was a violation of the Government’s housing policy – how can a political group buy two lots that should go to people who need houses? I believe those two units should be reclaimed by the present administration but I don’t think the Coalition wants to get into a fight with the PPP over that since the building on those land is now the Region Five office of the PPP. In buying Red House, there could not have been a tempest if the price was right. The PPP could have argued that it paid prevailing real estate market rates. Critics would have said the place should not have been sold in the first place but the PPP could have fought back saying what was wrong with selling state property which President Desmond Hoyte did by the hundreds. As it turned out, the PPP took over Red House t hrough a lease with a monthly payment of a thou-

sand dollars. That is extreme political depravity. As I noted earlier, the announcement of Chetwynd Learning Centre aroused in me the idea to do this column because it reminds me of the need in the society to keep alive the names of people who shaped modern Guyana. It is clear to any Guyanese who reads and follows politics that Mr. Granger is a huge admirer of Forbes Burnham. Over on the other side of the divide, there is a planned celebration in Canada next month to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of Cheddi Jagan. The story of the deification of both men goes on. This is a reality that will never go away. As the admirers of Mr. Burnham move on in age, the PNC’s younger generation will no doubt continue the efforts of people like President Granger. As the older PPP stalwarts move on, the younger Jaganites will do for Jagan what Mr. Granger is doing for Burnham. Sadly, in this sweeping effort of keeping the “greatness” of both men alive, scholarship remains a victim. No one from the PNC side (Dr. Tyrone Ferguson has

Frederick Kissoon done a good academic book on Burnham that describes his fantastic achievements and terrible faults but I don’t think Ferguson could be described as a Burnhamite) and the PPP’s (Clem Seecharran has brought out the positives and the faults of Jagan but Seecharan cannot be described as a Jaganite) has decided to look at the positive and negative in the political character of both men. It seems to me that an admirer of Burnham is not prepared to admit that he was equally destructive as he was great. And the exact thing can be said about the Jaganite fanatic. This is where the historiography of Guyana continues to suffer. I doubt that will ever change when it comes to Burnham and Jagan

Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

World’s future food security “in jeopardy” due to multiple challenges - UN report Without additional efforts, the target of ending hunger by 2030 will not be met Mankind’s future ability to feed itself is in jeopardy due to intensifying pressures on natural resources, mounting inequality, and the fallout from a changing climate, warns a new FAO report that came out yesterday. Though very real and significant progress in reducing global hunger has been achieved over the past 30 years, “expanding food production and economic growth have often come at a heavy cost to the natural environment,” says The Future of Food and Agriculture: Trends and Challenges. ”Almost one half of the forests that once covered the Earth are now gone. Groundwater sources are being depleted rapidly. Biodiversity has been deeply eroded,” it notes. As a result, “planetary boundaries may well be surpassed, if current trends continue,” cautions FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva in his introduction to the report. By 2050 humanity will likely have grown to nearly 10 billion people. In a scenario with moderate economic growth, this population increase will push up global demand for agricultural products by 50 percent over present levels projects The Future of Food and Agriculture, intensifying pressures on already-strained natural resources. At the same time, greater numbers of people will be eating fewer cereals and larger amounts of meat, fruits, vegetables and processed food — a result of an ongoing global dietary transition that will further add to those pressures, driving more deforestation, land degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside these trends, the planet’s changing climate will throw up additional hurdles. “Climate change will affect every aspect of food production,” the report says. These include

greater variability of precipitation and increases in the frequency of droughts and floods. To reach zero hunger, we need to step up our efforts. The core question raised by today’s FAO publication is whether, looking ahead, the world’s agriculture and food systems are capable of sustainably meeting the needs of a burgeoning global population. The short answer? Yes, the planet’s food systems are capable of producing enough food to do so, and in a sustainable way, but unlocking that potential — and ensuring that all of humanity benefits — will require “major transformations.” Without a push to invest in and retool food systems, far too many people will still be hungry in 2030 — the year by which the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) agenda has targeted the eradication of chronic food insecurity and malnutrition, the report warns. ”Without additional efforts to promote pro-poor development, reduce inequalities and protect vulnerable people, more than 600 million people would still be undernourished in 2030,” it says. In fact, the current rate of progress would not even be enough to eradicate hunger by 2050. Where will our food come from? Given the limited scope for expanding agriculture’s use of more land and water resources, the production increases needed to meet rising food demand will have to come mainly from improvements in productivity and resource-use efficiency. However there are worrying signs that yield growth is levelling off for major crops. Since the 1990s, average increases in the yields of maize, rice, and wheat at the global level generally run just over 1 percent per annum, the report notes. To tackle these and the other challenges outlined in the report, “business-asusual” is not an option, The Future of Food and Agriculture argues. ”Major transformations in agricultural sys-

tems, rural economies and natural resource management will be needed if we are to meet the multiple challenges before us and realize the full potential of food and agriculture to ensure a secure and healthy future for all people and the entire planet,” it says. ”High-input, resource-intensive farming systems, which have caused massive deforestation, water scarcities, soil depletion and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, cannot deliver sustainable food and agricultural production,” adds the report. The core challenge is to produce more with less, while preserving and enhancing the livelihoods of small-scale and family farmers, and ensuring access to food by the most vulnerable. For this, a twintrack approach is needed which combines investment in social protection, to immediately tackle undernourishment, and pro-poor investments in productive activities — especially agriculture and in rural economies — to sustainably increase incomeearning opportunities of the poor. The world will need to shift to more sustainable food systems which make more efficient use of land, water and other inputs and sharply reduce their use of fossil fuels, leading to a drastic cut of agricultural green-house gas emissions, greater conservation of biodiversity, and a reduction of waste. This will necessitate more investment in agriculture and agrifood systems, as well as greater spending on research and development, the report says, to promote innovation, support sustainable production increases, and find better ways to cope with issues like water scarcity and climate change. Along with boosting production and resilience, equally critical will be creating food supply chains that better connect farmers in lowand middle-income countries to urban markets — along with measures which ensure access for consumers to nutritious and safe food at affordable prices, such as such as pricing policies and social protection programs, it says.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 25, 2017

Wales sugar workers offered leased lands The government through the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has decided to make lands available to workers of the Wales Sugar Estate for them to become self-sufficient in farming practices. “This decision comes as government continues to explore feasible alternative ventures to ensure that the wellbeing of sugar workers of the estate is considered, even as the sugar industry transitions into a more diversified agriculture sub-sector,” a government statement said yesterday. Earlier in the month, proposals were made by the government through the Wales

Estate’s Manager, Devendra Kumar, to the workers. The lands offered to workers are intended to transform them from a state of depending on sugar to becoming selfsufficient. “The kind of projects that we have earmarked for that just to remind you, is in the area of rice cultivation, possibly aquaculture, the establishment of orchards and dairy farming. As far as that goes, where we are talking about dairy farming and orchards, we’re looking at the possibility of setting up juice processing facilities and pasteurisation facilities here at Wales Estate to process the

juices, as well as the dairy products,” the estate manager explained. Meanwhile, approval has been given by the Board of Directors of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) for 14 workers from the Wales Estate to access lands by lease to cultivate sugar cane. These workers will now be recognised as farmers supplying sugar cane to the Uitvlugt estate. According to Errol Hanoman, Chief Executive Officer of GuySuCo, a number of other workers had applied to be a part of this venture. GuySuCo has engaged

the Wales workers on several occasions with regards to securing their future. The current proposal is aimed at creating wealth and providing jobs for residents and sugar workers in Region Three. “The size of our cultivation (land) is 3356.1 hectares or some 8,000 acres. Now that’s a lot of acreage to deal with, that we are talking about and developing something like that; our thinking is we would like our employees of GuySuCo who have an interest in this particular kind of development, if it is that you would be interested in coming on board, if we were to, let’s say make available lands to you if you would come on board, not as individual farmers, but if you would like, form yourselves in co-op societies, how would that idea come across to you?” Kumar asked. One cane harvester expressed his interest in the government’s proposal by doing cattle ranching but opted on going after the venture through a co-operative society. Workers said that other co-operative societies and unions have made them feel cheated and hereafter the only way forward with this proposal is to do so individually. Others would like to see

systems in place to ensure that they have significant guarantees and access to markets even after venturing into farming. It was emphasised that the Wales Sugar estate is transitioning into other forms of agriculture. The government has recognised that the sugar workers’ livelihood is dependent on the output of this particular estate. The future of the estate’s cane harvesters was initially considered when the government offered alternative employment to the workers. According to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), there is full and secure employment for cane harvesters at the Uitvlugt Sugar Estate. “The government does not intend to lose any remaining workers, but rather to have them maintained, sustained and or utilised. Last year, workers who could not be retained at the estate received $80.1M in severance pay.” However, the retained sugar workers have been demanding severance pay since most of them have opted not to work at the Uitvlugt estate. “This new and sudden demand for severance is most unreasonable and appears to be politically instigated. Ex-

tensive efforts were made to ensure continued employment of the Wales workers at Uitvlugt and this was successfully achieved,” the press release stated. Sugar workers complained of the distance they would have to travel to the alternate estate, mentioning that a full day’s work would not be possible. The press release by MoA pointed out that “transportation is being fully provided to Uitvlugt from the West Bank of Demerara and back. GuySuCo has stated that no worker is responsible for providing his own transportation.” Additionally, reference was made to a similar re-assignment of Skeldon sugar workers to the Albion Estate (a greater distance of travel) where no complaints were made; instead the adjustments were accepted. Since coming to office, the coalition government has undertaken to re-organise GuySuCo with a view to making it profitable and less dependent on billion dollar subventions from the treasury. It has moved its Ogle headquarters, and last year closed the 100-year-old Wales estate because of recurring losses.

