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Friday February 23, 2018

Members of three constitutional commissions sworn-in After several years of delay, President David Granger yesterday swore-in members of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) and the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), while members of the Integrity Commission were sworn-in before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Speaking to members of the ERC and the TSC, who took their oath of office at State House, the President underscored the importance of their constitutional roles to the development of the country. “I congratulate the members of the Ethnic Relations Commission and Teaching Service Commission. I urge them to discharge their duties without cowardice, without malice and without prejudice,” President Granger stated. The ERC was established in 2003 with the primary purpose of hearing and investigating the complaints of citizens who believe they have been mistreated based on their race. President Granger noted that the ERC is intended to promote good relations, harmony, peace, tolerance and understanding between our peoples; to provide equal opportunity between persons of different ethnic groups. He noted that the ERC is also mandated by the Constitution to educate. The ERC members are Barrington Braithwaite, Ruth Howard, Roshan Khan, Major General Norman McLean, Pandit Deodat Sharma, Ashton Simon, Rajkumarie Singh, Bishop John Smith, Neaz Subhan and Norris Witter. A chairman will be voted on by the members at the first meeting. Prior to the expiration of the life of the ERC, an injunction was filed by the People’s National Congress

Members of the ERC with President David Granger Reform, who deemed the body unconstitutional, since the term of the Commissioners had come to an end in 2007. The People’s National Congress had at the time put forward several claims against the ERC and called for its reconstruction. Several attempts to name the commissioners through the Parliamentary Committee of Appointment were met by delays. A report was finally approved last year by the Parliament which cleared the way for the appointments. TSC MEMBERS Meanwhile, the TSC members are Avril Crawford, Allan Munroe, Elizabeth Ramlal, Amjad Shaw, Deborah Thomas, Barbara ThomasHolder and Marcel Hutson. Among other things, their first order of business would

be to clear the huge backlog of appointments between 2016 and 2017. The TSC, which is tasked with promoting public school teachers, was dissolved in October, 2017. President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union, Mark Lyte, had bemoaned the lack of promotions for teachers. He had called for the appointment of the members of the TSC along with the School Board Secretariat (SBS). Lyte had hoped that following promotions which became effective at the start of the September, 2017 school term, efforts would have been engaged by the TSC to commence another round of promotions, given the fact that there was none in 2016. I N T E G R I T Y COMMISSION The members of the

Integrity Commission took their oath of office at the Ministry of the Presidency. Members are attorney Kumar Doraisami, the committee’s chairman; attorney Thandi McAllister; attorney Rosemary Benjamin-Noble and Pandit Rabindranauth Persaud. They have taken up their roles at a time when Guyana is entering new financial prospects in the oil and gas sector. Their main purpose is to scrutinize public officers to ensure that they do not use their officers for financial gain. Under the law, public

officers including the President, Permanent Secretaries, Director of Public Prosecutions, Auditor General, Commissioner of Police, the Army Chief, Heads of the Service Commissions, Foreign Affairs officials, Judges and Magistrates and Department Heads are required to declare their assets to the commission. Also required to submit declaration forms of their earnings and gifts received are Regional Executive Officers, the Chief Elections Officer, Mayors, Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of state

companies, Registrars of Lands and the CommissionerGeneral of Guyana Revenue Authority, along with Presidential Advisors, and Heads of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and Guyana Forestry Commission. It must be noted that the Commission had lapsed in 2012 under the Donald Ramotar presidency. Earlier this year, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had said that for the time being, the Integrity Commission was functioning with a very small staff with a very limited budget.

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Friday February 23, 2018

Lopsided Exxon deal underscores need for all PSAs to go through Parliament – Ram Given the damning flaws contained in the oil deal Guyana signed with ExxonMobil, local commentators believe that Parliament needs to have increased oversight of the oil and gas sector and related contracts. Specifically making this comment recently was Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram. During an interview with this newspaper, Ram noted that the ExxonMobil agreement should have been tabled and approved in the National Assembly. The anticorruption advocate said that this should have been the way forward for all Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs). Ram said, “These contracts have long term effects. So what you have is a Minister binding a Parliament or a country for decades. The practice of having Production Sharing Agreements go

through the Parliamentary process can be seen in places like Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria. That is how it should be done, because there are long term effects with these contracts…” The Chartered Accountant said, “What we have before us is proof that this is what should be done. But in addition, I think even the scheme in which the Executive negotiates should be revised...” Also in agreement with the need for the role of Parliament to increase in the oil sector is Executive Member of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Dr. David Hinds. The political commentator said that the Parliament should always have an important role in these matters—it is the only elected branch of government. Dr. Hinds noted that the oil and gas sector is a defining one and as such, he

WPA Executive Member, Dr. David Hinds would recommend that Parliament set up a standing committee on energy. He said that such oversight is necessary, given how much is at stake. Perhaps as a start, the University Professor said, there should be a select committee to look at what has transpired thus far in relation to the contract and other related issues. He emphasized that such a committee should hold hearings, so that it gets to hear from government operatives and other expert witnesses. UNFAIR DEAL Local commentators have also expressed concern over the lopsided deal Guyana

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram signed with ExxonMobil, especially when it is compared with the agreement Exxon Mobil signed onto with the African country, Ghana. The glaring disparities between the two contracts also underscores the need for the Guyana-ExxonMobil contract to be scrutinized by Parliament, critics say. According to Ghana’s oil agreement, ExxonMobil is not

allowed to recover pre-contract costs. Yet, the oil company managed to entrap Guyana with a US$460M bill which dates back to 1999. In Ghana, ExxonMobil agreed that there would be no limit to the audit to be conducted by the Government and its authorities. But in Guyana’s oil contract, the APNU+AFC Administration is limited to conducting one audit per calendar year. Additionally, the African country made it very clear that all records in relation to the oil operations there must be kept at a specific location in the country. The Government of Ghana said that this sort of arrangement was necessary to ensure that there is a smooth flow of the audit process which can be initiated at any time. Guyana, on the other hand, opted to give up its right to access ExxonMobil’s records in relation to operations here, when such records are held in nations with nondisclosure laws. The Ghana oil deal also features a 10 percent royalty,

while ensuring that ExxonMobil would be subject to paying all taxes, duties, fees, and other imposts that shall be imposed by the State or any entity or any political subdivision of the State in respect of any of its operations. In the case of Guyana, ExxonMobil gets off with paying a mere two percent royalty while enjoying tax exemptions galore. ExxonMobil has also agreed to give Ghana quarterly and annual financial statements and summaries of petroleum costs incurred under that agreement. In the Guyana contract, ExxonMobil is not obligated to do this. The Ghanaian contract has an entire section dedicated to procurement laws which ExxonMobil must follow at all times. Those provisions are in place to ensure that a significant number of the local companies are able to benefit from the nation’s oil sector. On the other hand, Guyana’s contract mentions nothing about procurement laws.

Body of missing Mahaicony guard found in rice field Police have found the body of 39-year-old security guard Rakesh Bhajnram, who was reported missing for close to three weeks. Bhajnram’s decomposing remains were found in a rice field at around 11.00 hrs

yesterday. Kaieteur News understands that relatives identified the victim by a gold ring, with a black stone embedded in it. Bhajnram, a guard at the Mahaicony Primary School

for the past eight years, was reported missing in early February. Kaieteur News understands that he had suffered occasional bouts of epilepsy. Relatives reportedly last saw him alive when they took him to the Mahaicony Hospital. He returned home after being treated, but was nowhere to be seen when family members awoke the following day.

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Kaieteur News

US$300M cannot kick-start economic transformation A man in the street asked how oil revenues will affect his life. I asked him if he was a contractor. He said no. I told him that he must not expect any serious improvement in his financial fortunes. He then asked how oil revenues will transform the economy. I asked him what transformation he saw as a result of the increase in gold production in 2015. He said that he did not see any significant transformation.

In 2016, gold exports raked in US$830M. This was US$300M higher than the previous year. So what difference did this additional US$300M make to the economy? Not much, judging from the manin-the-street reaction. In 2018, people are still complaining about the sluggishness in the economy. It seems to have escaped notice, but with all the talk about oil, the Guyana dollar has depreciated in recent

weeks. At the cambios, the US dollar is being bought at $210, which used to be the old selling price which has now increased to US$213. Prices of imported items have started to increase. A Mars or Milky Way chocolate bar is now $250. A few years ago, it used to be $200. Other import prices are increasing. And this is even though Guyanese expect oil revenues to come their way. According to the govern-

Caricom official shot and robbed after leaving Republic Bank When Lionel Persaud visited the Republic Bank’s Triumph, East Coast Demerara branch yesterday, he had no idea that another customer had been shot and robbed the previous day. But minutes after he left that bank, a gunman cornered the 59-year-old Caricom Secretariat programme manager outside his Atlantic Gardens, East Coast Demerara residence. The gunman relieved Persaud of a bag containing the $264,000 he had withdrawn, shot him in the right leg, then escaped by car with an accomplice. The attack occurred at around 14.00 hrs. Persaud said that the bullet exited his leg. He was treated at a city hospital but was not admitted. Persaud confirmed in a telephone interview that he had made the withdrawal from the Republic Branch’s Triumph Branch. This was the same branch from which electrical contractor Bisnauth Chan, also called Terry Chan, had withdrawn $600,000 on Wednesday, before being trailed and shot at his Foulis, East Coast Demerara workplace. “I didn’t know that anyone had been robbed (on Wednesday)” Persaud said. He was not aware of being followed, but just as he

- second such attack in two days arrived home and exited his car, the occupants of another vehicle approached from a northern direction and blocked Persaud’s path. A man then exited from the back seat, pointed a handgun at Persaud, and ordered him to “hand over the bag.” The Caricom Secretariat official said he immediately complied. The gunman then ordered Persaud to lie on the ground. When he hesitated, the bandit shot him in the right leg, before escaping with his accomplice. A policeman transported Persaud to hospital. Investigators retrieved a spent shell from the scene and “are making stringent efforts to trace the vehicle and arrest the perpetrators. At around 13.00 hrs on Wednesday, electrical contractor Bisnauth Chan, also called Terry Chan, was shot in the head and relieved of $600,000 just after leaving a commercial bank and entering his workplace at Foulis, East Coast Demerara. Chan, 38, had cashed an $800,000 cheque at the Republic Bank branch at Triumph, East Coast Demerara. The robber and an accomplice escaped with the cash on a CG motorcycle, which had no number plates.

Chan has been admitted to hospital with a fractured skull. He is said to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery. The contractor had told Kaieteur News that he had seen a car apparently trailing him in the vicinity of Lusignan. However, the contractor said that the vehicle was nowhere in sight when he reached his workplace. Chan said that just as he entered his workplace at Foulis, he heard an explosion behind him. He had no idea that he had been shot until he saw the blood trickling down his neck. He described the gunman as a tall, slim, faircomplexioned individual with plaits and tattoos on his arms. The gunman and an accomplice escaped on a CG motorcycle without number plates. The attack on Chan occurred just 12 days after fisherman, Eddie Brandon, was shot in the leg and robbed of $7.6M he had withdrawn from the Republic Bank branch at Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. The robbers escaped after attacking Brandon near his home at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara. No one has been arrested for any of the robberies.

Trotman conducts needs assessment at GuySuCo Training Centre The Ministry of Natural Resources is examining how it can develop the capacity of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo)’s Training Centre Port Mourant (GTCPM) to provide local content for the oil and gas industry. Yesterday, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, met with the management of GTCPM in Berbice to conduct a needs assessment evaluation. “I believe that the school and the region, in particular, could play a role in the oil and gas industry,” the Minister told the School Programme Coordinator, Zamin Ally, in the presence of instructors and other staff. Trotman pointed out that there is expected to be an increase of exploration activity in the Berbice area towards the Surinamese border. He added that he is examining how Berbice can become part of the industry.

