Wednesday July 12, 2017
“Curry and roti, roti and curry” arguments of a Guyanese lawyer DEAR EDITOR, I am not a lawyer. However, I have been around the courts and the legal profession for about 40 years. I have been reading the lengthy letters of Maxwell Edwards published in the press over the past 2 years. They all have two things in common: they are only published by the Kaieteur News and they are all highly critical of the PPP and in, particular, Mr Anil Nandlall, the Former Attorney-General. Someone informed me that Attorney General, Basil Williams, patronizes Maxwell Edwards for him to respond to Nandlall in the press as William, clearly, is unable to do so. So Mr. Edwards is the 6th Advisor to the AG! However, my information is that Edwards is not well and
doctors have advised against him working or undertaking much mental strain. In KN 9/07/2017, Mr Edwards is at it again. In a long rant in the letter columns, Edwards pours his bile and venom at Nandlall. Anyone reading that letter can feel the deep seated anger with which it is written and sense the frustration which the writer seems to be enduring. I cannot remember Mr Nandlall ever responding to any of Edwards’ idiotic and toxic ramblings. That must be contributing to Mr Edwards anguish, pain and aggression which are evident in his writing. In his latest written outburst, he makes the “intellectually stellar” argument that Commonwealth Law Reports
and Law Reports of the Commonwealth are 2 different books. Learned Counsel then proceeds to treat his readers to a dissertation on the essential differences between these books. Right here one recognizes the wisdom of his doctors advise: that he should not be engaged in heavy mental tasks (not that this). The fact that LRC and CRL are different books has never been disputed. The issue is that only one of those two sets of books has been the subject of the dispute ongoing for over 2 years now, that is, LRC. However, it was recently discovered by SOCU and their constellation of legal advisors that a Court Order issued against them 4 months ago, and which they Continued on page 6
FITUG rejects President’s strategy to undermine the GECOM submissions DEAR EDITOR, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) – representing the country’s largest number of organized workers– joins with those other political, social and civic organisations, groups and persons to express our concern over President Granger’s obvious reluctance to choose a person from the two (2) lists, so far, presented by the Opposition Leader to fill the position of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). It is befuddling that of the twelve (12) respectable Guyanese proposed to the President, he has not found any “acceptable”. We of FITUG noted that the President presented the Opposition leader and the nation with his own personalized interpretation of Article 161 of the Constitution which indicated just who the President would regard as “acceptable”. Also, we and the public have not been enlightened for the rejection of the persons on the two (2) lists. By not giving the nation reasons for his rejection of the two (2) lists of twelve (12) nominees, President Granger leaves us and others to think that the twelve (12) Guyanese are not capable of being professionally impartial or competent to work with the other six (6) Commissioners who will sit on GECOM. Now, even as the patient Opposition Leader continues the unenviable task and consults the wider society in this arduous quest to submit yet another (third) list, it has already been mooted that should the good President find those other six (6) persons to be “unacceptable” to him, some group of wise
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arbiters will be appointed to come up with a solution – if not a Chairman. FITUG sees the President’s obvious dalliance as unprecedented and it could be suspected as having ulterior motives. To delay the choice of a Chairman effectively leaving this vital Elections Commission headless will certainly impact negatively on the many-sided tasks related to elections that are the responsibility of GECOM. We have the dubious assurance that the President’s procrastination will not have implications or affect preparations for the 2019 Local Government polls and the 2020 General Elections. FITUG is left to suspect that mischief could be afoot when a contrived lastminute rush by a last-minute Commission is tasked to organize and manage two (2) elections constitutionally due in a rather short time. FITUG has been consulted by the Opposition Leader with respect to all his submissions. In those consultations, we endorsed the names on the previous two (2) lists and regard them as upright matured and qualified Guyanese. This delay to fill the position of Chairman of GECOM must come to an end. The suspicions around such a delay do not augur well for our nation’s well-being nor its reputation regionally and internationally. In terms of free and fair elections, we have come through a difficult past. Let us keep distancing our country from those years and instead be proud of a new architecture built on democratic norms and principles. Communications Dept. FITUG c/o of NAACIE
Camp Street jail must not be allowed to rise again DEAR EDITOR, Firstly permit me to offer my sincere condolences to the grieving family of the deceased Prison Officer. On being made aware of the fire at the Georgetown Prison, my first reaction was” Not again”, followed shortly by “ What’s next”. What is there to be said, that has not before been said? There will be finger pointing, and appointees, commissions, omissions and perhaps demissions, there will be shame and blame, tears and fears and the accompanying schisms about the prisons. After the deadly fire of March 2016, lawyer Selwyn Pieters representing the Guyana Prison Service openly stated that the Guyana Government needed to invest financially towards the construction of a brick prison, particularly since the main prison is located in the city of Georgetown, which is also the country’s business capital. The lawyer further went on to point out that Kevin Pilgrim, Officer-in-Charge of the Georgetown Prisons, in his testimony, had said the old wooden structures make it easy for inmates to hide contraband, and pose challenges for officers assigned to the living units. The challenges were never identified. “Wood buildings at the Georgetown prisons… have their place, and their place now is ‘historic relics’; those are not places to house prisoners,” Pieters told the commission at that time. No answers elicited, —but what was the purpose of a Commission if their recommendations are not adhered to. Was the Commission used as the mythical sop to Cerberus? One has to wonder if the responsible governmental agencies conducted a thorough “cause mapping” following the previous tragedy. The picture above is certainly not typical of prison inmates. Perhaps if the inmates were given identifiable prison garbs, such as is done in prisons the
world over then initial getaway and consequent recapturing would not prove such an arduous task. Again, at the risk of appearing to be laying blame, nevertheless, some degree of serious accountability is demanded of the prison personnel. The Director of Prisons said that the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were adhered to as the events unfolded. There were also reports of gun shots being fired. Gun shots fired by whom? Whose gun was used to shoot Jason Maltay in the leg? Perhaps further procedural explanation is necessary to explain the fact that after the fire within the prison confines, several prisoners were being held in the Prison Officers Club, and they also set fire to the building. Were they searched prior to being taken to the new place of safety, bearing in mind the circumstances under which they were departing their previous residence? How did this surfeit of incendiary agents (matches) find its way within the walls of the prison? How often are cells searched? What manner of search is conducted on visitors? Jocularity aside, what do the prisoners know that the prison personnel don’t, but should know? At the very most according to the Director, it is known that the fire was a distraction so that UreeVarswyk also known as Malcolm Gordon and Mark Royden Durant known as Royden Williams could escape. To quote Alfred Lord Te n n y s o n _ - K n o w l e d g e comes, but wisdom lingers. In a recent article following the stabbing death of an inmate at the New Amsterdam prison, the following was stated. Prisons are stressful, anxiety producing an environment that have been known to bring out the strangest
behavior in individuals who find themselves behind its walls, but let this incident serve as a pressing need for the corrective personnel to take careful heed. As for the construction of jukers or other implements of harm, the officials had better take notice and bear in mind that one day they may be at the receiving end. What implement was used to inflict the wounds on now deceased warden Hubert Trim? There was no mention made of a sprinkler system being in place at the prison. What an archaic mode of firefighting, in that the water pressure had to be lowered in other areas in order to ensure maximum supply at the prison. As I have said before this is certainly not the time for the assignment of blame, as there is certainly no absence of supply or recipients. There appears to be far more questions than answers. I am that there will most certainly be action now, especially with the death of prison personnel in the execution of duty. The Union will most certainly be flexing their muscles as they seek parlance with relevant authorities on the matter. From the ashes of the burnt buildings, a sad and gloomy picture emerges for the world to view - one that clearly reflects the state of the country and the plight of the people. The resultant message is loud and clear— The Georgetown jail should not be allowed to rise like the phoenix from the ashes. On a cautionary note, to this end a clear message I will send, in building the new prison, the Government could, and should avoid wood. Let it be replete with concrete. Yvonne Sam
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The lavish life style of the APNU+AFC Ministers DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me this little space in your editorial corner to throw in my pound with those that are against the lavish ministerial lifestyle. It is with great sadness as a long standing supporter of the PNC, to see such abuse of privilege and insult to the electorate. As a public servant who is working in the public service for the past 17 years, earns an after tax salary of $87,000 per month to support a family of three, utilities, travelling, etc. How can the APNU-AFC government see it fit to rent a house to the tune of $500,000 for a minister and see it as nothing wrong, moreover justify it with claims that she came from a home? We the electorate tried to forgive this government for their huge salary increase followed by the no apology statement, but this new development is another blow to our minds. Minister Broomes now saw it fit to sit in the media claiming that the government took her from a home and she’s a humble servant, but to whom? It can be no one but herself and family, why not live in a $60,000 rented house? Since a true servant of the people shares a life akin to that of the people that put you there and not that of a King\Queen. I can only recall two cabinets where there