Saturday February 25, 2017

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Kaieteur News

First crop grinding cancelled at US$200M Skeldon Estate -after co-generation plant deemed unsafe -production target uncertain as heavy rains affect production In a major blow, there will be no first crop for the Skeldon estate after officials warned that the cogeneration plant that powers the facility is unsafe. This latest development will negatively affect the target of 74,172 tonnes of sugar that the industry has set for the first crop by more than 8,800 tonnes. It will also lead to a further blow the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which badly wants the factory, commissioned in 2009 to finally perform. The co-generation plant, like the rest of the factory, has been blamed for helping to drag the sugar industry down with billions of dollars being expended by consecutive governments to fix the technical issues that

have arisen. The co-generation plant was a major part of the factory that was supposed to use a variety of fuel sources to provide power to not only the factory in Berbice but also and eventually the Demerara grid. It was commissioned by former President Bharrat Jagdeo as the answer to the sugar woes. A critical inquiry report has found worrying signs of disrepair and negligence. However, poor maintenance due to cash contracts and bad managements have created headaches for GuySuCo. A deal was struck a few years ago with the co-generation facility sold to Government in return for cash from the Guyana Power and Light Inc. for the cash-strapped GuySuCo.

GuySuCo also announced yesterday this year’s first crop is also taking a beating from its old enemy- the weather. GuySuCo explained yesterday that the first crop for this year commenced during the week ending February 18, at Uitvlugt and Blairmont Estates. “These estates are currently in their second week of the crop. There has been a total of 74mm and 78.8 mm of rainfall to date respectively. The Albion Estate, on the other hand, which is currently in its first week of the crop, is facing a similar challenge. This estate has been subjected to 55.8mm of rainfall up to yesterday. Further, with 42.6 mm of rainfall recorded at Rose

Hall Estate, the field and factory operations have since been delayed. The estate was scheduled to commence cane harvesting on Wednesday February 22, 2017 and factory operation today.” GuySuCo noted that it has two crop seasons--the first is usually from midFebruary to May while the second is from August to mid-December. However, over the past decade, the pattern of rainfall has been erratic and has disrupted production at critical periods – at the beginning and various other points during both crop periods. Last year, after reaching its 2015 target for the first time in a decade, GuySuCo’s production of sugar fell from

There will be no first crop at the US$200M Skeldon factory, Corentyne, because of an unsafe power plant. over 220,000 tonnes to just over 188,000 tonnes. In addition to low prices, sugar is being produced more than two times the price it is being sold for. Consecutive governments have been dol-

ing out billions of dollars annually to keep the 17,000worker strong industry alive. The current administration has announced plans to cut costs and get rid of nonperforming operations.

GRA responds to Chinese Five more forensic audit containers report reports handed over to police -OLPF, E-Government, NFMU, Gold Board and GPHC

On Wednesday, Jaipaul Sharma, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, met with Commissioner of Police (ag) David Ramnarine, at his office at Eve Leary to hand over the Final Reports of the Forensic Audits of the One Laptop per Family, E-Government Project, National Frequency Management Unit, Guyana Gold Board and

Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation. The decision to have these documents handed over to the Police Commissioner for investigation was made by Cabinet, a government statement said Wednesday. Present at the handing over were Minister Sharma, Commissioner (ag) David Ramnarine, Sydney James – Assistant

Commissioner of Police and Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU). The audits were ordered by the Coalition Government to determine the health of the various state companies and agencies. The findings have seen the administration to investigate further. A number of persons have been charged.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is appealing for information that will help close its investigation into allegations surrounding the importation and clearance of containers for Chinese businesses. Two reports- one on Wednesday and another yesterday by Kaieteur News- reported that GRA has expressed concerns over the number of containers brought in by the Chinese embassy in the last year. The complaints were reportedly made to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There were suggestions that the Chinese embassy facilitated the containers, using its diplomatic privileges. However, the Chinese embassy has vehemently denied the story, even threatening legal actions. Since the story, several businesses on Mash Day alleged that there are major problems of Chinese businesses being favoured and in the majority of cases almost are never subjected to Customs checks. This has led to under-invoicing and underdeclarations and loss of taxes

to Guyana. There were accusations of widespread fraud. In its statement yesterday, in response to the stories, GRA did not immediately discredit the facts. This is what the tax collection agency had to say: Kaieteur News report on Chinese Embassy container imports The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has read with interest the Kaieteur News Articles of February 23, 2017 and February 24, 2017 entitled: “Chinese Embassy container imports attract GRA’s attention and Container racket... Collusion between Customs officers, brokers stymieing GRA’s crackdown on corruption” respectively. On aspects concerning any references to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the GRA wishes to re-iterate that the Chinese Embassy falls under the auspices of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and as

such, GRA will not be issuing any comment thereon. However, based on a close examination of certain aspects of what was reported, the Revenue Authority suspects that confidential information may have been leaked in violation of the Oath of Confidentiality and Secrecy outlined in Section 4 (1) of the INCOME TAX ACT, Chapter 81:01, and Section 23 of the Revenue Authority Act Cap. 79:04. It is worth reminding the public at large that the mission of the GRA is to promote compliance with Guyana’s Tax, Trade and Border Laws and regulations, through education, quality service and responsible enforcement programmes, thereby contributing to the economic wellbeing of the people of Guyana. We would be grateful for any evidence that Kaieteur News may have in its possession as it relates to the collusion and bribery of Customs officers, to be turned over to the GRA so as to enable us to conclude this investigation as early as possible.

PAHO, WHO to conduct new research projects on Zika in the Caribbean WASHINGTON (CMC) – Jamaica is the lone Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country that will participate in a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) research project on the Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean. PAHO says 17 new research proposals on Zika will be conducted to identify solutions to address the virus

that causes congenital brain abnormalities when pregnant women are infected, and triggers Guillain-Barré syndrome in some infected people. PAHO said that the research projects, ranging from the identification of transmission risk factors to evaluating diagnostic tools and examining the use of prenatal counselling and contraceptives, are part of

its joint initiative with two World Health Organization (WHO) programmes: the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) and

the Special Programme for Research, Development and Training in Research in Human Reproduction (HRP). “These research projects are crucial for improving our understanding of the dynamics of the Zika epi-

demic and potential public health solutions,” said Dr. Francisco Becerra, Assistant Director of PAHO, WHO regional office for the Americas. PAHO said research will be carried out by leading academic institutions and nongovernmental organizations in Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Each research

project is due to receive up to US$20,000 from the WHO small grants programme. “This is the kind of collaboration that is critical to finding solutions that transcend areas of expertise,” said TDR director John Reede, adding “we are pleased to be contributing to the WHO Zika Strategic Response Framework”.

HRP director Ian Askew said “the Zika outbreak has challenged conventional approaches to addressing health emergencies. “Supporting research that addresses the interactions between transmission, behavior and outcomes, and that can provide quick and timely information to policy makers, is absolutely essential,” Askew said.

PAGE 22

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Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

Lodge (Vlissengen/ Durban): Professional/Office/ Business (no food retailing) space. Call: 668-7687/ 6779638/697-6421 Lodge apartments (Vlisssengen/Durban): furnished (visitors) USD$600-$1,000 monthly, unfurnished 1 bedroom $55,000, studio -$40,000 monthly- Call:668-7687/ 6779638/697-6421

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Saturday February 25, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Aurora Mines targets 200,000 ounces for 2018 The last quarter of 2016 was the best for large-scale producer, Guyana Goldfields Inc. with over 156,000 ounces sold. Reporting on its performance for last year, the Canadian-owned company which started commercial productions more than year ago, explained this week that in its inaugural year of production, its Aurora Gold Mine performed solidly delivering 151,600 ounces of gold, in line with the company’s upwardly revised guidance of 140,000 to 160,000 ounces. “Revenues totalled US$194.2 million, earnings from mine operations came in at US$71.1 million and cash flow from operations totalled $76.5 million or $0.47 per diluted share. Cost of sales (including royalty and depreciation) for the year averaged $789 per ounce of gold sold. Cash costs (before royalty) trended down through 2016 and averaged $496 per ounce of gold sold for the year. Allin sustaining costs (“AISC”) for the year were $738 per ounce of gold sold, slightly below the company’s revised guidance range of $740 to $760 per ounce.” The Aurora Gold Mine, in Region Seven, had a particularly strong fourth quarter producing 43,800 ounces of gold, an increase of 27% from 34,400 ounces in the prior quarter driven by higher grades and mill throughput. “The company generated $23.5 million of operating cash flow during the fourth

quarter, an increase of 33% from the previous quarter and also the strongest quarter for cash flow generation to date.” The company said it successfully refinanced its US$160 million debt facility to a new US$80 million debt facility at a lower interest rate, no cash sweeps and the release of US$23 million of restricted cash.” Scott Caldwell, President and CEO, noted that 2016 was a transformational year for Guyana Goldfields with the company successfully transitioning to the gold producer ranks. “We achieved our upwardly revised guidance and ended the year with our best quarter across all key operating and cost metrics. Importantly, the solid results were achieved without one lost time injury. Looking ahead to 2017, and with the backing of a strong balance sheet, we will be focused on driving further cost efficiencies, executing on Phase 1 of our mill expansion to take our annual production above 200,000 ounces in 2018 and ramping up our exploration efforts after a lengthy hiatus.” The first phase will increase the throughput rate from 5,600 tpd to 8,000 tpd incorporating a saprolite portion of the mill feed between 25% and 50%. The first phase of the expansion is expected to commence later this quarter and be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2018 at a capital cost of $21.4 million. The second phase of the

Guyana Goldfields is reported to be aiming at producing above 200,000 ounces next year. expansion will allow the processing of 8,000 tpd hard rock and is expected to commence in mid-2018 and be completed by mid-2019 when the majority of saprolitic ore has been exhausted. The expected capital cost of the second phase is $26.9 million. Both expansions are fully permitted and are expected to be funded from internal cash flow. The company said that the delivery of the bulk emulsion explosives truck is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2017 and should deliver meaningful cost savings from the second quarter of 2017 onwards. “The company is also expanding its mining fleet in the first half of the year with the addition of new trucks, drills and excavators to accommodate higher mining rates related to an increase in the strip ratio in 2017. The expanded fleet will also eliminate the current reliance on rental equipment which should translate to lower min-

ing costs on a per tonne basis.” Guyana Goldfields and Troy Resources, an Australian owned operations are two

large-scale mining companies that has been providing much-needed jobs and helping to raised gold production. Last year, the country for

the first time broke the 700,000-ounces barrier, making gold the biggest foreign currency earner for the country yet again.