Berbice is one of the locations identified by the government to land a gas pipeline. The administration is examining bringing the natural gas found with oil to shore to supply the country’s energy needs. There is also a consideration for the establishment of an onshore supply base in Berbice. Trotman noted this base could also support oil explorations in neighbouring Suriname who currently relies on Trinidad and Tobago for onshore services. At least one oil company and one foreign company have indicated their willingness to partner with the training centre to enhance its capacity to provide training suitable to the oil and gas industry standards, Trotman disclosed. The GTC is considered the first technical training school in Guyana. It has been around for some 62 years training staff for GuySuCo and was commended for its (Continued on page 13)

ment, Guyana will earn approximately US$300M in the forty years of oil production. So Guyana will have US$300M more to spend. And this is exciting Guyanese so much so that they are staying very quiet about the scandalous oil deal which was signed between the government and Exxon. In 2016, the government earned an additional US$300 M from gold, but this did not lead to a single new major infrastructural project in the country. All the major new ventures were all PPPC projects which are being rolled over. The US$300M from gold did not transform the infrastructure of the economy. The reason for this is firstly that the flow-through effect of infrastructure investments to economic growth is very marginal. It requires hundreds of millions of investments to impact on a 1% economic growth. Second, the trickle down effects of infrastructural investments is low. The persons who tend to benefit the most

from infrastructural investments are the contractors. What all of this means is that the US$300M which Guyana is expected to earn from Exxon is not going to impact on economic growth neither is it likely to impact on the fortunes of the small man. The Exxon deal is not transformative, because the revenue flows are too small. In addition, the development of oil will lead to the neglect of other sectors. The sugar industry is on its last. Rice seems to be on the verge of peaking. Bauxite is flattening out. And the other sectors performed below par. Guyanese therefore must not expect that the US$300M that will flow from oil in 2020 is going to be an additional US$300M into the economy. It is not. The new inflows from petroleum will have to compensate for the shortfall in export earnings in other sectors. Guyanese have to wake up and smell the coffee or whatever else Exxon has offloaded and is smelling. The oil deal changes little for

Guyana. Yet, government persists with the asininity about concentrating on how the oil monies will be spent and not about whether Guyana got a good deal. This is a disgusting reaction from a government from which better was expected. The question, therefore, as Marx would have posited is, “What is to be done?” The government is clearly now covering up its incompetence in the negotiations. It has contemptuously announced that there will be no renegotiation. It is a done deal. The public will never know why it was that only some Ministers saw the contract before it was signed. The public will never enjoy the sweet of the oil which lies offshore. The government is beyond reclamation.

Friday February 23, 2018

Kaieteur News

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GFC to deliberate shortly on future of log exports The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) is set this quarter to decide on how the country will treat its log exports. While on one hand there has been a feeling to halt the exports, loggers and other stakeholders were rejecting an outright ban, pointing to the high costs of processing in Guyana. The intentions behind the logs ban were to encourage more value-added processing, including sawn and kilndried lumber. Speaking during a press conference earlier this week, GFC’s Commissioner, James Singh, disclosed that the Board of Directors will be deliberating on a policy this quarter. Last year, there were extensive consultations with the final decision to be made by the board, Singh said. Over the years, Guyana has been struggling to attract downstream processing as it is known, with loggers, many of them Asian, preferring to export the logs as is. There are tough measures under the GFC’s Proposal For National Log Export Policy 2016-2020. The Schedule A Species was proposing a fiveyear ban on log form for Purpleheart, Locust, Crabwood, Red Cedar, Washiba, Letterwood and Snakewood. Under Schedule B and C, which includes Wamara, Greenheart, Kabukalli, Shibadan and Bulletwood, it was proposed that export commission would be charged between 22 and 25 percent. For the other less used species, the percentage is between 18-20 percent.

The proposed policy had envisaged to provide the following impacts - to increase in local added value forest products manufacturing; to more effectively supply domestic demand in housing, construction and utility sectors; to protect species that are in short supply in the forest whilst maximizing the value of the volumes harvested; to creating more jobs in the forest sector; to reducing the possibility of pressure on the forest of Guyana and thus limit deforestation and forest degradation; and to encourage investment in manufacturing forest sector. According to the document, given the result of the policy for the last two phases, the third phase proposed to use a combined approach of banning specific species of export in log form, and instituting a progressively increasing rate of export commission, on specific species. “This option would have the effect of limiting overexploitation of the premium species, while providing an opportunity to develop Guyana’s lesser used species.” According to figures provided by GFC, the forest sector faced several challenges in 2017, among them being a lower overall global demand, lower prices for tropical timber products and a general contracting of international markets. “Concurrently, several large forest concessions have reverted to the state for reasons including: following expiration and non-renewal; and actions taken on others which were non-compliant with the terms and conditions of contractual obligation to the

GFC’s board during the press conference earlier this week.

GFC’s board is soon to discuss a way forward on log exports. state.” Over the past 10 years, the forest sector as a whole employed about 20,000 persons with approximately 4,500 persons employed at the community forestry association level. According to GFC, the sector has contributed ap-

proximately US$40MUS$60M in export value over the past 10 years and has contributed a production level of timber and plywood of 400,000m3 to 500,000m3 annually. Historic levels have fluctuated within these ranges over the past 5 years.

A total production level of 377,111m3 was recorded for 2017 as compared with 353,495m3 for January to December 2016; this represents a 7% increase in 2017 total production level. The projection for 2018 is 400,000m3. Total log exports for 2017

was recorded at US$14.6M and this compares to US$16.2M in 2016. The highest revenue earner for the year for the forest sector was sawn lumber which recorded US$16.5M, compared to US$18.8M in 2016.

Carnivals, other large events could create public health challenge This is the season for celebrating. However such events could help to amplify public health risks. This is according to information released yesterday by the Caribbean Public Health Agency [CARPHA]. CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. C. James Hospedales, explained that the primary form of influenza transmission is through interpersonal contact. As such, he revealed that large social events like carnival, festivals and concerts can create serious public health challenges because persons are often crowded together, sharing personal space and common areas. Moreover, CARPHA is urging that people seek to practice good personal hy-

giene in order to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Influenza [flu] is a contagious respiratory illness which affects thousands of people in the Caribbean each year. Typically, the flu season in the Region occurs between September and March, when there is usually an increase in the number of persons coming down with the flu in the northern hemisphere. Flu is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, cough [usually dry], headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise [feeling unwell], sore throat and runny nose. Most people recover from symptoms within a week with-

- CARPHA out requiring medical attention but influenza can cause severe illness or death in people at high risk. “Given elevated flu activity in the United States, combined with the high travel season to the Caribbean, it is important that people take the necessary steps now, to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu,” CARPHA has amplified. In urging that persons take proactive measures to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses, CARPHA has also issued a list of measures that persons can incorporate to safeguard themselves. These include: covering your

mouth with a tissue or handkerchief, or using your elbow when sneezing or coughing; safely disposing of used tissues; washing your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds after coughing and sneezing and before and after meal preparation, eating and using the toilets; alternatively, you may use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer; avoiding contact with others by staying home if you are sick; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly. But according to CARPHA, vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease. In this regard, safe and effective vaccines have been available and used for over 60 years. However, CARPHA has revealed that vaccination is especially important for health workers and people at higher risk of serious influenza complications, such as the very young, the elderly and chronically ill persons, and for people who live with or care for high risk individuals.

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Kaieteur News

All oil contracts signed by Guyana bear similar ugly features as one with Exxon - Govt. promises to do different “going forward”

By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) that the Government of Guyana signed with ExxonMobil is definitely not the only one of its kind in Guyana. Kaieteur News has been told that all of the oil contracts which have been signed by APNU+AFC government as well as the PPP/C government are similar. In fact, this newspaper understands that the model that was being used over the years dates back to the 1970s. Guyana has just about 10 existing contracts with various oil companies including ExxonMobil. These have all been modeled from a contract that the country had with Mobil, a company that had a presence in Guyana during the time of former President, the late Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. It was that same template that was reportedly used to formulate the ExxonMobil 1999 PSA. However, when ExxonMobil announced that it found oil in commercial quantities offshore Guyana in 2015, and the APNU+AFC

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon government took another look at the contract, a decision was taken by government to review and renegotiate the contract. In fact, this newspaper carried an article back in 2016 that quoted Trotman, expressing government’s desire to do same. That article can be read here: https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2016/06/29/govt-reviews-17year-old-contract-with-exxonmobil-but-agrees-it-providesrelative-protection-as-constituted-2/. However, Kaieteur News has been told that

ExxonMobil, knowing the advantageous provisions of the 1999 contract, took a firm stance that it was not willing to renegotiate the contract. Apparently, the company had grounds for that position. And government “respects the sanctity of agreements.” Nevertheless, the government maneuvered a one percent increase in royalty, which in ExxonMobil’s view, was negligible; it does not hurt the company in anyway. But, that meagre increase and the inclusion of a signature bonus, which is also negligible in the grand scheme of things, were predicated on an agreement to extend the life of the contract beyond 2018. ExxonMobil’s contract would have ended in June and another would have had to be negotiated. The government opted to extend. With the extension, ExxonMobil managed to slip in a few more “oppressive” provisions as those contained in the Stability Clause. MOVING FORWARD No one from the Government has publicly admitted

Kitty craftsman claims given stolen item for his silence A craftsman who told the court that he was given an earphone for him to keep silent was yesterday remanded to prison on a robbery underarms charge after he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Collin Bryan, 31, of Kitty, Georgetown, appeared before Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan and denied the charge which alleged that on February 15 at David Street, Kitty, while being in the company of others and armed with a gun, he robbed Andrea Mereira of one cellular phone valued $25,000 and one earphone valued $4,000. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield objected to bail

being granted to the defendant, citing the serious nature of the offence and the penalty the charge attracts. The prosecutor added that the defendant when arrested admitted to the offence and was positively identified by the victim. The defendant when given a chance to address the court stated “I just came out of prison, dem boys robbed the girl where I does work and they give me the earphone for me to keep my mouth shut.” When asked by the Magistrate what he did with the earphone, the accused said that he pawned it for $3,000 to buy craft materials. The prosecutor’s objection was upheld by the Mag-

Remanded to prison Collin Bryan istrate and the defendant was remanded to prison. He will make his next court appearance on March 9.

Trotman conducts needs assessment... (From page 9) “fantastic reputation” by the Minister. GTCPM provides a four-year apprenticeship programme for persons who will eventually end up working on GuySuCo’s estates. The certified training programme offers courses in engineering such as industrial electrical insulation, instrumentation programme, automation, agriculture mechanic programme and welding and fabrication among others. The school also provides training courses to members of the community and companies of the private sector. Ally noted that the minister’s visit and intentions could not come at a better time. With the downsizing of the sugar industry, the institute will not have any

students in June, leaving many staffers uncertain of the school’s future. “I just want to say that we’re happy that you’re here…it has renewed our confidence. We are going to engage you and work with you to ensure that not only Port Mourant training school prospers but our country as a whole and county.” Ally pointed out that while some equipment and teaching techniques will need to be updated for the oil and gas industry, he assured that the GTC provides a solid foundation that can be applied in any industry. Minister Trotman will meet again with the school’s management in March for additional follow-up.

that the ExxonMobil contract is oppressive. In fact, senior government officials have been in high praise of the company and the contract. Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, was the one who signed the ExxonMobil contract on government’s behalf. He said that Guyana has been able to get a good deal. Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan; Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge have all said that the contract is a good one - especially Greenidge. However, despite the songs of praise that have been sung, government has identified that better needs to be done. Yesterday, Harmon said that the government, in going forward, will be looking to secure contracts that are not so similar to those already signed. “Going forward, we are basically looking at all these things in these additional contracts. We recog-

nized, and the world has seen it, that there is a striking similarity between the contract signed with CGX and the ExxonMobil contract. These

are contracts negotiated and signed by the previous administration. I am not going there as to who signed what. We have to deal with what is it we have now and we are going to deal with the issues as they come forward.”

