Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Tuesday February 07, 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 TIRED OF ACRIMONY AND DIVISIVENESS There are few governments that have dedicated themselves to the promotion of national unity in a multiracial society. But then there are few nations with our history of division of the races. And fewer have undergone such a relatively uncertain transition of power after 23 years of the previous government. In May 2015, the people made a decisive break with the past. Their yearning for unity and a peaceful and harmonious nation of equals became reality for them with the election of the coalition government. For decades they have been living in a fractured and divided country in a bitter contest for political power between the PPP and PNC. In essence, the people have a real chance to form a glorious path to heal the nation. The democratic foundations have been laid. Now, the people must use their collective strengths to end the crippling racial divide. But healing the wounds of the past and freeing themselves of its burden will be a long, arduous and demanding task. It will not happen overnight, but it must be done, if not by this generation by the next. Political conflicts between the government and the opposition must be replaced with sound dialogue on social and economic issues as a matter of high priority for the national good. The bitterness and divisiveness that exist between the government and the opposition must end. A plan must be devised to foster genuine dialogue at the national level with the objective to mend the rift. One of the main concerns is the undignified and hostile manner in which the nation’s business is being conducted. Parliamentarians are elected to represent the interests of the people, but their inability to resolve their difference across the political aisle is proof that they are further alienating the people. Many believe that the country is on the wrong path in this regard. Another issue of concern is the number of allegations of corruption, scandals and misconduct by public officials. In office for only 20 months, the government has been asked to address several discomforting episodes. Some of the responses have been less than convincing. The Opposition has repeatedly pounced on these missteps and the exchanges are of no help to the unending bitterness. The onus is squarely on the shoulders of the government and the opposition to engage each other meaningfully in order for the citizenry to peacefully coexist. Healing the nation should be their highest priority. Healing the nation must include the development of a national consensus on governance, agreed programmes for social, economic and human growth, and the improvement of relations between the parties. The government must demonstrate that it is being transparent and accountable in managing the affairs of the state. Genuine dialogue between the government and the opposition offers potential opportunities from which the nation can benefit. They should be committed to stem the tide of negativity and distrust between the two major races. It will require trust, good faith and political will from both sides. It is crucial for both sides to agree on measures of national importance such as economic growth, crime reduction, and the manner in which power is exercised in the management of the country’s resources. People are tired of the acrimony and divisiveness. They are hoping for the day when both parties could refrain from practicing disruptive politics. That will require visionary leaders of a high moral standard who are honest, trustworthy and will empower the citizens. These are difficult times for a nation besieged by those bent on carrying it into an abyss. No one would deny that Guyana needs healing.

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.

This was Anil Nandlall’s attitude to me when he was AG Dear Editor, It is incredible to witness the activism of Americans willing to protest against the orders of the President of the USA so that non-Americans can enter. I was in awe at the spectacular display of defiance to help those from other countries many of whom are penniless and the lawyers who lined up to offer their services freely to foreigners. However, when I think about Guyana and our fundamental human rights I become engulfed in bitterness, hatred and anger. From my personal experiences I believe most Guyanese are unaware of their basic rights and think that the government, APNU/AFC now and PPP/C then, and its respective branches have the right to inflict harm, make major

decisions at its whim and are above the laws of the land. During the reign of the PPP/C I had such a soul shattering experience that I have become unpatriotic like the masses that dream of fleeing these shores, apolitical to the point that I do not vote and apathetic to my country. For most of my life in Guyana I have felt like a third class citizen because I am not rich, powerful nor do I possess the ‘right’ connections/ family affiliations. Without these elements a citizen is a ‘Nobody’. Every time I read an article about Mr. Anil Nandlall’s pronouncements on the Constitution of Guyana and those who violate it, bile rises to my mouth. The hypocrisy of this man is astounding! My freedom of movement which

is guaranteed in the Constitution of Guyana was taken away from me without due process and although I personally met Mr. Nandlall who was then Attorney General pleaded with him to help me and informed him of my constitutional rights he did absolutely nothing while knowing that what a particular government entity was doing then was in violation of the laws of Guyana. I do not believe that Mr. Nandlall just became an expert on the Constitution of Guyana after his party was booted out. Due to a civil matter with a particular ministry my name was placed on the ‘blacklist’ at all points of exit in this country thereby imprisoning me in Guyana i n d e f i n i t e l y. T h i s establishment claimed that I owed it money and charged

me an incredible 70% interest! A court order was never obtained by this ministry nor was any legal proceedings carried out. I was just informed at the airport that I was not allowed to pass the immigration checkpoint because my name was on the country’s blacklist. For months I wasted my time begging various officials for assistance to no avail, I experienced verbal abuse with one even calling me a ‘jackass’, severe stress and depression and was even told by various so-called lawyers that I had no legal case and basically the govt. (then)can just violate the laws of the land at whim. I realized how corrupt and partisan our society is and the unfortunates without riches, power or connections (Continued on page 5)

Sexual activity taking place among school children Dear Editor, Lately, a lot of videos have been surfacing on social media with school children involved in sexual activity. The videos are clear with their faces, mostly of the girls and in their uniforms. It is disturbing, because everyone is just talking and forwarding to the next person. These children are involved in all kinds of sex and one video saw one girl looking as though she was under the influence of something. They are also engaged in unprotected sex. These girls are having sex with school boys and even out-of-school youths. They are doing it in and out of school. They do not seem to care about pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. I am

calling on Parents, Teachers, School Welfare, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Social Protection to step in and get these children back on track. Is sex education part of the school curriculum? Are parents speaking to their children about puberty, hormones, sex? Are they speaking to them about condoms? Are they showing them videos of people infected with STDs? Parents need to start checking their children’s phones and taking them for medical checkups. Security guards or different teachers need to start walking around the school after hours to see what is taking place. For those children who are going to lessons until late at night, how sure are parents that these children are doing so. It is disturbing. It

is hurtful. It is shameful. I do not mean to shame any school, but it can be happening in all schools. For the last couple of days, the featured schools are (names listed). Are we raising a generation of porn stars? When will the Ministry intervene? What are these parents doing? What is wrong with this young generation? And we ask why they are not doing well in school and blame the Teachers. NO, it’s not the teachers. These children are focusing on the wrong issues and are so consumed with sex that nothing else seems important. OUR YOUNG PEOPLE NEED HELP AND THEY NEED IT NOW! Nevica P. Wray

I would like GuySuCo to answer these four queries Dear Editor, I am heartened that GuySuCo is engaging in conversation by responding to my letters to the KN Editor. The sole intention of my expressions is not to “undermine” anyone or group but to prevent this nation and more so, it’s toiling taxpayers from receiving a onesided, jaundiced perspective which G u y S u C o ’s m a n a g e m e n t a n d politicians keeps regurgitating. We are told repeatedly that GuySuCo is a burden, subsidies for GuySuCo could be better spent, other sectors cannot receive wage increases because monies have to go to GuySuCo, etc., etc. Ms. Thomas claims that GuySuCo is an “open book”. This is incorrect because the Corporation continues to conceal salaries for the IMC and experts amounting to G$14.1M/month which taxpayers fund. This hapless crew at GuySuCo is essentially saying that they

have the right formula to take GuySuCo forward by closing estates and selling assets. These people lack objectivity apart from being irrational and illogical and it will be useless for an individual to meet with them to share a different vision. Production for 2017 is yet to start but the Corporation is already croaking about weather and the run-down state of factories and fields. Editor, everything for these people is in run-down state save and except their salaries and benefits. On the issue of crop estimates, it is typically done to have estimated sugar production for Government to incorporate into its national budget. 2017 budget has nothing on sugar production and this is due to gross incompetence of the IMC. The last estimate is done a few weeks before the crop commences which the Corporation is in a mad scramble to complete.

As we are having this conversation Ms. Thomas claims that GuySuCo is an open book, I ask her to clarify: (1) Will estimated production for 2017 be below the 200,000t mark? (2) How many Ex-CoI members/consultants have been drafted into GuySuCo’s permanent payroll? (3) How many persons have been appointed/re-designated as assistants to these Ex-CoI members to aid and assist them their new roles? The Corporation is expanding its executive structure while reducing the number of factories and cultivation. (4) What is the Corporation’s strategic position on young people development? GuySuCo recently stacked its executive team with persons within the age range of 75-90 years. For e.g. the CEO, Directors, Technical Managers, etc., etc. Let’s continue this conversation. Sookram Persaud

Tuesday February 07, 2017

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Minister signed the by-laws but the AG still reviewing them DEAR EDITOR, There are a lot of hot and cold utterances made by officials in high places of our country’s administration and this only serves to create more conflicts in the minds of the masses and evidently will result in confusion. When we are fed with information by

one official then another official comes forward and gives a slant on the same matter, it would be a deterrent of confidence in the people who are supposed to be guided, directed and led by these statements or releases. Why this is consistently so, only those who are making the releases

Owner of Sleepin chain of hotels explains DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the sensational front-page headline of Kaieteur News, Sunday Edition, 5th February: “Go-Invest watched on for years as investors raped Guyana’s forests.” Please note the following that was carried:· Instead of sanctions, logging companies rewarded with billions in concessions. · Recommended best concessions for Sleepin Hotel, favoured few · EX-CEO transferred after refusing to carry out unlawful act · Entity was personal piggy bank for Keith Burrowes The clear intention of those bold and blaring headlines was to convey the impression that Sleepin Hotel improperly, unfairly and perhaps corruptly benefited from concessions to which it was not entitled. As the applicant for these concessions and the owner of the Sleepin chain of hotels, I reject this impression as false and malicious. The veritable truth is that the Government of the day offered a regime of concessions for investments in the hotel and hospitality sector. As far as I am aware, these concessions were available to all investors. To benefit from these concessions, one had to comply with a long and elaborate process involving Go-Invest, the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority; similarly, one had to satisfy certain laid out requirements. The process contained certain checks and balances, which allowed the three aforementioned agencies to check, verify and authenticate the information provided by the investor. I applied for the conces-

sions, utilizing the required procedures; the information that I provided were checked, verified and authenticated by the relevant agencies and I was granted the concessions for which I applied. In fact, the concessions to which the article referred are not the first concessions granted to me as a hotelier. In 2005/2006, I was invited by the then Government to apply for concessions which I did and was granted and utilized in the expansion of the Sleepin International Hotel, located at Brickdam, Georgetown. At that time, Guyana was preparing to host its leg of the International Cricket World Cup in 2007 and the country was in dire need of hotel accommodation. Significantly, Guyana continues to benefit from the investments which I have made, utilizing those concessions. The Sleepin chain of hotels has an international reputation of providing affordable accommodation in a quality environment with warm competent and cordial staff. It provides employment, at this point in time for over a hundred Guyanese families and it contributes millions of dollars, annually, in taxes. Unlike, concessions and facilities granted to other hotels, the Sleepin chain never benefited from any movable or immovable asset from the State. In the circumstance, Kaieteur News should be promoting the Sleepin chain of hotels rather than seeking to damnify it. Needless to say, Sleepin Hotel is the subject of the leading advertisement on the online edition of Kaieteur News. Clifton Bacchus Owner of Sleepin chain of Hotels

can tell. The matter that is currently a source of much controversy is the parking meter project. We understood that when the standing minister with responsibility for Local Government signed the relevant papers into law then the parking meters would become legal and by law those who orchestrated this wrong upon the city of Georgetown demand that citizens pay for parking. Now as I open the morning dailies the masses are being made aware of another side of the same matter, ByLaws are still awaiting AG’s review and Cabinet approval. If this statement is correct

then what authority are the people, who are tasked with enforcing the pay for parking, operating under? I have witnessed wheels of vehicles being locked and this I understand attracts a fine of eight thousand ($8,000) dollars, if then as is published Cabinet has to give approval after the AG’s review, how come the public is not being educated as to how to handle the impounding of vehicles. I read with some disdain the appeal by the tsar of the city council to use the parking meters around the city and he explained how the city will benefit from this use. Now sir, why wasn’t this done even

before the negotiations and contract signing? Was consultations done? Were there meetings on a broad and wide scale magnitude or is it a matter of being wise after the event? I believe if things were done professionally, decently and with a principled approach then people would have been educated along the lines of parking meters and they would been able to offer inputs. But no! Despite opposition from every quarter they have insisted on saddling citizens with another burden. I don’t believe a proper study was done and this why

I have the notion, fifty (50) dollars plus vat for fifteen minutes might not seem like a lot but imagine a parent stopping to allow his/her child/ children to do a photocopy for school work, and I mean one single copy, the copy which cost ten dollars, but for a ten dollars business that parent will have to pay the minimum of fifty dollars plus vat for fifteen minutes parking, the photo copy of an educational material suddenly jumps by 400%. I wish that somebody gets wise and dump this additional burden on the Guyanese people. Ivan John