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Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

Law does not allow Procurement Commission to take over Cabinet’s “No Objection” role -says the area requires “immediate attention” The recently established Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has decided to set the record straight on what effect its existence will have, if any at all, on Cabinet’s “noobjection” role. In a missive to the press yesterday, the Commission said that it felt compelled to clear the air on the matter given recent media reports. Those reports suggest that the continued role of Cabinet is linked to the PPC being “operational and functional.” However, the Commission said that this line of thinking is not only inaccurate but also misleading. In fact, it stressed that neither the Constitution nor the Procurement Act provides for the Commission to take over the “no-objection” role function from Cabinet. The body said that the Constitution empowers the PPC to carry out “oversight” of the procurement system in Guyana and its functions are clearly outlined in this regard. The Commission stressed that none of those functions provide for a ‘No Objection to Contracts’ role for the PPC. The Commission said, “Indeed, it is the view of the Commission that such a role would entrench the PPC as an

integral part of the procurement process, which it is intended to monitor and regulate.” CONFLICT Furthermore, the Commission said that a conflict arises between the provisions of Section 54 (1) and 54 (6) of the Procurement Act. Section 54 (1) states, “The Cabinet shall have the right to review all procurements the value of which exceeds fifteen million Guyana dollars. The Cabinet shall conduct its review on the basis of a streamlined tender evaluation report to be adopted by the authority mentioned in section 17 (2). [i.e., the NPTAB and after its establishment the PPC]. The Cabinet and, upon its establishment, the Public Procurement Commission shall review annually the Cabinet’s threshold for review of procurements, with the objective of increasing that threshold over time so as to promote the goal of progressively phasing out Cabinet involvement and decentralizing the procurement process.” The Commission said that a literal interpretation of this

section clearly indicates that the review role of Cabinet should continue even after the establishment of the PPC, with an annual review by the PPC of the threshold so that over time, by raising the threshold, the role of Cabinet would be eliminated. Meanwhile, Section 54 (6) provides as follows: “Cabinet’s involvement under this section shall cease upon the constitution of the Public Procurement Commission except in relation to those matters referred to it in subsection (1) which are pending.” The Commission said that a layman interpretation of this section directs the immediate cessation of Cabinet’s role once the PPC is constituted. The Commission stressed however that while that conflict exists, neither section provides for the PPC to take over that function from Cabinet. The Commission said that its role is limited to approving the format of the streamlined report to be sent to Cabinet and if all of section 54 (1) is to prevail, reviewing the threshold of the value of contracts to be reviewed by the Cabinet. Based on the foregoing, the Commission stressed once more, that it is not empowered by the Constitution or the Act to grant no objection or to award contracts. It

AG Williams, Nandlall to meet Monday... From page 7 keeping with decisions arrived at between the Government and the opposition. President Granger, on January 19, last, posited that the most efficient way to ensure legal clarification on the requirements for the appointment of a Chairman of GECOM, would be for legal representatives of the Opposition and the Government to meet to discuss their interpretations of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. The article states: “The Chairman of the Elections

Commission shall be a person who holds or who has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth, or a court having jurisdictions in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge, or any other fit person…” The Opposition Leader’s nominees have been deemed “unacceptable” by President Granger because none of them is a judge, retired judge or eligible to be appointed a

judge. Nandlall told Kaieteur News yesterday that he is optimistic, and noted that the issue is one of great concern to Guyana. The MP said that every effort should be made to have the matter resolved as soon as possible. Meanwhile, there have been reports of the Commissioners airing their concerns over the current state of affairs at GECOM. PPP/C Commissioners have lamented that no “proper” meeting has been held since last year. This, they said, is affecting the entity in carrying out its functions especially as it relates to continuous registration.

Chairman of the Public Procurement Commission, Carol Corbin also stressed that the issue of the no objection role of Cabinet is one which requires immediate attention. The new body expressed that the awarding of contracts is the responsibility of the Procuring Entities and the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB). It said that these agencies are responsible for the public advertisements of contracts, evaluation of bids and ultimate approval and award of contracts. The PPC became functional immediately after the appointment of the Commissioners by President David Granger on October 28, 2016. Since this is the first such

Commission in Guyana, the Commission articulated that the Constitution required certain preliminary actions to be taken to enable it to effectively carry out its mandate. Despite constraints, the Commission said that most of the above matters have been addressed by the Commission including, the finalizing of the structure for the establishment of the Secretariat of the Commission. In this regard, the process of the recruitment of the Chief Executive Officer/Secretary of the Commission and the two most senior officers is well advanced. The Commission said, “A report on the selection of the

suitable candidates for these posts has been submitted to the National Assembly and the Commission awaits the approval of their terms and conditions by the National Assembly as required by Article 212Z. (2) of the Constitution.” It continued, “The recruitment of other support staff for the Commission as required by Article 212Z. (1) of the Constitution is in progress and work has commenced on the preparation of a strategic plan and operational plan for the Commission and its Secretariat.” Furthermore, following a detailed review of the applicable legislative framework, the Commission said that it engaged several stakeholders within the national procurement system to sensitize them to the role and functions of the PPC. Some of the agencies engaged thus far include The Audit Office of Guyana, Public Accounts Committee, National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Education and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Ultimately, in fulfillment of its mandate, the PPC said that it intends to engage all procuring entities across Guyana.

Exciting three-night Red Square Vodka... From page 3 also be treated to performances by the Shakti String Band, Ishara Dance Troupe and Amir Khan. At a media briefing, yesterday, at the Park Vue Hotel, official host of the event WR Reaz said that at all events, stage, lighting and sound will be provided by Crown Vibes. On the issue of security Reaz said that the promoters are not holding back in ensuring the security of patrons and the artistes. He also stressed that the event is not endorsing drinking and driving by party-goers. “The company is very meticulous about safety and security, so though we might be talking about vodka, drinking and driving is something

that Red Square Vodka or myself will never endorse, get a designated driver.” Reaz added that besides the presence of the Guyana Police Force, there will be a 40man team distributed at certain points of each venue. He said that half of that amount will be armed for added protection. Samaroo commended the

promoters for the level of security he has been provided since arriving in the country. “This is one of the safest times I feel I am having in Guyana. I came here so many times. From the airport we were instructed that we will have security with us and we are here and they are here with us making sure we are safe, which never happened.”

Former Ministers among those... From page 3 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.

Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 25, 2017

Iraqi forces punch into western Mosul, launch air strikes in Syria (Reuters) U.S.-backed Iraqi forces pushed into western Mosul yesterday after retaking the city’s airport from Islamic State, as aid agencies warned the most dangerous phase of the offensive was about to begin for hundreds of thousands of civilians. Troops disarmed booby traps planted by retreating militant fighters in the airport, which the army plans to use as a base from which to drive Islamic State from Mosul’s western districts and deal a decisive blow to the group. As they did, Iraqi fighter jets dropped bombs on Islamic State positions inside Syria on Friday. It was the first time the Iraqi government publicly acknowledged striking militant targets inside Syria. The new offensive comes after government forces and their allies finished clearing Islamic State from eastern Mosul last month, confining the insurgents to the western sector of the city, which is bisected by the Tigris River. Commanders expect the battle in western Mosul to be more difficult, in part because tanks and armored vehicles cannot pass through the narrow alleyways that crisscross ancient districts there. The International Rescue Committee said the most dangerous phase of the battle was about to begin for the 750,000 civilians believed to be trapped inside Mosul. “There is a real danger that the battle will be raging around them for weeks and possibly months to come,” said acting country director Jason Kajer.