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Kaieteur News

GWI forced to pay millions for billing software - almost every job was contracted out in 2015 Management of the stateowned Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is claiming that they inherited “an albatross” of billing software that is costing the company millions with little legroom for adjustments. In fact, to just make an adjustment to GWI’s systems to account for the Value Added Tax (VAT), the company was forced to fork out over $18M recently. Addressing questions Wednesday during a public hearing into an application for an across the board increase in rates and tariffs, GWI’s Managing Director, Dr. Richard Van West Charles, disclosed that shortly after taking up his appointment in late 2015, he came face to face with billing software which tied the company down. “We have an albatross around our neck…they charged us US$100,000…we can’t make a move without touching base. It is holding us back from adjusting our billings; we can’t even handle the introduction of VAT ((Value Added Tax).” The VAT for water was introduced by Government for 2017 but until now, more than a year later, GWI has difficulties in merging the charge to the current billing, the official said. There is an annual licence fee for the Progress Software, one of the products being used by GWI. This amounts to the equivalent of US$24,000, it was disclosed. Then there is the annual

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood

HiAffinity Support Licence fee of US$71,000. This is the billing software. This support gives GWI 10 free days of activity support…meaning, if there is need for them to do any fixes, etc, it is charged to the 10 free days. Any other support required outside of the contract is charged at a flat rate of US$ 1,200 per day. This was highly evident from the recent charge by the contractor to introduce systems to accommodate the VAT charge. GWI has been forced to pay over US$87,000 so far. “Draconian” was how the contract was described by an upset Van West Charles. GWI, the Managing Director said, has started looking at other options to that 2008installed software, including what is available in the US. It will more than likely be similar software to the one used by the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL), the official said. During the hearing at Cara Lodge, the Managing Director was also questioned by officials from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), the regulator, and the consumers’ representatives who are largely against any increases until GWI can produce up-todate financials. Questioned about its increasing travelling bills, the Managing Director made it clear that there has been an increase in training overseas in recent months. In fact, in 2015, while there was a travelling bill for $1.5M, this jumped to $14M in 2016 but went to $10M last year. There are more workshops that had been redounding in benefits for the company, the official disclosed. The Managing Director also painted a picture of a dis-

GWI officials at the hearings mal GWI in 2015, when the Coalition Government took over. It was emphasised that new management was installed. Almost everything was contracted out, with not even a crane owned by GWI. “There was very little in terms of in-house capabilities”. GWI, he said, is now moving to acquire its own rig, rebuild its workshop and continue to work with low-cost technologies for drilling wells. With regards to customer service, GWI is acknowledging that there is still a far way to go. However, online systems allow for consumers to

take photos of their meters to assist with meter reading and even report water main breaks via a special app. The latter is being monitored for response time. Warning that GWI needs $2.2B coming from the proposed increases to carry out needed maintenance and raise the quality of water, Dr. Van West Charles noted that any slippages will result in “brown water”. With GWI also charged with maintaining the city’s aging sewage systems, Van West Charles in making his case for the increases, insisted

that sanitary workers have a right to decent working conditions. The company, in addition to wanting to stabilize power at its wells by placing generators and other forms of alternative energy for help provide 24-hour service, disclosed that it is moving to introduce facilities for sanitation workers to shower and wash their clothes. The increases will come in to deal with the high iron content of water in some parts of the country, which causes the water to run red, and for the continued cleaning of tanks at

schools which are now being tested regularly to ensure water quality meet international standards. GWI is to appear again before the PUC on March 14. They are coming under intense scrutiny with the company expected to produce its financials to help make its case for the increases. Among other things, GWI wants to introduce a $500 fixed charge for all categories of consumers with waivers for pensioners. The new charges will see stiff penalties for theft. The last tariff increase was in 2005.

Pastor appeals 40-yr sentence on rape conviction An appeal has been filed on behalf of Andrew Hannibal, the pastor who was convicted and sentenced to spend forty years in prison for having sexual intercourse with an underage female. Hannibal, 46, of Bennett Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice, appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court. In his notice to appeal filed by attorneys Andranauth Gossai and Mursaline Bacchus, Pastor Hannibal is contending that at the summing up of his trial,

the Judge ignored a number of discrepancies in the evidence presented in the matter. The appellant is arguing that the Judge failed to direct the jury on pertinent evidence presented in the trial including inconsistencies about the location and layout of the room that the act is alleged to have been committed and on matters of the medical certificate. The court heard that the Pastor had taken advantage of a child he was reportedly counseling and had sex with her. The case which lasted two

days saw Justice Kissoon summing up the evidence for the jury and directing them to the aspects of the law. The jury subsequently retired to consider the evidence before returning with a unanimous verdict of g u i l t y. J u s t i c e K i s s o o n then handed down the 40year sentence. The preliminary inquiry was conducted before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver at the Blairmont Magistrate’s Court. The matter was called three times where the committal statements were read in the magistrate’s court. The Pastor was given a

Andrew Hannibal chance to respond to those statements but did not.

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President zeros in on border protection, - in Republic message citizens’ safety President David Granger last night underscored the need for Guyana to be watchful of its borders as well as the protection of its citizens. In his message to the nation, this is what he had to say: “The independent state of Guyana assumed the title ‘Cooperative Republic’ on this day, 48 years ago. The Republic severed vestigial constitutional bonds with the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Guyana became fully sovereign, no longer subject to external authority. The Republic vested sovereignty in our people. It charged Guyanese with exercising this sovereignty by assuming responsibility for defending their motherland and developing the economy. We, Guyanese, 48th republic anniversary, happy that our efforts to defend our homeland have not been in vain. We have lived under the shadow of threats to our territory since Independence in 1966.Guyana moved closer towards a juridical settlement of the territorial controversy this year. The United Nations Secretary General in January in-

President David Granger dicated his choice of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as the means to resolve the controversy. We, Guyanese, intend to pursue our case before the ICJ in coming months with the same determination as we rejected the unwarranted claim to our territory in past years. We are confident that our cause is just and our case is sound. We are committed to defending our motherland. Guyana’s Constitution stipulates that: “The State’s defence and security policy shall be to defend national independence, preserve the country’s sovereignty and integrity and guarantee the normal func-

tioning of institutions and the security of citizens against any armed aggression.” Our citizens’ safety is the State’s paramount objective. Our people must be safe in their homes, villages and places of work. Their property must be protected against crime. Guyana’s Government is enhancing the delivery of services to its most distant communities, both on the coastland and in the hinterland, in good times and bad. Guyana’s Government is augmenting its resources to render assistance to regional administrations and villages in times of flood, drought, threats to public order and other emergencies. Guyana looks forward to the intensification of cooperation with friendly, foreign states, especially in building capacity for the Defence Force’s technical corps to improve the national infrastructure in every part of the country, to defend our territorial integrity, to protect our citizens and to respond to emergencies. International cooperation is essential to preserving this continent as a zone of peace; to preventing and interdicting transnational threats such

GUYANA AGRICULTURAL AND GENERAL WORKERS UNION As Guyana celebrates its 48th anniversary as a Republic our citizens have another opportunity during the time that has elapsed since February, 1970 to assess what and where that Constitutional status has brought us. We became a Republic but remained within the Commonwealth of Nations – that grouping of former British colonies. This was a major step, following Independence in 1966, and one which was intended to be in the furtherance of our independent status and forging of our nationhood. With this step a local President replaced the Queen of England as our Head of State and this, with other Constitutional reforms, solidified our independent status. GAWU salutes our nation on this important anniversary of Republicanism but takes a sober look at where the Republic stands nearly half a century on. No doubt we made

strides, in various socio-economic aspects during this time but we contend that the economic transformation whereby the masses of Guyanese could feel and experience and what was expected from this Constitutional status is still to be experienced. To this day, the economic struggle for a reasonable standard of living continues. Too many of our skilled, qualified citizens have opted for migration in pursuit of a better life. As we have noted before the “Good Life” here is still out of grasp of the working-people. Also, GAWU recognizes that disunity is still among our several vexing realities and, we believe, impacts our society and contribute to a lack of progress. We urge our leaders, at this time, to recognize their deficit in our society and to consider in a matured responsible way how to forge unity which is generally recognized as desirable. Even as we celebrate our Republican status, we feel constrained to point out that

thousands have joined the breadline with no structured programmes to mitigate the massive redundancy that have so callously descended upon them. This is a blemish on our national leadership and is an act that surely will not ease social tensions nor aid, in any way, our economic growth. At this time too, we cannot ignore other realities that have reduced the quality of life of our fellow citizens generally, viz crime, carnage on the roads, home invasion, corruption and unemployment. None-the-less, GAWU calls on Guyanese not to abandon hope and unite and struggle for genuine change. As the Anniversary’s Mashramani events take centre-stage, let us celebrate but, bear in mind our responsibilities as citizens of our Republic to bring about enduring prosperity and all-round progress benefitting every Guyanese. A happy, peaceful Republic Anniversary and Mashramani 2018 to all!

as drug-, gun- and humantrafficking, the spread of contagious diseases, terrorism and to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and natural hazards. Guyana’s green grandeur must be protected. Its grasslands, highlands, islands, wetlands, lakes, coastal mudflats, rainforests, rivers and waterfalls are wonderful – not a mere figment of its citizens’ imagination. We, Guyanese, are proud of our country. Our national anthem sings of a “…land of rivers and plains, made rich by the sunshine and lush by the rains, set gem-like and fair between mountains and seas…” We, Guyanese, in the exercise of our sovereignty, are defending the Republic. We are protecting our patrimony. We are ensuring that future generations will be able to inherit this beautiful country, to live in peace and to enjoy the good life and prosperity which this bountiful country has to offer. Guyanese! I extend greetings to you on the occasion of the 48th Anniversary of the republic. Happy Republic Day! Happy Mashramani! May God bless the Republic!”

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP [The following letter was sent to President David Granger on behalf of the people of the United States] Dear Mr. President: Congratulations to you and the people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the occasion of your 48th Republic Day, February 23. The United States of America takes pride in its partnership with the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. We value your on going contributions to regional security and look forward to working with you on the development of your natural resources for the benefit of the Guyanese people. On behalf of the American people, I wish you and your people a beautiful Mashramani festival.

INDIAN ACTION COMMITTEE The IAC in recognition of the 48th Anniversary of Guyana achieving republican status is calling upon all Guyanese citizens including those who will be involved in public celebrations, to observe this day in a safe and considerate manner given the fact that many persons will be consuming alcohol in large quantity. The IAC further calls upon all drivers who are involved in festivities to observe the basic rule of not drinking and driving. The IAC recognizes that the date itself is linked to the Berbice uprising of enslaved persons of African origin which allowed the then Dutch colony of Berbice to be administered by the temporarily freed slaves for a period of one year between 1763 and 1764. The IAC also recognizes that a number of citizens, particularly dislocated sugar workers, and their families will not be partaking in this year’s activities because of severe financial constraints and the organization encourages these persons to remain within their own communities and observe the day in private gatherings. The IAC understands that many families of all ethnicities are presently suffering untold hardships in this current state of economic downturn in Guyana. The IAC joins with the political parties, religious bodies, trade unions and other civil society groups in the call for inclusion, genuine and lasting national unity in the drive towards economic development and prosperity. The IAC wishes all Guyanese a Happy 48th Republic Anniversary.

PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS/REFORM The People’s National Congress Reform is pleased to extend greetings and good wishes to all of the people of Guyana as we celebrate the 48th Anniversary of our Republican status. The anniversary of the Republic, apart from the national celebration of Mashramani, is an occasion for reflection and assessment of the state of our nation, 48 years after Guyana was declared a Republic. This year Mashramani is being held under the theme, “Lets Cooperate and Celebrate Republic 48”. In this regard, it must be evident to all that we, as Guyanese, need to redouble our efforts to achieve greater trust and cooperation

between our communities. We want happy families and households. We want better inter-personal relations. We must strengthen national unity, expand national infrastructure, fortify national institutions, ensure national security and extend public services.

Accordingly, the PNCR wishes all of the people of Guyana, a Happy Republic holiday, and a joyous celebration of Mashramani, as we pray that the spirit of peace, love and unity will dwell among us on the 48th Anniversary of our Republic. Happy Mashramani!

HAPPY 48TH REPUBLIC ANNIVERSARY GUYANA On February 23, 1970, Guyana became a Cooperative Republic. Today, Guyana is celebrating its 48th Republic Anniversary. We at Kaieteur News salute our nation on this anniversary and pray that we continue to make progressive strides onward. Below are a few messages embracing the Spirit of our Republic Anniversary.

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Migration figures: Highest number Trump-Russia: New charges for of EU nationals leaving UK in a decade Paul Manafort and Rick Gates

The number of EU citizens leaving the UK is at its highest level for a decade with 130,000 emigrating in the year to September, figures show. But far more EU nationals (220,000) moved to the UK in the same period, the Office for National Statistics found. It means net EU migration - the difference between arrivals and departures - was 90,000, the lowest for five years. The ONS said Brexit could be a factor in people’s decisions to move. Nicola White, head of international migration statistics at the ONS, said migration was complicated and could be influenced by lots of different reasons. The figures also show

that more British people are emigrating than are returning to live in the UK. Of those EU nationals arriving in the UK, fewer were coming for “work-related reasons”, in particular to “look for work”. By contrast, immigration from countries outside the European Union is going up which means the UK population is continuing to grow at a similar level to early 2014. Some 285,000 non-EU citizens arrived in the UK in the 12-month period to September, and 80,000 departed. This gives a net increase of 205,000, the highest for six years. BBC home affairs correspondent Danny Shaw said this was largely driven by

more people coming to study in the UK and an uncharacteristic dip in the previous year’s figures that may have been corrected. He also speculated whether firms were starting to struggle to recruit or retain people from the EU, forcing them to look outside the EU. Overall, net migration is estimated to have fallen by 29,000 to 244,000 in the same period. This includes 73,000 British people coming back to the UK and 125,000 Britons leaving.The overall net migration figure is still well short of the government’s target to reduce net migration to below 100,000, a pledge made in the 2010, 2015 and 2017 Tory manifestos.

(BBC) The special counsel investigating claims of Russian political meddling in the US has filed new charges against two former aides to Donald Trump. Robert Mueller indicted Mr Trump’s former campaign chairman Paul Manafort and business associate Rick Gates on multiple counts of tax and bank fraud. Both were charged in October with conspiracy to launder money. But there are no criminal allegations of collusion with Russia, the Justice Department investigation’s main thrust. Mr Manafort resigned as chairman of the Trump campaign in August 2016 after being accused over his dealings with pro-Russian politicians in Ukraine. The seasoned political operative has worked on several Republican presidential campaigns, beginning with Gerald Ford’s in 1976. Thursday’s 32-count indictment alleges that Mr Manafort and Mr Gates conspired to hide more than $30m (£22m) in Mr Manafort’s personal income from tax officials.It also claims that Mr

Paul Manafort (L) and Rick Gates allegedly controlled a $75m offshore account Gates concealed more than $3m of his own income. The money “flowed through” a $75m offshore account controlled by them, according to the indictment filed by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia. It is also alleged the two defendants filed tax returns to the US authorities from 201014 that they knew to be factually incorrect. Mr Gates is accused of using his share of the cash to pay for “personal expenses, including his mortgage, children’s tuition” and re-

decorating his Virginia home. Earlier on Thursday a court denied Mr Manafort’s request to modify the terms of his house arrest. The judge ruled that Mr Manafort’s pledge to use his properties in Virginia and New York as bail collateral was “unsatisfactory”. The special counsel had opposed the bail application. Mr Mueller’s team argued the Manafort properties were related to “additional criminal conduct” and could be confiscated in the event of foreclosure.

Nigeria’s Boko Haram crisis: Dapchi anger over missing girls

Michelle Playter aims to make... From page 24 whether it's through Modelling, Make-up, singing, being a Mother or my lifestyle. My main goal in life is to make a difference in the world and to be a voice through whatever I do to help others” Michelle added. One of four siblings, Michelle's eldest sister's death anniversary was a day before the Miss Guyana Universe Pageant. Michelle was a tom boy growing up but recounted that she loved 'dressing up' since she was little. She remembered using her mother's make- up to put on herself and sisters faces and anyone who would visit. “That used to be one of my most fun things to do growing up in the country, apart from swimming, playing cricket, football, Volley ball, Fishing, running, climbing trees, hunting and driving the 'speed boat' across the Demerara River” Michelle informed. In addition to being a

pageant Model, Michelle has Runway modeling experience both locally, where she modelled clothing for several local designers including Sonia Noel, Michelle Cole, Derick Moore and Olympia SmallSonaram, and internationally where, for the last three years she has been Modeling for BKW fashion week in the USA. The former Beauty Pageant contestant is also an excellent Cook and sang on Beauty of Christmas on NCN, won Miss photogenic in 2003 and acted in two short movies (Live and love in Guyana & the Black Box) with the WHEN LAST MOVEMENT Production Company which is now located in Barbados. Michelle was on flyers and Brochures when Courts celebrated their 10th Anniversary, appeared in commercials for City Mall and Splashmin's Resort and was a model in the Genesis fashion show, Guyana Fashion week, Courts Guyana Stash for Cash, DDL Pepsi Max, the Guyana leg of CPL T20 cricket and Jam Zone

Master's Cup T20 cricket. She was a contestant in the GT&T Jingle and song festival in 2012, did photo shoots for an agency from Canada in 2014 and 2015 and worked as a Make-up artist for brides at local celebrities weddings, including when former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan got married. Michelle has achieved a lot but her climb to the top is far from done and not without hurdles to cross. “The two hardest things I ever faced were being sick for nine months without knowing what I was suffering from and losing my big sister at a very tender age. My family is my rock and biggest supporters and I love them dearly.” Michelle has two sons for International Cricket Commentator and Sports Journalist Sean Devers. “We are no longer together but we have remained friends. I have someone in my life and we are going well so far.”

Boko haram girls (BBC) There is growing anger among the parents of a group of missing Nigerian schoolgirls following an attack by Boko Haram on Monday night. Parents of pupils who disappeared from their boarding school in Dapchi told the BBC their girls were still missing.The state government has apologised for issuing a statement on Wednesday that said some had been saved by the army. “We have now established that the information we relied on to make the statement was not credible,” it said.The Nigerian activist

group, Bring Back Our Girls, has called on the government to release a list of the names in order to clarify how many pupils are missing. The group was set up after the abduction almost four years ago of 276 girls from a school in Chibok, also in north-eastern Nigeria. Parents originally said that around 100 children were thought to be missing following the attack in Yobe state. Officials placed the figure far lower, at around 50, and initially said they had not been abducted. Instead, they were said to be hiding in the bush after fleeing the attack,

Then, in a statement released on Wednesday, the Yobe state government said they had been told by the army an unspecified number of girls had been rescued from the “terrorists who abducted them”.Reuters news agency quoted parents and a government official as saying two girls had died, 76 had been rescued and at least 13 were still missing. But the state governor has backtracked on the statement and said the girls had not been found after all - leading five of the parents present at the briefing to faint with shock.

Region 2 admin scrutinize Suddie hospital for poor services

The Suddie Public Hospital, Region 2 The image of the Suddie Public Hospital is so tainted, that it has now been engaging the attention of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Two [Pomeroon/ Supenaam]. As was reported at the region’s statutory meeting earlier this month, there is a lack of public confidence in the Suddie Public Hospital. The Suddie Public Hospital is the largest and the main hospital on the Essequibo Coast, which continues to provide health care services to a population of over 150,000 residents. While this health institution renders services free of charge, however, there is a morbid fear that overcomes residents when seeking medical attention there. Many Essequibians are fearful for their lives, since persons had reportedly died

under mysterious circumstances at the hospital. At the region’s statutory meeting last week Tuesday, two matters surfaced which reflected negligence on the part of the Suddie hospital’s staff. One of the matters which surfaced dated back to the latter part of last year when an ex-staffer of the RDC died while admitted at the hospital. Reports are that the man was last admitted at the hospital, but was later found dead in a nearby trench. Staffers claim that the man walked out of the hospital, and made his way out of the compound. The second unfortunate incident which surfaced, occurred just last month when a four year old girl died minutes after receiving an injection at the hospital. The girl, who was the only child for her single mother, was admitted to the Suddie

hospital for a fever. Upon receiving an injection, however, she quickly passed away. The family claims that on the day of the child’s funeral, something seemed off about the colour of her body. Kaieteur News was informed that an investigation was since launched into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Commenting on the issue at RDC a few Tuesdays ago, the Regional Chairman, Devenand Ramdatt, said that these unfortunate incidents are happening too often. Ramdatt noted that staff are being paid to do their work and as such should adopt a more proactive attitude. He added, “We need to start taking some very strong action against some of these staff at the Suddie Public Hospital, after all we represent the people of this region.”

School feeding programme is meeting millennium goals In an effort to develop an agenda to fight hunger and malnutrition, the Ministry of Education with the continued support from the Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders have successfully implemented its School Feeding Programme. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Vibert Welch, during an address at the recently held national dialogue workshop on the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Conference of Latin America and the Caribbean workshop, highlighted the intention of the Ministry as it pertains to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the effort made. “Our ultimate goal is to eradicate hunger, overweight and obesity, put an end to rural poverty, promote climate resilience subsistence agriculture and promote a new FAO

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Friday February 23, 2018

to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Hence, at the Ministry of Education, we recognise that children need the energy to concentrate and enjoy school as a consequence, therefore, our school feeding programme has emerged as a major initiative for our student’s wellbeing.” Welch said. Cognisant of the reality of hunger becoming an epidemic, the Ministry has been working assiduously, in coordination with other agencies, to improve the situation. The programme features four parts. The year 2009 saw the introduction of the Juice and Biscuit programme, which covers all nursery students along with students from Grades One and Two located at coastal schools. In Region Nine, Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo, the Peanut Butter and Cassava Bread programme, which cov-

ers students for 192 days a year, was implemented in 2005. The Hinterland Community-Based School Feeding Programme which caters for 165 schools from Regions One, Seven Eight and Nine and benefits approximately 22,475 students commenced in 2006. In 2016, the Breakfast Programme was piloted in Georgetown, the East Coast and Region Three, catering to students in Nursery and Primary schools. The objectives of the school feeding programme include building more community participation in schools and improving children’s human development outcomes, such as student enrollment and attendance, nutritional status and learning outcomes. Consequently, the programme has tackled unemployment and underemployment.