were humble servants and those are the cabinet of H.E. Dr. Cheddi Jagan and H.E. Desmond Hoyte. At least those in the APNU+AFC government can boast of being able to send their children to the best private schools even though they implemented VAT on private education and more so; what they are spending on pet care is probably that of the average public servants wage. While many young people who voted for this government and was promised a good life had to resort to cleaning fish at the Medow Bank fishing complex and selling DOG FOOD on the streets, is this where our tax dollars are going? I felt great when the PPP government who for the past 17 years were known for corruption and mismanagement lost government, but I now wonder if we’re being governed by a replacement. They are always in the media talking about OIL MONEY but why didn’t they wait on that oil money to give themselves such a large salary increase and pay those exuberant prices for house rent? I wish the coalition government ‘ALL THE BEST IN THE 2020 ELECTIONS but note; they’ve lost three votes from my home. Den Amstel Resident
OUR GOLD WAS TAKEN; LET’S NOT ALLOW THE SAME WITH OIL DEAR EDITOR, On July 6th, UK based security expert, Dr. Perry Stanislas, addressed a symposium here in Guyana, examining the link between oil and corruption. His address was on point and I am certain would not have been what the hosts of the seminar, Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) were expecting, since they and other leading members of the private sector, have not been critical of ExxonMobil but are rather busy inserting themselves into the equation to ensure that they grab any crumbs that might fall off the oil giant’s table. Dr. Stanislas alerted the audience to the very real dangers that lie ahead, as we enter into a deal with one of this world’s most criminal and corrupt corporations. Since Guyana’s involvement with the rapacious corporation ExxonMobil, OVP has been warning the Guyanese people about the very same concerns that Dr. Stanislas highlighted in his presentation, which was titled “Superior power/resources of global corporations versus weak government administrations: Concept of ‘state capture.” Dr. Stanislas explained that “one of the reasons why global oil companies are
“Curry and roti, roti and curry” arguments... From page 5 bound themselves by for 4 months, contains an error: instead of LRC it reads CRL. In any event, this “roti and curry “ and “curry and roti” argument which is being “intellectualized”by Edwards et al, has already been rejected by a High Court Judge who has impounded the challenged search warrant. It’s a real pity that Mr Edwards is a legal practitioner who only practices law in the letter columns of the KN or he could have joined Justice Claudette Singh SC and turn up in Court where the real arguments take place! Since Mr Edwards is now a regular critic of others it is only fair that the public knows a few things about him. Also, must also answer a few questions regarding a public office which he held. In all my years around the courts, I have never seen Mr Edwards practicing as a lawyer, either privately, or for the State. I know he was a magistrate for a number of years. He was appointed under the same PPP Government he lambastes so
Wednesday July 12, 2017
frequently. I will now thread very carefully in what I will reveal because I would like it to be published. While he was on the Bench, there was a widespread perception that Mr Edwards was not what he should have been. Note; I am not saying that he was this or that; I am merely referring to the existence of a perception. I know he was at a Chinese Restaurant on the western side of upper Sheriff Street, almost every evening. Persons referred to it as his annex. I am told that, that reference emanated from him, as he would invite persons, including lawyers, to meet him at his “annex”. I call upon Mr Edwards to man up and tell us what those meetings were about. Were they about law, the practice of law, theoretical law, unorthodox law etc. He needs to tell the public the role that his brother played in all of this; why his brother was so active on his behalf and in what areas. I will stop here for now. More revelations will come soon. Nand Puran
successful is that they generate revenue like no other, and can therefore buy the best experts on the planet.” He added that many former members of the British Security agency MI6 are employed by the oil corporations, and said that these people make sure they know everything: “the good guys, the bad guys, who is sleeping with whom, who is corrupt and who is potentially corrupt. So when ExxonMobil needs a friend who is favourable to its interest, they already know who that person is…they know who to invite for a drink and to whisper in their ear…there is no dirty trick in the planet those guys do not know. Then they come to the Caribbean to deal with you; it is like men versus boys”. Dr. Stanislas described the captive state as a state where “a corporation is so influential that it is basically running your country”. The concept of the captive state was best elucidated in George Monbiot’s 2001 book, Captive State: The Corporate Takeover of Britain. In fact, the notion of the captive state applies to all so-called liberal democracies, where the neoliberal model has been imposed, since the policies of these states are dictated and shaped by those who control capital and the economy, in other words, the dictatorship of big business. The world’s largest oil corporations have provided us with the worst and most ruthless examples of state capture, because, as Dr. Stanislas said, to the oil barons, “life is cheap”. He cited the example of Kenya, and of French oil companies’ involvement in the assassination of the late revolutionary leader of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara. Let me add the examples of Iraq, Libya and Venezuela, where major oil companies, including ExxonMobil, have worked in collusion with the military and security forces of their respective countries, to
vehemently oppose the attempts of these nation states to assert their right to true independence and their refusal to have their resources looted in the name of that misnomer, the so-called freemarket. Be warned: there is nothing free about it. In both Iraq and Libya, we witnessed the horrendous measures taken in order to control oil resources and economies. Not only were the leaders of these countries executed, but millions of innocent people were killed. The only countries that have not found themselves in this situation with the oil corporations are those that have allowed themselves to be captured. Countries like Nigeria, where, despite huge oil wealth, the masses of people continue to live in poverty. Likewise, the majority of Venezuelans, prior to the Bolivarian revolution, despite Venezuela being one of the largest oil producers in the world, lived in abject poverty. The reason why ExxonMobil, in collusion with the US government, has declared war on Venezuela has nothing to do with democracy and human rights; it is simply because Venezuela refused to allow their oil wealth to be plundered. The extent of ExxonMobil’s pillaging was exposed recently, when on October 5th, 2016, Chad’s High Court ordered the oil giant to pay a $74 billion fine after the company was found guilty of underpaying royalties owed to Chad. ExxonMobil, who have been drilling in Chad for the past 15 years, was also ordered by the Court to pay $819 million in overdue royalties. E x x o n M o b i l ’s spokesperson Todd Spitler predictably had this to say: “Contract sanctity and respect for the rule of law are core principles used to manage our business over the long term and it is vital for all parties to honor the terms of a contract and abide by applicable law in order to achieve the desired long-term benefits envisioned when projects begin.” However, he
was quick to add: “We disagree with the Chadian court’s ruling and are evaluating next steps,” Fact is, according to international legal experts, Chad will never collect this fine or the unpaid royalties, because as Dr. Stanislas pointed out, weak government administrations are no match for the superior power and resources of global corporations. Despite calls for the release of the full contract between the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil, Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman has announced that the Government is of the view “that full disclosure would not be to the best of the national benefit or national interest”. Although Minister Trotman claims that “ExxonMobil and its partners will share 50 percent between themselves and Guyana will get 50 percent,”rumours abound that Guyana is to receive far less than 50% and that ExxonMobil will pay no taxes. If we are really entering into a 50/50 deal, then why not release the contract for public scrutiny? If the rumours are correct and the contract is not as Mr. Trotman says, then Forbes Burnham surely had it right – better we leave it in the ground than invite these corporate predators to plunder our resources, bringing with them a whole new dimension of corruption, confusion and captivity, and absolutely no economic benefits for the majority of Guyanese. We, the people, better wake up before it’s too late. We already suffered OMAI’s theft of our gold, we must not allow a repeat of the same lost opportunity with our oil. Gerald A. Perreira Leader Organization for the Victory of the People (OVP)
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Provisional int’l accreditation for UG’s School of Medicine likely this month The University of Guyana [UG] could regain provisional international accreditation for its School of Medicine as soon as this month. This is based on the fact that a site visit conducted by the accreditation body – the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education Medicine and other Health Professions [CAAM-HP] – was deemed successful. CAAM-HP is the legally constituted body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community [CARICOM] that is empowered to determine and prescribe standards, and to accredit programmes of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions’ education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM. While measures are still being implemented to help the School of Medicine secure full accreditation, getting it to the place where it could potentially receive the provisional accreditation was set in motion with a supplemental budget subvention of $109.83 million from Government last year. This is according to information provided by UG Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith. Based on that information, the forthcoming funds from Government helped to cater to critical ar-