The United Nations has warned up to 400,000 civilians could be displaced by the new offensive amid food and fuel shortages. Iraqi forces launched attacks on several fronts. Counter-terrorism forces clashed with Islamic State inside the southwestern district of al-Mamoun and took full control of the Ghozlani military base yesterday, Major General Sami al-Aridi, a senior commander, told Reuters. Separately, federal police and an elite Interior Ministry unit known as Rapid Response advanced into the Hawi al-Josaq and al-Danadan districts after breaching a berm and a trench set up by Islamic State north of the airport, a spokesman said. AIR STRIKES Early raids in the city’s west have so far been restricted to thinly-populated areas. The government encouraged civilians to stay in their homes, but some were caught in the crossfire. Jamal Abdelnasser, 14, was shot in the leg by Islamic State when the militants stormed his home to take up sniper positions. After crossing the frontline, soldiers unwrapped the blood-soaked bandages around his leg and poured iodine on the bullet wound. In another incident, a Reuters correspondent saw a dozen civilians fleeing toward Iraqi security forces from the outskirts of Mamoun. Defeat in Mosul would likely deal a hammer blow to Islamic State’s self-styled ca-

liphate in areas it seized in 2014. But the group still controls swathes of territory in neighboring Syria and patches in northern and western Iraq from where it could fight a guerrilla-style insurgency in Iraq, and plot attacks on the West. Iraqi air strikes on Friday targeted Islamic State sites in Syria on Friday, including a factory for making car bombs, said a colonel in Iraq’s military intelligence. “We gave orders to the air force command to strike Islamic State positions in Hosaiba and Albu Kamal inside Syrian territory as they were responsible for recent bombings in Baghdad,” Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said in a statement. A source close to Syria’s foreign ministry said the raid had been carried out in “complete coordination” with the Damascus government. On the ground in Mosul, Western advisors are increasingly present close to the frontline, helping coordinate air strikes and advising Iraqi forces as the battle unfolds. Islamic State fought back yesterday with suicide car bombs and drones carrying explosives. Aridi, the CTS commander, said the drones were “particularly annoying today”. The campaign involves a 100,000-strong force of Iraqi troops, Shi’ite militias and Sunni tribal fighters. It is backed by an international coalition that provides vital air support as well as on-theground guidance and training.

Saturday February 25, 2017

Kaieteur News

Chemical weapon VX nerve agent killed North Korean leader’s half brother: Malaysian police

Kim Jong Nam (Reuters) VX nerve agent, a chemical the United Nations classifies as a weapon of mass destruction, was used to kill the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a bizarre murder in Malaysia last week, police said yesterday. Kim Jong Nam was killed on Feb. 13, shortly after being assaulted at the airport in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, by two women who wiped the chemical on his face as he prepared to board a flight to the Chinese territory of Macau. South Korean and U.S. officials have said they believe North Korean agents assassinated Kim Jong Nam. He had been living with his family in Macau under Beijing’s protection and had spoken out against the North Korean regime. Malaysian police were investigating whether the VX which is believed to be the most toxic known nerve agent and is banned globally except for research - was brought into the country or made there. “If the amount of the chemical brought in was small, it would be difficult for us to detect,” police chief Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters. The two women suspects - one Vietnamese and the other Indonesian - are in police detention along with a North Korean man. Seven other North Koreans are wanted in connection with the case, including a diplomat at the embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia has repeatedly urged the victim’s family to come forward to help with the inquiry, while North Korea has demanded the body be handed over to its embassy directly, sparking tension between the two usually friendly countries. Malaysia’s chemical weapons analysis unit found traces of VX, or S-2 Diisopropylaminoethyl methylphosphonothioate,

on swabs taken from the eye and face of the victim, according to police. “Other exhibits are under analysis,” Khalid said in a statement, citing a preliminary report. Police have said the two women were paid to carry out the assault and had been told to wash their hands before fleeing from the airport. They had rehearsed the attack in shopping malls before carrying it out on Kim. One of the women had suffered from the effects of the chemical and had been vomiting, Khalid said. Airport camera footage released on Monday by Japanese broadcaster Fuji TV shows the moment they assaulted Kim Jong Nam. In later clips he is seen asking airport officials for medical help, and rubbing his eyes and stumbling as he entered an airport clinic. Authorities said he complained of dizziness and died on the way to hospital. Authorities raided an apartment in an upscale Kuala Lumpur suburb on Wednesday in connection with the killing, but no chemicals were found, said an official with direct knowledge of the matter. FATALIN MINUTES VX is tasteless and odorless, and is outlawed under the Chemical Weapons Convention, except for “research, medical or pharmaceutical purposes”. It can be manufactured as a liquid, cream or aerosol. Experts say it has no commercial uses. “This is not something you make in a kitchen lab. This is something that is made in a very sophisticated chemicals weapons lab,” said Bruce

Bennet, a senior defense researcher at the Californiabased RAND Corporation. North Korea is believed to have the world’s third-largest stockpile of chemical weapons, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative project, which analyses weapons of mass destruction. South Korean analysts have identified sarin and VX as the focus of the North Korean chemical weapons program. VX in liquid form can be absorbed into the body through skin or eye contact and does not evaporate easily. After giddiness and nausea, exposure to VX quickly progresses to convulsions and respiratory failure before death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can be fatal after 15 minutes, according to the U.S. Army’s Edgewood Chemical Biological Center. Police chief Khalid said authorities intended to sweep Kuala Lumpur airport, and other locations the suspects had visited, for “radioactive” material. VX is not known to contain radioactive elements and Reuters calls to police for clarification went unanswered. Malaysian authorities on Thursday requested Interpol to put an alert out to apprehend four North Korean suspects who are believed to have fled from Malaysia on the day of the attack. They also want to question the second secretary at the North Korean embassy, though he has diplomatic immunity. The murder has strained relations between North Korea, which has been increasingly isolated in response to its nuclear and missile programs, and Malaysia. North Korea has said Malaysia should be held responsible for the killing of one of its citizens, though it has not acknowledged that the victim is the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Malaysia has recalled its ambassador from Pyongyang for consultations.

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Kaieteur News

Saturday February 25, 2017

T&T Parliament gives nod to FATCA legislation PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The Trinidad and Tobago Parliament Thursday night unanimously passed the Tax Information ExchangeAgreement Bill paving the way for the twin-island Republic to become compliant with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The bill was introduced to the Parliament in September last year and required a special ma-

jority vote for its passage, but both the government and the opposition have been blaming each other for the failure to meet the September 30 deadline to pass the legislation. The FATCA legislation demands that foreign banks provide information to America’s Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on any customer deemed a “US person” if they have more than

US$50,000. Washington has said that the legislation aims to crack down on tax dodgers who hide hundreds of millions of US dollars in offshore accounts annually in an effort to avoid paying taxes. Opposition legislators had demanded and subsequently got that a Joint Select Committee (JSC) of Parliament be appointed to examine the leg-

islation and on Thursday by a vote of all 39 legislators who were present in the House, approved the measures. Finance Minister Colm Imbert, who chaired the JSC, and who piloted the adoption of the report in the Parliament, said that Keith Rowley administration had given the Opposition everything it had required to ensure passage of the bill.

“Although this has been a moving target, we have met every single request of the Opposition; we have provided every sin-gle piece of paper they wanted from us; we have played this match on every single football field, don’t mind the goalpost kept moving from one end to the other,” he added. But Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar defended the decision of the opposition legislators not to support what she termed “bad legislation” and the open condemnation of her side both in and out of the Parliament. “I will never give government my consent to bad law,” she said, telling legislators that it had been a “long bumpy road” in which the opposition was subjected “to abuse because of the stand we took”. During the debate, Persad Bissessar said she was still not clear whether the bill was intended only for United States citizens resident here resulting in Attorney General Faris Al-Wari making it clear that only persons with USTIN documents would be tar-

geted. Prime Minister Rowley, who at the last sitting of Parliament had indicated that he was tired of the delay in the vote and that the sitting on Thursday would be a time when legislators would have to make their position known, said a vote for the Tax Information Exchange Agreement Bill was no personal favour to him as he called for an end to Government’s long-running effort to pass the bill. Rowley told legislators Thursday that he was confused at the Opposition’s refusal to support the bill, given the legislation was started by them when they formed the last government. He said Opposition was only seeking red herrings to avoid dealing with the bill and noted one of the issues raised, after all, was that The University of the West Indies (UWI) had not yet commented on the legislation. It was later discovered The UWI had commented on the wrong bill, and Rowley, noting his three degrees from The UWI, muttered: “I’m so embarrassed.”

Saturday February 25, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Sprint hurdles champion eyes title defence West Side softball Jamaica Observer - Following a gut-wrenching stumble which shattered her Olympics dream last year, World Championships 100metre hurdles gold medallist Danielle Williams has turned focus to her title defence. Williams missed out on qualifying for Jamaica’s team to the 2016 Rio Games after faltering in the final of the obstacle event at the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA)/Supreme Ventures National Senior Championships. But she claims she is finding her way back to form. The 24-year-old, who became the youngest Jamaican sprint hurdles winner when she topped a quality field at the 2015 Beijing Championships, opened her season with

a 38.25-second clocking in a 300-metre event at Clemson, South Carolina on January 14. She returned to the same location earlier this month to time 8.09 seconds in the 60m hurdles. That is marginally slower than her opening time of 8.07 seconds last year. The Lennox Grahamcoached athlete, in an interview with this newspaper, remains quietly optimistic and is determined to become a better athlete since the 2016 mishap. The IAAF World Championships is to take place in London, England this summer from August 4-13. “I have learnt and applied the lessons from the misfortune; the fall was tough but it helped me to realise that the worst is likely to happen and

if it does, you have to regroup and go again,” Williams, speaking from her base in the United States, told the Jamaica Observer in a recent interview. “I used the time to recover, and mentally I’m in a good place right now. I am finding my way back to things that made me successful, because I have a title to defend later this year,” she added. Williams ran a personal best 12.57s in winning the country’s first gold medal in the event since 2009 when Brigitte Foster-Hylton won the world title in Berlin. That clocking saw her get closer to the national record of 12.45 seconds, held by FosterHylton. Though her focus is not on achieving that feat just yet,