Mechanic not guilty of teen’s death in Mandela Ave. accident Thirty-six year-old Lennox De Nobrega was yesterday freed of a charge of causing death by dangerous driving after making an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. De Nobrega , of Church Street, Cummingsburg, Georgetown, was accused of driving motorcar PRR 7624 in a manner dangerous to the public on October 14, 2017, causing the death of 17-yearold Jhamallie Miles. De Nobrega, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Dexter Todd, pleaded not guilty to the charge. He had been released on $500,000 bail pending trial. Police said that the teenager, who was also a mechanic, was struck down at around 20:40hrs, while he was attempting to cross over Nelson Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. According to reports, De Nobrega was driving the motorcar which was proceeding west along Mandela Avenue when he collided with Miles, who suddenly dashed across the road. The injured teen was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His cause of death was given

DEAD: Jhamallie Miles

FREED: Lennox De Nobrega

as haemorrhage as a result of blunt trauma to the head. Delivering her ruling in the matter yesterday, the Chief Magistrate summed up the facts and evidence led by the prosecution. According to the Chief Magistrate, no evidence was led by the prosecution to support that De Nobrega was driving in a dangerous manner on the day in question. She said that she believed the story narrated to the court by an eyewitness who recounted that Miles ran into the path of the motorcar. The eyewitness’ story, the Chief Magistrate said,

corroborated that of De Nobrega.Further, the Chief Magistrate pointed out that although photographs of the accident scene were tendered during the trial, there was no evidence of skid mark impressions to support that the driver was indeed speeding. After reviewing the evidence, the Chief Magistrate asserted that the court believed that Miles ran into the vehicle. “It was the deceased’s (Miles) actions that resulted in his death,” the Chief Magistrate noted. As a result, the charge was dismissed against De Nobrega.

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FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Budhram’s Landscaping & Tree cutting service. Free advice, Free design, Free after care follow up. Tel#626-1044 Learn to swim, classes for adults & children. Contact: 666-3882/ 223-2421/678-7067 Austin Powers Repairs & Services: Regas Fridges, Freezers, AC, Washer, Dryer & Wiring. Lot 114 Brushe Dam Friendship. E.C.D Tel#685-2588/613-1711

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Unregistered DAF trucks: Dump trucks, Flat bed, Flat bed with crane & Hauler. Call: 659-3100.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Complete Building for business. Prime location in Lethem. #692-3573 Space for rent at Ashmin’s Building- suitable for salon or office- Call today! 683-7954 Vreed-en-hoop junction. Lessons place, church, storage bond, office, other. Call: 603-6400.

New 2 Post car hoists for mechanic shop. Lifting capacity: 4.5 tons. Telephone# 222-1730

Petboy shop at Howes & Ketley streets, Charlestown. Call: 231-1851

Video games and consoles at affordable price. Repairs to video game system .Call:6722566/265-3231

Residential & spacious two bedrooms lower apartment in Farm E.B.D. Three bedroom house in Eccles. Call: 616-7635

Plant-closing down sale: potting soil, plant pot, flower plant at Garden Centre, Plantation Schoonard WBD #615-2346/627-3443/15001600

3 bedroom upstairs for rent. Call: 666-6503, 684-7599

Supari palm, Lipstick, Royal, Foxtail. Exora 4 for $1000 Ficus 4 for $1000. Organic potting soil. Tel: 626-1044 Lenovo desktop with 17" Acer monitor, keyboard and mouse -$35,000. Call: 624-7155

Front lot Golden Grove. Tel# 671-2025 80 x 100 ft. Call: 692-3904 Eccles (concrete fence) $7M Farm (East Bank) $3.5M Parafaite Harmonie $1.5M Schnoord $3M Uivlugt $3.5M. Tel# 656-0701/6511969 MASSAGE & HEALTH Hazel’s Herbal Store for Iridology services 26th February at 244 D’Andrade St, Newtown. Tele: 226-9136 Angels Massaging Spa. Come relax and be pampered. Call: 694-9775. New attendants available. TOLET Bachelor Apt (30,000) One bedroom (50,000) 3 month advance. Haley and Durban St. #622-0036/223-1273 Two Bedroom ($50,000) 3 bedroom ($75,000) 3 month advance ‘B’ Field, Sophia. #622-0036 / 675-8238

1- Caterpillar skid steer 3.2M 1-Leyland daf cement mixer 2.2M 1-canter 3.6M Land at Blankenburg 2.9M Contact #650-0402/603-1402 Gold & Diamond for sale or percentage, Berbice river Mazaruni. #690-5300 or 6220036 6000 pound ice box (1) 48 Yamaha engine 13.4 length fishing vessel. Four hundred pound sein. Tel#690-8089 One Mitsubishi 4D32 engine complete with gearbox. Tel: 616-2175 / 659-2524 20 used panel steel doors 30"36" in good condition. Contact: 661-2998 One miller welding generator, one diesel generator, 10 KVA one mig weld 240 V. Contact: 699-4300, 228-2734 Air conditioning unit, complete rattan set & prime East Bank residential houselot $4M Tel#611-7223/656-0701 TOLET Spacious 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms top and bottom flats at Mon Repos ECD. Call: 645-2395/668-7986/629-5300.

WANTED 1 maid for East Bank area. Call: 614-4358 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Experienced articulated dump truck drivers to work in the interior. Kindly contact: 223-7165 for futher details. Experience curry cooks, counter servers, drivers, roti/ puri cooks. Apply Hack’s Halaal. 5 Commerce St. Experienced Sand Truck Driver. Apply to Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street or Call 227-8529, 626-8003. Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649

Two bedroom bottom flat. EBD $44,000 monthly. 6873017

Seeking a live in caregiver preferably from the East Coast area. For more information call: 592-690-0122 One accounts clerk, must have knowledge of QuickBooks. All applications must be sent to info@cevons.com

3 bedroom apartment top flat, Lusignan ECD. contact: 629-8240

Two Spanish speaking cooks to work. Contact Steve OLA Hotel. #690-6015

Business place/Store for rent, located at Grove EBD.Contact 684-6331

Need a good driver, very responsible and reliable, has an excellent driving record. Call:650-5913 Experienced General Manager to operate stringer (string gold) in the interior. Contact number: 223-7165

One champion generator 4500 KVA one portable air condition unit $120,000 (neg) #655-3400

LAND FOR SALE

Friday February 23, 2018

Kaieteur News

VEHICLE FOR SALE VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

1 live in couple Duties wifelight domestic, husbanddriving, Georgetown area. Tel# 227-1830 Talk to Ron, your number one delaer in lands, if buying or selling. Receive $US. Tel#611-7223/656-0701

Bluebird 2012- 2.6M Axio2.5M Tida-2.2M All vehicles unregistered and have reverse camera. #655-3400 Fielder wagon PTT 6514. Price $1.8 negotiable. Call: 227-3701, 644-9973 Premio car- PNN series, leather seats, dvd front and rear. Asking 1.8M neg. #6850504 Super Custom bus- BVV series, dvd front and rear. Asking 2.5M neg. #685-0504 1-Yamaha Virago 750ec motorcycle. $800,000. Contact: 661-2998

Hair station & Barber station rental, New market street #638-1106. Experienced persons preferable. Room attendant, age 25-45 Tel#225-0198 or visit 233 South road, Lacytown. Chef, Assistant chef, Cashier - Waiter call: 611-5615, 2257933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff street. KITCHEN ASSISTANT (HOUSEKEEPING DAYSHIFT) REQUIRED AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CONTACT: 219-0158 BETWEEN 9AM - 5 PM (WEEKDAYS)

EDUCATION CXC adults classes (Business & Science subjects) Form 1-5 lessons, Grade 2-6 lessons (slow learners, personal tutor) #690-5008,618-0649

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR R E N TA L : S U V F O R RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL:6435122/656-0087, ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM Reliable rentals. Cars, SUV at low rate and security deposit special rates for long term. #227-2322/601-2622

Experienced salespersons 2545 yrs needed for store on the East Coast Demerara. Call #642-1141 Accounts clerk- knowledge of NIS,PAYE,VAT and QuickBooks. Call: 614-4358 Female cleaner for office in Eccles. Call: 233-2745 Two experienced salesgirl must know to put in Top-up. Call: 660-4830 for further details. PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $20M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 166 4th street, Alexander Village. Tel#691-6201 Anna Catherina, Seaview. Price $7M Contact: 276-0712 House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Etc. Financing assistance available. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 604-4909 Yorrowkabra, Linden Highway, House, Chicken pen, New foundation, Land 200' x 100' Fenced, water & light. 6.5M neg. Contact: 6867180

2006 Audi A4 PRR Series. $2.5M. 623-3839 1 Nissan Datsun pick-up, $500,000 (neg) contact #6611121,614-6511

VACANCY

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Flying Doctors mission to lend health care support to Guyana In order to meet critical needs within the sector, the Ministry of Public Health is gearing to intensify its collaboration with its global partners this year. This is according to Minister within the Public Health Ministry, Dr. Karen Cummings, who made this disclosure during talks with Dr. John Arledge, Chief Medical Officer [CMO] of the Flying Doctors of America. The Minister met with Dr. Arledge at her Brickdam, Georgetown office. Flying Doctors of America is currently here to undertake an upcoming medical mission to Region Nine [Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo] to provide medical services to the various health centres and health posts in Annai, Surama, Iwokrama, and Fairview from today (February 23) to March 2, 2018. The 13-member team comprises experts the likes of a Rheumatologist, Emergency Room Doctor, Family Physician, Paediatrician, Dermatologist, Orthodontist, Paediatric Dentist and Adult Dentist, and will provide medical check-ups and free medication to treat specific ailments. During Wednesday’s meeting, Dr. Cummings articulated the importance of close collaborations with international agencies in order to

meet the health needs of Guyanese, especially those in the outlying areas where specialist care might not be readily available. “We want to work with you as much as you want to work with us as well, so it’s a real partnership. We want our needs to be met. We need to clarify logistics so both parties can gain,” said Minister Cummings. The Minister was at the time in the company of other senior Ministry officials, including Dr. Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer [DCMO]; Dr. Ineka McKenzie, Deputy Director, Regional Health Services [RHS] and Mr Denroy Tudor, Coordinator, International Desk. Dr. Cummings wants earlier engagements between international agencies and the RHS to determine the priority areas where specialist services and care are more needed. “We will want to make use of all the good best practices that can be shared, because Guyana is a developing country and different skill sets are needed,” she said. The need for capacity building in the health sector is high on the ministry’s agenda, Dr. Cummings said, emphasising the current need for foreign specialists, especially in the country’s sprawl-

From left: Dr. Dr Ineka McKenzie, Deputy Director- Regional Health Services; Dr. John Arledge, Chief Medical Officer of the Flying Doctors of America; Dr. Karen Cummings, Minister within the Ministry of Public Health; Dr Karen Boyle, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Denroy Tudor, Coordinator- International Desk. ing interior. Dr. Arledge said he is anticipating “a successful mission” and assured Dr. Cummings that his team will be returning in 2019 to offer similar services, based on the Ministry’s recommendation. He said that although his other missions for 2018 including to Panama, St Vincent/

Caribbean, Peru, Jordan [and Syria Refugee Camps], he is optimistic that Guyana’s mission will not pose a challenge as the others will, especially since it’s an English-speaking country, which will make it easier for the doctors to communicate with patients. Meanwhile, Dr. Boyle thanked the Flying Doctors of

America for choosing Guyana and making it a part of its 2018 medical missions. The visiting Dermatologist is expected to visit the Skin Clinic at the Palms Geriatric Institution, Brickdam, Georgetown, to assess the institutional needs and create links for future partnerships. Flying Doctors of America

was developed some 28 years ago by Allan Gathercoal, with the stated goal to bring together physicians, dentists, nurses, chiropractors, and other health professionals and non-medical support volunteers to offer care for people who otherwise would never receive professional medical care.