eas at the School of Medicine that needed addressing in order for re-accreditation to even be considered. Essentially, the funds helped to begin improvement works to the physical facilities, among other things. Among the measures that the University has had to address, leading up to the CAAM-HP site visit, were the introduction of plans for a new Health Sciences Faculty, improved clinical and lecture facilities and other amenities for medical students. Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Emanuel Cummings, had told this publication in December of last year “We did our best and we are awaiting a response; we don’t know what will be the outcome.” Reports suggest that the measures implemented by the University, together with those of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC], could be enough to guarantee re-accreditation. The GPHC has been working in collaboration with the School of Medicine to expose students to clinical practice. As part of its site visit, CAAM-HP was tasked with assessing the measures implemented. CAAM-HP officials had also visited the GPHC. According to CAAM-HP,
the decision to revoke UG’s accreditation was taken because there were no progress reports forthcoming from the tertiary institution for the years 2014 and 2015. But the university was not in a position to submit these reports, since a number of measures had to first be put in place. Several of these related to infrastructure, educational resources, faculty and the curriculum itself, among others. One of the concerns of CAAM-HP that had led to the withdrawal of international accreditation was the fact that there was no standing Memorandum of Understanding between the University, the GPHC and the Ministry of Public Health, making these clinical practice sessions formal. But according to Dr. Cummings, not only has the MOU been signed, but a Committee is in place to deal with any issue raised by students regarding their medical training experience. Dr. Cummings disclosed, too, that moves have also been made to introduce new teaching measures, whereby an adjunct faculty has been put in place. This means, Dr. Cummings said, that staff will be given a contract that specifies allotted time for clinical work and (Continued on page 8)
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
Mom learnt of prison officer’s passing from neighbour Wickham said she learnt of her son’s passing. Wickham’s mother believes that the medical team made efforts to save her son’s life. “They were working yes, because when I saw him, you could see that they were busy, they had all these straps on him in his mouth…” Minister Ally noted that it was most unfortunate that medical care could not have saved Officer Wickham’s life. The Minister said that during the fire at the Georgetown Prisons, she was in contact with Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, at all times, who
Dead prison officer: Odinga Wickham guaranteed that the best systems were put in place to deal with the tragic incident.
Provisional int’l...
Annetta Wickham, mother of late Odinga Wickham (second from right) and Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally (far right) along with other relatives Monday night. Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, on Monday evening, visited relatives of the late Prison Warder, Odinga Wickham, to offer condolences to the
family members. The prison officer died on Sunday, during the fire at the Camp Street Prison, from gunshot and stab wounds. Annetta Wickham,
mother of the late officer Wickham explained that Sunday evening, after learning of the incident, she went to the Georgetown Public Hospital Cooperation
(GPHC) where she was told her son was in emergency surgery. “When I came home I was greeted with my neighbour giving me sympathy, and so I said for what? The doctor told me he is alive and they are doing emergency surgery. So they said no. It’s posted on Facebook and so…” This is how Annetta
(From page 7) teaching, allowing for a more structured and organised concept. The School of Medicine has over the years been producing quality individuals who have gone on to advance their skills, and are currently excelling in their respective areas of medicine. Among those who have been identified are Dr. Mahendra Carpen, Resident Cardiologist at GPHC; Dr. Zulfikar Bux, Emergency Medicine Specialist at GPHC and Dr. Kishore Persaud, Kidney Transplant Surgeon at the GPHC. But there is even more to be done if UG is to realise full accreditation status. Against this background, Government last month signed an agreement with the World Bank for a US$13.3M loan, to help further the improvement efforts.
Wednesday July 12, 2017
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What are the security services being praised for? The security services have been praised for performing an almost miraculous feat in removing the prisoners from the conflagration which resulted in the destruction of the Georgetown Prisons. The security services did not do anything spectacular. They in fact bungled by removing the prisoners to the Sports Club located opposite the prisons. We now know the consequences of that action. The prisoners burned the Sports Club down. The only reasons the authorities were able to remove the more than 1,000 prisoners to other locations was because the prisoners wanted to be removed. If the prisoners wanted to escape there was absolutely nothing that the authorities could have done to prevent that from happening.
Guyanese citizens, politicians and institutions therefore must be more guarded with their comments about the security services doing a fantastic job. The security services have onto now not been able to bring under control the chaos within the Lusignan facility, where many of the prisoners were taken. The prisoners have been providing live streaming about developments within the prison. Some of them have cell phones with data plans. Images on Facebook showed them chasing a cow and then tying its feet clearly in preparation for slaughtering the poor animal. Newscasts showed scenes of persons waiting outside of the Lusignan facility to find out about their family, but not knowing if they were there,
because up to yesterday midday there was no list of the persons who are being held there. The relatives were being told to check the list of persons, taken to Berbice and Timehri, and if the names of the loved ones were not there, to assume that they were at Lusignan. This is the state of confusion which is being praised by some politicians and non-governmental organizations. Unless Guyanese begin to accept that the security forces cannot guarantee the security of citizens, we will end up having crisis after crisis in this country. The prisoners rioted last March. Seventeen prisoners died in that inferno. Days later, after the authorities met with the prisoners and assured them
DEM BOYS SEH...
Pee Pee Pee give one laptop per family, APNU/AFC Coalition give one prisoner Every politician know that Guyana need a proper prison ever since de 2002 jailbreak. Five men get away and created mayhem— from Bartica massacre to Bartica slaughter. Instead under Jagdeo and he Pee Pee Pee dem chose to give one laptop per family. Under Soulja Bai and he coalition dem giving one prisoner per family. To build a proper jail gun cost no more than US$30 million. But follow this; Jagdeo seh he spend US$150 million pun an airport that has no plane instead of US$30 pun a jail. He spend US$200 million pun Skeldon that grind no sugar instead of US$30 million pun a jail. He spend US$50 million pun de hydro road that leads to nowhere instead of US$30 million pun a jail. He spend US$60 million pun de Marriott that operating at a loss instead of US$30 million pun a jail. He spend US$45 million pun de cable from Brazil wha still to reach Guyana instead of US$30 million pun a jail. He spend US$30 million pun dem laptop
wha dem family couldn’t mek use of instead of US$30 million pun a jail. Dem boys can go on more and more. Soulja Bai go in and dem start paying out money by de billions to people who write threatening letter, like Bee Kay instead of building a US$30 million jail. Dem pay out couple billion in court matters instead of building a US$30 million prison. Dem building overhead walkway, roads and sea dam fuh billions instead of building US$30 million jail. Dem boys seh people should put dem heads together and examine wha de politicians doing. Dem boys want to believe that dem frighten dem build de jail fuh demself. Jagdeo and ee Pee Pee Pee was de first set to do nutten. This set of poops following in Jagdeo footsteps. Dem frighten dem build de jail fuh demself because of ExxonMobil, de oil king of de world. Talk half and see who really care fuh you safety and security.
that their concerns would be examined, the prisoners rioted again and took control of the entire prison. The authorities had to know that another riot could have erupted at any time at the Prison. They left the population vulnerable. The security services blundered on Sunday night. They should have moved the prisoners - who were not refusing to be moved - to an open space where they could have been better managed. The prisoners should have been taken to a military camp for processing. They could have been easily trucked into Camp Ayanganna for processing and to be isolated. The authorities moved them instead to the Sports Club opposite the prison. As I indicated, the prisoners burnt that down too. A group was also sitting and standing around on the road outside the prisons. They could have walked away if they wanted to, under the
cover of dark. The fire service is coming in for blame. But it was the failure of the other security services to create a safe environment, early during the conflagration, which prevented the fire service from getting the fire under control. The fire service could not have been expected to douse the fire when they were being pelted with rocks and gunshots were being fired. They should not be blamed. Guyanese should find no comfort in the security operations of Sunday night. The population of
Guyana is like a flock of sitting ducks. If the cows in pasture are not safe from the criminals who are incarcerated at Lusignan, how can citizens feel safe? Just go to any police station at night, and it is clear that if there are any major criminal activities, there are not sufficient police ranks on duty at nights to deal with the threats. Security is as thin as a wafer.