This was Anil Nandlall’s attitude to me when he... From page 4 really do not belong here and are doomed to a bitter and bleak existence. How many of our lawyers would volunteer their services or at least treat fairly the poor at their mercy just because of their ideological love for justice and the law without favour or partisanship? I had downloaded the Constitution of Guyana, read it thoroughly and found that the articles dealing with freedom of movement were specific and stated exactly in what situations one can be denied this right most importantly a court order is normally required for the major-

ity of instances. I even contacted the High Court librarian and enquired if there was any other legal document dealing with freedom of movement and was told no. Such was my desperation that I visited this court and asked to represent myself since I was unemployed then and without money but was denied this. I eventually decided to borrow money from relatives and hire a lawyer. My case was treated as a constitutional matter and within months I received a judgement in my favour. Mr. Nandlal’s lawyers had no de-

fense. My beliefs on this matter although I was not a lawyer and had no legal training was validated by the judge who stated exactly what I thought all along and was ridiculed for. I never received any monetary compensation for legal fees, plane tickets that I was barred from utilizing, accommodation that I paid for and never got to use, almost a year of my life, time and money wasted trying to get a court order to validate my right to freedom of movement as a Guyanese etc. Whether black or brown, APNU/AFC or PPP/C Guyanese must hold account-

The fallible nature we all possess Dear Editor, We human beings can only recognise whatever evil we purport to see in others because some of those same negative qualities are within ourselves, simply because of this common human nature. This must certainly lead us to behave more empathically with those we view as opponents in any area of activity. In our political situation we must appreciate that the errors committed by those “opposed” to us are not necessarily due to a corrupt nature, but much of it may be due to mistakes committed simply because of this fallible nature that all of us possess. I must say that any unbiased onlooker to

the recent political actions concerning public servants can reasonably concede that this is due to some measure of witch-hunting and prejudice against others politically and may be ascribed to this same perception that those on the other side are corrupt and therefore feel justified to act against them. This “we against them” approach is seriously affecting the national efforts by both sides of the political divide towards political as well as social unity, and we must therefore appreciate the urgent need to review our modus operandi and make it our top priority to make conscious and determined efforts to remove this false stance, and consolidate

this togetherness among our people in all areas of our lives. Roy Paul

able the people that we elect to manage the country only then will real change occur. Those people are not above the law, do not own the resources of the country nor are they better than us. Dear Editor, due to the personal nature of my letter and my desire for privacy I am requesting that my name be withheld. However, I consent to my information being available to Mr. Nandlall since I stand behind everything that I stated in this letter and have all documentation to prove it. Mistreated citizen (Name withheld at request)

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An example of the reach and influence of Social Media DEAR EDITOR, City Parking and Parking Meters is a very hot topic these days so I thought I should add my two cents in for all its worth. I will begin by saying that the atmosphere of hostility which surrounds this issue is very common these days whenever the system is challenged. We are now living in different times brought about by continuing advances in technology over a very short period. Social Media is now a great force to be reckoned with as we here in Guyana saw during the last elections and are seeing again over the parking meter issue. Whenever a people feel strongly on or threatened by social issues the Social Media will automatically kick-in as we are now experiencing. The Movement Against Parking Meters, a non-political and peaceful movement which got started when just one person on WhatsApp suggested that it was time to show our resistance and within a very short time (less than 3 hrs.) over three hundred persons weighed in with their responses and in less than 2 weeks were able to galvanize thousands of supporters forcing those few who started it to act quickly, with stickers, flyers, and other methods of communication which grew so strongly that it successfully pulled off a protest of hundreds in just a few days. This is for sure a remark-

able situation never experienced in Guyana by any movement political or nonpolitical that this writer has ever seen. The City and its PR agents are doing everything it could to turn things in their favour but this meter thing resonates deeply with all citizens who never saw the drastic and draconian action the meter roll-out had coming their way. So, our city fathers need revenue, so they say; especially since they are unable to collect the millions owing to them in rates and taxes which they negated to do much about or could not do much about depending on whatever pressures they faced over the last few decades. All of sudden the new first family of the council has awoken and decided if they can’t collect from these delinquent taxpayers then they are going to make all of us “Tom, Dick, Harry and their friends and family pay up (Peter will pay for Paul). True, some of us were aware of the coming parking meters through some PR bits and pieces on TV and the press, but never saw the method of implementation being forced on us coming as it did. Our citizens were not engaged by survey or sensitization education in the media as we are normally accustomed to when major changes like Parking Meters are about happen. Why only a few focus

groups, we are constantly told were done? What about a national or at least a City survey to gather information on How, Where, Why and at what Cost should this thing be introduced. Further were there any other studies (an economic impact etc) done and if so what were the findings? It is one thing to argue for modernization but it must be consistent with the economic realities that exist. Our people are burdened because of a severe tax-driven economy that keeps asking us to pay more and more from our meager wages. Our level of unemployment is very high and a large number of employees work at the lower to middle end of the retail trade and have to take care of theirs and extended family members from these low wages. The Parking Meter contract that has been forced on us is cruel not to mention highly suspicious since it is a well-guarded one, and the bylaws that govern it are extremely draconian. Instead of the City Council getting defensive and talking down to its citizens calling them backward and elitist, it should reach out, late as it is, and find better, more constructive ways to deal with it before a larger crisis develops. We the citizens of Georgetown are very upset at the Council’s take-it-or-leaveit attitude. The M&CC and Smart City Solutions can’t be so smart if they continue to ignore the protest of the social media Movement Against Parking Meters. Madam Mayor and Councillors, we humbly implore you to discuss this in a more civil way to find a better solution which is acceptable to all the Citizens of Georgetown and its environs. Our future depends on it. Bernard Ramsay

Tuesday February 07, 2017

February is Black History Month DEAR EDITOR, The month of February is once again with us, and accompanying it is the 28 day acknowledgement of the contributions made by Blacks in Canada. I am certain that from the closure last February to the current opening this February neither the study, dissemination and sharing of history of Blacks in Canada was carried out. It is no mystery, though contrary to expectations but Black History ends February 28 one year and recommences February 1, the following year. A mature democracy has as its primary obligation, a duty to not only celebrate its victories but also acknowledge its failures and shortcomings. Plainly put, Black History Month should give us all the opportunity to learn the stories of people we may not have known about until now. It is essential that the greater Canadian community know a history of Canada that includes all of the founding experiences, and be aware of the contributions made. As a nation that boasts of diversity, all histories need to be known, all stories to be told. One needs traditional history to engender a common culture, and Black History to engender a clearer and more complete picture. The government of Canada created and produced a poster in honour of Black History Month, featuring inspirational athletes, beneath a caption that read: “Proud of Our H i s t o r y. ” I w o n d e r t o which history reference was being made. Lyrics to the song “We are Family” made popular by Sister Sledge immediately took center stage in my cranium, on seeing such evidence of Canada’s smug satisfaction in her professed racial harmony and multicultural success. Canadians like to self-

congratulate on not being like the United States. Truth be told Canada has a far worse race problem than her neighbor to the South. The problem is that we just can’t see it very easily. Like the U.S Canada also participated in slavery, segregated schools and residences and discriminated through its immigration policies. We do not need to look at the past through the prism of “Black History”, but instead it should all be seen as a significant part of the larger Canadian context. As a nation should we proud of that history? Yes, our Black citizens rightfully deserve full recognition for their achievements and contributions to Canadian society for more than one month of the year. However, it is my unwavering belief that an account of Black History in Canada is woefully incomplete without an understanding of how racism has both informed it and shaped it, as evidenced by the treatment meted out to black Caribbean immigrant workers who journeyed to Canada under the Domestic Foreign Workers programme. We have been repeatedly led to believe and told that racism is absent. Granted it may be less overt than previously, but absence in one area means that it is flourishing in new and more sophisticated forms in other areas. June 8, 1955 following a cabinet meeting, the decision was taken to admit into Canada on an experimental basis100 domestic workers from the British West Indies. Seventy-five were to be selected from Jamaica and twenty-five from Barbados. This cabinet decision heralded the beginning of the Caribbean domestic scheme whereby an annual quota, determined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, was selected from the participating territories of the British West Indies. Canada made it explicitly clear that if the experiment was not successful, the Caribbean domestic scheme would be terminated, and that if any of the women had to be deported it would be done at the

expense of the particular Caribbean territory. What was not known at the outset, despite it being flaunted otherwise, the domestic workers scheme was a last resort to partially manage a labour shortage in Canadian homes, and designed and executed in a manner to make sure that Canada got maximum benefits at low costs. Of further significance is the fact that this scheme took place during a period when Blacks and East Indians, the two dominant groups in the Caribbean, were not welcome in Canada. The Daily Gleaner newspaper in Jamaica in the issue dated September 22, 1955 wrote: “It is understood that the opportunities in this field of employment in Canada are very great, and it is hoped that the experiment will prove highly successful, and will further enhance the reputation overseas of Jamaican Workers.” The first page of a document prepared by the government of Barbados captioned Advice to West Indian Women Recruited for Work in Canada as Household Helps, read as follows: “You have a wonderful opportunity ahead, but you also have the responsibility to make good, so that in future years other West Indian women can look forward to similar opportunities. This is a comparatively new venture and you should regard yourself as missionaries who are resolved to succeed…” The final line of the document read: “Remember the West Indies relies on you to do your part towards the success of this scheme.” In defending the decision, Canada claimed that it had made an exception to its racial immigration policy in 1955 “as a gesture of good will and in the interest of Canada’s important trade relations with Jamaica.” As soon as the inauguration of a domestic workers scheme with Jamaica and Barbados became known, the rest of the English-speaking Caribbean began clamouring for a chance to participate. Yvonne Sam

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Local Democratic Pedal cyclist dies after slammed by car Organs need improved The mangled bicycle financial management - Communities Ministry PS Talks are currently underway between the Ministry of Communities and the Auditor General (AG), to formulate strategies that will better improve the financial management of Local Democratic Organs (LDOs) within the state. This was according to the Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry, Emil McGarrel yesterday – who amongst others – attended the Parliament of Guyana’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting at the Public Buildings Georgetown, yesterday morning. Attending the meeting also, were other Ministry representatives and officials of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown (M&CC). The group appeared before the PAC based on information revealed in the Auditor General’s 2015 report, relating to the Ministry of Communities, which highlighted several issues with regards to outstanding Financial Statements of municipalities. It is required by law that all accounts of Municipal and District Councils be made up yearly at the end of the financial year. These accounts are then required to be forwarded to the Auditor General to be audited. The Treasurer of these councils, it was revealed, has the sole responsibility for submitting said Statements. However, these requirements have for years been shunned by several Councils. This has led to a great deal of scrutiny, especially as it relates to how monies paid to these organs are spent. Previous reports have indicated that the M&CC for instance, has not submitted Financial Statement for 20062013 and 2015. The entity just a few days ago, unveiled its $2.8B budget. PS McGarrel posited yesterday, that the failure of the council to submit these statements is an indication that improvements are needed to enhance financial management. He stressed on the domino effect it has on other aspects of management, including the financial standing of the entity to recruit the necessary skills that will contribute to effective management. He stated that if an analysis of the officers holding position of Treasurer in most of the councils is done, it will reveal that more work is needed to “attract greater skills”. McGarrel noted also that Councils have the responsibility to recruit these persons, and not the Ministry. The Ministry does more in-depth vetting, he pointed out. The PS said that resolving the financial management challenges of councils in general, will

Dead: Ivan Preme

PS, Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrel be one of the areas that the Ministry will be focusing on this year, as the entity moves to execute several workshops and seminars in the coming weeks. Last month, Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan, told media operatives that the Government’s principal task is to repair and rehabilitate the “broken Local Government System that we have inherited.” While the Ministry has started this task, the Minister said that it is a herculean task which would require input from all stakeholders. Bulkan also spoke about the need to have a change of perceptions and attitudes, citing also the need to have institutional strengthening and capacity building which will have to take place at the level of each Local Government Council.

A 60-year-old fisherman and part-time carpenter’s life was yesterday snuffed out after a car slammed into him while he was cycling along the No. 1 Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice. Dead is Ivan Preme of 45 Albion Front, Corentyne. During a visit to the home of the now dead man, this publication spoke to the grieving wife Ramdhary Preme, who related that the last time she saw her husband, “he tell me he ah guh fishing”. The woman said that “this morning me get up

and see he shaking in de hammock and me guh back to bed. When me get up back he bin done gone, ‘cause me nah see he quake and bicycle. Me know he gon fishing and wudda come back usual time like around eight”. According to the wife, she was sitting with her son at their Albion Front home when an individual on a motorcycle went to their house and informed her that her husband had been involved in a serious accident. The man’s daughter, Shermattie Preme told this publication that when she

arrived at the hospital her father was receiving oxygen and was gasping for breath. “I was like ‘dad please tell me something’. I called on him three times but he did not respond and about thirty minutes after the doctor come out and was calling for somebody. When I go inside back dem seh he was bleeding plenty internally, and all he ribs on the right side break up and they couldn’t save him”. Ivan Preme was described as a quiet and easygoing person. His daughter described him as caring

and loving “he always provide for his family. Is fish he went and ketch fuh feed he family and the car hit him”. Meanwhile, according to police sources, the 58year-old driver of the car, a Silver Toyota Fielder bearing license plate number HC 5720, is presently in police custody assisting with investigations. According to information received, the man claimed that an insect flew into his vehicle while he was driving, distracting him, and resulted in him losing control of his car which struck Preme off his bicycle and flung him several feet from impact. Preme was picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital where he later succumbed.