Saturday February 25 , 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Taking on too much won't help the situation. Children may be difficult to deal with. Don't get involved in uncertain financial ventures. A change in position could be better than you thought. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your lover may feel rejected. Romantic encounters will be full of excitement. Love could develop at social events that are work related. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Promote your ideas now. You will be entertained and intrigued by the logic foreigners possess. Opportunities for love will develop while traveling or while attending religious functions. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Be sure to double-check the house on your way out. You may need a physical outlet that will help you relieve your tension. Try to enlist the support of your coworkers first. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Take part in stimulating debates that will allow you to show off your intelligence. Avoid any petty ego confrontations; they could lead to estrangement if you aren't careful. Difficulties with females you live with could cause emotional stress. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Take care of the needs or responsibilities of elders. Education may be the answer. Travel could bring you the adventure and excitement you require.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your nerves are frazzled. Unexpected bills will be impossible for you to pay. You are best to be discreet. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Avoid friends or acquaintances who drink too much. You should be trying to clear up legal contracts that have been pending. Put your energy into moneymaking ventures. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Get involved in activities that will be fun for the whole family. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. Do your own thing without drawing attention to it. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Don't gamble unless you can afford to lose. You can make career moves that will bring you a much higher income. You should consider getting your whole family involved in a project at home. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Problems with females you live or work with will try your patience and cause temper flare ups. Involvement in groups of interest will bring you in touch with important individuals. Opportunities to make advancements through good business sense are evident. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Put in some extra hours and finish those careful jobs before you move on to some fun and games. Sort situations out as best you can. Watch your spending habits. Don't trust a deal that looks too good, or a lover who appears to have it all.

the refuelled Queen’s School alumna is fully motivated to make a major comeback. “I wouldn’t say there are any new developments where my preparations are concerned; I’ve been in training and my preparations are going well, so I am looking forward to competing to the best of my ability as I always do,” Williams noted.

cricket underway

As part of their plans to revive the sport on the West Demerara, The West Side softball cricket committee in collaboration with Omesh Pharbu have organised a 10/ 10 tournament which commenced on February 19. The competition will last for one month and the Leonora Primary School

ground will host all the matches. The winning team will take home a trophy and $80,000 and the runner up a trophy and $40,000. The best batsman, bowler and MVP will also be rewarded. For more information teams can contact Prem Persaud on 641-1173.

Bartica Regatta racing champion promises... (From page 30) revealed that since 2012 he has not lost the champion racer title, noting that he intends to continue the rare feat. He spoke about his preparations has already started for this year. He stressed that his determination and commitment to the sport is equal. Commenting on the likelihood of being injured, Scott said that this is a reality but noted that he puts the required systems in place so as to avoid any accidents. “In 2009 I had brought in brand new boat, but that very year I was involved in a accident resulting in me gaining certain injuries which included severe damages to the boat,” he said. However, despite my accident I remained determined to succeed. I returned to the sport as it goes beyond me being passionate and that is why I remain thankful,” Scott said. He revealed that he enjoys competition, thus his determination to continue despite whatever impact and or incidents while competing. Quizzed on what quality can be regarded as his primary reason for success he said that careful planning and preparation is of paramount importance if anyone is going to succeed. Scott disclosed that because of his unbe a t a b l e hunger for success he invested in 2011 in a world class boat and it continues to pay him dividends as each year he continues to hold unto the champion racer title. The businessman noted that as a means of precautionary measure he like a few other racers have opted to stop building boats specifically for the Regatta, thus resulting in them investing heavily in specially made boats which they have acquired from the USA. He pointed out that the Capsule built boats are made specially so as to protect the driver from any major accident or any boat running or crashing into it. In giving words of advice to young racers who intends to follow in his footsteps, the father of three said, “It’s not a simple sport and most im-

portantly it’s a very expensive sport so my advice is that youths getting into it must be determined and prepared to go all the way.” “This is not just jumping into a boat and speeding but rather it requires significant and regular training so if you are going to get involve realize that you must be prepared to adhere to all the rules and regulations which importantly is being careful and taking all safety measures,” Scott who is going after his six successive champion title noted. He added, “Anyone who is determined, discipline and dedicated can go very far in this sport, however, like any

other sport you must be prepared to train, train, train while being determined to withstand whatever pressures and challenges that comes your way.” Scott said that one of his greatest enjoyment of the sport comes from the invaluable support and encouragement that his family gives to him, declaring that they (family) play a major part in his continued success. “If my family was not there for me all the way every time, I couldn’t have achieved all of this as it’s there love and support that has helped me into becoming the champion that I am today,” he declared. Regatta 2017 is from April 15-17.

Kaieteur News

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Saturday February 25, 2017

GCB/MOE/DMLAS School’s cricket

Demerara semis fixed for Monday & Tuesday -Chase battle Mahaicony Secondary in feature match

Ashmead Nedd By Sean Devers The first Demerara semif i n a l i n t h e GCB/MOE/DELAS National Secondary School’s 30-over cricket tournament between West Demerara Secondary and St Cuthbert Mission which was set for yesterday at the Meten-Meer-Zorg ground in West Coast Demerara was washed out and will be replayed on Monday at the same venue from 11:00hrs. The other semi between National defending Champions Chase Academy and host Mahaicony Secondary is scheduled for

National U-17 left-hander Sachin Singh is expected to give Chase Academy a good start. Tuesday at the Fairfield ground in what is expected to be the feature game, since both teams have players who have done well in the district finals. The contest should be competitive despite the home team being the underdogs in their own back yard and they will bank heavily on Paul Durga and Omprakash Barrat. The City champs have in their team National U-17

players Ashmead Nedd and Sachin Singh while Dwayne Dick just missed a century in the Georgetown final against Charlestown Secondary at DCC. The two County semifinal winners will clash with the winners of Berbice and Essequibo district champions and Chase Academy are favoured to win their contest at Fairfield and advance to play the Berbicians in the national

Narine leads fightback but Sammy’s Zalmi prevail DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, CMC – Sunil Narine played his part in a late innings rally but the effort was not enough to save Lahore Qalanders from a 17run defeat to Darren Sammy’s Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League here yesterday. Set a challenging 167 for victory at the Dubai International Stadium, Qalanders seemed condemned to an embarrassing defeat when they slumped to 43 for six in the sixth over. H o w e v e r, t h e l e f t handed Narine launched an offensive, hitting 21 from 14 balls in a 45-run, seventh wicket stand off 30 balls with Aamer Yamin who made a run-aball 25. He had struck two fours and a six when he holed out to deep square leg in the 11th over off seamer Wahab Riaz at 88 for seven. S o h a i l Ta n v i r t h e n

Dwayne Dick could play a role with both bat and ball for Chase. semis. The Essequibo Champions will play the winner of Monday’s game at Meten-Meer-Zorg before the grand final of the school tournament is set to be played on March 3 at Bourda. The National Combined Schools 50-over league commences on March 7 with Upper Demerara playing Highway at the Bayroc ground in Linden.

On March 8, West Coast Demerara oppose West Bank Demerara at Meten-MeerZorg ground, while on March 9 East Bank Essequibo face-off with Leguan at the Tuschen g r o u n d b e f o r e Wa k e n a a m b a t t l e Bartica on March 10 in Wakenaam. On March 16, the Rest of Essequibo come-up against E’bo Coast at the Imam Bacchus ground.

On March 9 a Combined Upper Demerara Highway face East Bank Demerara at B a y r o c , w h i l e We s t Demerara clash with Upper Demerara East Bank on March 10 at Meter-MeerZorg. The winner of the E’bo versus Upper Demerara East Bank on March 21 will clash with the winner of G/town Berbice winner in the grand final on March 23 at Bourda.

Milo Schools Football resumes today and tomorrow Play in the Milo 18 and under Schools Football Competition resumes today and tomorrow with matches scheduled to be played, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.

Sunil Narine

blasted 36 not out and Yasir Shah, 22, in a 55-run, ninth wicket partnership but they failed to get Qalanders over the line. Opener Cameron Delport had earlier chipped in with 32 from 15 deliveries. Opting to bat first, Zalmi were fired by opener Kamran Akmal’s 58 off 40 balls while Bangladesh star

Paul Durga (left) and Omprakash Barrat will be depended on lead the Mahaicony secondary’s fight.

Shakib-al-Hasan made 30 from 24 balls. At the death, Sammy belted a four and a six in scoring an unbeaten 17 off eight deliveries while West Indies batsman Marlon Samuels made 17 in his first appearance of the tournament. O ff - s p i n n e r N a r i n e finished with one for 28 from four overs.

Mix Up claim Strikers Sports bar dominoes title Mix Up chalked up 81 games to win the Strikers Sports bar dominoes title on Sunday night in Meadow Brook. Rage placed second on 65 games while Impressers finished third on 64. Rawle Peters and Clarence Whitehead led the scoring for the winners with 16 and 15 games respectively, while Mark Welch got 15 and Lionel Gittens 14 for the runner up side. Lavern Duguid and Yonette Christmas scored 15 apiece for

Impressers. Mix Up won the semi final encounter with 74 games, ahead of Impressers on 72 and Killers 56. Rawle Peters made 16 and Mark Wiltshire got 14 for Mix Up, Christmas and Neibert Hales marked 15 each for Impressers. Meanwhile, the Annual General Meeting and elections of the Georgetown Dominoes Association will be held on Sunday at Gaulding Place at 15:00hrs.