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Kaieteur News
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
Cow pasture + bail = failure
Magistrates have been rushed down to the cow pasture in Lusignan where prisoners are being kept among a type of animal that Hindus consider sacred – the cow. At the time of writing, I have been unable to confirm if the prisoners had slaughtered a cow in the compound that they had captured and tied up. What a mockery of life in a failed state named Guyana. When Stan Gouveia interviewed me on his radio programme “the Hot Seat,” I
made mention of recurring tragedies among two nationstates – Russia and Guyana. These countries have maudlin citizens and sad histories. And while other countries with similar historical patterns have gone far into modern directions, Russia and Guyana still haven’t broken out of their isolation. Russia is leaving Guyana behind. Russian oil money is changing the nature of the way Russians see human existence. Guyana remains bogged
down in angst and nihilism. Could one have imagined that the two worst prison mayhems in the Caribbean occurred under leadership that the population was overjoyed to have because they defeated the PPP? Name another country in which the prisoners burnt down the central jail in the land. In which other country in the poorer parts of the Third World has that happened? One year into this new government, crimes of an uncivilized nature became rampant. Some may argue that you did have bestial crimes long before the new administration took over, but I would argue that we never expected with a new environment such horrible manifestations of criminality, of which I think three need to be mentioned. In Berbice, robbers tied up a mother and son and torched their home; the son freed himself, the mother was burnt to death. On the West Coast of Demerara, a married couple in their seventies locked themselves in their bedroom when burglars descended on the home. The bandits burned the house down with
them inside. In Berbice, robbers chopped a seventy year old man and his wife to death, while enjoying themselves to drinks and food. We all thought Guyana would travel into a new horizon when APNU teamed up with the AFC and won the 2015 elections. It was not to be. The first sign that we were in for jejune, uninspiring leadership was the fifty percent (why not twenty, why fifty) increase the new leaders gave themselves, retroactive to the time they came into power. Equally mindboggling was the billiondollar construction of Durban Park that was totally unnecessary. One egregious mistake after another began to drown the phenomenon that all Guyanese were so overjoyed to have in May 2015. Poor Stabroek Market vendors were unceremoniously scattered from the place they earned a living, just to accommodate a Golden Jubilee celebration. It was heartless and hellish. President Granger’s hero, Forbes Burnham, would not have gone in that sadistic direction.
Not satisfied that they were cruel to vendors in 2016, they were about to do the same in 2017 with those who remained. This was despite the fact that they had Durban Park to do the Independence thing in 2017. As a testimony to the failure of post-2015 leadership, Durban Park is now an aesthetic monstrosity. In mainstream journalism, we call it a White Elephant. Every day, the abominable mistakes of the post-2015 leadership multiply. Amidst this deterioration, citizens began to laugh at the APNU+AFC coalition the way they did when the PPP was in government and Jagdeo, Ramotar, Kellawan Lall, Clement Rohee and others ran a circus in Guyana. People are laughing at the national awards and the people who made the decisions. A man who left Guyana in 1978 and only returned at age 65 in 2016 was given the CCH, while people like Adam Harris and Dr. Mark Kirton who gave all their youth in service to Guyana were gifted with the AA. Monkey knows which limb to jump on. Had they risked that
Frederick Kissoon insult with me, I would have reached the Office of the President to give them back their medal. There is something in Guyana we call “eyepass.” Everybody was lining up outside the Lusignan cow pasture yesterday to see the greatest circus on earth. The magistrates entered the pasture to dish out nominal bail to remand accused who were before the courts on misdemeanour charges, including disorderly behaviour. When these poor souls were being sent to remand on offences that no serious country would have denied them bail for, our leaders were unmoved and unconcerned. Then the central jail was flattened by arson and the magistrates turned up at the cow pasture. Boom out, Simona! Look at the cows mixing with the prisoners!
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Twelve police stations to be remodeled, rehabilitated During the opening of tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) yesterday, contractors vied for contracts to remodel and rehabilitate several police stations in and around the hinterland. These projects fall under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP) of the Ministry of Public Security and are as follows: The remodeling and rehabilitation of Police Stations at Annai and Aishalton:
The remodeling and rehabilitation of Police Stations at Port Kaituma, Mabaruma, Suddie, Aurora and Issano:
The remodeling and rehabilitation of Police Stations at La Grange, Cane Grove and Mibicuri:
Tenders were also open for the remodeling and rehabilitation of Police Stations at Kwakwani and McKenzie, Linden:
The Ministry of Business is the procuring entity for construction services for the Business Incubator Centre, Phase One:
The Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni), is the procuring entity for the construction of a CT Scan Building at the Bartica Hospital Compound.
The Ministry of Public Security is the procuring entity for the procurement of equipment for the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
Finally, tenders were also open for the procurement of community policing uniforms:
Prison officials failed to act despite hearing of escape plot – staffer Prison officials would have had some indication that a massive breakout at the Camp Street facility was in the making. This is according to some sources close to the investigation into the massive fire which razed the entire prison on Sunday. Kaieteur News caught up with a few workers attached to the penitentiary yesterday, who noted that there had been rumours that the men were plotting a massive riot, for some time now. But despite the information, little to nothing was done to tighten up security at the prisons. “Is long now we hearing that dem man de planning a riot, but nobody ain’t tek it for nothing. Because is prison and you does hear all kind of thing,” a staffer attached to the facility stated. “Ever since the last fire, we hear dem men (the prisoners) was planning bigger to get away, but nobody took it seriously.” According to the source, the prisons would undergo regular searches, but this was not enough to stop any serious escape plot. “They would find things and just tek it away or warn them… nothing too serious does happen to the prisoners if they get ketch with certain things,” the staff noted. It is this sort of non-action by prison officials, that the staffer believes encouraged the plot by several prisoners to escape the State Penitentiary. On Sunday, Mark Royden Williams, who was serving time for the Bartica Massacre, and ex-cop and murder accused Uree Varswyck, Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander and an Amerindian partner, together escaped the jailhouse using handguns and other improvised weapons. The men would have set fire to the facility and attacked and injured several prison officials before escaping. Prison officer Jason Maltay, 20 who is in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) detailed what transpired on the day the
Prison officer: Jason Maltay
prison came under attack. Maltay said that he had reported for duty as normal that day at the Task Force Department of the Georgetown Prisons. On Sunday afternoon, he heard a distress whistle. The whistle was to alert prison officers of a “threat”. I don’t know who blew the whistle, but we responded,” Maltay recalled. But by the time he reached inside the prison yard, several prisoners were already on the landing. The officer noted that it was then he realized that the condemned prison building had been breached. “Everything happened so quickly,” Maltay stated, while noting that he was shot by one of the escapees, Uree Varswyck, as he was making his way to the arms station for a firearm. When he fire the shot, I jump on the ground
and stayed there. He run past me and went upstairs.” It was then that Varswyck is said to have attacked another Prison Officer, Hubert Trim. Trim sustained a number of injuries, including chop wounds. He is still critical at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Trim’s relatives have since reported that he is in and out of consciousness. A Chief Prison Officer, Trim has undergone hours of surgery. “He get chop bad and he went into surgery a number of times before,” one relative said. Trim is among five other Prison officials undergoing treatment at the GPHC. Prison Officers Simeon Sandy, Errol Daphness, Drexel Gonsalves, and Dominic Mingo received treatment for either gunshot or chop wounds, or a combination of both.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 12, 2017
‘Bartica, Lusignan massacre killer saved my life’ - HOSTAGE REVEALS
- “He even allowed me to keep my wedding ring” By Romila Boodram
WANTED: Ex-cop Uree Varswyck
WANTED: Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander
WANTED: Mark Royden Williams
With swollen feet and bruises about his body, 22year-old Mathew Shivtahal, who was held hostage by four high-profile prisoners on Sunday, recalled how he begged Bartica massacre suspect, Mark Royden Williams, to spare his life so that he could see his one-yearold son again. “I say ‘Rasta, I got a oneyear-old son, and I don’t want him to grow up without a father’ and he (Williams) said just because I tell him that, he will allow me to go,” Shivtahal recounted yesterday during an interview with this newspaper. As much as the young man was scared of being with the four criminals, he tried his best to maintain his composure and even addressed the men as “Soulj” and “Soulja Man” as he pleaded with them to free him. After seven hours of trekking through thick bushes and swimming across trenches with the escapees, who assisted him over the water, Shivtahal was allegedly given direction and was informed to run without looking back if he wanted to remain alive. It was the Bartica massacre killer who allowed the young man to leave and go to be with his son. Shivtahal was freed when the men were at the sevendoor sluice in the backlands