Guyana being represented at major education-focused events in Trinidad Shortage of teachers and furniture, need for salary increases, and better working conditions are but a few of the common issues that schools across the Caribbean, including Guyana, are constantly faced with. Moreover, these issues will be among a range of others that will be discussed during the Executive Council meeting of the Caribbean Union of Teachers [CUT] which is currently being held in Trinidad. The two-day meeting, which commenced yesterday, is being attended by executive members of the Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU] including its President, Mr. Mark Lyte, and its Deputy General Secretary, Ms. Jacquelyn Douglas. Lyte is expected to give a report of what transpired in Guyana, in relation to the education system, during the period September 2017 – February 2018. Guyana is also adequately represented at the level of CUT by GTU’s General Secretary, Ms. Coretta McDonald. Since being elected Third Vice President of CUT in 2015, McDonald has been attending Council meetings which are designed to examine the concerns of its members. CUT came into being in August of 1935 to promote the view that teachers are an

Coretta McDonald, CUT Vice President. integral part of the working people who constitute the majority of the Caribbean Society. Additionally, it recognizes the importance of teachers and teachers’ organizations. It further recognizes teachers as professionals who must work relentlessly to improve professional standards and who must show commitment to students, community and education. As an organization, CUT is guided by its Mission Statement which states that it is the “umbrella organization for teachers’ in the Caribbean and is dedicated to efforts to further the cause of teacher unions: to promote the status, interest and welfare of teachers; to improve the quality of education in the Caribbean

and to unite the peoples of the region.” Guyana will also be well represented at yet another major education forum in the Twin Island Republic. Under the theme: ‘Leadership in times of crises ’, the Education International North America and Caribbean Regional conference will commence tomorrow. At that conference, McDonald confided, “we are going to be going through a whole host of issues too.” Education International is said to be the largest teachers’ trade union in the world, consisting of 401 member organizations in 172 countries and territories that represent over 30 million education personnel from pre-school through university. The conference is one that will see women from across the Region gathering at a single location to deliberate on issues ranging from leadership to sexual harassment. Including McDonald, CUT will be sending, among

its women members, Ms. Hazel Pyle, a Guyanese, who will represent CUT’s Women Committee. Other issues that will be addressed at the conference will be: Disaster Preparedness and Response, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Equality and Diversity, and the need to strengthen the education profession. “The conference will also be examining what new pressure will be placed on governments regarding dealing with natural disasters and how to respond to same readily, and then we are going to look at some of the restorative practices and humanitarian relief,” McDonald related. The conference will include a panel discussion which will see the needs of the Caribbean schools being highlighted - what needs are already being met through the coordinated efforts of Education International members and what should be the immediate priority. Also high on the agenda

of the conference is early childhood education, higher education and education support personnel. Slated to make a presentation on early childhood development is GTU’s Regional Vice President [Demerara], Mr. Collis Nicholson. The meeting will

also give attention to human rights issues as well. “Coming out from all of the sessions of this conference there will be resolutions,” McDonald said, and it is expected that these will be adopted by participating countries.

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Friday February 23, 2018

Top diplomats discuss national security with Prime Minister

Diplomats PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Issues related to national security dominated a meeting on Wednesday between Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley the High Commissioners of Britain, Australia and Canada, and the United States Chargé d’Affaires. The Office of the Prime Minister says the successful management of the recent national security challenges was the centrepiece of a meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister, St Clair.A statement from the Prime Minister’s office said that Rowley and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young engaged in high-level security talks with British High Commissioner Tim Stew, Australian High Commissioner, John Pilbeam,

Canadian High Commissioner, Carla Hogan Rufelds and United States Chargé d’Affaires, John McIntyre. The Office of the Prime Minister says that during discussions, the international partners pledged to continue working with local law enforcement to provide the level of security needed for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago as well as all other persons residing here. The statement did not give any further details of the meeting.Last week, the police announced that they had uncovered a threat to disrupt Carnival, just days leading up to the Parade of the Bands.More than a dozen persons were arrested, most of whom have been freed without charge.

Prime Minister hints at early general election ST.JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – Prime Minister Gaston Browne yesterday gave his broadest hint to date, that a general election will be held early this year . “I hear a number of individuals on the radio proclaiming to understand my behaviour and based on my behaviour they are pretty sure the elections will not be called before November or December of this year,” said Browne in Parliament. “Well, I want to say to those individuals that they need to disabuse their minds of any such notion because the reality is, the elections will be within a matter of weeks.” The Prime Minister made the statement as tabled the Boundaries Commission (majority) report, however, there were no proposals propose any changes to the constituency boundaries.Meanwhile, leader of the main opposition

Prime Minister Gaston Browne United Progressive Party (UPP), Baldwin Spencer bid farewell to the Parliament and the nation yesterday. When the house convened Spencer thanked the nation for granting him the opportunity to serve as Prime Minister for two terms.

And as the nation anticipates an early election, the ruling Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) announced that it will be launching its election campaign. According to the Antigua Observer, based on several social media posts, it is anticipated that the Prime Minister will announce the election date on the weekend. The Observer quotes the Prime Minister as saying that the public will get more details about the party’s candidates at an event tomorrow. “We will be having a very exciting concert which will be the launch of our campaign and we will be introducing all 17 candidates to the Antiguan and Barbudan people,” he said. A general election is constitutionally due this year. In the last general election held in 2014, the ALP won 14 of the 17 seats.

Brazilian authorities to relocate Venezuelan migrants SAO PAULO (AP) — Authorities have announced plans to relocate Venezuelan migrants who have fled to Brazil’s northern state of Roraima. The state is struggling to cope with the influx of an estimated 40,000 Venezuelans who are fleeing hunger and unrest in their homeland and pouring into the capital of Boa

Vista.Brazilian President Michel Temer’s chief of staff office said Wednesday that 350 migrants will be sent to Sao Paulo and another 180 will go to the city of Manaus. Relocation to other cities is also being studied.The migrants will be moved in about two weeks and are being vaccinated for measles, diphtheria and other diseases.

Kaieteur News

Friday February 23, 2018

UN human rights experts…

Trump to protect the rights of Caribbean ‘Dreamers’ UNITED NATIONS CMC – A group of United Nations human rights experts has urged US President Donald Trump to take urgent steps to address the situation surrounding thousands of migrants, including Caribbean nationals, who arrived in the United States as children and ensure that their rights are protected. “We are increasingly concerned about the impact that ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme could have on the young people who benefit from it,” said the rights experts in a statement issued by the UN human rights wing, OHCHR, earlier this week. The call comes ahead of the March 5 deadline for the DACA programme, which grants work permits and renewable two-year deferments from deportation to qualifying migrants who arrived as children under 16, are pursuing or have completed a high school education or military service, and have not committed a serious crime. Often referred to as “Dreamers,” the DACA beneficiaries – estimated to number around 800,000 – will be stripped of their legal status and their protection from deportation without procedural safeguards if a solution is not reached by the deadline. The majority of Dreamers are ages 25 or below, and many are current students.

US President Donald Trump “The US needs to adopt measures to address this situation as a matter of urgency. These migrants risk losing protection of their rights and being expelled from the country, where many of them have lived and developed their lives for decades,” the experts underscored, noting that of particular concern is that the majority of these migrants are young women at risk of being expelled to countries where there are high levels of violence, lawlessness and crime. The human rights experts also underscored that an abrupt end to the DACA programme will disrupt the lives of these migrants and cause “profound grief and irreparable harm by tearing their families apart” and making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse if deported to countries where they barely have any ties.

“Ending the programme without a feasible alternative would also send a wrong signal to the population, as it would reinforce harmful racial stereotypes and stigmatize hard-working, law-abiding young migrants who are an asset to the country which they consider home,” they added.The human rights experts also highlighted that the expiry of DACA offers a “unique opportunity” for regularization of many migrants, who have strong economic, social, cultural and family links in the US, and whose contribution to society is unquestionable. The UN rights experts making the call include Felipe González Morales, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; Elina Steinerte, Vice-Chair on Communications of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; Nils Melzer, UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Alda Facio, Chair of the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice; and E. Tendayi Achiume, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism.The UN said Special Rapporteurs and independent experts are appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a specific human rights theme or a country situation.

St. Lucia celebrates 39 years of political independence CASTRIES, St Lucia CMC – Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has promised to assist persons living in the southern section of the island, stating that for too long, they have been neglected. This was included in his message yesterday to mark the island’s 39th anniversary of political independence from Great Britain. “Too many have had to move to the north, too many families have been torn apart in search of opportunity whilst others have given up entirely. Let me say to you, the people in the South: Your time has come,’ the Prime Minister said. ‘The Desert Star Holdings (DSH) project, the new cruise ship terminal, the new airport terminal, the new Fairmont Hotel in Choiseul, the new resort development at Honey-

moon Beach will create jobs and opportunity the likes of which have never been seen before,’ Chastanet said in a broadcast to the nation. He explained that there will be ‘exciting’ opportunities for restaurateurs, taxi drivers, souvenir and merchandise shop owners, farmers and fisher folk, port workers, equine workers, tour operators and others. According to the Prime Minister, the horse racing track, a part of the EC$6 billion DSH, will attract enormous interest from equine enthusiasts from all over the world and St Lucia will benefit greatly from the increased attention. ‘We cannot continue to ignore the problems plaguing the south, particularly its youth, and these projects will immediately provide them with opportunities for

gainful and sustained employment. “They have too much unfulfilled potential and deserve to have some hope and an opportunity to realise their dreams – for they too dream of being truly independent. I am confident the development of the south will give them that opportunity to chart their own destiny,’ he noted. ‘Why should the South not have its own Rodney Bay? Its own port? Its own bustling town? An airport we can all be proud of?’ Chastanet asked. He observed that if the late former Prime Minister of St Lucia, Sir John Compton had listened to his detractors, St Lucia would have no Pigeon Island Causeway, no Roseau dam, no Millennium Highway, no Rodney Bay marina and many other projects.

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Friday February 23, 2018

Armed deputy at Florida high school resigns after failing to engage shooter FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Reuters) - The armed sheriff’s deputy assigned to the Florida high school where 17 people were shot and killed has resigned rather than face suspension after an internal investigation showed he failed to enter the school to confront the gunman during the attack, the county sheriff said on Thursday. Deputy Scot Peterson, who was on duty and in uniform as the resource officer posted at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, was the only law enforcement officer present at the campus during the six-minute rampage last Wednesday, Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said. Peterson’s actions were caught on video during the

massacre, which ranks as the second-deadliest shooting ever at a U.S. public school, carried out by a lone gunman wielding a semiautomatic AR15-style assault rifle. “What I saw was a deputy arrive at the west side of Building 12, take up a position and he never went in,” Israel said, referring to the building on campus, popularly known as the “freshman building,” where authorities said the bulk of the shooting occurred. Israel said he would not release the video at this time and may never do so, “depending on the prosecution and criminal case” against Nikolas Cruz, the 19-year-old former student who is charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder in the assault.

Israel told reporters the shooting lasted six minutes, and that Peterson arrived at the freshman building about 90 seconds after the first shots were fired, then lingered outside for at least four minutes. Asked what the deputy should have done, Israel replied, “Went in, addressed the killer, killed the killer.” The sheriff said he had decided on the basis of his findings to suspend Peterson, but the deputy resigned first. Israel said two other deputies were placed on restrictive administrative assignment, stemming from their response to numerous calls for service and reports received by the sheriff’s department pertaining to Cruz during the past several years.