Saturday February 25, 2017

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Guyanese cricketers excel at World Blind T20 championship in India By Zaheer Mohamed The World Blind T20 cricket championship recently concluded in India with the host nation taking the title after defeating Pakistan in the final which was played at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium. The West Indies finished sixth out of the ten-team round robin tournament which commenced on January 29 and concluded on February 12. The West Indies team, which included three Guyanese, registered victories over South Africa, Nepal and New Zealand. The Guyanese players on the team were Kevin Douglas who captained the side after the first game, Ganesh Singh and Leroy Phillips. Speaking with the media yesterday at the Guyana Society for the Blind in High Street, Douglas who was the leading run scorer for the West Indies with his best

being 169 versus New Zealand, said the tournament was a learning experience and he relished the opportunity to play at international venues there. Douglas who falls in the B3 category (partially blind) stated that he was pleased with the performance of the team even though they had little preparation. Singh told the media that it was a life changing experience. “For a player with some disability to go there and receive the type of hospitality is an unforgettable experience”, he stated. Singh, who said that the West Indies could have done a lot better if they had more time to prepare, spoke highly of the organisers and informed that the West Indies team was well supported there. He related that all the West Indies players met in India where they did some practice prior to the tournament and the team

improved as the tournament progressed. He lauded his fellow Guyanese for their showing, adding that they were the backbone of the team. “Douglas carried the batting with two centuries and two half centuries, while Phillips, who opened the batting with Douglas, scored the most runs in his category (B 1 totally blind) over 200 runs in aggregate with a best of 76. Singh, who was one of the leading bowlers for the Regional side with six wickets, expressed gratitude to Kares Engineering, National Sports Commission, Guyana Cricket Board and other sponsors who have helped them on their trip. Singh, who is a B1 player, informed that the Guyana Blind Cricket Association in collaboration with the South Georgetown Lions Club, will be staging a six-a-side tournament tomorrow at the Malteenoes

The Guyanese from left Kevin Douglas, Leroy Phillips and Ganesh Narine. SC which will serve as preparation for the Regional tournament set for Guyana in

August. Phillips said he was happy with his batting and

was pleased to lend support to his Captain Kevin Douglas.

Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen unveil new car BBC Sport - Ferrari drivers Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen put the first miles on their new 2017 Formula 1 car after a lowkey launch yesterday. Vettel and Raikkonen shared driving to cover the maximum permitted 100km (62 miles) at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. The ‘shake-down’ test, which was said to be troublefree, followed a brief online unveiling of the car. Perhaps mindful of last year’s ill-founded claim they could fight for the title, no team reaction was offered. In 2016, president Sergio Marchionne predicted a season fighting Mercedes for supremacy, only for Ferrari to have their second winless campaign in three years. It led to the latest in a series of management reshuffles at the Italian team as they split with technical director James Allison in July. New chief technical officer Mattia Binotto, an engine specialist by training

Ferrari’s new car has a shark fin engine cover and a thumb nose. (Ferrari)

unlike Allison’s background in aerodynamics, posed with the car during the online launch along with team principal Maurizio A r r i v a b e n e , Ve t t e l , Raikkonen and third driver Antonio Giovinazzi. Allison, one of the most highly regarded design engineers in F1, starts work as Mercedes’ new technical director on 1 March. The new Ferrari, which was seen for only a couple of minutes before the broadcast

ended, has been named the SF70-H, a reference to this year ’s being the 70th anniversary of the sportscar company. The car, designed to new rules this year aimed at making the cars faster and more demanding of drivers, features a number of unique design tweaks, especially in the region of the driver’s cockpit. There are unusually high and square air intakes into the sidepods, which are

integrated with airflow conditioners in a region of the car in which many teams have exhibited intricate and complex bodywork parts aimed at maximising airflow and aerodynamic downforce. The car features a ‘sharkfin’ engine cover, at the rear end of which is a highmounted narrow wing that is expected to feature on most of the cars. Already labelled a T-wing, it exploits a loophole in the bodywork

regulations and cleans up the airflow in the region of the rear wing. McLaren also launched their new car on Friday, leaving only Toro Rosso, Haas, Williams and Red Bull to unveil 2017 machinery before the start of testing on Monday. Analysis Much is at stake this season for a new technical organisation Ferrari have talked up despite what many considered an ill-advised decision to split with former technical director James Allison, who is now at

Mercedes. The same can be said for Sebastian Vettel, who is entering the final year of his contract after a season in which tensions between him and the team were very obvious. If they are not regular winners, the fall-out could be intense. For Ferrari, only winning will ever do. But the pressure has been mounting in recent years because they haven’t been doing it anywhere near enough - and not at all in 2016, for the second time in three years.

Inclement weather forces rescheduling of Limacol semis to tomorrow Football fans are being advised that due to the inclement weather, the semi-finals of this year’s Limacol Round Robin / Knockout Competition which was scheduled to be played last evening at the GFC ground will now be played tomorrow, at the same venue. The fixtures are seen below: 19:00 hrs Winners Connection vs Police 21:00 hrs Santos vs Western Tigers

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Saturday February 25, 2017

ESPNcricinfo Awards 2016

West Indies world champions win T20 awards ESPNCRICINFO Carlos Brathwaite and Hayley Matthews’ careerdefining innings in the men’s and women’s World T20 finals were voted the best T20 batting performances of 2016 at the ESPNcricinfo Aw a r d s , a n n o u n c e d yesterday. Ben Stokes won the Test batting award for his 198-ball 258 in Cape Town, the second-fastest Test double-century, while his team-mate Stuart Broad won the Test bowling award for a second year running. Quinton de Kock’s 178 an innings that kick-started S o u t h A f r i c a ’s 5 - 0 whitewash against Australia at home - was named the ODI batting performance of the year. South Africa were the opposition that Sunil Narine destroyed on his comeback, with 6 for 27 in Guyana, which was voted the ODI bowling performance of the year. The ESPNcricinfo awards honour the best batting and bowling performances across the international formats of the game in the preceding

calendar year. The jury for this year’s awards included Ian Chappell, Mahela Jayawardene, Courtney Walsh, Mark Butcher, Ramiz Raja, and ESPNcricinfo’s senior writers and editors. On the night when Brathwaite hit four consecutive sixes to give the West Indies men their second World T20 title, 18-year-old Matthews made her maiden T20I half-century - the highest score in a Women’s World T20 final - and was instrumental in West Indies winning their first global title after failing to qualify for the final on three previous occasions. New Zealand offspinner Leigh Kasperek won the women’s T20 bowling award for her 3 for 13 in a six-wicket win in a World T20 group game against Australia in Nagpur. The men’s T20I bowling award went to Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, who took five New Zealand wickets for 22 runs with his cutters in a World T20 game in Kolkata. Last year Mustafizur was

named the debutant of the year - a category voted on by ESPNcricinfo’s users, in addition to the jury. This year that honour went to another young Bangladesh bowler Mehedi Hasan, who took a record 19 wickets in his debut Test series, against England. Broad, who won last year for his phenomenal 8 for 15 in the Trent Bridge Ashes Test, took home the award this year for his seriessealing spell of 6 for 17, which razed South Africa for 83 runs in Johannesburg. Afghanistan dominated the nominations in the Associates categories and bagged both batting and bowling awards. Opener Mohammad Shahzad for his 118 in an 81-run win against Zimbabwe in Sharjah; it was not only Afghanistan’s first T20I century but also the highest score by a player from an Associate nation against a Full Member. And offspinner Mohammad Nabi for a miserly 2 for 16 (including three maidens) off ten overs in a two-wicket win against Bangladesh in an ODI in Mirpur.

It took Ben Stokes 58 balls to get from 100 to 200 in Cape Town © AFP

Virat Kohli was named captain of the year, for India’s unbeaten run in Tests in 2016, including a series win in the West Indies and a 4-0 win over England at home. Out of 12 Tests last year, India won nine and drew three. Kohli’s personal batting form remained exceptional all through; he averaged nearly 76 in the 12

Tests and scored three double-hundreds.”The ESPNcricinfo Awards are about meaning and context,” Sambit Bal, editor-in-chief of ESPNcricinfo, said, “so we are chuffed a ten-ball innings sits beside a score of 258 in the list of winners. There is delight and irony in the fact that these two performances belong to

Carlos Brathwaite and Ben Stokes, whose names will be forever entwined for those dramatic four balls in the World T20 final. It’s also our great pleasure to introduce winners from women and Associates cricket in the tenth year of the awards. We should have had them earlier, but it’s not too late to make amends.”

O’Keefe’s six puts Australia in command against India PUNE, INDIA (Reuters) Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe picked up a careerbest six for 35 to help Australia take command of the first test against India after 15 wickets fell on a bowler-dominated second day of the contest yesterday. Playing only his fifth test and first in India, O’Keefe took all his wickets in the space of 24 deliveries, including three in an over, to trigger a spectacular collapse and help Australia bundle out India for 105 in their first innings. Australia took a first innings lead of 155, a significant advantage on a spin-friendly track at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, which is making its debut as a test centre. The touring side, who have lost their last nine tests in Asia and were considered underdogs before the start of the four-match series, reached 143 for four at stumps in their second innings, an overall lead of 298 runs. Captain Steve Smith was

unbeaten after a chancefilled 59, during which he was dropped three times, with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh 21 not out. O f f - s p i n n e r Ravichandran Ashwin picked up three quick wickets to boost India’s hopes of restricting Australia to a low second innings total but Smith and Matt Renshaw (31) then added 52 for the fourth to boost the touring side. Replying to Australia’s 260, the world’s top-ranked side, unbeaten in their previous 19 tests, lost their last seven wickets for 11 runs as O’Keefe ran through their batsmen to pick up his maiden five-wicket haul. O’KEEFE HEROICS India’s meltdown started after lunch when opener Lokesh Rahul fell to O’Keefe’s bowling. Rahul, who was top scorer for his side with 64, collapsed immediately after playing the shot, clutching his left shoulder and looking as if he was in pain. The dismissal ended a fourth-wicket stand of 50

between Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane and what followed was a procession of batsmen returning to the pavilion. Two deliveries later, Rahane was out for 13 off O’Keefe, who also dismissed wicketkeeperbatsman Wriddhiman Saha in the same over. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon picked up Ashwin in the next over before O’Keefe wrapped things up with the dismissals of Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav and Umesh Yadav. Australia paceman Mitchell Starc earlier ripped through India’s top order with two wickets in three balls. Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed for six, while India captain and batting mainstay Virat Kohli was despatched for a two-ball duck on a wicket favouring both pace and spin. Following Kohli’s lead, Australia skipper Steve Smith used O’Keefe as early as the second over on the dry pitch. O’Keefe was largely ineffective with the new ball,

Steve O’Keefe holds the ball up upon completing a five-for, India v Australia, 1st Test, Pune, 2nd day, ©AFP however, before right-arm p a c e m a n J o s h Hazlewood came on to break India’s opening stand in his first over when he induced Murali Vi j a y i n t o e d g i n g a catch behind for 10. Starc dismissed Pujara with a rising delivery that brushed the batsman’s glove and sailed through to

wicketkeeper Matthew Wade. The sparse crowd appeared indifferent to Pujara’s dismissal as they anticipated the arrival of the popular Kohli, who recently became the first batsman to hit four double-centuries in as many consecutive series. Onlookers were stunned to silence two balls later

when the right-hander chased a full and wide delivery from Starc to offer up a routine slip catch for his fifth duck in 93 innings and first since August 2014. Scores: Australia 260 and 143 for 4 (Smith 59*, Ashwin 3-68) lead India 105 (Rahul 64, O’Keefe 6-35) by 298 runs.