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Tuesday February 07, 2017

President Granger in Haiti for Inauguration

Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), President David Granger arrived yesterday in Haiti to attend the Inauguration Ceremony of the President-elect of the Republic of Haiti, Mr. Jovenel Moise. On his arrival, Mr. Granger was greeted by Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Pierrot Delienne (backing camera). In the other photo, the two dignitaries are seen taking the ceremonial salute. (Ministry of the Presidency photos)

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A realistic retirement age policy should be enacted For its first twenty months in office, the APNU+AFC government came in for scathing criticism over the lack of opportunities that it was providing within the government for young people. Concern was expressed that a great many retired persons, including ex-military personnel were being utilized within the bureaucratic structure, thereby stifling opportunities for young people. This led to charges that the government was being militarized. The young people who voted for the coalition feel

betrayed and ignored. They have seen retired persons being rewarded while they are left out in the cold. The young people have lost confidence in the government. Many of them cannot find jobs, and many of them with jobs in the government cannot see any prospect of them being promoted to head the agencies where they work, because of this practice of retaining and employing retired persons beyond the age of retirement. The Kaieteur News of January 24, 2017, featured Guyana’s newly appointed Chief Parliamentary Counsel,

Dem boys seh

De more you look… Old people got a saying, “De more you look de less you see.” Is a saying that thieves and magicians does play pun. If you wukking in a government office yuh know yuh boss got he eye pun yuh once yuh dealing wid money. De longer yuh tek before yuh thief is de more de boss gun trust yuh so when yuh put de lash on him he can’t even believe is you. But you ain’t de only person who got brains. Jagdeo think de same way. He was an ordinary boy in de party till Auntie Janet mek him Finance Minister. She mek him Junior Finance Minister which mean that someone was looking over him. De scamp cause trouble fuh he boss and de next thing you know is gone de man gone. And Jagdeo tek over. That is when things happen. Today Jagdeo so rich that he can buy half of Guyana and still got money. Believe it or not, dem boys didn’t see when he

was hustling and dem sure didn’t see how his money was growing. De more you look is de less you see. Dem boys seh is de same thing wid a barber who had a nice wife. He look and he look. Then one day a man tun up and ask him how much longer he got to cut dem people hair in de shop. De barber look around and tell de man that he got about an hour and a half. De man seh “alright” and walk out. He go back de next day and ask de same question. De barber look around and tell him about one hour. De man seh, “Alright” and lef. This thing go on for a while and de barber get very interested. He ask he friend to follow de man when he come de next time. So said; so done. De barber ask de friend is wheh de man does go after he lef de barber shop. De friend cry. “Me friend, every time he lef here he does go to your house.” Talk half but still keep yuh eyes open.

Mr. Charles Fung-A-Fat S.C. He was a Principal Parliamentary Counsel since 1987 and then moved up to Deputy Parliamentary Counsel. He had to wait a long time to be appointed to the position which he deserves. For many years a retiree was retained in the position of Chief Parliamentary Counsel, even though Mr. Fung-A Fat could have done the job. The claim by the government, therefore, that it is reviewing guidelines for the appointment and tenure of persons on government bodies, and that this is all part of a plan to appoint “younger” persons, is laughable. After packing the government structure with retirees and after appointing ex-military officers to undertake commissions of inquiry, the government now has the temerity to inform us that it is reviewing guidelines for the appointment and tenure of appointments to government bodies. This is after it had issued marching orders to two long-serving ex-justices who

were Chairpersons of the Public Utilities Commission and the Police Service Commission. It may be helpful now for the government to establish clear retirement ages for public office, so as to ensure that “younger people” are given more opportunities for upward mobility. Teachers are required to retire at age 55; tenured public servants at the same age. The government should extend the retirement age for teachers to 60 years of age, but make it optional for those who wish to retire at age 55. For present Ministers of the government, the retirement age should be 75. For new Ministers, no person past the age of 65 should be asked to serve as a Minister. The retirement age of the President and Prime Minister should be eighty years old. In terms of state agencies which are not part of the traditional public service, the age of retirement is usually set at sixty years. For those who are over sixty and working within

the system, they should be retired or allowed to work until such time as their contract ends. No person above the age of sixty should be employed within any government agency, period. The implementation of these guidelines will see an exodus of old fogies from within the system. Younger persons will be promoted and provided with the opportunities they need. For positions in which the person is required to be a judge or ex-judge, the suggested age at which the person should be encouraged to demit should be 75 years, similar to a Minister, since judges retire at age 65. For government Boards and Commissions, no one above the age of 65 should be appointed and 50% of the positions should go to women and 50% to persons under 55 years of age. This will provide gender and youth balance. These measures will encourage young people within the government’s bureau-

cracy. There are a lot of persons who are being denied promotions because of the retention of employment of persons who are past the age of retirement. The government must have a realistic policy for retirees. Once you reach retirement age, you should go. This should be the general policy, so as to not hold back persons working below. The government should not have a selective retirement policy; one that suits their friends and cronies but which discriminates against others. The time for setting the policy has arrived. The public waits to see what the government will decide.

PAGE 10

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

In the anti-parking meter picket line, something happened No matter how strongly we feel about the sloth and negative dimensions of the judicial system, we have to respect the rule of law. A judge may be biased in favour of the State; another may not like the leadership of the government, but you invite chaos and breakdown if you denigrate a trial that is going on. You should not try to influence a court case. It can backfire on you. When it is your turn, someone may try to do the same. It is best for the sake of civilized society to respect the rule of law. After the case is over, you can add your analysis without being insulting to the judge or magistrate. In my opinion a number of magistrates are too mediocre and do not wear thinking caps, so I would not support their continuing on the bench. In fact, I would welcome their exit. I have a case before one such magistrate and I will not comment on what happened in the antiparking meter picket line last Friday, out of respect for the rule of law. A well-known PPP activist and a security detail attached to Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, who is on trial accused

of assaulting me during the hegemony of Jagdeo, looked at me and said hello with a smile as I joined the picket. I ignored him. When I thought of doing this column, I agreed to myself that I would describe how I felt about him knowing that he approached me during the protest. But I held back because the case is still going on. But his friendly gesture to me reminded me of the nature of the PPP and the power it once wielded. I saw a number of former powerful PPP personnel in the protest and I froze. I asked myself if I should be there. But I had an obligation to the people who were brave enough to summon the protest, to the thousands who cannot afford the monthly outlay from their salaries to pay for parking and to the cause of justice. I did not join a PPP protest. I participated in a demonstration whose content was wholesome for me. It was none of my business which other persons wanted to join in. If there is another protest, I would lend physical support. I will not be bothered by the PPP content of the protest. But one has to admit,

there will always be a feeling of uneasiness as you watch these people from the former PPP Government denounce the new Coalition Government. There was Bibi Shadick, former PPP parliamentarian and Minister. There were people from the Indian Arrival Committee. There were current PPP Parliamentarians in the protest; and many other PPP mandarins. The irony permeated the afternoon sun. Here were a group of people who twenty months ago ran this country as if it was their private playground. But that wasn’t the only sick aspect of the irony. City Hall arranged a counter-picket and many City Hall staff members were in the counter-demonstration. Two of them told me they were requested to participate. So here you had PPP leaders involved in a demonstration and the power-holders staged a counter-protest, a style of action the PPP activists in the picket last Friday are experts on. Remember in 2012, the Opposition began to chop the budget of the Ramotar Government, and suddenly like a thunder-

storm out of nowhere, crowds of people descended upon Parliament denouncing the cuts. They were from the Ministries and public sector agencies, and were coerced to participate. One young lady from the Ministry of Finance told me that a circular was sent out requesting staff to picket. She named the person who signed the circular. I cannot identify him here because people in this country sue for the most innocuous statements, and frankly I don’t have time with such fools to be climbing a court step. Two staff members of NCN told me they were literally forced

to go outside Parliament and picket against the opposition’s cuts to certain line items in the budget. The interesting aspect of the PPP involvement in the anti-parking meter agitation last Friday outside City Hall was both the amusement and the shock on the faces of the PPP picketers, as they saw the counter-demonstrators with their loud chants and denunciations. It reminded me of the 2012 agitations that the PPP Government organized outside the National Assembly. Hundreds of young men and women were

Frederick Kissoon simply coerced to go and shout down the then opposition parliamentarians. Will these same PPP agitators picket against Brassington and Keith Burrowes?

Foiled night club robbery…

Cops seek ex-con for killing homeless man As investigations continue into the murder of 42-year-old Sunil Singh, who was killed when he prevented three bandits from carrying out a robbery at Blue Martini located in Kitty, Georgetown, on Monday, detectives believe that they know the murderer. The description of the killer given by Charlesdel Valenzuela - a bartender at the night club, and who was also attacked - and other eyewitnesses, matches an ex-convict. As such, the cops are pursuing the individual, who was recently released on bail after being charged with robbery under arms. Investigators are hoping that once they locate him, he would identify his accomplices. Based on information received, after wrestling the suspect and preventing him and his two accomplices from carrying out a robbery at the club, Singh, who had no fixed place of abode, was stabbed multiple times about his body. He succumbed to his injuries at the

Georgetown Public Hospital. According to information received, around 02:45hrs on Monday, a police patrol went to the club to enforce the 02:00hrs curfew. Shortly after, Singh reportedly observed the three men acting suspiciously outside the night club and alerted Valenzuela, who refused the men entry by telling them it was closed. The bartender was stabbed to his left arm after an altercation ensued between the men. Singh intervened and was struck to the head. An injured Singh then ran north into Owen Street, Kitty, a short distance away from the club and was pursued by the suspect, who caught up with him and stabbed him several times. A resident of Owen Street said that Singh collapsed in front of a house in the area and was transported to the hospital by public-spirited citizens. Singh reportedly did odd-jobs around the area.

Tuesday February 07, 2017

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Bandits cart off New Drop-in Centre to be built at Sophia $$M after invading storeowner’s home - four-year-old among victims bound and terrorized Masked gunmen terrorized and tied up a Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara family, before escaping with millions in cash and jewellery, during a brazen attack last evening at around 20:00 hrs, at R. Gossai and Sons General Store. The 63-year-old businessman, Rabindranauth Gossai, was gun-butted to the head during the approximately 25minute ordeal. He had to seek medical treatment. The store is located in the vicinity of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, but it appears that few persons realised that a robbery had occurred. The business was closed at the time of the attack, but the gunmen scaled a concrete fence at the northern end after cutting through razor-wire at the top. They then hid in the yard. At around 20.00 hrs, Joey Gossai, the businessman’s son, came outside and went to the back of the property. Three masked men with guns then pounced on him, and took him into the house. The bandits were joined by three others, who ordered Joey Gossai, his mother, Phyllis Gossai, his dad and four-year-old son to lie face-down on the kitchen floor. They then began to ransack every area of the two-storey property. Mrs. Gossai said that they also relieved her of a gold chain, and estimates that the robbers carted off about a million in jewellery along with a Digital Video Recorder. Kaieteur News understands that the bandits also located a substantial sum of cash, but kept demanding more. Mrs. Gossai said they struck her husband in the head, while telling him to show them “the safe,” and “the gun”. They eventually fled the scene, though the victims were unable to say what mode of transportation was used. Mr. Gossai reportedly freed himself and then untied the other victims. He was taken to a hospital. Police arrived about an hour later. There were no reports of any arrests.

Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, says land has been acquired for the construction of a new Drop-in Centre at Sophia. Minister Ally told the Government Information Agency, that since her assumption to office, she has been working to move ahead with the construction of the facility to properly cater for vulnerable children. “Since I’ve come to this Ministry I have been able to secure a piece of land where we are going to build the Drop-in Centre. We are currently awaiting the paper work to be done so that we can go ahead with the construction,” Minister Ally explained. The Minister explained that the current building was

proven inadequate to house vulnerable children. It lacked the required facilities and space. Ally said once completed, the new building will accommodate children and three families and will have all the necessary amenities and safety features. In July 2016, the Drop-in Centre at Hadfield Street,was destroyed by a fire which claimed the lives of brothers; six year old Joshua George and two year old Antonio George.

The preliminary report on the fire found that the centre had systematic problems and bad policy arrangements for fire. Meanwhile, plans are also moving apace for the construction of a shelter for victims of Domestic and Sexual abuse. The shelter will be constructed in the compound of the Mahaica Hospital. Minister Ally explained that the design has been completed and the ministry is currently awaiting approval from the Islamic Development Bank for the project to commence. Ally said the shelter will be able to accommodate 20 families or about 100 persons; mainly survivors of domestic violence. “At the end of the day when you’re finished doing

all the different things what next? What do you do with the survivors? There must be a place to shelter them and that is what we’re working towards,” Minister Ally underlined. Ally said her Ministry is also working on several rolled over projects including the rehabilitation on the Palms and the Ministry’s Cornhill Street location among others. Additionally, the Ministry is constructing sidewalks at probation officers’ offices in Regions Five and Six so as to allow easier access. From the $16.6B allocated for the Social Protection Ministry in the 2017 National Budget, $20M will be used for preliminary works on the Sophia Drop-in Centre and $4M for the construction of the domestic violence centre.

PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 07, 2017

U.S. Navy Rear Admiral visits Guyana Bus driver fined for obstructing traffic Roy Bishwah, 32, of 151 Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, was yesterday fined $30,000 or in default seven days imprisonment by Magistrate Madan Kissoon, when he appeared at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on a charge of obstructing traffic. It is alleged that the defendant on October 27 last, at the Stabroek Market, drove his vehicle and caused the said vehicle to remain at rest in such a manner which caused the obstruction to free flow of traffic. At the sitting of the Night Court the Magistrate told the court that he was satisfied with the evidence that the Prosecution lead in the trial.

Rear Admiral Martha Herb with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo yesterday Rear Admiral Martha Herb of the United States Navy yesterday paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of President. Rear Admiral (RDML) Herb is here as part of Guyana’s celebration of the Women’s Army Corps’ 50th anniversary. She will be here throughout the weeklong celebration. The Prime Minister, on behalf of President David

Granger and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), presented Rear Admiral Herb with a Guyana Defence Force Commemorative Medal – 50th Anniversary Women’s Army Corps. Among other engagements, the Rear Admiral will be speaking on “the role of women in evolving armed forces” and “the effects of violence against women on the whole of society.”

The GDF invited RDML Herb due to her continued work in women’s integration in armed forces throughout the Americas, including the Caribbean. The Rear Admiral is originally from Atlanta, Georgia. She was one of the first women officers to graduate from the Naval School of Diving and Salvage in Washington, D.C., and was selected to the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame. She is the recipient of numerous personal decorations and campaign medals. She is Director of the Inter-American Defense College.

Kissoon further stated that a Prima Facie case had been made out against the defendant and thus he was found guilty of the offence. When the defendant was asked if he wanted to say anything before the ruling, the man replied “I took a load of passengers to drop them off and after that I just try to ease my head a bit. When I rise up I see the police and they told me to go at the station. When I reach there they told me that I am arrested and told me that I was parked badly that’s all. You and I both know how the Police does behave.’’ When the Magistrate asked Bishwah why he was not showing up for court he

stated, “I was in prison all the time because I get charged in another cou r t for obstruction of traffic. All this time I was in prison and they did not want to bring me to court even though I told them that I have to come and see you.” The Magistrate in his ruling told Bishwah that if he failed to pay the fine he will be sentence to seven days imprisonment which will run concurrently to the time that he is already spending. The father of four after hearing what the Magistrate said, in return stated “I don’t have money because I was not working and is four children I have to take care of.”

Farmer accused of chopping drinking buddy in face A farmer who allegedly became annoyed after his drinking partner accused him of taking over a plot of land which did not belong to him, yesterday appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, charged with chopping his acquaintance to the face with a cutlass. Lawrence Gomes, 31 of Paramakatoi Village, Essequibo, yesterday appeared before Magistrate Leron Daly. The charge read that on January 29 at Paramakatoi Village, he unlawfully and maliciously inflicted grievous bodily harm to Rawlinson Robin.

Gomes, who was unrepresented, was not required to plead to the indictable charge. The court was told that Gomes and Robin, the Virtual Complainant (VC), are known to each other since they normally consumed alcohol together on numerous occasions. According to the facts presented, the two men were at a popular shop in the village imbibing. Approximately 13:03 hrs on the day in question, the VC was making his way home, through the village, when he was approached by the accused and an argument en-

sued over a land dispute. The accused then became annoyed and dealt the VC a chop to the left side of his face, causing him to receive injuries. Robin was rushed to the hospital where he is still hospitalized receiving medical treatment. The matter was reported to the Police Station and the defendant was arrested and charged for the offence. Bail was refused and Gomes was remanded to prison. He will make his next court appearance on February 13 before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan.

Tuesday February 07, 2017

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

18-month-old baby dies in fire

Police association fed up with murders PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad– A senior police officer Monday described as “heart wrenching” the number of murders in Trinidad and Tobago. President of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Social Welfare Association (TTPSSWA), Inspector Michael Seales, speaking on the Citadel Radio network, said also his group is “fed up, totally fed up” with the situation. More than 60 people have been killed since the start of the year and several private sector organisations have called on the Keith Rowley government to implement a limited state of emergency as well as allow for soldiers to engage in what they term “the war” in the country.

Seales told radio listeners that “it is heart wrenching when things like this (murder) happens. “The association is fed up, totally fed up. It’s every day, it’s every weekend over and over again and the point is that it is almost like nothing is being done. That’s the observation of the association. He said that the situation weighs heavily on the association and it is now imperative that the executive of the Police Service find a way to arrest the situation. “I would like to get to the point where the association would say that you pick up the papers and it is says a number of persons, are not only arrested for murder, but taken to court for murder and

successfully convicted, because something has to give. “It is about all of us it is not just about any individual first. We have to accept where we are in order for us to move forward,” he said, noting that Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams had made a comment recently indicating that there had been less violent crimes in the country last year. “But…most of the citizens are not satisfied and you are hearing it from the different quarters. What they want is for the murders to stop and we have to find a way whether creatively or by invocation we must find a way,” he added. Last year, 463 people were murdered in Trinidad and Tobago., up from the 2015 figure of 410.

Muslim leaders against changes to anti-terrorist legislation KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – An 18-month old baby died after a fire gutted a one-bedroom wooden structure in Ottley Hall, west of here on Sunday night. Police said that two other children ages three and five were rescued and are now hospitalised suffering from

first and second degree burns. The names of the children were not disclosed, and Inspector Hawkins Nanton said the police are conducting investigations into the tragedy. The police spokesman said that the children lived in the wooden house with their

parents, Winston and Roxanne Welcome. The police said they were told that Mrs. Welcome had gone to a church service while her husband is reported to have gone to collect water leaving a lighted candle in the building.

St Lucians get VAT cut CASTRIES, St Lucia,– Consumers and businesses in St Lucia are in for a big break as a reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) takes effect. In keeping with a campaign promise made leading up to the June 6 general election, the United Workers Party (UWP) administration slashed the VAT from 15 to 12.5 per cent. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet said the move is not only intended to ease the financial strain on households and businesses but it will result in positive dividends for the economy “We believe [the VAT reduction] will cause the

economy to grow,” he said. He also dismissed concern that Government would lose significant revenue because of the reduced tax. “While the rate may go down, it is anticipated with the growth of the economy that the total amount of money we are collecting will remain the same or, in fact, even grow,” St Lucia News Online quoted him as saying. Chastanet insisted that taxation is not “an entitlement of government,” and hinted that St Lucians could also expect more tax ease. “My administration will continue to undertake a full restructuring of the tax sys-

tem, with the aim of increasing overall national consumption, reducing the cost of living and easing the burden on households and businesses,” he said. Arguing that heavy taxation often backfires, the Prime Minister said Government would conduct a complete assessment of personal income tax and corporate tax. The former Kenny Anthony administration had introduced the Value Added Tax in October 2012. St Lucia was the last Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member state to introduce the tax that replaced a string of other taxes and duties.

Jamaican fighting extradition to Canada on HIV-related sex charges KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – A Jamaican national, wanted in Canada on charges that he had sex with at least a dozen women without disclosing his HIV status, has been given another attempt to block his extradition to the North American country. Supreme Court judge, Justice Jackson Haisley

granted the order blocking George Flowers extradition last weekend, after the Appeal Court had rejected his appeal. The matter will now be heard on February 10. The Appeal Court had ordered Flowers immediate extradition, but his attorney, Don Foote, filed another challenge before the Supreme Court to block the extradition.

Meanwhile, Foote has criticised Justice Minister Delroy Chuck whom he claimed breached the law when he signed the extradition warrant while his client was still challenging the legality of his extradition before the courts. In a statement, Foote has described the extradition warrant as flawed.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Several Muslim leaders, including Yasin Abu Bakr, who staged a failed coup here in 1990, are calling on the Trinidad and Tobago government to shelves plans to introduce legislation amending the antiterrorism Act. Last week, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi said that the Keith Rowley administration would be bringing legislation to Parliament to amend the existing legislation making it much more difficult for anyone to participate in terrorist activities at home or abroad. “We are now able to come with a very very comprehensive piece of law which seeks to amend the anti-terrorism act of Trinidad and Tobago,” he said. “What we are doing is to specifically attend to the deficiencies observed in the …anti-terrorism marking of Trinidad and Tobago. But at a meeting in Caroni, in Central Trinidad on Sunday, Bakr, the leader of the Jamaat-alMuslimeen group, along with representatives of Muslim organisations, including the Islamic Front, Islamic Missionaries Guild and Nur Islam, denounced the move. Bakr, whose group sought to remove the then ANR Robinson administration in 1990, resulting in the deaths of several people including police officers and one legislator, questioned why the government was not moving to bar persons who had travelled to the United States and joined the army there fight-

Leader of the Islamic Front, Umar Abdullah (left) and Abu Bakr, the leader of the Jamaat-alMuslimeen group speaking to reporters ing in Syria and Afghanistan. Bakr also asked what charges could be laid against Trinidad and Tobago nationals reportedly detained in Turkey when they sought to cross the border into Syria. “If they want to come back to Trinidad and Turkey deport them. What you going to charge them with?” he asked noting that these things need to be made clear when there is an outpouring of terrorism discussions. Last Friday, the leader of the Islamic Front, Umar Abdullah, failed in an attempt to get an audience with Al-Rawi, who was attending Parliament. But the public relations officer of the Muslims of Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Imtiaz Mohammed, said Sunday that Al-Rawi was following the pattern of the new United States President Donald Trump, who had sought to ban people from

seven Muslim countries from entering the United States. Mohammed defended calls coming from persons claiming to be members of the terrorist group, ISIS, urging Trinidad and Tobago nationals to come to Syria and fight for group. “If you have Muslims like you have in Syria fighting and they are sending instructions for Muslims here to fight for their rights, what is wrong with that? Nothing is wrong with that. This meeting was about fighting for we rights…nothing is wrong with that,” Al-Rawi said that the new measures would go beyond just the scope of a terrorist act “to cover offences outside of Trinidad and Tobago.

PAGE 22

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Tuesday February 07, 2017

Kaieteur News

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1 Big music set, owner migrating. Call: 690-5225 1 Stembow Boat & Engine, 200HP Yamaha with Power Steering Kit. $1.6M Negotiable Call 658-5299/ 638-7748 2 -950 Caterpillar front loader, 1 clark ranger skidder, 1 Watkins 6 head molar plain, 1 LT 300 woodmizer saw. Call: 662-2078 Glass cases/ metal shelves and photocopy machines for store & offices. Call: 2332725/2439 Grease Rag any amount $200 per lb, white spandex cloth 60" width -$120 per yrd. Call: 266-2700/ 681-9130 Sale! Laptop and desktop, computers, windows 10, games, etc from $45,000 @ FutureTech. Call: 231-2206/ 644-6760

Urgently wanted a professional cosmetology at Natural Beauty salon and spa, Grove, Market Street, E.B.D – Call: 652-5800 1 Waitress, 1 bartender & 1 bar supervisor. Call: 6965768/ 218-0013/601-1949 1 Experienced office staff, must have Accounts experience. Apply: written application, police clearance, photo @ 112 3rd &Albert St. Albertown. Call: 225-6255/ 226-9000 Wanted land to buy: La Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt, Zeelugt, Tuschen. Call: 6579594 Office staff with 5 CXC subjects, must be computer literate. Also 1 MechanicTel:218-5105 One domestic to work in Trinidad, between ages of 25-35. Call 1-868- 683-1528

LAND FOR SALE Land @ Soesdyke, 6 lots measuring 135’X175’ -$24M negotiable. Call: 627-3334/ 696-8935, email:fcranmore@ guyanavoice.com Tuschen front (with fence) $2.8M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Zeelugt -$2M, Uitvlugt -$2M. Call:642-1252 Greater Georgetown Guyana: 253 DeAndrade St, N/Town, corner lot 0578 acres, 2517.76 sq. ft. - $14M negotiable. Call executrixon: 615-1100 TO LET Top flat apartment located @ Mon Repos ‘mouth’ E.C.D $60,000 per month. Call: 6929295\ 660-5233

Ladies to work in Suriname. Call: +597-875-4660 One driver/porter & porter. From Diamond, Grove area. Call: 216-1043, 677-6620 To rent one restaurant/liquor restaurant or bar at E.B.D or Georgetown- Call: 673-9283 FULL TIME WAITER/ WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT ON SHERIFF ST. CALL: 219-0158 (2) Two persons to work in supermarket at Bartica (free house to live in). Contact# 650-0402, 260-4124 Drivers for water truck to work on W.C.D -$50 per bottle or $26,000 weekly. Call:6848231/ 629-4236