Man dies after throwing explosive device at US Embassy in Montenegro (CNN)A man died after attempting to throw a grenade over the wall of the US Embassy early Thursday in Montenegro’s capital of Podgorica, authorities said. A grenade appeared to have gone off as it was thrown into the air, and the man detonated a second device that killed him, police said, calling the death a suicide.The man’s body was found 100 feet from the embassy’s wall, according to Steve Goldstein, US undersecretary of state for public diplomacy and public

affairs. The man’s motive for throwing the device was unclear, Goldstein said. One grenade was thrown into the embassy courtyard, while a second one killed the unidentified male, according to the government of the Baltic country. In a statement, Montenegrin police confirmed they had found the “lifeless body of an unidentified male.” “According to the investigation so far, this male person was killed due to the activation of an explosive device

after having previously thrown an explosive device — a bomb — into the US Embassy courtyard,” the statement said. Police said the embassy incurred no damage “other than the crater remaining at the site where the bomb exploded,” adding that “evidence from the site has been collected and it will be subject to expert evaluation.” The embassy issued a statement Thursday morning saying there was “an active security situation” near the building in Podgorica.

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Kaieteur News

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Friday February 23, 2018

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Swede Noren leads in Florida, Woods shoots even par Mercedes & Ferrari Alex Noren

Reuters - Sweden’s Alex Noren shot a four-under-par 66 for the early lead as Tiger Woods was at even par in the

opening round of Florida’s Honda Classic yesterday. Noren, a nine-times European Tour winner, birdied his

final hole for a one-shot lead over PGA champion Justin Thomas, Morgan Hoffman and Daniel Berger on a windy day at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The Swede had five birdies and a bogey for the good start. ”I played quite steady my front nine, which was the back nine, then I just scrambled my way around the front nine,” Noren told PGA Tour Radio. “This was by far my best putting and chipping round of the season.” His only bogey came on his ninth hole, the par-five 18th. Woods was two under after four holes before a bogey at his seventh hole and a double-bogey at his 12th proved costly. Still the former world number one said he was pleased with his round of 70. ”Today was not easy” said the 14-times major champion who is making his third

Friday February 23, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A change of scene is in store for you, Aries. It’s unclear whether or not this is a voluntary move, but it’s clear that chaos and confusion reign over the next few days. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) It’s possible that you could fear for your job today, Taurus. Fortunately, those fears are unfounded. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It's hard to deny the power of a chemical reaction to another person. You’ll likely meet someone today or perhaps you've just met someone who has a strong influence on you, Gemini. CANCER (June 21–July 22) “The person who dies with the most toys wins” may well be your philosophy, Cancer. And today you certainly move ahead in the race as you add yet another technological wonder to your home. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today you could sit down at the computer for just a minute to research something on the Internet and wind up spending most of the afternoon entranced by what you're reading, Leo. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You’ve always had a knack for all things financial, Virgo, but today your ability is especially enhanced. You’ve discovered all the free investing information .

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Keep your eyes wide open today, Libra, as you may meet the person of your dreams! Or you could stumble, literally, upon a stack of cash. It’s likely to be a most unusual day SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) change of profession may be in the stars for you, Scorpio, or a change of hobby at the very least. The latest technological advances have really captured your interest. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You’re likely to be feeling the tug of distant lands, Sagittarius. Today you could stop at the travel agent’s office, the one you've walked by countless times, and stare at the pictures. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Change, even when it's for the better, can sometimes be a little scary, Capricorn. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There are plenty of opportunities out there, and you’re tempted to seize every one of them. Well, a bit of discrimination is in order if you’re going to make the best use of the auspicious atmosphere. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You’re likely to receive a windfall of some sort today. Be cautious with it, Pisces. If you invest it wisely, it will serve you long and well.

start of the PGA Tour season after a long absence following back surgery. “It was tough all around today. One, the wind was blowing pretty hard. Then it was tough to make putts out there.” Yet Woods said he was happy with his putting on bouncy greens. “I made a lot of key short putts for par,” he said of his first back-to-back weeks of playing in three years. He failed to make the cut last week at the Genesis Open in California, eight bogeys in his second round ending his play.

CRFF found... From page 38 CONCACAF and its member associations, including FEDEFUTBOL, are being recognized by the authorities, and confirms that Confirms that the CONCACAF family has been victim of past corruption activities perpetrated by individuals,” said CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani. “CONCACAF stands behind FEDEFUTBOL, and the actions they have taken to recover from these misdeeds, as Costa Rican football moves past these circumstances to achieve success in strengthening their programs at all levels.”According to court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, Mimo provided athletic apparel and sponsorship fees to FEDEFUTBOL pursuant to a 2012 sponsorship agreement that was to run through 2018. In disreputable dealings with Li, the company sought to illegally manipulate the terms of the deal, while illicitly enriching Li in the process. The wrongdoing took place without the knowledge of Federation officials beyond Li, or that of representatives of the current FEDEFUTBOL apparel sponsor. CONCACAF, FEDEFUTBOL and other regional Member Associations continue with their efforts in U.S. court to recover judgements from a number of the defendants in the wide-ranging case.

Michelle Gisin... From page 40 And Vonn failed to finish as her Olympic career, which started as a 17-year-old at Salt Lake City in 2002, came to a disappointing conclusion. ”It’s been a great ride. I’ll take a lot of great memories with me,” she said. “After a certain amount of injuries you just can’t get back to the level you were at. I’m not where I used to be and I never will be, and that’s probably the hardest thing for me to take.”

From page 38 fifth world title.Ferrari moving towards their rivals - Ferrari technical director Mattia Binotto said the team had further evolved its standard-setting approach to aerodynamic surfaces in front of the side pods - beside the driver - while working on the car’s performance on high-speed tracks, where Mercedes often dominated last season. And the Italian team have moved in Mercedes’ direction by lengthening its wheelbase - which helps in producing more overall aerodynamic downforce. “It is an evolution of last year’s car which was already a good project,” Binotto said. “We tried to maintain the strengths, aggressiveness of some of the design, and working well on low-speed circuits. ”But we also had to work on aerodynamic development to make it strong on highspeed circuits but as well on reliability. “We have a slightly longer wheelbase, we have side pods and radiator ducts even more aggressive than last year - [bodywork] packaging is very tight. The body is very narrow.” Ferrari’s number one driver Sebastian Vettel said: “This is a big step from last year’s car. Let’s see

how it feels.” Both cars look extremely elegant and nicely realised and on first impressions can be expected to be major contenders again this year. They will begin pre-season testing proper at Spain’s Circuit de BarcelonaCatalunya from Monday next week.Both feature the ‘halo’ head protection system that has to be fitted to all cars this season. Wolff said he was not a fan of the device. ”I am not impressed with the whole thing and if you give me a chain saw I would take it off,” he said. “We need to look after the driver safety but what we have implemented is aesthetically not appealing. we need to tackle that and come up with something that looks better. It is a massive weight on the car and you screw up the centre of gravity.”Hamilton said he believed people inside and outside F1 would soon become used to the unusual looks and emphasised that it was a first attempt at improving safety for drivers’ heads. ”Honestly, the team have done great job to integrate it and make it look as nice as it can look. we have known for some time it was coming and I think after a few races we will forget it is even there.

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Brathwaite hundred puts Pride back in final St John’s, Antigua, CMC – Captain Kraigg Brathwaite finally struck form with a patient hundred as title-holders Barbados Pride made light work of Kent Spitfires to surge into the final of the Regional Super50 here late Wednesday night. Opting for first knock in the opening day/night semifinal at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Pride emerged from a slow start to rally to 263 for three off their 50 overs. They were anchored by Brathwaite’s unbeaten 105 from 136 deliveries but propelled by an aggressive 81 off 73 balls from the fluent Roston Chase.Left-handed opener Omar Phillips weighed in with a breezy 62, his maiden regional one-day half-century. In reply, Kent were forced to navigate a series of rain interruptions, leaving them with a revised target of 230 off 43 overs. However, that proved a mountain to climb and they ended on 216 for eight and with a 13-run defeat under Duckworth/Lewis. Sean Dickson top-scored

with 51 – his second successive half-century – while Adam Rouse struck 45 and Calum Haggett, 31. Leg-spinner Hayden Walsh Jr (2-45) and left-arm seamer Dominic Drakes (2-49) made key strikes while Brathwaite produced a stingy 10-over spell which cost just 37 runs and kept the English county in check. Without a half-century in his previous eight innings in the tournament, the righthanded Brathwaite chose the ideal time to find his touch, stroking eight fours and two sixes in a typically measured knock. His first fifty required 84 deliveries but he quickened the pace to reach three figures off a further 47 balls, to record his third List A hundred. In one of his rare moments of all-out aggression, he lofted seamer Ivan Thomas over mid-wicket for his second six to move into the 90s in the 45th over before completed his hundred with a single square in the 48th over off fast bowler Grant Stewart. More importantly, how-

ever, Brathwaite put on 93 for the first wicket with Phillips who hit 10 fours – an array of cuts and off-side drives – in an entertaining 70-ball knock. He was moving into high gear when he missed a sweep at a straight one from off-spinner Adam Riley and perished lbw in the 22nd over. Left-hander Jonathan Carter (4) lasted 21 balls before lazily clipping left-arm spinner Imran Qayyum to Dickson at short mid-wicket – four balls after he had been dropped by Stewart at midwicket. On 119 for two in the 29th, Chase arrived to provide the innings with momentum, belting nine fours and two sixes, in his fourth half-century of the tournament. He combined with Brathwaite in a 144-run, third wicket stand which allowed Pride to dominate the latter part of the innings and gather 94 runs from the last 10 overs. Rain repeatedly disrupted the Kent reply but even so, the English county lacked the intent required to keep up with the required run rate.

USA beat Canada on penalties to win women’s Ice Hockey gold

The United States celebrates after defeating Canada in a shootout to win the Women’s Gold Medal. but Haley Irwin and MariePhilip Poulin put Canada ahead before Monique Lamoureux-Morando took the match into overtime in Pyeongchang. USA beat Canada in the first women’s Ice Hockey Winter Olympic final in 1998. New Zealand break medal ‘curse’ Medals are like buses you wait 26 years for one and then two come along on the same day.That was the case for New Zealand, as Zoi Sadowski-Synnott claimed women’s big air bronze before Nico Porteous won bronze in the men’s ski halfpipe.

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite celebrates his hundred against Kent Spitfires on Wednesday. (CWI Media) But Rouse was bowled by off-spinner Chase, cutting at one too close to him in the 38th over and by the time

Haggett holed out in the deep in the penultimate over, victory was already beyond Kent.

Napoli knocked out of Europa League

Winter Olympics

BBC - The United States beat Canada 3-2 in a suddendeath shootout to win Winter Olympics gold in the women’s ice hockey for the first time in 20 years. The scores were level at 2-2 after five penalty shots each, but USA’s Jocelyne LamoureuxDavidson scored past Shannon Szabados before Maddie Rooney saved from Canada’s Meghan Agosta. Canada won gold at the previous four Olympics, including victories over USA in the 2002, 2010 and 2014 finals. The game had ended 2-2 after overtime. Hillary Knight opened the scoring for USA

Daniel Bell-Drummond provided the early fireworks with 23 off 27 balls but when he nibbled at one angled across him from Drakes and was caught at the wicket, Kent were stuttering on 62 for three in the 14th over. D i c k s o n , h o w e v e r, found an ally in Rouse and together they put on 64 for the fourth wicket, a partnership which revived their side’s hopes. The righthanded Dickson faced 73 balls and counted four fours while Rouse, also right-handed, struck a lone boundary in a 69-ball stay at the crease. Walsh broke the stand in the 29th over when he got Dickson to sky a heave, and ran around to mid-on to take the return catch. He struck again four overs later, removing captain Will Gidman for eight, lbw missing a sweep at 143 for five in the 33rd over. In a last ditch effort, Haggett put on 27 for the sixth wicket with Rouse and 35 for the seventh with Stewart (18 not out).