Matthew Shivtahal at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD). He was trekking through the bushes with Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander, ex-cop Uree Varswyck, Williams and an Amerindian man yet to be identified. HOW IT ALL STARTED Shivtahal said he was planning to have a quiet Sunday evening with his wife, Rohanie Shivtahal and son at the Kitty seawall when a woman he had dropped off at Industry, East Coast Demerara, earlier in the day, called and asked that he return
for her. The young man left home at Kaneville, Grove, East Bank Demerara, telling his wife that he would be back to take them to the seawall. After picking up the passengers and while on his way back to the East Bank, as fate would have it, he decided to drive through the city, since he thought it might have been too congested on Mandela Avenue. “I come down Camp Street and I hear two gunshots and the police vehicle come and Continued on page 29
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Alleged assassination plot against President…
COI to probe if cops failed to properly investigate In the coming weeks, citizens will know if the Guyana Police Force (GPF) failed to properly investigate an alleged plot to kill President David Granger. Yesterday, Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police, Paul Slowe was sworn in as commissioner to head an inquiry mandated by President Granger into the persons, places, times, circumstances and events by, and through which, allegations and reports were made of a plan to assassinate him. Slowe took the oath before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. The final report of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) will be rendered to the President on August 18. “I am expecting the truth to be revealed. What really transpired and how the entire process was handled,” Slowe told reporters. According to the Terms of Reference, Slowe will determine if any member of the Guyana Police Force had information about the murder plot before and after reports, and whether they
President David Granger communicated the information to their superiors. The COI will also determine if any police officer involved in the investigation is to be blamed for failure or neglect to properly and thoroughly investigate the plan to assassinate the President, and what action should be taken against them. The COI will review all actions taken by the GPF and examine if there was neglect, evidence failure, or omission to properly investigate the “intention” or plan to
assassinate the President, and to determine whether such failure or omission was intentional. It is also set out to identify systemic issues, if any, in the Guyana Police Force’s competence to investigate matters of this nature. Further, the commissioner will investigate and review the full range of the Guyana Police Force’s actions and responses to the report of the assassination plot and the extent to which such actions were conducted or executed with due diligence. The alleged plot to kill the President was discussed during a cabinet meeting in April. When asked about a possible motive, Minister of State Joseph Harmon had proffered that President Granger enjoys popularity across the country. “It’s important that we understand while we have a popular president, and people all around this country love him and embrace him, that sometimes, there are some people who are misguided by what they see on Facebook and copycat type of issues. Therefore we always have to be careful,”
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan hands over the instrument of appointment to Commissioner Paul Slowe.
Harmon had said. Minister Harmon also expressed his confidence that the security forces can protect the Head of State. The alleged plot was reportedly revealed when a man whose name was not disclosed was interviewed by HGP TV and a part of the footage was released on April 20. During the interview, the informant, who had no problems with his face being shown, detailed a plot in
which he claimed he was offered $7M to kill President Granger near or at State House, the official residence of the president. The man claimed that he went to borrow $6M from a businessman, said to be gold miner. Instead, the businessman offered $7M. The businessman allegedly showed the person being interviewed a long gun and said it was to be used in the assassination. However,
the man claimed he turned down the offer. It was reported that police officers and a businessman with links to the gold industry, were said to be involved. The informant, who insisted that he has never harmed anyone before, said he was threatened with death by the persons who attempted to hire him. Police were called in to investigate and the man was reportedly picked up and questioned.
Wednesday July 12, 2017
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Kaieteur News
PSC calls for details on released, escaped inmates The Private Sector Commission (PSC) wants the authorities to give detailed information on the number of prisoners who have escaped custody, as well as the number of those who were released on bail. F u r t h e r, the Commission has given a list of steps it thinks should be taken to prevent the w o r s e n i n g o f G u y a n a ’s current situation. Yesterday, PSC released a statement offering condolences to the family of Prison officer Odinga Wickham. The Commission also acknowledged the injured prison staff and prisoners and expressed hope for a speedy recovery. The PSC thanked the officers and ranks of the Guyana Prison Service for the good job done battling “the raging inferno a n d r e v o l t i n g prisoners before reinforcements of police began to arrive at the Georgetown prisons. The ranks of the Guyana Fire Service also need to be commended for their brave efforts at fighting the raging inferno in the prison compound while facing off violent attacks by the revolting prisoners. We
thank the Army and Police for their successful efforts at the containment of what could have been a larger disaster in our country in terms of loss of life and serious threat to public safety and security.” The PSC said that it has taken note of the reported events that led up to the fire at the Camp Street Prison and the resultant state of fear and apprehension that now exists in the society. The Commission said that over many years it followed with disappointment the slow pace of addressing and implementing measures to mitigate the results of a slow court system, the mixing of remand and other prisoners with serious crime prisoners and other causal factors that have led to the current situation. “ We n o t e t h a t t h e deterioration of the prison system was not paid enough attention by our Political leaders generally over time. Efforts to speed up the decision making of the judiciary was not enough which has resulted in overcrowding, corruption and general decay of a once successful
system,” the PSC stated. The PSC urged the Government of Guyana to “declare fully the identities of persons being granted bail and those being r e l e a s e d i n a n y w a y, together with histories and other information and also for the police to monitor, wherever possible, these persons.” The Commission also urged the authorities to publish the true and accurate count of prisoners held prior to the incident, the amount transferred and the unaccounted prisoners. The PSC said that lack of accurate official information has created much room for speculation and is fueling fear in the society. “We also note with awe the statement by Minister Ramjattan that ‘when you are going to serve a five year term——If you are of good behaviour, you can get some remission from me. I can give you as the Minister and the authority.” The PSC, having sought legal advice, is of the view that the Minister is not empowered to do so and that this statement
should be corrected. The Commission said that it is disappointed that much of the COI on the Prisons was not implemented “and monies allocated by the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Public Security remained unspent.” The Private Sector body recommends that: the government immediately fast track the modification of the Mazaruni Prison; the facilities in Georgetown should be for Prisoners
awaiting trial only; ensure more Civil Society leaders are placed on Prisonrelated Boards and immediately look at working conditions for Prison officers.” Further, the PSC recommends that government, “Push the Judiciary harder to catch up on back logs; Consider Privatizing the Prison system and review proposals for the establishment of a half- way house in the rehabilitative process.
The PSC further urged the government to “ensure the recapturing of the dangerous prisoners that are on the loose”. “Simultaneously we urge the citizens to report any and all suspicious incidents to the Guyana Police Force. The occurrences of Sunday must not be repeated. It could have been much worse. The PSC holds the Government of Guyana accountable and ask that top priority be given to the entire process of Prison reform.”
Caribbean Airlines makes emergency landing at Hewanorra Int’l Airport CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – A Caribbean Airlines flight made an emergency landing at the Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia on Sunday after the pilot alerted authorities of an engine fire. Sources told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC), that emergency services at the airport were placed on alert and were all on location when the plane landed safely just after 3:00 pm (local time). Officials at the nearby St. Jude Hospital
said they were notified of the emergency and activated the necessary protocols to deal with the situation. None of the 68 passengers on board were reportedly injured. The plane’s intended destination and point of origin are unclear. An official statement on the incident is expected to be released by Caribbean Airlines headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Guns stashed in bike parts unearthed in barrel at GNSC wharf Police are probing the discovery of a number of guns and a quantity of ammunition stashed in bike parts, discovered at the GNSC wharf yesterday.