Garden Centre & Plant Shop, Valentines Plant Sale Feb 419, 10am-4pm at Plantation Schoonard – Call: 615-2346/ 628-0200 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999

CAR RENTAL

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Nighthawk Motorcycle 750cc -$1,000,000 negotiable, serious enquiries only, excellent condition, used twice in Guyana. Call: 6192902 Honda CBR 929 for sale; also land at Bushy Park, E.B.E – Call: 694-4609 German Shepherd puppies for sale – Call: 682-5664

EDUCATIONAL Classes for slow learners in Reading, Spelling, Mathematics, and much more for children all ages. Call: 6754379 Now Registering! 9 Courses Diploma in computers $40,000, Computerize Accounting, Graphics Programs @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Visa Processing Centre: all visitors and students visa for USA & Canada. MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Bottom flat house @ 25 North Road & Oronoque Street, fully furnished/ air condition/residence / business. Call: 226-7012 Continue on page 23

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Pay-to-Park… By Brushell Blackman As the recently introduced pay-to-park system continues to divide opinions across the country, the city’s by-laws have given sweeping powers to its parking wardens. According to the bylaws, wardens will be without reproach even if a vehicle is damaged during removal by Smart City Solutions (SCS). Kaieteur News has seen a copy of the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) by-laws that govern the use of the parking meter system, and according to section 23 paragraphs 3 and 4 “no city constable or parking warden or other persons employed by the city shall be liable to damages or any civil action or criminal remedy in respect of any action, proceeding or demand whatsoever, whether for recovery of any alleged damage to such vehicle or otherwise in respect of the removal thereof”. The M&CC has ‘ring fenced’ itself from prosecution as well, as another section of the by-laws state “The city shall not be liable to damages or any other civil or criminal remedy in respect of any action, proceeding or demand whatsoever whether for recovery of any alleged damage to such vehicle or otherwise in respect of removal thereof”. The two aforementioned paragraphs will suggest that the city council will not be responsible for any damages when towing away clamped vehicles. According to the Movement against Parking Meters, this is a “dangerous” state of affairs, and represents one of the many flaws that are evident in the document. One representative of the movement posited that “if someone at City Hall or a parking warden has an issue with a car

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Kaieteur News

Parking wardens, City Council not responsible for damage when moving vehicles - City by-laws From page 22

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Parking wardens and constables at work owner and decides to maliciously damage that vehicle, he will not be held accountable”. And the peculiarities of the by-laws do not stop there, a standard parking space is three metres long and wide, and vehicles that are larger will need to pay for how many spaces that vehicle occupies. There is no provision for any other sizes of vehicles. Further, the document states that motorcycles are prohibited from parking in any zone other than a motorcycle parking zone. But a quick canvas of the city tells a different story; there isn’t a designated area anywhere in the city for motorcycles to park. An official from the movement against the parking meters believes that “this document was hastily put together in the interest of bleeding the pockets of poor people without

properly studying it”. The M&CC’s by-laws seem to contradict the way parking wardens conduct enforcement. The document, in section 42 states that, if the traffic warden believes that the laws were contravened, he/she can issue a fix penalty notice (ticket) of no less than $8,000 or no more than $15,000; and gives the offender up to fourteen days to make that payment. Whether it’s by coincidence, at the moment failure to purchase a parking ticket gets a car booted and the fee to remove the clamp is $8,000; should the vehicle be towed away an additional $7,000 is incurred – a total of $15,000. The Movement against Parking Meters believes the M&CC clamping vehicles when they are given the option to issue penalty notices, is a clear indication that they

A parking meter stands alone with empty spaces are looking to make as much money as they can in a very draconian way. The by-laws make provision for the issuance of parking permits by the Town Clerk. Section 33 states “the Town Clerk may approve an application for a parking permit provided that the application is consistent with the requirements of any policy applicable to parking that has been adopted by the city”. The by-laws do not state who is eligible and what are the requirements, therefore it is left to the discretion of the Town Clerk to issue to whomever he believes is deserving. Furthermore, the Town Clerk can revoke a park permit without giving any notice to the permit holder; the bylaws fail to state what warrants revocation. The same document states that if a vehicle owner

fails to uplift an impounded vehicle, the M&CC will put the vehicle up for sale in an auction. They have 90 days from the date it was impounded and the M&CC will sell the vehicle to recover cost. However, it did say that 14 days before that auction, an attempt will be made to contact the owner via the press. Should that owner make contact before the auction, the M&CC ‘may not’ sell that vehicle. According to the Movement against the Parking Meters, if the city council is in such dire need for money and will not scrap the initiative, then it should adjust the prices, because it can be done. The by-laws state in section 3 “the city may implement, enter or amend any written agreement with operators of the metered parking systems”.

Guyana signs third Country Cooperation Strategy with PAHO/WHO Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence yesterday signed Guyana’s third Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) with Pan American Health Organisation /World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne. The CCS reflects a medium-term vision of PAHO/ WHO and defines a strategic framework for the organisation’s cooperation with Guyana. PAHO/WHO, through the implementation of this strategy will provide technical cooperation with Guyana to address five priorities in the health sector. These priorities are the strengthening of health systems for universal health, achieving health and well-being through the life course, the promotion of safe, resilient and healthy environments, reduction of the burden of Non-

Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the reduction of morbidity and mortality due to Communicable Diseases. This strategy highlights areas of focus that require special attention as Guyana moves towards achieving its health vision 2020. There have been significant strides in the health sector over the years with PAHO/WHO’s continued support and commitment. Dr. Etienne said that the CCS is “ r e l a t e d t o o u r (PAHO/WHO) strategic plan, our strategic plan for PAHO 2014 – 2019 which guides the technical cooperation of the organization. (It is) a strategic plan that is based in the sustainable development agenda and that has at its core equity, the fact that we want to leave no one behind. That therefore

prioritises vulnerable populations and marginalized populations. It also must be responsive to your 2020 vision. It must also interact and be responsive to what are this administration’s priorities so this is a strategy that is embedded in many other processes, but fortunately in health the priorities are the priorities.” Dr. Etienne added that, “This document is going to be very important when we do the planning, the programme planning every two years because the Ministry of (Public) Health and your officials are intimately involved in what we call the biennial workplan where we decide with you what are the priorities that the work is going to entail and that is the work that is guided by the

Country Cooperation Strategy.” PAHO/WHO country representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow also regarded the CCS as a blueprint for PAHO/WHO which will help the organisation to better collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health to meet the Health Vision 2020 goal. The strategy will be governed by a four-year

period, giving Guyana an adequate opportunity to access support in achieving all goals set for the health sector. Minis t e r L a w r e n c e said, “This pact that you have just witnessed being ratified here will put the health sector and Guyana on a firmer footing to address the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.” (GINA)

Brains Construction & Rental Service: we rent all types of equipment, excavator, bobcat, trucks, tools. Call: 2190904/601-5024 Space for rent at Ashmin’s ideal for commercial, office and cafeteria use, no deposit. Call: 616-9660/ 6711846 Two bedrooms apartment to rent @ Better Hope, E.C.D – Call: 617-3001 Lot 14 Croal & Longden Street: 4 Storey building (infront Demico). Call: 6631876 One two bedroom flat concrete house. Call: 2653616/ 685-2690 2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles & rooms in Alberttown. Short & long term. Call: 225-3234

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Legal deadline approaches for Trump’s travel ban (Reuters) National security veterans, major U.S. technology companies and law enforcement officials from more than a dozen states backed a legal effort against President Donald Trump’s temporary travel ban, the most controversial policy of his two-week old administration. The administration faced a Monday afternoon deadline to justify in court the executive order that temporarily bars entry to the United States of people from seven Muslim-majority countries and halting the U.S. refugee program. A federal judge in Seattle suspended the order on Friday, opening a window for people from the seven countries to enter. The government had until 3 p.m. PST (19: hours) on Monday to submit additional legal briefs to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco in support of Tru m p ’s o r d e r. T h e c a s e may ulti mately reach the

U.S. Supreme Court.

Roodo Abdishakur (2nd L), a Somali national who was delayed entry to the U.S. because of the recent travel ban, is greeted by her mother Zahra Warsma (L) at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia. Te n f o r m e r U . S . n a tional security and foreign policy officials, who served under both Republican and Democratic presidents, filed a declaration in the court case arguing that the travel ban serves no national

security purposes. It was signed by former secretaries of state John Kerry and Madeleine Albright, former national security adviser Susan Rice and former CIA directors Michael Hayden and Michael Morell.

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Kremlin splits with Trump on Iran (Reuters) The Kremlin said on Monday it did not agree with U.S. President Donald Trump’s assessment of Iran as “the number one terrorist state” and a Russian diplomat said any U.S. attempt to reopen an Iran nuclear deal would inflame tensions in the Middle East. Trump and Vladimir Putin, his Russian counterpart, have made clear they want to try to mend U.S.-Russia ties, which have slid to a post-Cold War low in recent years. But starkly different approaches to Iran, as set out by a raft of top Russian officials on Monday, could complicate any rapprochement. Their comments also sug-

gest that a policy idea Trump and his aides are reported to be considering — to try to drive a wedge between Moscow and Tehran — may be a non-starter. Trump told Fox News in an interview aired at the weekend that Iran had “total disregard” for the United States and labeled Tehran “the number one terrorist state”, complaining it was sending arms and weapons “all over the world”. He spoke out after his administration put the Islamic Republic “on notice” following an Iranian ballistic missile test and imposed new economic sanctions on Friday. Two sources told Reuters

last week the Trump administration was now exploring how to re n e g o t i a t e k e y terms of the 2015 accord between Tehran and six world powers, under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program. But several top officials in Russia, which has worked closely with Iran to support President Bashar al-Assad in Syria, signaled on Monday that they fundamentally disagreed with Trump’s approach to Tehran. When asked about Trump’s description of Iran as a “terrorist state,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow saw things very differently.

Former Norwegian PM held at immigration over Iranian visa (CNN) If you’re the former leader of a European nation, the president of a major human rights organization and the owner of a diplomatic passport, you’re not likely to encounter a long wait at airport immigration. But on January 31, Kjell Magne Bondevik, the former Prime Minister of Norway, encountered more than just a lengthy queue. Bondevik told CNN’s “Connect the World” he was interrogated by offic i a l s a t Wa s h i n g t o n ’s Dulles International Airport because he had an Iranian visa in his diplomatic passport. “When they found the Iranian visa, where I was in December 2014, they said that there was a ... regulation that with such a visa I had to be flagged up,” Bondevik said.

After the former European leader detailed his travel history — he was in Tehran speaking at an anti-extremism conference — Bondevik said he “assumed and presumed that they would let me go immediately.” But instead, Bondevik said, he was questioned for over an hour. Did they really believe that I presented a problem or threat to the US? I expected they would show more flexibility and wisdom,” he said. Bondevik said he was held along with migrants from the Middle East and Africa who were also facing additional screening. Although Bondevik was eventually released, he said the atmosphere surrounding President Donald Trump’s travel ban had shaken his core values. Bondevik told CNN’s Becky Anderson he dis-

agrees with the ban entirely, calling it “a contradiction” to his “view on human dignity.” “I really dislike that he is treating people from some Muslim countries as a group and not individuals,” he said. Bondevik, who heads the human rights organization Oslo Center, said the incident speaks to a wider issue of concern brought on by the President’s first actions in office. It’s not just the ban that’s worrying Bondevik. “I also must say that I dislike very much his approach to other international leaders — the P r i m e M i n i s t e r o f A ustralia, the President of Mexico ... and how he is acting in the international community.” He said many others, including Norway were concerned.

British Speaker will bar Trump from addressing Parliament (Reuters) The speaker of Britain’s lower house of parliament said on Monday he would not support any plans for U.S. President Donald Trump to address parliament during a state visit planned for later this year, citing Trump’s temporary immigration ban as a factor. More than 1.8 million people in Britain have signed a petition calling for Trump’s planned visit to be canceled or downgraded to avoid embarrassing Queen Elizabeth, part of a grassroots backlash against his immigration policies. Prime Minister Theresa

May has defended the decision to offer a state visit, but more than 150 lawmakers have signed a symbolic motion calling for Trump not to be given the honor of speaking in parliament. Asked by an opposition Labour lawmaker about the possibility of a parliamentary address, House of Commons speaker John Bercow said he shared the concerns. Trump’s executive order barring entry to the United States for refugees and people from seven Muslimmajority countries has prompted worldwide protests, including by thou-

sands of demonstrators in London. The temporary immigration ban faced a legal hurdle on Monday that could determine whether he can push through the most controversial and far reaching policy of his first two weeks in office. As one of the key figures whose approval would be needed for a parliamentary address, Bercow said he would oppose any possible move to invite Trump to speak in either of the two locations which host foreign leaders during state visits.