Porteous, aged 16 years and 91 days, is the youngest Kiwi to win an Olympic medal, while Sadowski-Synnoty is the second youngest at 16 years and 353 days. Annelise Coberger won New Zealand’s only previous Winter Olympic medal - silver in women’s alpine skiing in 1992. ”She’s regarded as one of the all-time great winter sports athletes of New Zealand, so we all see that as an inspiration,” Porteous said. “I would say we broke the curse today. I was extremely nervous - I actually vomited three times this morning.”

Napoli knocked out of Europa LeaguBBC - Serie A leaders Napoli were knocked out of the Europa League on away goals despite a 2-0 victory at RB Leipzig in the last 32. Trailing 3-1 from the home leg, Napoli started positively and Polish winger Piotr Zielinski raised hopes of a revival with a first-half goal. Lorenzo Insigne set up a grandstand finish but it was not enough. Lazio, beaten 10 at Steaua Bucharest last week, progressed 5-2 on aggregate after a dominant second-leg display. Italy forward Ciro Immobile scored either side of a goal from Angolan defender Bastos as the visiting Romanians endured a torrid opening period. Felipe Anderson added a fourth after the break and Immobile completed his hat-trick before Harlem Ghonere added

a consolation for Steaua. Lokomotiv Moscow progressed into the last 16 at the expense of Nice. Former Manchester City and Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli twice hit the crossbar for the French side before Lokomotiv captain Igor Denisov scored the only goal of the game to ensure a 4-2 aggregate victory. Sporting Lisbon completed a 6-4 aggregate win over Astana after a 3-3 draw in Portugal. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said his side were complacent as they survived a huge scare against Swedish minnows Ostersunds FK to claim a place in the last 16 of the Europa League. The Gunners won the first leg 3-0 but one of football’s great shocks looked possible at half-time after the visitors struck two goals in 70 sec-

onds. Graham Potter’s side, who have risen from Sweden’s fourth tier since 2010, were on top in the first half and led 2-0 thanks to Calum Chambers’ own goal deflecting in Hosam Aiesh’s shot - and Ken Sema’s clinical strike. But the Gunners - who named a reasonably strong side only three days before their Carabao Cup final with Manchester City - improved slightly after the break and Sead Kolasinac finished from Hector Bellerin’s cross to relieve the sense of dread inside Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, who have never won the Uefa Cup or Europa League, will discover their last-16 opponents today. Ostersund are only the second team to win a game at the Emirates in the Gunners’ last 28 matches - a run dating back to March 2017.

Arsenal were on the ropes when Ken Sema scored Ostersund’s second.

PAGE 38

Friday February 23, 2018

Kaieteur News

Regional Super50 Festival

Jaguars lose to Volcanoes by 53 runs on DLS System in semis By Sean Devers in Antigua in association with Vnet Communications, Bounty Farm, Noble House Seafoods & Playter’s Enterprise Guyana Jaguars, urged on by a large crowd of flag waving fans on a cold night failed to reach their first final since 2015 when they lost to the Windwards Volcanoes by 53 runs on the Duckworth/ Lewis/Stern System in a truncated semi-final of the Regional Super50 Festival last night at Coolidge. A well-constructed 105 from 104 balls with nine fours and fours sixes from Tyrone Teophile led Volcanoes to tomorrow’s final where they meet defending Champs Barbados as ragged fielding by the Jaguars aided in their own demise The Dominican shared in half-century stands with Bajan Kirk Edwards, who made 27 from 52 balls and 107 for the fourth wicket with Man-of-the-Match Kaveem Hodge whose 57 lasted 65 balls and included four boundaries after Devon Smith hit three fours and a six in a 28-ball 25 at the top of the order. An unfinished 37-run eighth wicket stand in four over between Bajan Kyle Mayers (18) and Shane Shillingford (16) took Volca-

noes to 286-7 off 50 overs. Jamaican off-spinner Ramaal Lewis (3-54) was the most successful bowler for the Jaguars who replied with 231 all out in 44.1 overs as five batsmen reached 25 but none got to 50. Left arm spinner Hodge returned with the ball took 349 and Larry Williams 2-27. Sherfane Rutherford led the fight with 49 from 53 balls with four fours and a six, Veerasammy Permaul made 37 from 47 balls with two sixes and two fours while Shiv Chanderpaul struck a brisk 34 from 38 balls with four fours and a six. Chris Barnwell chipped in with 25. Chasing a revised target of 284 in 48 overs, Hemraj (4) cut Ryan John gloriously for four but edged a catch to the keeper in the same over with the score on 7-1 as Tagenarine Chanderpaul was joined by his illustrious Father Shivnarine. Tage stroked John delightfully to the extra cover boundary before a short shower sent the players scoring off the field. Tage (12) was then run out when a powerfully struck drive by shiv deflected off the bowler’s boot and onto the stumps with the batsmen short of his ground to leave the score on 20-2. Shiv was unusually aggressive and lofted Hodge before Leon Johnson (4) was caught and bowled by Hodge

at 50-3. Shiv who went after the bowlers was taken at short fine leg sweeping at Hodge at 63-5. Barnwell mixed caution with aggression while Anthony Bramble was his usual pugnacious self depositing Hodge for 18 in an over before throwing his wicket away off Hodge’ last over when he was taken in the deep at 1025 and it was all downhill from there.Barnwell and Romario Shepherd (0) were sent packing off the first two balls of Edward’s spell as Jaguars slumped to 108-7 before Permaul averted the hat-trick and along with Rutherford took the score to 180 with a fighting partnership before he hooked at a bouncer from Obed McCoy and was taken at deep square-leg at 180-8. Rutherford continued to counter attack and hammered Myers for consecutive boundaries but he was run out at 204-9 before Paul Wintz and Ramaal Lewis tried to keep hope alive before Wintz was dismissed. Earlier, Jaguars surprisingly asked Volcanoes to bat in sunny conditions; Smith got going with a boundary off Wintz and then dumped Romario Shepherd for six in the second over as he and Johnson Charles give Volcanoes a good start on a flat track before Charles (8), who clipped Shepherd for four,

Beharry maintains relationship with Youth Basketball Guyana for 10th consecutive year Edward B. Beharry & Company inked a $1.5million sponsorship deal with Youth Guyana Basketball Guyana (YBG) yesterday at the company’s Charlotte Street office in a move that will see the company supporting YBG’s National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) for the 10th consecutive year. At the handing over ceremony yesterday morning, Reena Williams, Brand Manager for Beharry’s Chico Sweets, posited that the company is extremely overjoyed to be onboard with the initiative which has been well organised since its inception in 2006. Co-Director of YBG, Chris Bowman, expressed thanks to Beharry who he believes sponsors the tournament from the heart. “Their (Edward B. Beharry & Company) sponsorship has contributed to the overall development of

basketball at all levels in Guyana,” Bowman further explained. Meanwhile, Monique Tiwary, Indi and Champion Brands Manager, noted that YBG and the NSBF has, “Allowed us (the company) the ability to demonstrate our corporate and social responsibility to the people of Guyana. We promote sports which we believe is a vital part of education and as we are in our 10th consecutive year of sponsorship, we look forward to many more years with YBG.” Reyad Boyce, Co-Director of YBG, shared that the, “NSBF programme has grown and we have increased the amount of schools participating throughout the years. Additional sponsors are encouraged to get on board for the tournament which will see two schools from the West Demerara being added into

the festival.” Those two new schools are Leonora and West Demerara Secondary’s. The grand launch of the NSBF will take place on March 11. Meanwhile, tomorrow and Sunday will witness a YBG organised two-day Fives Challenge Series at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) that will tip off at 10:00hrs tomorrow and 13:00hrs on Sunday. Fives Challenge Series is an exciting school basketball event that will tip off the YBG 2018 calendar. The event is open to Under-14, 16, 19, Girls and Past Students Best School Fives countrywide. The event will also feature a number of novelty activities for players and fans to showcase their dribbling, shooting and passing skills for prizes. For the first time, the event will feature a slam dunk competition. (Calvin Chapman)

was bowled, as Shepherd got the last laugh at25-1. Teophile dropped on 10 by Shepherd off Lewis, added 25 with Smith, who was beginning to look ominous when he hit a short ball from Wintz for Shiv Chanderpaul to hold a good low catch at mid-off, leaving with the score at 50-2. Teophile and Edwards joined forces and Teophile sweetly cover drove Rutherford for four and together they rebuilt the innings. Teophile, intent on using his feet to Permaul, engaged the Berbician in a battle of attrition; coming down the track and when not to the pitch used the pad to kick the ball away. When Permaul ‘pulled down’ the ball Teophile cut him for four and when he flighted, hit him over long-on for six to post the 50 stand. Edwards played the supporting role before Teophile reached his 50 from 55 balls with four fours and two sixes with a boundary over cover off Permaul. However, with the stand beginning to worry the Jaguars, Edwards was caught and bowled by Lewis at 123-3 to bring Hodge to join Teophile, making Guyana pay for putting him down. Partnerships are important when building big totals and Teophile found another good partner in Hodge as they batted positively with Teophile reaching his maiden century with a drive off Permaul that went right through Rutherford for four. His ton took 101 balls and was decorated with nine

Sherfane Rutherford top score with 49 for Jaguars (Sean Devers photo) fours and four sixes. With Teophile’s demise, bowled by Chanderpaul Hemraj at 230-4, four wickets fell for 19 runs as Volcanoes lost their way after a good start from their top order. Hodge tried to go after Lewis and was caught at long-on at 338-5, Roland Cato (9) was dismissed in the same fashion after hitting the previous ball for six before Ryan John (0) was spectacularly run out by a direct hit at the non-

striker’s end after sprinting for a ball at short mid-wicket off his bowling to leave Volcanoes on 249-7. But as has often been seen in the past, Jaguars’ inability to dismiss the lower order was again the case as Mayers and Shillingford capitalised on the worst fielding display by the Jaguars in the tournament, to take the score to 14 short of a 300 scored despite excellent ‘death’ bowling by Shepherd and Wintz.

CRFF found by U.S. Court to have been victimized in Fraud Case to receive Restitution Miami – The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Costa Rican Football Federation (FEDEFUTBOL) announced yesterday that FEDEFUTBOL will receive US $500,000 of restitution, after a Panamanian company pleaded guilty on Wednesday, February 21, to wire fraud conspiracy before a United States federal court in Brooklyn, New York. Panama-based Mimo International Imports and Exports, Inc., entered the guilty plea and agreed to pay restitution to FEDEFUTBOL, pay a large fine and dissolve operations. The company paid bribes to former

FEDEFUTBOL President Eduardo Li, who was arrested in May, 2015, in exchange for deals related to the Federation’s apparel sponsorship. As a result of those misdeeds, the Costa Rican Federation was deprived of significant income, which the company will now pay via the restitution judgement. ”FEDEFUTBOL is grateful that the appropriate restitution has been arranged for FEDEFUTBOL, as the victim of these disgraceful and criminal actions,” said FEDEFUTBOL President Rodolfo Villalobos. “This restitution award will go directly to the further development of football in Costa Rica, and

Eduardo Li validates all the difficult work we have done to reform our federation.” ”This outcome indicates that the reform efforts of (Continued on page 36)