A shipment of bike parts has sparked a police probe following the discovery of weapons in a barrel yesterday. According to officials, the guns and several rounds of matching ammunition were found stashed in the bike parts. The discovery was made at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) wharf, Lombard Street, during a Customs check. An official attached to a shipping agent has been
since assisting police with investigations, with police looking to talk to the consignee, said to be a woman. According to information, the barrel was shipped from Brooklyn and arrived in Guyana sometime back. A woman - the consignee - reportedly came to uplift the barrel and during the routine Customs check, the bike parts were found in the barrel. The woman was asked to visit the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to have the shipment
processed. However, she never returned. Yesterday, the barrel was opened and during checks, the guns, said to be four, were found. While reports were that the guns were high-powered ones, there was no police report to verify this. GNSC bond operations were shut down around midday yesterday as investigators conducted their probe, they were said to be attempting to locate the female consignee.
Murder trial underway for 2009 terror gang member The murder trial for Basil Morgan is underway at the High Court in Georgetown. Morgan is one of five men implicated in the 2009 terror crimes. A jury empanelled yesterday will oversee the trial of Morgan for the murder of Woddet Roberts called “Buck Man,� The crime would have been committed between November 3 and November 4, 2009. Roberts was allegedly killed during a robbery. It is alleged that Morgan was among a gang that robbed Roberts of a Tacoma vehicle. During the trial, Morgan will be facing Justice James Bovell Drakes and a mixed twelve-member jury. He will be represented by Attorney
Accused: Basil Morgan Lyndon Amsterdam. State Prosecutor, Tuanna
Hardy is presenting the matter. In 2009, Morgan was implicated in a number of terrorist activities in Georgetown. The activities implicated Colin Jones and three other men. Jones and the remainder of the gang have since pleaded guilty to the crimes and have been jailed. Among the indictments they faced were charges for murder, attempted murder, discharging a loaded firearm with intent, wounding with intent and arson.
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EDUCATIONAL Canadian School of Arts & Science: Summer Classes 2017- Pre-K, Nursery, Primary, Secondary (July 10th –August 11th). Call: 216-6921/22 for registration SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Affordable house plans for residential and commercial buildings @ 37 Camp and Croal Streets. Call: 610-4085/ 614-0525/227-3575 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
CAR RENTAL PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com
I.A.E – Registered now for full-time secondary school, lessons, CXC/CSEC classes, adults, students, repeaters. Call: 683-5742/621-7365
Experienced curry cook roti/ puri cook, counter servers, waiters (day shift only). Apply Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Streets.
Summer Classes for slow learners in Maths, Phonics, Reading, Spelling and much more. Call: 675-4379
Live in experienced waitress 18-25yrs -$80,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974 Cosmetologist to work in salon must be certified & have clientele, must have pleasant personality. Call: 626-6450/ 227-1125 Professional mechanic specialized in diesel & gasoline vehicles with responsibilities - $5,000 daily. Call: 685-6588 Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work Interior location, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 9am4:30pm (TIN, ID & NIS) Female cook with housekeeping experience, ages 30-45. Call: 629-9450 1 Experienced salesgirl, knowledge of doing VAT bills, apply with written application: VV&I General Store, 22 Saffon St. Charlestown. Call: 223-9677 One experienced truck driver, apply within at VV&I General Store, 22 Saffon St. Charlestown. Call: 223-9677 Hardworking, pleasant, physically fit, literate, team player (Plant Shop Staff), 1825 years in Georgetown Tel: 646-2108 Wanted urgently @ C a m p b e l l ’s Wa s t e Management: drivers for garbage truck & labours. Call: (592)670-7920/ 2317012 Waitresses wanted @ 50/50 sports bar & lounge, Vreeden-Hoop, Age 18-25, 2pm2am. Call: 647-4491
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).
First Aid/Courses at St. John Ambulance Brigade, 110 Cowan St., Georgetown, available: morning, evening sessions. For details call: 225-9082 Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 17th- August 11th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:218-2076; 619-4355 Personal Tutoring: Maths, English, Social-Studies, Office Administration, History, Reading & Accounts. Excellent Results guarantee. Call: 610-6087 INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 9 Course, Diploma in computer- office 2016, windows 10 -$20,000 off for CXC students 2017 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Summer Computer classes for age 5-14 early registration starting @ $8,500 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting, PC Repairs, graphics courses. Register Now @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057/Study in Canada or USA Call Now! Summer School ages 4-14, Rising Star Academy, Phonics, Reading, Mathematics, Science; Register Early. Call: 677-0296
FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 Three bedrooms upper flat @ Lusignan, E.C.D. Call: 6298240 Furnished three bedrooms top flat, next to Georgetown Hospital. Call: 225-3756/603-2257 Hair/Nail Station rental & barber station rental, New Market Street. Call: 638-1106 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D - $1200USD. Call 6471773 Fully furnished luxury apartment to rent 2 & 3 bedrooms, long and short term stay. Call: 665-3505 1 Fully furnished a p a r t m e n t a t Vi c t o r i a Avenue Eccles, E.B.D, inclusive of: parking, cable, internet & 2 bedrooms (one AC). Call: 667-2536 Queenstown: furnished apartment and one office flat 2500 sq.ft. Call: 600-3171
Land at 42 Coglan Dam, size: 37X270 price -$5.5M negotiable. Call Mr. Howes: 677-9938 or Mrs Clarke: +13473870537
(2) 2010 Vitz - $2.2M negotiable each, 2010 Suzuki swift & Nissan March $2M negotiable each (all unregistered). Call: 6497771/690-7155
La Parfaite Harmonie (main road) - $2M, $1.6M, $1.4M, $1.8M, Herstelling -$3M, Tuschen - $1.2M, Farm $3M. Call: 666-2326
1 Fielder Wagon, new model -$1.450M negotiable. Call: 231-6552/ 656-6852
La Parfaite Harmonie $1.6M, $1.4M, $1M, $2M, Eccles - $5.5M, Herstelling $3M, Tuschen - $1.2M, $5M. Call: 604-6724 or 686-9608 2 ½ Acres riverside land, 5 Acres land with 5,000 sq.ft building, Brickery, East Bank Demerara. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874
Property for sale at Hope, E.C.D- Call: 648-0436 One concrete building (incomplete) in residential area, close to National Stadium, Massy Supermarket, price negotiable. Call: 699-4114 One concrete three bedrooms house for sale at Block 8 Mon Repos -$17M. Call: 645-8543
MASSAGE Gent’s Spa contact our masseuse for appointments. Call: 658-5528 Neisha’s Massage Spa. Call: 674-8147
New model, Toyota IST, late PVV series, female owner $2.65M. Owner Migrating. Call: 686-8985/621-3072 1 Toyota Vigo, 4 wheel drive immaculate condition, make an offer. Call: 225-3234 2006 Audi – A4 PRR series$3.1M. Call: 623-3839
House lots in Blankenburg $3.5M. Contact-6500402\603-1402 26 Happy Acres, East Coast, 5,830sq (53X110), 25 Million, negotiable. Call: 614-4358 Farm New Scheme (East Bank) 100ftX50ft- $2.5M (deal) all legal fees paid. Call: 667-1960/656-0701
VACANCY Chef and assistant cook. Call: 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff St. Accounts clerk: English A (Grade 1) , Mathematics, P.O.A (Grade 2), knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT & QuickBooks @ Technical Services, Eccles. Call 614-4358 Workers: carpenter & mason. Call: 265-3586
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 One three bedroom concrete house for sale Contact Mala: 917-254-2909, location: Vryheid’s Lust, North. Call: 699-4111/626-2208
VEHICLE FOR SALE Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501
La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, Zeelugt -$2M, Tuschen house & land - $3.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.7M. Call: 642-1252
La Parfaite Harmonie - $1.3M, way up front, already clean, all legal fees paid. Call: 6511969/ 611-7223
Need cash? Selling your house/land? Call:(592) 6817120
FOR SALE/RENT Large 3 bedrooms house upstairs/downstairs @ Parfaite, Recht- Door-Zee, for sale or rent 40,000 monthly. Call: 690-5061 or 667-0022 1 furnished liquor restaurant & bar for sale -$20M or rent, location: E.C.D, 1 AT192 Carina - $575,000 for sale- Call: 600-7228
LAND FOR SALE
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Paint Sale! Until supplies last! Coloured latex paint, 50% discount. Call: 265-3541/ 6954785/616-3411
Male & female labourers for a seafood processing plant. Apply in person @ BM Enterprise, Guyana Fisheries Limited Wharf. Office clerk, apply at Survival Lot 10 Vlissengen Road, Newtown, Kitty. Maid for East Bank area please call: 614-4358
Female cleaner for office in Eccles, E.B.D. Call: 233-2745. Accounts clerk with 5 Transported property & Subjects or more @ Trophy music equipment. Call: 265- Stall Bourda Market. 3586 Cleaner/Janitor Shakoor’s One 5pcs suite hardly used - Seafood, Eccles. Call: 233-2546/ $55,000, treadmill -$40,000, 1- Male fish cleaner @ Shakoor’s recliner chair -$30,000. Call Seafood Eccles. Call: 233-2546 Esmond Latchmansingh: 226Security guards, apply 5053 manager @ Herdmanston One Diesel welder, excellent Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira condition, owner leaving Streets, Queenstown. country. Call: 699-4300/ 228-2734 One experienced female German shepherd puppies. Accounts Clerk- Apply in Call: 220-2277/220-8904/629- person to Alabama Trading, 1471/639-5466 65 Robb Street Bourda. ACCOMMODATION One female general domestic Journey Inn apartment rental, apply in person to 65 Robb short term with AC & Kitchen, Street Bourda. as low as -$15US. Call: 642-1783/ Continued on Page 27 646-3011634/718-2301695