Tuesday February 07, 2017

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Tuesday February 07, 2017

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Cook steps down as England test captain (Reuters) Alastair Cook has stepped down as England’s test captain but plans to carry on as a player, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said yesterday. Cook, who was appointed captain in 2012, led England in 59 tests, which includes Ashes victories at home in 2013 and 2015 as well as series wins in India and South Africa. ECB has started the process to appoint the next test captain with batting mainstay Joe Root regarded as the favourite for the job. “Stepping down has been an incredibly hard decision but I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team,” Cook said in a statement. “I’ve had time to reflect after the India series and this weekend I spoke to Colin Graves, the Chairman, to ex-

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Kaieteur News

England’s Alastair Cook walks off at the end of play. (Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs Livepic.) plain and offer my resignation,” England’s most capped test captain said referring to last year’s 4-0 loss in India. The 32-year-old has scored more test centuries than any of his predecessors and is also the country’s most prolific test batsman with

11,057 runs in 140 tests. “Playing for England really is a privilege and I hope to carry on as a test player, making a full contribution and helping the next England captain and the team however I can,” he added.

Tuesday February 07, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You will have the discipline and fortitude to accomplish what you want today. Watch for empty promises that may give you false hope. Plan to get out and do a bit of travel. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You can accomplish a lot if you direct your thoughts toward starting your own small business on the side. However, be careful with luggage; it may be rerouted. Be courteous if you wish to avoid major delays. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Travel will promote romantic connections. You must be careful not to ignore the needs of the youngsters in your family. You may be frazzled today. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Erratic behavior at home may be hard to handle. You might be overly emotional when dealing with your partner. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Don't exaggerate. Visitors are likely to drop by and chances are, they may even stay a little longer than you want them to. You can form new partnerships, but don't move too quickly; things may not be as they appear. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Be aware that you might be at fault as well. Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. Try not to hurt your partner's feelings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Accept the inevitable. Tell it like it is. Get back into the swing of things. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your family may not be pleased with your decisions. Avoid any gossip and be careful that you aren't misinterpreted. Avoid extravagance or risky financial schemes. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) Do not force your opinions on others the connections will be short lived. You will have a problem holding on to your cash today. Do something special for them. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You may find yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. Good friends will give you honest answers. Try not to get backed into corners. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) They will not be in the right frame of mind to put up with tactless comments. Plan your social events carefully. You can easily wrap up overdue personal legal matters that have caused problems for you. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Any capricious behavior will confuse loved ones and your mood swings will result in loneliness. Those you live with may be experiencing problems. Your ability to work with detail could help you achieve your goals.

RHTY&SC Cricket Teams and Edward... (From page 29) children. To date over 50 schools have benefitted from the outreach and Foster stated that via the huge billboard, the Club would be able to reach countless more outside of the school system. The long serving Secretary/CEO stated that the Club’s eight cricket teams would be seeking to install another two large billboards of similar size across Berbice in the Upper Corentyne and New Amsterdam/Canje districts. He stated that it was very important that every youth in Region six be educated of social ills that could affect

them from fulfilling their full potentials in the classroom and sports. Foster expressed gratitude to Mrs. Anjulie Beharry-Strand, Marketing Director of the Company along with Ms. Kamini Naresh and Satesh Singh for their continued cooperation in making the campaign a success. West Indies Female cricketer Shemaine Campbelle, the face of the Campaign throughout her role as Beharry’s Brand Ambassador stated that she was pleased to be associated with both entities as they present the best in Guyana. Campbelle, the Guyana Female Cricketer of

the Year 2016 was a member of the Winning West Indies Female World Cup 20/20 Squad. She urged youths to stay in school to complete their educational background and to choose their friends wisely as true friends do not encourage others to get involved in drug abuse, crime and to drop out of school. The eight teams involved in organising the campaign are the Farfan and Mendes Under 15, Bakewell Under 17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under 19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos and Gadgets Under 21 and First Division.

BIBA to introduce head scans following... (From page 30) to Welsh fighter Dale Evans. Upon hearing news of the introduction of scanners, his girlfriend Chloe Ross posted on Facebook: “I’m glad to be finally seeing something good coming from what happened to Michael. It

Inclement weather... (From page 26) Killer. There were some events for donkeys, while goats were on exhibition. The kids had their time in the bouncy castle and trampoline. According to organiser Mr. Sha’veh, the activity was organised with the people of Port Mourant in mind and in observance of the Mashramani Celebrations. He stated that the Turf Club was a gift from the British to the people of the Port Mourant area and the event was done in an effort to bring the people together in view of the country’s drive for social cohesion. Organiser Sha’veh would like to take the opportunity to thank - Beverage Giants Banks DIH Limited, Republic Bank Guyana Limited, Benjamin Sports of Fyrish Corentyne, Jumbo Jet, Colin Elcock Delmor Company, Associated Construction, F and M Hamid, Lewison General Store, Kris Jagdeo Construction and Annirude Construction, Imran and Sons, Spready’s Bakery, Arjune Poultry Supply and Kris Pharmacy among others. (Samuel Whyte)

shouldn’t take someone’s life for these things to be used but if it saves someone else’s life then that can only be a good thing.” Through sponsorship from an Australian backer, BIBA has purchased two scanners at a cost of $15,000 (£12,000) each and intends on using them to check on fighters before and after fights. Scanners, which operate by shining a light laser beam

into the head, can detect brain bleeds with an accuracy of 90% and take around three minutes to complete. Their use by BIBA will form part of a broad medical undertaken by fighters before bouts, including cognitive testing. In addition to Towell’s death and Blackwell’s injury, 2016 also saw amateur boxer Kuba Moczyk, 22, die after sustaining a severe head injury in his first bout.

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Tuesday February 07, 2017

NSC/Den Amstel FC Mash KO Cup

Eight WDFA clubs to battle from February 18; $200,000 is top prize Fierce rivalry would be rekindled among clubs affiliated to the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) from February 18th next when the annual Den Amstel Football Club knock-out competition sponsored by the National Sports Commission, kicks off. Defending champions Pouderoyen will have their work cut out in their quest to retain the title and cart off the top prize of $200,000. They will have to first get past Stewartville which they will take on in the tournament’s opening match set for the Leonora Track and Field Football Field, the venue for the duration of the competition. The feature match on the opening night will feature the host club against Wales United from 20:00hrs. At a simple launching ceremony that took place on Saturday afternoon last at the Den Amstel Community Centre, clubs were brought

Members of organizing club Den Amstel join team, representatives for a photos with the trophies up for grabs on display at the Den Amstel Community Centre. up to speed with the rules of the competition as well as the prizes that are on offer. Second place will attract $100,000 with the third place team pocketing $75,000 and fourth, $50,000. Individual prizes will be presented to

FIBA referee Sherwin Henry conducts technical briefing for LABA officials today at MSC The Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) is holding a Technical Meeting today to be conducted by Guyana’s only International basketball federation (FIBA) recognized referee Sherwin Henry at 17:00hrs sharp at the Mackenzie Sports club hard court. Henry will give a brief on the basic rules and address concerns related to the smooth officiating in games. This is one aspect that has been plaguing basketball in general and Henry’s experience as an international referee will be keenly paid attention to by those attending. The association is

asking that all referees, table officials, game commissioners, club captains and coaches turn out to be informed about the rule changes governing the game. The clubs named to be there are Victory valley Royals, Half Mile Bulls, Block 22 Flames, Christianburg Pistons, Retrieve Raiders, Bankers Trust Falcons and Amelia’s Ward Jets. The LABA has planned to stage its Under 2 3 b a s k e t b a l l championship, which should bounce off this weekend at the MSC hard court and is with this in mind that the game officials are invited to attend.

the Most Valuable Player, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goalkeeper, Best Coach as well as the Most Disciplined Team. Prior to the opening match, the participating teams will take part in the March Past which is

compulsory. The other participating clubs are Eagles United, Young Achievers, Uitvlugt Warriors and Beavers. Uitvlugt, the number one club in the association will be hoping to go one step further this time around and

win after finishing second best to Pouderoyen last year. Host club Den Amstel which finished fourth last time around and Eagles (3rd) are all hoping for a better showing this year. With a number of players

going back to their old clubs following the January transfer window, this year’s championships have all the ingredients to excite; the likes of Trayon Bobb and Gideon Payne suiting up for Uitvlugt and Den Amstel, respectively.

Inclement weather plays significant role in Port Mourant fun day and Gymkhana

Some of the intense action in the day’s events.

The inclement weather put a damper on the inaugural Port Mourant Family Fun Day and Gymkhana organised by the Sha’veh Business Enterprise of Portuguese Quarters Port Mourant Corentyne, Berbice held last Sunday at the Port Mourant Turf Club. The unpredictable weather forced some activities to be completely washed out, while others are fortunate to have some of their activities completed

and others are lucky to have had a good day. The reasonable size crowd that showed up at the Port Mourant Turf Club Arena for the event had to make do with the humbug created by the weather as the organisers had to shelve a number of activities. Most of the horseracing events were held with some six races completed. Results showed that in the feature gallop for animals classified H and lower over

five furlongs, which was the distance for all of the events, the winner was Chelsea as it galloped home in the rains for an easy win from Its My Turn and She So Special. The J and K class race saw Red Region continuing its duel with Red Jet by winning a close encounter as She Is in Control placed third. Flow Joe flowed nicely to take top honours in the first of two events for horses

classified L and lower. Easy Lion had a good battle in a tight finish from Slim Shady and Blue Lightning. The unclassified race was taken by Natural Beauty ahead of Still a Win and Chief of Staff. The event for animals classified cart or cow horses and those never to race on a race track saw Physical Disturbance bring order with an easy win ahead of “Lucky Lucky” and Key for the (Continued on page 25)

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Jaguars hunt scorpions in must win game By Sean Devers in Barbados In Association with Bounty Supermarket, Vnet Communications, Life Time Reality & Ming’s Products & Services It’s down to final two matches in zone ‘B’ for Guyana Jaguars! Tonight at the Kensington Oval they hunt down second placed Jamaica Scorpions in their most important match in the 2017 Regional Super50 tournament. The top two teams in each zone qualify for the Semis and with unbeaten Barbados Pride (28 points) already assured of a spot, Scorpions, with one more game to play than Jaguars, are one point ahead of the Guyanese, in third position on 13 points. Today is a must win game for Jaguars, preferable with a bonus point, but this is easier said than done since they have not been as dominant as they would have liked. Their batsmen have looked uncomfortable on tracks with extra bounce and apart from brief periods, have not been allowed to score quickly. Their 212-4 against the ICC Americas is their highest total, while Barbados made a 302 against them. Steven Jacobs is one of four bowlers with an economy rate of under 3 runs per over, but the bowlers have been inconsistent. If two teams are equal on points, the next stage is wins against each other and if equal, bonus points will be the decider. If still equal, net run rate will be used. The Jaguars have only gotten one bonus and not pressing for

the bonus point against ICC Americas could come back to haunt them. The Jaguars have lost three of their six matches, two to Barbados and the other to Jamaica who made 249-8 with Chadwick Walton (82), Devon Thomas (52*) and Jermaine Blackwood (42) batting well. Ronsford Beaton, Raymon Reifer, Veerasammy Permaul and Jacobs getting two wickets each for the Jaguars, who fell for 208 despite a magnificent 101 from 96 balls from Shiv Chanderpaul as Jerome Taylor (5-40) and Reynard Leveridge (3-38) bowled with genuine pace. The teams had contrasting fortunes in their last games with Jamaica beating CCC to get a bonus point, while Guyana suffered a heartbreaking last over defeat against Barbados that put them in this must win situation today. Some say what happens in the past influences the present and decide the future but it is also said if you feed your faith your doubt will starve to death. Jaguars must not doubt their ability to play positive cricket against Jamaica and back themselves to score close to 300 runs in conditions at Kensington which are conducive to quick scoring. Skipper Leon Johnson says his team is most comfortable chasing and the toss could be important today when the sides meet for the twenty second time in this format. The score line read 10-10 with one tie and one washed out game. H u r r i c a n e ’s K e r i o n Powell has 429 runs from

Jerome Taylor (Cameron Spencer) five matches. His three tons equals Ramnaresh Sarwan who scored three hundreds in same tournament in 2005 when Guyana won the last of their nine titles. Johnson is in good form with 227 runs and three fifties and is only behind Powell, Kraigg Braithwaite (305) and Volcano’s Sunil Ambris (247) and could be the key to the Jaguars getting a big score today. Chanderpaul (182), Reifer (135) and Assad Fudadin (126) are the other Jaguars batsmen with a hundred runs and will need to contribute significant scores. Openers Fudadin and Rajendra Chandrika (94), shared the first half-century stand in the tournament for Guyana in their last match and will hope to give the Jaguars another firm foundation for Johnson, Chanderpaul, Reifer, Chris Barnwell, Anthony Bramble and Veerasammy Permaul to build on. Jacobs is a much better batsman than the 32 runs and average of 10.66 suggests.

Guinness Street phenomenon resumes tonight at Pouderoyen Tarmac Another massive turnout is anticipated this evening when action in the West Demerara / East Bank Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition resumes, at the Pouderoyen Tarmac. The event, which has become somewhat of a phenomenon in all the communities that play host, has provided exciting rivalries among neighborhood teams and already we are seeing some of it on the West Side where fans love the rivetting challenges.