Saturday February 25, 2017

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Kaieteur News

McLaren look to brighter future with orange glow WOKING, ENGLAND (Reuters) McLaren trumpeted the dawning of a new era on Friday as they unveiled a striking orange and black Formula One car that harked back to the team’s 1960s roots and broke with the immediate past. The Honda-powered former champions have not won a race since 2012, finishing sixth last year, but are aiming to get back on the podium with Spaniard Fernando Alonso and Belgian rookie Stoffel Vandoorne. “We will win again,” said Racing Director Eric Boullier. Whether they can do so this season, with champions Mercedes dominant for the past three years and Red Bull and Ferrari also well ahead in the pecking order, remains

to be seen. Alonso, world champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, said he was 100 percent committed but recognized might be a step too far this year. “We are all realistic, myself first, knowing that last year we were 1.5 seconds off the pace in Abu Dhabi at the last race,” he said. “We need to recover a huge gap to win this year. “Winning in F1 is extremely difficult but winning in Formula One after being sixth in the previous championship is something almost no-one did,” the 35-year-old said. “We need to work hard, cleverer than anyone else.” Much has changed since last season, with former principal and shareholder Ron Dennis replaced as chief

executive by American marketing expert Zak Brown. “We’re going to get there,” said Brown. “This team is highly frustrated that we are not winning races ... and once we get there, we’ll be pretty hard to knock back down. The name of the car breaks with a long line carrying the prefix MP4 throughout the Dennis years, while the orange is a nod to the cars built by late founder Bruce McLaren. “Our past is awesome and we must never forget our past,” said Brown. “It’s a natural progression that over time you hit the reset button. “Just like when Bruce McLaren passed the torch to the MP4 era, now we have the MCL era.” Speaking in the team’s

Journalists use their mobile phones to photograph McLaren’s new MCL32 Formula One car at its launch in Woking, Britain, February 24, 2017. (REUTER/Alan Baldwin) futuristic headquarters, Brown summed up the change. “The MTC (McLaren

Technical Centre) is kind of like Star Wars,” he said, with a nod to that film’s villain and hero. “We’ve made it a

little bit too Darth Vader over the years and we’ll have a little bit more Luke Skywalker next.”

Hamza Eastman outsprints tough field to take Courts Mashramani cycle race in Berbice

Winner Hamza Eastman receives his incentive from a staff of the Courts Furniture store. Despite the inclement weather which forced the organisers to change the route of the event. The annual courts Mashramani cycle race in Berbice was successfully staged with Team Cocoa Hamza Eastman prevailing in a time of 1hr: 01:50 in a tight spring home from a six man bunch that was part of a breakaway from the start. The weather forced the organisers to change the route of the race from a 20 laps around New Amsterdam race, due to the pot holes on the road, to a 30 miles event with the cyclists taking off from in front the Courts Building at Main and St Ann Street before proceeding to proceeded to Hampshire, Corentyne where they turned back in front of the Anamayah Memorial

Hospital on the Corentyne before returning to finish at its point of origin. The event which was staged in collaboration with The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) saw the cyclists being sent on their way by Regional Chairman, Region 6, David Armogan. The riders did a cruise around the town before proceeding on the upward journey. As the cyclists were sent on their way there was an early break as an eight man bunch made up of Eastman, Jamal John, Orville Hinds, Shaquel Agard, Michael A n t h o n y, S t e p h a n o Husbands and Deoraj Garbaran took flight around the Canje Turn area and were never caught. It was a grueling battle up front as the cyclists tried desperately to shake off one another and make the bunch smaller. However, that was

The winners and outstanding riders pose with their cash incentives along with organisers and sponsors, Manager Stanley McKenzie stoops at right. not to be and due to the short nature of the race, the cyclists in the bunch held strong. The chasing pack was making no progress. Meanwhile, as the front riders continued their battle, the ride home was fierce as no one want to let up. Somewhere in the vicinity of the Canje Bridge, two of the riders were dropped. The six cyclists continued to carry the pace and w ere not s eparated as they s printed over the finis hing line w ith Eastman winning on the fierce s print home from team mate J ohn. Orville Hinds paced third P aul D e N obrega fourth, Agard Fifth and

Anthony sixth. In the veterans category, Junior Niles continues to dominate as he won from Gowkaran Sukhai, Wilbert Benjamin and Syborne Fernandes Brenton John rode in first among the juniors. The first Juvenile to finish was Zamal Khan. On the distaff side Byonce Welch rode home first ahead of and Shanika Teixeira who suffered a punctured close to the finishing line. In the 12-14 category the winner was David Hicks with Youmol Holligan second. The sprint prizes were shared by Eastman and John with two each, Hinds, Agard,

Husbands and Niles with one apiece. At the presentation ceremony which followed, M a n a g e r M r. S t a n l e y McKenzie, thanked the cyclists for braving the weather and participating in the event. The manager reiterated that the company is always willing to give back to the community from which it garners its support. He stated that it is a wellknown fact that Courts has been supporting community and sporting activities throughout Guyana. He pledged that the event will continue. Coordinator and Coach Randolph Roberts thanked Courts for being an excellent

corporate citizen and e x p r e s s e d t h e c l u b ’s gratitude. He had words of commendation for McKenzie and continued his call for other business entities to come on board and support sports, and youth, community and educational activities. The winners and other outstanding riders were presented with the incentives by McKenzie and his staff. The police led by Officer I n c h a rg e o f Tr a ff i c , Superintendent Boodnarine Persaud, Sergeants Marlon O’Donoghue and Gobin and Corporal Roy George were commended for doing an excellent job. (Samuel Whyte)

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Saturday February 25, 2017

GSSF/Archery Guyana in full swing for 2017

Chair Mr. Nicholas Hing on right after releasing an arrow during an Outdoor Archery Training. The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation / Archery Guyana recently reported on the vibrant Archery activities which have commenced since January, 2017. Chairman of the Archery Committee, Mr. Nicholas Hing, reported at the Federation’s recently held AGM that both Indoor and Outdoor Archery practice

sessions are ongoing on a weekly basis. The Federation has access to the National Gymnasium on the weekdays and thanked Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones and the National Sports Commission for the collaboration to ensure that these sessions are hosted and the facility is made

available to the GSSF for such practice sessions. For 2017, permission was secured from the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport for the use of the Carifesta Sports Club Ground on Sundays for Outdoor Archery Practice which has started since January. Thanks were extended to

Bartica Regatta racing champion promises stiffer competition this year

Dave Scott Popular businessman and undisputed Bartica Regatta Racing Champion Davenarine ‘Dave Scott’ Persaud has promised that he intends to once again be crowned as this year’s champion. Scott made this declaration in an interview, while noting that he hopes that other racers will up their game thus ensuring that patrons can witness a very competitive event. Scott, who won his first racing champion title in 2001, said that as he continues to grow, in terms of experience so too is his skills and techniques, declaring that it will take an exceptionally gifted racer to dethrone him. He pointed out that he enjoys every moment of the Bartica Regatta stating that despite the evident flaws and hick-ups experience in the execution of the event both competitors and patrons are generally satisfied with the event. “We evidently have problems as there are several challenges from both the racers and

organizers but at the end of the day the ultimate goal is to ensure that patrons can leave feeling a sense of satisfaction,” he noted. Scott giving an insight into his very competitive and champion laced career disclosed that a very competitive regatta will help to ensure that the quality and standards of the sport continues to improve. He said he has no fears with enhanced competition as he has no plans of being defeated this year. “Once a champion always a champion and I am determined to come out victorious again this time,” Scott boasted. He recollected that as a child on his way to school he and his school friends would race in their paddle boats. This, he said helped to shape his racing career as they would paddle the boats with the aim of seeing who can cross the river first. Scott pointed out that he originated from Lanaballi thus the reason for him having to constantly use boats. Scott pointed out that his constant handling and interaction with boats helped to fuel his passion for the racing part of it. He noted that it was his father who he credits for introducing him into the sport. The well accomplished racing champion said that after moving to Bartica he was encouraged in 1997 to get into his first regatta. He recollected that it was during the staging of Lake Mainstay regatta that saw him making a name for himself. Scott disclosed that he won the champion title that very year in both Lake Mainstay and Regatta in 2001, noting however, that he had begun his competitive career in 1997. Scott disclosed that in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2009 he won the title, however he further (Continued on page 25)

An Outdoor Archery Practice Session at Carifesta Ground. the Honourable Minister Nicolette Henry and Deputy Permanent Secretary Steve Ninvalle. The Federation is now utilizing two additional target stands which were kindly donated by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs through Mr. Ivan Persaud of the Swimming Association. These target stands are

used for Outdoor Archery Practice Sessions. T h e G S S F, h a v i n g gained International recognition and affiliation to the Swiss-based World Archery Federation, is viewed as the recognised body for the sport of Archery in Guyana. This international affiliation was granted and is currently maintained by the

GSSF after having fulfilled all the criteria set out by the International Olympic Committee’s governing body for Archery. Additionally, Guyana is now enlisted as active for the Olympic sport within the zone of World Archery Americas, and is officially represented by the Guyana Sport Shooting Federation in this regard.