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Prosecution discloses statements in GRDB $362M fraud case Six former board members of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), who we r e s l a p p e d w i t h fraud-related charges for allegedly failing to make proper entries into the general ledger of the GRDB’s Republic Bank a c c o u n t , a m o u n t ing to some $362M, were served with statements yesterday. The six officials are former General Manager of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) Jagnarine Singh; former Deputy General of GRDB and People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/ C) Member of Parliament Madanlall Ramraj; General Secretary of the Rice Producers Association (RPA) and PPP/C Member of Parliament, Dharamkumar Seeraj; former Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and PPP/ C Member of Parliament, Nigel Dharamlall; former General Manager of the Guyana Oil Company Badrie Persaud and former Deputy Permanent Secretary Finance Ministry of Agriculture, Prema Roopnarine. The prosecution is alleging that between January 1 and December 31, 2012 the six officials, with intent to defraud, omitted or concurred to be omitted $77.3M from the general ledger of the GRDB’s Republic Bank account. Similarly, between January 1 and December 31 of years 2013, 2014 and 2015 with intent to defraud the entity, they omitted or concurred to be omitted from the said Republic Bank
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account, $9.7M, $130M and $145M for the three respective years. When the matter was called yesterday, Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) prosecutor, Trenton Lake disclosed statements to the defendants. Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan ordered that the defendants, who have been each released on $500,000 bail, appear before Magistrate Leron Daly on July 31. GRDB is the authority charged with overseeing the rice industry throughout the country. Upon entering Government in May 2015, the David Granger-led administration immediately ordered a number of forensic audits to determine the health of the state agencies. With regards to the GRDB
report, it was noted that over a three to four-year period, more than US$500M from the PetroCaribe proceeds (Venezuela rice-for-oil deal) would have passed through the accounts of the entity. Among some of the “anomalies” found were loans without proper paperwork or promissory notes. There were other instances of persons in the agency using GRDB’s money to trade in foreign currency. The losses for the Government would have been significant, especially if the money was traded for less than it should have been. The Auditor General and the forensic audit reports have all pointed to severe deficiencies in the manner the monies of the state have been handled by the entities.
MV Kimbia to resume operation in August
MV Kimbia, after repairs, will be back in the waters from August, it was disclosed. Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, on Friday at Parliament, said that MV Kimbia will resume its operation by August as it is presently being refurbished. Cabinet had approved a $12M contract for rehabilitation and variation works, and late day charges such as the re-building and sourcing of a rebuilt engine for the vessel for MV Kimbia. This led to Lady Northcote replacing the Kimbia while it was put under repairs last year. The Minister explained that though the vessel will soon be back on board, the ministry will not withdraw Lady Northcote. The latter will continue on its current schedule travelling from Georgetown to Mabaruma, and be augmented by BV Barima. He noted that 75 per cent of the total expenditure for the rehabilitation of the Lady Northcote was used. Lady Northcote commenced operations in 1937. It was previously decommissioned for two months in 2015 for rehabilitation works that cost $140M, completed by E.C Vieira Investments Limited. It included works such as the repair of its hull; servicing of
all on-board machinery; improvement of interior and exterior decking and upgrades to the main and passenger decks. Additionally, the offloading and loading capabilities were improved while all of the vessel’s plates were changed. The underwater propellers were also completely rebuilt. Minister Patterson said that the contract for MB Sandaka has already been awarded while the docking and rehabilitation of the MV Malali contract is currently at Tender Board.
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Escapees tally now eight; four of them unidentified
Authorities have corrected themselves with the number of prison escapees or missing persons from Sunday’s horrific blaze at the Camp Street jail. Yesterday, a government statement disclosed that it is now in fact eight prisoners at large, not five. It was pointed out that a number of reasons, including deliberate acts by prisoners at the Lusignan Prisons, have made the exercise of head counts difficult. “It was initially announced that there are 5 fugitives at large following the Georgetown Prison fire. You would have seen reports this afternoon (Monday) that Director of Prisons Gladwyn Samuels announced that there are now 8 prisoners at large,” the statement said. It was explained that on Sunday, there were 1018 prisoners registered at the Georgetown Prisons with 980 inmates in the prison at the time of the fire/breakout. The others, considered low-risk inmates, were on labour duties and were later accounted for. Of the 980 who were inmates at the time of the fire, nine escaped, with one recaptured - his name is Shamudeen Mohamed. It was explained that one prisoner also escaped while the transfers were being done from Georgetown to Lusignan. “He was recaptured the same night. His name is Shawn Collins.” “Of the 1,010 inmates, some were moved to
- authorities report difficulties in counting prisoners at Lusignan Mazaruni while the majority remained at Lusignan at this time.” Four of the eight prisoners have been identified so far - Mark Royden Williams called Smallie; Uree Varswyck called Malcolm Gordon; Stafrei Hopkinson Alexander and Cornelius Thomas (a Trinidadian). “The other four are to be identified and we expect an official announcement by the GPF (Guyana Police Force) this evening.” However, up to late yesterday, the police did not issue a statement. The government statement did not immediately confirm that Dellon Henry called Nasty Man was among the escapees, saying that he has not yet been officially announced. Government spokesman, Imran Khan, from the Office of the Prime Minister, in explaining the situation, acknowledged that there is a considerable amount of understandable anxieties by many with regard to the verification of the number and identities of the prisoners in custody at Lusignan. He said that “we are not dealing with compliant school children. Hundreds of the over 1000 prisoners are hardened criminals. When the roll call is done, many of the prisoners are refusing to identify
themselves, making identification of all the prisoners extremely difficult. You may ask why they are refusing to identify themselves. The main reason is that many of them are on ‘self support’ which means that their families take food to them to the prison on a daily basis.” He said it is presumed that the prisoners are refusing to identify themselves, because if they do, they will be transferred to Mazaruni or Timehri, and they will then be off of self support, as their families would no longer be able to travel such distances to provide food for them and they will have to consume prison food only. “I have been told that even verifying the total number in custody is being made difficult as the 1000+ prisoners are in a single open area, and are deliberately moving around to disrupt the counting process,” Khan said in his Whatsapp statement. “It is also being suggested that some of the prisoners are being deliberately uncooperative so as to delay the identification of all the escapees for as long as possible, in an effort to aid the escapees in their efforts to remain unidentified.” The army in a separate statement called for patience and understanding, as the Joint Services work to both
recapture those who have escaped, and having a greater level of control to those who remain in custody. “The Guyana Defence Force, through its involvement in Operation Safeguard, continues to fulfill its mandate to ensure the safety and security of citizens and communities across Guyana. In this regard, the Force remains actively involved in supporting the Guyana Police Force and the other security agencies in the current environment, following the security crisis which occurred at the Camp Street Prison on Sunday July 9, 2017.” At the Georgetown Prisons, where the remains of the burnt buildings told only part of the tale, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure urged residents in the neighbourhood to be prepared, as construction works are ongoing. “These works will include the removal of debris from the site. As a result, members of the public are being advised to expect related construction noises. Furthermore, motorists and pedestrians are also asked to take note and exercise caution. We sincerely regret any inconveniences these works will cause and urge citizens to remain patient as we strive to address this national issue together.”