To n i g h t , e i g h t matches are slated to be played and kick off time is 19:00hrs. In the first fixture, Goed Fortuin tackle the Money Team and this will be followed by the clash between Harmony Ballers and Best Road Ballers. Police then take on Jetty Gunners and this game will precede the encounter between Gas Team and Young Ballers before the break. After the resumption, Gold Getters engages Classic 7, before Prospect

Jammers square off against Hustlers, while Shattaville Gunners go up against Golden Warriors. In the final game of the night, Brother’s United collide with Westside Starz. The winner of the tournament walks away with $450,000 and the champio n s h i p t r o p h y along with automatic selection to represent the zone at the National Championship, while the second, third and fourth placed teams take home $150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.

Shiv Chanderpaul

Leon Johnson (flickr.com)

Jacobs, Bishoo and Permaul will have to bowl well today, while Beaton has bowled fast. Reifer with his deceptive slower balls, have served the Jaguars well and it

will be interesting to see if Paul Wintz returns to ‘beef up’ the seam attack. Jamaica will bank on Walton and John Campbell to give them a good start for

Blackwood, their most consistent batsman and the only one with 150 runs in the tournament, to build on. Thomas, Andrew McCarthy, Rovman Powell, Skipper Nikita Miller and Damion Jacobs could all contribute with the bat, while Taylor, Leverock and Powell could again test the Guyanese with their pace before Jacobs and Miller are introduced. Jamaica face Barbados on Thursday before playing their final game against ICC Americas and the Jaguars, who oppose ICC Americas in their last game, will want to beat Jamaica tonight and that Barbados defeat them on Thursday. Both Jamaica and Guyana are expected to beat ICC Americas.

Shapovalov sorry for striking umpire, letting country down

Canada’s Denis Shapovalov reacts after the umpire was struck by a ball during his singles match against Britain’s Kyle Edmund. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie) (Reuters) Canada’s Denis Shapovalov was left mortified after joining tennis’s hall of infamy on S u n d a y, o f f e r i n g a n apology and promising that he would learn from his momentary explosion of temper that left a Davis Cup umpire needing a visit to hospital. Shapovalov, one of the brightest young talents in the game at 17, said he was “ashamed” after hitting chair umpire Arnaud Gabas with a ball he smashed away in anger during the Canada- Britain tie in Ottawa. “After dropping serve in the third game of the third set, Denis Shapovalov hit the ball very hard, unintentionally striking chair umpire Arnaud Gabas in the left eye, causing him

to need medical attention,” the International Tennis Federation said in a statement yesterday. The incident happened in the third set of the deciding rubber with the tie locked at 2-2 and Shapovalov, the Wimbledon boys champion, two sets and a break of serve down to Britain’s Kyle Edmund. The teenager was immediately defaulted for “unsportsmanlike conduct”, with Britain handed a 3-2 victory in the tie. “Referee Brian Earley, who witnessed the incident, declared an immediate default of Mr Shapovalov for unsportsmanlike conduct. It was clear that Mr Shapovalov did not intend to hit Mr Gabas,” the ITF said.

Shapovalov sought out the umpire in the referee’s office and apologized. G a b a s , w h o s u ff e r e d bruising and swelling to the left eye was sent to hospital for a precautionary evaluation. Shapovalov issued an instant apology after the match, saying: “I feel incredibly ashamed and embarrassed and I just feel awful for letting my team down, for letting my country down, for acting in a way that I would never want to act. “I can promise that’s the last time I will do anything like that. I’m going to learn from this and try to move past it.” British captain Leon Smith said he could not help but feel sorry for the youngster. “I feel for the young lad. He’s a great talent and he has learned a harsh lesson,” said Smith. People still remember how the British player Tim Henman was defaulted in a Wimbledon doubles match in 1995 when he struck a ball which accidentally struck a ball girl. More recently, in the 2012 Queen’s final in London, Argentine David Nalbandian kicked out at an advertising hoarding at courtside in frustration, which bloodied a line judge’s shin. It cost him a 10,000 Euro ($10,720.00) fine.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Fitness Express/Banks DIH / GAPF Novice/Junior Championships

18 Records smashed; Andrea Smith, Harris, Gonsalves, Chan, Hutson & Petterson rocks

Andrea Smith powering to the new deadlift record. (Franklin Wilson photo)

By Franklin Wilson The Banks DIH Sports Club located at Thirst Park on Sunday last saw an explosion of records when six thirsty athletes including Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation Secretary (GAPF) Andrea Smith rewrote the records books when the Fitness Express/Banks DIH/Trophy Stall sponsored N o v i c e / J u n i o r Championships were contested. A total of 25 athletes including four females entertained the appreciative crowd on hand which included former President of Guyana Donald Ramotar, former GAPF President Peter Green, current GAPF President Ed Caesar and

Guinness Brand Manager, Lee Baptiste. Another record that was set was for early completion of the event which was done and dusted well before 17:00hrs, a new level for the sport under the new administration. But all the focus was on the platform as the fans who were intimately involved from the first lift to the last were entertained by the brave athletes even urging them on in difficult situations when the weights became too much for them to conquer. Overall Winners The Overall Female UnEquipped winner was Cavis Rodney who had a Total of 367.5kg (squat 140kg benchpress 77.5 deadlift 150kg). Kevin Brijlall (59kg

Darren Harris in deadlift mode.

Carlos Petterson sets New 93kg Junior Un-Equipped deadlift record of 310kg Record. Franklin Wilson photo.

Class) of Hardcore Gym emerged as the Overall Male Junior Equipped champion with a total of 522.5kg (squat 202.5kg benchpress 112.5kg deadlift 207.5kg). The Overall Junior UnEquipped winner was Romario Gonsalves (59kg Class) of Extreme Powerlifting Gym with a total of 497.5kg (squat 185.0kg benchpress 95.0kg deadlift 217.5kg). Thristan Kamal (66kg Class) of Total Fitness Gym was the Overall Novice Male Equipped champion totaling 447.5kg (squat 172.5 benchpress 87.5 deadlift 187.5). Taking the Overall accolade as the best Male Un-Equipped competitor was Hardcore Gym’s Marley Vyphuis (93kg Class) who managed to rack up a Total of

540.0kg (squat 175.0kg benchpress 117.5kg deadlift 247.5kg). Record Breakers Andrea Smith of Buddy’s Gym, competing in the 63kg (138lbs) Open Class (Unequipped) temporarily traded her secretarial duties to show that she has taken on the mantle of the leading strong woman in Guyana with an incredible display of power to set new records in the squat, deadlift and total. In the process, Smith has also set an unofficial Caribbean deadlift Equipped record of 170kg; the current record of 162.50kg (358 lbs) is held by Puerto Rico’s Mariselys Chaparro and was achieved on September 17, 2016 in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Smith erased the old local squat record of 115kg (253.53lbs) that was set by Nadina Taharally in July 2016 with a new standard of 130kg. Taharally’s previous record Total which stood at 315kg was smashed with Smith’s standard of 362.5kg. Derren Harris of HardCore Gym who contested in the 66kg Junior Un-Equipped category has established new records in the squat (145kg), benchpress (105kg), deadlift (210kg) and total (460kg). The previous records in each category above were set in September of 2016 at the Critchlow Labour College by Shayam Jagoo, they were squat (110kg) benchpress

(82.5), deadlift (152.5kg), total (345kg). Romario Gonsalves erased Sohail Hussain’s old squad record of 140kg with a new record of 185kg; Kevin Briglall’s deadlift record of 190kg with a new mark of 217.5kg as well as Hussain’s total of 432.5kg with a huge new mark of 497.5kg. The previous records were achieved last September at the Critchlow Labour College. Demetri Chan, a member of Buddy’s Gym competing in the 74kg Junior UnEquipped Division, accomplished new records in the squat, deadlift and total of 167.5kg, 212.5kg and 500kg, respectively; Chan has bettered his own records which were also set last September; squat (162.5kg), deadlift (210kg) and total 492.5kg). Another Buddy’s Gym member, Mazule Hutson was unstoppable in the 83kg Junior Un-Equipped class which he won whilst establishing records in the squat – 162.5kg, benchpress

– 201kg and total 470kg. And the stylish Carlos Petterson, representing the Scott Caldwell Fitness Center (SCFC) erased his own deadlift and total records in the 93kg Junior Un-Equipped category. His new deadlift and total records of 310kg and 710kg blank out his previous 295kg and 677.5kg, respectively. Other Category winners were: Female Open UnEquipped - Indra Mekdeci (72kg) of Buddy’s Gym. Male Junior Equipped - Arif Immamdeen (66kg) of Total Fitness Gym, Rawle Porter (74kg) of KingsRow Barbel and Reeaz Latiff (93kg) of HardCore Gym. Male Junior UnEquipped – Derren Harris, Demetri Chan, Mazule Hutson and Carlos Petterson. Novice Male Equipped – Triel Benjamin (93kg) of HardCore Gym. Male Sub Junior UnEquipped – Joseph Persaud (66kg) of OutKast Gym. Male Open UnEquipped - Jamal Bentley (74kg) of Tower Gym.

Overall female Un-Equipped winner Cavis Henry (right) receiving her trophy from Guinness Supervisor, Ian Charles.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday February 07, 2017

GSCL Inc Republic Cup 4

PAGE 31

Success claim Open title; Savage and Mike’s Wellman share Masters’ crown

Members of Savage Masters and Mike’s Wellman teams following the presentation ceremony. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) By Zaheer Mohamed A large crowd converged at the Everest Cricket Club on Sunday to witness the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Republic Cup 4 anticipating an action packed day, and they were given much to cheer about. When dust had settled at the Camp Road venue, new champions were crowned in both the Open and Masters categories. Regal All Stars, one of the most decorated teams in the sport, were stunned by Success in the Open final. Mike’s Wellman, a team that is fast improving and Savage Masters shared the Masters’ title after they played to a tie in the final. Regal All Stars were shot

out for a paltry 67 in 10 overs, batting first. Only Richard Latif who hit one four and two sixes in scoring 28 offered any resistance in an otherwise ordinary batting display. Although poor shot selection aided in the one sided affair, Success were largely indebted to Puran John and Stephan Felix who bowled tidily, picking up four wickets each. Success then raced to victory in seven overs as they finished on 68 without loss. Surujpaul Deosarran hit four fours and in a top score of 23, while Dindyal Lakhan made 19 with two fours and one six. Extras contributed 27.

Earlier, Success beat Farm by 65 runs. Batting first, Success scored 166-7 in 15 overs. Surujpaul Deosarran made 42 as Rawle Reid claimed 3-16. Farm were bowled out for 101 in 13.3 overs in reply. Sachin Ramsarran got 22 and Amir Khan 16; John had 3-31 and Felix 2-27. Regal All Stars overcame Farm by 38 runs. Regal All Stars took first strike and scored 150-9. Wazir Hussain stroked 74, while Marvin Bobb made 27 and Tyrone Sanasie 21. Amir Khan grabbed four wickets and Ricky Sergeant two. Farm were sent packing for 112 in 13 overs in reply. Ravlin Layne made 34 and

A Jubilant Success team with their hardware. (Zaheer Mohamed photo) Ramsarran 24. Tyrone Sanasie captured 3-20, Narine Bailey 2-15 and Kelvin Orford 2-26. Batting first in the Masters’ final, Savage Masters posted 154-4 in 12 overs. Ricky Deonarain fashioned a brilliant 53, while Unnis Yusuf supported with 39 and Patrick Khan 20. Following the demise of opener Ramo Malone for seven with the score on 29, Yusuf and Khan added 38 before Yusuf was removed by Lakeram Mike Singh after hitting one four and four sixes. After the demise of Khan, the right-handed Deonarain beefed up the total with some power hitting. He brought back

RHTY&SC Cricket Teams and Edward B. Beharry launches Say NO/Say Yes billboard

The Billboard featuring West Indies player Shemaine Campbelle after been erected at the Area ‘H’ Ground.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S and its partner Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd on Saturday last unveiled a massive billboard as part of their highly successful Say No/Say Yes campaign. The 10 feet x 25 feet billboard is the latest project of the

campaign which seeks to inspire over 60,000 youths to Say No to drugs, crime, alcohol and suicide and Say Yes to Education, Life and Sports. The billboard was unveiled in the compound of the Area ‘H’ Ground and features RHTY&SC West