STAG Elite league: League leaders tournament rescheduled Georgetown: The Guyana Football Federation Inc (GFF) wishes to inform the public that due to the inclement weather, the League Leaders Tournament scheduled for tomorrow, Sunday, February 26, has been tentatively postponed to Sunday, March 5, 2017.

GFF regrets any inconvenience caused as a result of this postponement. The League Leaders tournament will feature Victoria Kings FC vs Buxton United FC and GDF FC vs Fruta Conquerors FC (Playoff # 1 and #2) in the first double-header. This will

be followed by Playoff # 3 and the finals which will feature Winner of # 1 Playoff vs Loser of # 2 Playoff and Winner of # 2 Playoff vs Winner of # 3 Playoff respectively on dates to be announced, a release from the GFF informed.

Hungary’s Olympic dream ‘killed’ by political upstarts, says PM Orban (Reuters) Hungary had to withdraw its bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games to avoid a humiliating defeat in the race with Paris and Los Angeles after a local political movement “killed the Olympic dream”, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio yesterday. The Momentum movement, a new force in Hungarian politics, last week submitted a petition with 266,000 signatures demanding a referendum in Budapest on an event seen as symbolically important to Orban. Momentum argued that Hungary was not yet rich enough to host the Olympics. Although it does not yet register in polls, political analysts say Momentum could win seats in a national election due in 2018 at the expense both of Orban’s ruling right-wing populist Fidesz party and opposition groups. No opposition group has had such an impact on a major issue since Orban rose to power in 2010 and began centralizing control in the hands of Fidesz. Orban told the radio station that a local

referendum could have been won in favor of the Olympics but that would not have been enough in the international race to host the Games, where unity is needed. Therefore, the bid had to be withdrawn in order to avoid inevitable “shame” on Hungary, he argued. “There is a political organization, which did not even hide that they want to primarily form a party and enter the political arena....and were not even really interested in the Olympics and they went as far as killing the Olympic dream,” Orban told state radio in his regular interview. Momentum spokesman Gergo Papp said the prime minister and his government, by deciding to withdraw the bid, took away Hungarians’ chance to vote on the Olympics in a referendum. “It is Viktor Orban who killed a dream,” Papp said. “At last, Hungarian society could have voted on an important issue, on a gigantic investment project.”

Saturday February 25, 2017

CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships

Kaieteur News

Haynes and Wilson combo set up 6-4 win for Guyana over Antigua

Hat-trick scorer Jamal Haynes about to hit the sand in a celebration move with Captain Deshawn Joseph (center) and Jahshawn Moore. Photos and story by Franklin Wilson in the Bahamas with the compliments of Ringbang, Crown Mining Supplies, Fazia’s Collection, Fitness E x p r e s s , G e r m a n ’s Restaurant and Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. An energetic display and disciplined performance by Guyana’s Golden Jaguars of the beach led by a Jamal Haynes hat-trick and a brace f r o m M i c h a e l Wi l s o n landed the nation its second victory at the CONCACAF B e a c h S o c c e r Championships as the Playoffs commenced. Contesting the second 9th / 12th Play-off match of the day, Guyana defeated Antigua and Barbuda 6-4 in a match that saw the scores going back and forth until the Guyanese pulled away for good in the final quarter. The Guyanese opened brightly against their opponents when Michael Wilson was fouled and took the free kick himself to score in the 1st minute, the A&B goalie Janeil Simon did not have a sniffer of a chance in saving Wilson’s powerful shot half way in the opponents half. The Guyanese, coming off their maiden win at this level against Belize in their final group match looked a sharp unit, faster on the ball and more a cohesive unit in the bright afternoon sun in Nassau Bahamas. The first quarter ended with Guyana in command via Wilson’s goal. The second half did not

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start exactly as the Guyanese would have liked since they conceded the equalizer when Antigua were awarded a free kick following a foul against Stephen Hughes by Jermaine Grandison close to goal. Hughes took the shot himself which flew into the back of the nets past Sparman in the 13th minute. The momentum was now with the Antiguans who were relentless with numerous attacks on Guyana. The usually energetic Guyanese Captain Deshawn Joseph did not look as energetic. But 16 minutes on, Guyana’s Jamal Haynes was brought down and the ensuing free kick he took himself which handed Guyana the lead at 2-1. And seconds later just after the restart Guyana increased the lead further when the alert Jahshaun Moore capitalized on a loose ball custodian Prince Walter did not take cleanly to tap home at close range for a 3-1 lead to Guyanese. On 17 minutes poor work in goal by Sparman allowed Omarie Daniel to head in Antigua’s second goal to make the score 3-2 still in Guyana’s favour. In the 18th minute a beautifully taken bicycle kick by Jamal Haynes netted Guyana’s 4th and his second of the match as the Golden Jaguars of the beach restored their two goal advantage at 4-2. With the match 19 minutes old, Sparman was blindsided by one of his teammates and the Elvis Thomas shot entered the back of the onion skin

between his legs for Antigua’s third of the match, the score 4-3 in favour of Guyana as the action heated up. Antigua tied the match with 2:01 to go in the second quarter compliments of another Omarie Daniel goal, his second of the match and the score stood the same at the end of the quarter to set up a mouthwatering final 12 minutes. As the final third commenced, Michael Wilson sent Guyana ahead (25th minute) as he did in the first quarter with a dipping shot over GK Simon’s head with the sun in his eyes; Guyana 5 Antigua 4. Jamal Haynes fired in his third of the match and Guyana’s sixth in the 30th minute and celebrated with a summersault. Sparman’s excellent form continued in the next minute with a reflex save to deny Antigua another goal as the exchanges remained fast and furious, the energy levels of both sides being tested.

But in the end, the Golden Jaguars of the beach prevailed by a 6-4 margin in a thrilling match, their second win over the Antiguans following a 4-3 epic at the Barbados International Beach Soccer Festival. In the other 9th / 12th Playoff which preceded the Guyana / Antigua clash, Costa Rica went ahead of Canada before the latter equalised and went ahead at 2-1 but with 1’ 21" to game time, Costa Rica’s Captain Greivin Pacheco Quesada netted to tie the score at 2-2 which ensured the game went into extra time and eventually penalties as neither team were able to break the deadlock.

Prevailing in the end were Costa Rica on penalty kicks by a 3-2 margin, goalkeeper Niels FallasBeita saving Canada’s third kicker, Marc Jankovic to seal victory. In the 13th / 16th Playoff and the first match of the day, Barbados which finished 4th in Group B defeated the Turks and Caicos Islands 50, the latter ending the Group stage at the bottom of Group D, neither scoring a point. The other 13th / 16th Playoff match saw Belize, which ended Group A at the bottom of the table with a single point, securing a win in extra time again, this time against the United States Virgin Islands 6-4 after the

two nations battled to a 4-4 tie in the 36 minutes of regulation time. Belize lashed in two unanswered goals in the 3 minutes of extra time to seal the win whilst leaving the USVI which ended at the bottom of Group C yet to register a point. The quarter final matches commenced after the Guyana / Antigua clash with Jamaica against El Salvador which was followed by USA opposing Canada, Mexico tackled Trinidad and Tobago while the final match of the night featured home team Bahamas and Guadeloupe. The respective winners will advance to the semifinals to be played today.

Walton leads VC XI in game to honour Chanderpaul

Veteran Shiv Chanderpaul … will be honoured during the game. BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Chadwick Walton will captain the UWI Vice Chancellor ’s X I agains t touring England in a 50-overs match here today which will be us ed to honour veteran f o r m e r We s t I n d i e s l e f t - hander Shiv Chanderpaul.

Jamaican Walton, who has already played all three formats for West Indies, leads a side which includes the likes of Youth World Cup stars Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul, along with Chanderpaul’s son, Tagenarine Chanderpaul. The game, which will be

played at Warner Park, will see the senior Chanderpaul honoured with a special commemorative plaque for his outstanding contribution to West Indies cricket. Chanderpaul finished second in the West Indies alltime career aggregates with 11, 867 runs in 164 Tests, only behind the imperious Brian Lara. His last Test was against England in Bridgetown two years ago. Tagenarine will receive the award on his father’s behalf. SQUAD – Chadwick Walton (captain), Amir Jangoo, Anthony Alleyne, Cameron Pennyfeather, Cassius Burton, Jermaine L e v y, K h a r r y P i e r r e , Keemo Paul, Keon Harding, Obed McCoy, Shimron Hetmyer, Tagenarine Chanderpaul.

t r o Sp CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championships

Haynes and Wilson combo set up 6-4 win for Guyana over Antigua

Michael Wilson (#7) scores the go ahead goal (5th) against Antigua in the final quarter yesterday afternoon in the Bahamas.

ESPNcricinfo Awards 2016

West Indies world champions win T20 awards Carlos Brathwaite and Hayley Matthews starred in West Indies’ World T20 wins Š Getty Images

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