Indies female batting star Shemaine Campbelle who is also a Brand Ambassador of the Edward B. Beharry Co. Ltd. Secretary/CEO, Hilbert Foster stated that under the Beharry Say No/Say Yes campaign, the Club has been able to reach thousands of youths via the publication of

youth information booklets, banners, posters and the hosting of educational competitions. The Club has also hosted a Say No/Say Yes 5/5 Cricket Tournament for teams across Berbice, several youth inspiration forums and rallies for school (Continued on page 25)

memories of the falling sweep shot invented by former West Indies star batsman Rohan Kanhai; he played the shot to perfection smashing Sheldon Perch, Wayne Jones and Singh for maximums. Deonarain clobbered seven sixes in his robust innings as Singh, Jones and Greg De Franca had one wicket each. Nandram Samlall and De Franca added 37 for the first w i c k e t t o s e t M i k e ’s Wellman on course before Samlall was removed by Malone for 18. The dangerous Jagdesh Persaud was then taken off Danny Thomas for eight while De Franca was dismissed for 24. Mike’s We l l m a n t h e n f o u n d themselves in some trouble at 74-4, but Lloyd Rooplall and Jones steadied the chase nicely with a stand of 48. Rooplall smashed one four and five sixes before he departed for 40. Following his demise Mike’s Wellman lost a few wickets, but Jones kept them in hunt with sensible batting. The game came down to the wire with Mike’s Wellman needing 10 off the final over delivered by Khan. Jones and Hardat Heeranandan picked up nine from five balls, but Heeranandan lost his concentration and fired a wild swipe at the last ball and was bowled as Mike’s Wellman finished on 154-8. Jones who hit two fours and a similar number of sixes remained unbeaten on 36 as Zameer Hassan claimed 2-3 off one over and Navindra Pooran 2-29. Mike’s Wellman beat Ariel Masters by six wickets in their semi final match up. Batting first, Ariel Masters made 170-6. Roy Kumar struck 58, while Peter

Persaud made 28 and Darmindra Mohabir 23. Mike’s Wellman responded with 171-4 in 14.5 overs. Jagdesh Persaud scored 81, Samall got 32 and De Franca 20; Kumar and Mohabir had two wickets each. Savage got the better of Regal Masters by seven wickets in the second semi final. Regal Masters took first strike and scored 154-8. Mahase Chunilall hit 64, Eon Abel made 32 and Fazleem Mohamed 20. Zameer Hassan and Navindra Pooran had two wickets each. Savage Masters made 159-3 in 13.4 overs in reply. Unnis Yusuf and Patrick Khan scored 42 each while Troy Ramsaywack got 27. Earlier, Ariel Masters beat Success Masters by 39 runs. Ariel Masters took first turn at the crease and managed 161-8. Surujlall Kumar and Raghunandan Narine hit 43 each while Mohamed Rafeek made 23. Mark Fung claimed three wickets while A. Azimulla and K. Ramnauth had two wickets apiece. Success Masters were bowled out for 122 in 14 overs in response. Hackim Majeed made 24 and Mohamed Mulla 22; Rudolph Meyers bagged 423 and Talesh Ramotar 2-23. Stephon Felix was named man-of-the-match in the open category while Wayne Jones was given the man-of-the-match in masters division. The competition was sponsored by Trophy Stall, Ink Plus, Elegance Jewelry and Pawn Shop, Star Party Rentals, Ansa Mc Al, Digicel, Wolf’s Furniture Store, Top Brandz, Wild Catch Fish Depot, Crown Mining, Regal Sport and Regal Stationery and Computer Centre.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday February 07, 2017

Limacol Round Robin / KO Football Competition

Deen’s hat-trick engineers stunning come from behind win Delroy Deen lit up the second half with a hat-trick of goals to engineer a stunning come from behind win for Mahaica Determinators in their clash against Riddim Squad as play in the Limacol Round Robin / Knockout Football Competition continued on Sunday evening, at the Victoria ground. Earlier, Rolex Smith had given Riddim Squad the lead after five minutes when he slotted home from close range and the visitors protected that advantage for the rest of the period, going into the break with a slim 1-0 ascendancy. That lead lasted until the 69th minute when it became a Deen show after he calmly fired in a penalty to the right of the goalkeeper to level the scores. Bouyed by their success and urged on by the home fans, suddenly Ann’s Grove was the team playing with supreme confidence and everyone felt they assumed complete control of the game and they did just that. The lanky Determinators marksman, who at one time was part of the national setup, showed his experience when he eluded his marker and rushed on to a parry by the goalkeeper that fell into his path and he

-Ann’s Grove keep Pouderoyen in cellar

Delroy Deen

Ann’s Grove scorers Ryan Seares (left) and Maxton Adams pose for a photo op following their team’s win over Pouderoyen on Sunday, at the Victoria ground. gleefully lashed it past the scrambling Riddim Squad shot stopper for a 2-1 lead in the 88th minute. The opportunity was presented to him following a fierce shot from Eion Abel that never left the turf and proved too hot for the goalkeeper to handle.

Deen’s heroics were not over and he completed his treble on the stroke of full time when he raced on to a free ball and hit it past the goalkeeper to secure three vital points. The Determinators by virtue of the positive result now lead Group-D standings, while Riddim

BIBA to introduce head scans following Mike Towell and Nick Blackwell incidents

The scanner takes three minutes to complete an analysis and has a 90% accuracy when detecting bleeding on the brain. BBC Sport - Handheld scanners which detect bleeding on the brain will be introduced to improve the ringside care of boxers. The British & Irish Boxing Authority (BIBA) hopes to use the device at an event in Bradford on 26 February. Mike Towell died from head injuries sustained in a bout in September, six months after

Nick Blackwell was hospitalised with a bleed to the brain. BIBA will offer use of the scanners to fighters who compete under the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC). But the BBBofC told BBC Sport it “does not recognise” BIBA - known as the Malta Boxing Commission until 2016 - and

that it will continue to do its own research and use its own medical practices. BIBA vice-president Gianluca Di Caro told BBC Sport: “It’s not about us and the fighters we work with versus fighters with other organisations. It is about all the fighters. “If there is a fighter anywhere, who has been suffering with headaches, he needs to know we will go to him and do a scan. Sometimes we will just have to move quickly to ensure that any boxer can be helped. “We will have one scanner by 22 February, another is on order and our aim is to have 10. I will raise the sponsorship to do that.” Scans ‘can only be good’ Towell had been suffering with headaches in the run-up to a bout days before his death after a fifth-round loss (Continued on page 25)

Squad is now the cellar dweller with one point. In the feature encounter, Ann’s Grove ensured that the East Coast-based teams enjoy a good night when they beat Pouderoyen 2-1 thanks to goals from Maxton Adams and Ryan Seares in the 7th and 90th minutes respectively. Seares’ penalty conversion as regulation time ended proved to be the match winner. It was awarded after a Pouderoyen defender was penalised for a handled ball infringement. Earlier, Adams gave them the lead when he

headed the ball past the goalkeeper, who had raced off his line to make a save, before continuing his run to pat the ball into an empty goal. Pouderoyen, however, seeemd unfazed by the early setback and orchestrated some good advances on the opposition goal area, but each time was denied by solid defending or good goalkeeping. However, Quessy Alleyne’s stinging strike from a free kick taken on the right flank that was pushed into his path nestled into the roof of the net in the 35th minute.

Ann’s Grove have now assumed the lead in Group-C on four points, while Pouderoyen remain without a point. Play in the competition resumes tomorrow with another couple of games at the GFC ground, Bourda. In the opening fixture at 18:30hrs, Grove Hi-Tech take on Northern Rangers, while Western Tigers square off against Uitvlugt Warriors from 20:30hrs. The top two finishers will advance to the quarterfinal round, while each group winner will walk away with $100,000 and the remaining teams in order of placing will collect $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000. The overall winner will come away $500,000 richer and a trophy, while the second, third and fourth placed teams receive $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. Banks DIH Limited under its GT Beer Brand, Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals are the other entities on board. In the night’s full results: Game-1 Mahaica Determinators3 vs Riddim Squad-1 Mahaica Scorer Delroy Dean-69th, 88th and 90th Riddim Scorer Rolex Scott-5th Game-2 Pouderoyen-1 vs Ann’s Grove-2 Ann’s Grove scorer Maxton Adams-7th Ryan Seares-90th Pouderoyen scorer Quessey Alleyne-35th

Tuesday February 07, 2017

Hurricanes beat WI Under-19s by eight wickets – 27th game NORTH SOUND, Antigua, , CMC – Leeward Islands Hurricanes defeated West Indies Under-19s by eight wickets, in their Group A game of Regional Super50 at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium here yesterday. Scores: WI UNDER-19s 78 off 45 overs (Kirstan Kallicharan 28; Akeal Hosein 4-7). HURRICANES 82 for two off 16.5 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 42 not out, Montcin Hodge 31 not out).

Pats’ Brady named Super Bowl MVP after record comeback

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy on the podium after defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime in Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. (Eric Seals-USA TODAY Sports) HOUSTON (Reuters) New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was named the Most Valuable Player of the Super Bowl on Sunday after leading his team on a record comeback over the Atlanta Falcons in the National Football League championship game. Brady, a five-times Super Bowl winner and fourtimes MVP of the championship game, completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in the 34-28 overtime victory, the first Super Bowl decided in extra time. The 39-year-old Brady set Super Bowl records for completions and yards gained passing as he directed the Patriots on a monumental comeback from a 28-3 third-quarter hole — the largest deficit ever overcome in a Super Bowl. “We all brought each other back. We never felt out of it. It was a tough battle,” Brady said on the field after James White plunged past the goal line for the winning touchdown. “They (Atlanta) have a great team, I give them a lot of credit. We just made a few more plays than them.”

Asked whether his fifth Super Bowl title was the best, Brady replied: “They’re all great. This team resembled a lot of teams from the past that had a lot of mental toughness, great defense. Everyone rose to the occasion in the second half and overtime.” B r a d y, w h o w a s suspended for the first four games of the regular season over his role in the AFC title game controversy over under-inflated balls two seasons ago despite fighting the punishment in court, was asked if this was redemption. “This is all positive, man. This is unbelievable.” Brady was surrounded by his wife, super model Gisele Bundchen, their kids and his father and mother, who has been battling illness the last 18 months. “They’re all happy,” Brady said about having his family with him. “It’s nice to have everybody here. It’s going to be a great celebration tonight.” Brady then shouted out to the Patriots fans as he brandished the Lombardi Trophy: “Thank you to all our fans. Everyone back in Boston, New England, we love you. You’ve been with us all year. We’re bringing this sucker home!”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 33

Vurlon Mills returns to the TT Pro League Golden Jaguars forward Vurlon Mills has signed a Professional football contract last week with San Jan Jabloteh, confirming his transfer back to the T&T Pro League. Mills, who played consistently in the T&T Pro League between 2007 and 2013, returned home to Guyana with local professional outfit Slingerz FC helping the West side club to great success over the last three seasons. Accomplishments included winning the inaugural Stag Elite League 2016 competition and qualification for the 2017 CFU Club Championships, a feat never before achieved by Slingerz FC. Unfortunately, Slingerz FC along with Alpha United, G u y a n a ’s o n l y t w o professional football clubs, have been denied from competing in this year’s CFU Club Championship based on a decision taken by CONCACAF after relating with the Guyana Football Federation; both Slingerz and Alpha United along with two other club’s Pele and Georgetown Football Club had withdrawn participation for the Stag Elite League second edition citing contractual breaches on the part of the GFF. Mills said, he is looking forward to this fresh challenge in his playing career with new club San Juan Jabloteh. He went on to

confirm that a major factor in him deciding to sign with Jabloteh, was due to the TT Pro League club competing in this year’s CFU Club Championship. Mills commented: “I am signing with San Juan Jabloteh to represent not only myself, but all the Guyanese players who have worked so hard to qualify but now have lost their opportunity of playing in the CFU club championship and beyond.” ”To all my football fans, I thank you for all the love and support you have shown me over the last few years I have played professionally for Slingerz FC back home in Guyana.” ”Finally I want to say a big thank you to all my family as well as Mr. Henry Chase from Chase Academic Foundation and last but not least my friend Faizal Khan for supporting me all the way in making this deal a reality.” Mills made his Jabloteh debut on Sunday last in the final Digicel Pro League 2016/17 match against threepeat champions Central FC which won that match 1-0. Mills was introduced in the 59 minute. Jablotech ended the league in third place with 29 points behind Central FC 47 and W Connection on 46. The CFU Club Championship is a qualifying club tournament to reach the CONCACAF champions league and the th

Vurlon Mills

big time. It is the most prestigious club tournament in this football Continent. Super rich Mexican and American Major League Soccer Clubs await the qualifying Caribbean teams with David Beckham and Ronaldinho to name but a few of the World Class players who have played in the prestigious club

tournament over the past few years. C O N C A C A F Champions League games are aired live on major USA TV stations making qualification very lucrative for qualifying clubs. Also a chance to show case the Caribbean’s most talented footballers to the richest clubs live on prime time USA TV.

t r o Sp Fitness Express/Banks DIH / GAPF Novice/Junior Championships

18 Records smashed; Andrea Smith, Harris, Gonsalves, Chan, Hutson & Petterson rocks

All the top performers display their trophies and medals following the presentation.

Jaguars hunt Guinness Street phenomenon scorpions in resumes tonight at Pouderoyen Tarmac must win game

Jermaine Blackwood (Getty Images)

Part of the action in this year’s West Demerara / East Bank Demerara Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Futsal Competition. Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210