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Marine Corps plane on training flight crashes in Mississippi; 16 dead
The KC-130 is able to refuel planes in the air and transport troops and equipment. (CNN) The transport plane that crashed in the Mississippi Delta, killing fifteen Marines and a Navy corpsman, was moving personnel and equipment from North Carolina to a western base to train before deploying, the Marine Corps said Tuesday. Investigators are trying to determine why the New Yo r k - b a s e d KC-130T c r a s h ed in western Mississippi’s Leflore County on Monday afternoon, Maj. Andrew Aranda said. The plane, which the military can use to refuel planes in the air and carry cargo, went down in a rural area just off US 82, about 85 miles north of Jackson, with debris found on both sides of the highway, CNN affiliate WDBD reported. Federal Aviation Administration officials contacted the Marines when the aircraft disappeared from air traffic control radar over Mississippi, officials said. “Every resource we can pull from will be used to determine what happened,” Aranda told reporters a couple miles from the crash site. All 16 service members who were aboard the plane died, officials said. Their names weren’t immediately released. Six Marines and the sailor were members of the 2d Marine Raider Battalion, based in Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. They were part of Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command and were traveling to Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona for routine small unit pre-deployment training. “The incredible demands of this dangerous and demanding calling forge some of the tightest units and family bonds found in the US military,” special operations command said. “This loss impacts us all.” Officials didn’t indicate
where the other Marines were based. But Aranda did say: — The aircraft belonged to a Marine Forces Reserve refueling and transport squadron based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, New York. — The flight originated from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in eastern North Carolina. Its final destination was Naval Air Station El Centro in California. Aranda said he didn’t know how many of the service members were active duty, how many were reservists, or how many were members of the squadron. Reserve squadrons have both active-duty members and reservists, he said. Because the plane was carrying small-arms ammunition and personal weapons, an explosive ordnance disposal team was at the crash site, military officials said. “Out of precaution, we just wanted to make sure people do not approach ... just out of general safety,” Aranda said. Flames and dark smoke rose from part of the wreckage in a field off the highway, video from WDBD on Monday showed. CNN affiliates WDBD and WHBQ, citing officials they didn’t name, reported the plane had stopped in Memphis, Tennessee. Aranda did not confirm that, saying he didn’t know details about the aircraft’s flight plan. A witness to Monday’s crash, Andy Jones, said he heard a loud bang while working in a field near his catfish farm. The plane spiraled, nose down, to the ground, Jones said. One of the engines appeared to be trailing white smoke, he said. He called 911 after the crash. Jones said he didn’t see the impact because trees blocked his view.
Wednesday July 12, 2017
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‘Bartica, Lusignan massacre... Prime Minister removes longstanding supporter from government boards ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell has confirmed that a long standing supporter of the ruling New National Party (NNP), Terrence Forrester, has been removed from two government boards. Mitchell, who is also the political leader of the NNP says Forrester’s refusal to accept a decision made by the party to not appoint him as the caretaker for the St George’s South constituency – led to his removal from the government boards. “He is a policy maker and as chairman of a board, that is what he is so he is expected to implement the policies of Government, but he decides he does not want to accept the Government’s decision or the party decision, now if that is the case, how do you expect him to continue? As far as I am concerned the minute he opposed he should have done the nicest thing and tendered his resignation,” Mitchell told reporters on Tuesday during the question and answers segment of the weekly post cabinet briefing. Forester represented the Government on two statutory boards. Explaining further, Mitchell said – Forrester had expressed his willingness to become the caretaker and eventual candidate for the NNP in the upcoming general
Terrence Forrester election that is due no later than May 2018, but the structure of the Party resulted in another person getting selected and that Forester did not accept decision. “The executive has chosen a caretaker for the constituency and if that is the case all of us have to abide by the directive of the Party, we may not agree with it but we have to abide by it,” said Mitchell who admitted that some decisions are made by the executive of the party an although he (Mitchell) did not agree with the position – he abided by the decision.
Though he has not shared details publicly, Forrester as confirmed that he will be contesting the upcoming general election “most likely” as an independent candidate. He has given the assurance that he will be calling a news conference in the coming days to explain his decision to run as an independent and at the same time – share the reasons for his departure from the NNP. Forrester is a former Public Relations Officer from the NNP and has being associated with party since its formation in 1984.
Agreement signed for multimillion dollar hotel deal TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands, CMC – An agreement for the redevelopment of the government owned Prospect Reef Hotel has been signed by the government and the ICA (BVI) Group Corporation. The agreement is expected to lead to hundreds of jobs under the project that will cost approximately US$90 million. The announcement was made following the signing between ICA Group representative Ali Nawaz Shaikh, and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr D. Orlando Smith. According to statement issued by the Government’s Information Service, Shaikh said that it has been a long road of negotiations with the government, noting that the process was tedious. “The key thing here is that we have signed an agreement, and we are going to go forward, and I think it’s a success and a win for the people of the BVI, because we will
be employing hundreds of people,” he said. Shaikh further stated that works have started and a team including architects, engineers, and master planners will visit the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the end of the month. “The components of the project include the construction of 150 rooms, condos/ town houses, marina, conference centre, and parking lots. There will also be dolphin attraction, infinity pool, salt water pool, and villas,” added the BVI government. Smith, following the signing, noted that Government saw the need to continue the development of the territory’s tourism product and financial services in 2005. He added that the purchase of Prospect Reef gave Government an opportunity to move into the direction of development. The Premier said that besides having a hotel where an increasing number of visitors can be accommodated, the idea was to have a conference
centre that is large enough to hold major conferences of up to 400 persons. “We have had occasions where we wanted to have large conferences here in the BVI, and had to have them moved to other jurisdictions because of lack of facilities in the territory. In addition, for BVIslanders and residents, my Government also desired to have an institution to develop culinary skills.” He further said Government has had a relationship with one of the culinary schools in the United States, which has produced some good chefs. But the Premier noted that the aim was to use the Prospect Reef property to further develop a culinary school, and by extension develop training in all aspects of the hotel industry. He aded that the ICA Group eventually approached Government with a proposal to proceed with the development of Prospect Reef.
From page 12 say go from here…I drive and before I turn on Bent Street, I stopped and was checking to see if any other vehicles coming, when I see the four men. They come and pull out the passengers,” he recalled. The survivor recalled that upon realizing what was taking place, he quickly got out of the vehicle and told the men to take the car— a burgundy Toyota 212, PKK 4103, which was later found abandoned at North Ruimveldt. “After I come out, one of them tell me ‘no, we taking you,’ before pushing me into the backseat with Alexander and the Amerindian man,” he recalled. Williams was sitting in the front passenger seat armed with a gun while Varswyck was driving the vehicle. In the back seat, Alexander was armed with a gun too. WE ARE NOT GOING TO KILLYOU As the men drove towards Mandela Avenue with their hostage, they assured a nervous and trembling Shivtahal that they were not going to kill him. They told him that he just happened to be in “the wrong place at the wrong time”. “When they tell me that, I wasn’t so scared, but I kept my eyes open and was looking at them because they are criminals and they could have hit me in the head at any time,” the young man recalled. He added that while driving, the escapees said nothing to each other, and only had their eyes out for the police. “They didn’t say anything to each other…the policeman (Varswyck) was driving.” As the car proceeded, the men asked the young man if he had cash on him, to which he responded in the negative. “Rasta man take my watch and phone, and when he was going to take my wedding ring and I tell he that I only marry two months now and I beg he not to take it, he leave me with it,” the young man said. He further added that the men drove to the backlands at North Ruimveldt where they abandoned the car. KILL HIM? Shivtahal said that as the men were preparing to run though the backlands at North Ruimveldt, Varswyck asked the other escapees what to do with him. “Black bai (Varswyck) say ‘what we doing with this man, kill him?’ and dem rest say left de man… and Rasta man (Williams) tell me if I want live, come out the car and run with dem, so I do what they say and run with dem, because me ain’t want dead,” he said. Just before they started running through the tracks, Shivtahal said that he left his slippers behind, next to his car, so that when the police found the vehicle, they would have seen it. It was sometime around
17:40 hrs when the men started trekking through the bushes—it is suspected that they might have been heading up the Linden/Soesdyke Highway. “Dem men didn’t walk, dey run, and I had to run with them. We run down south on the dam and mek a turn up east and then head towards south. By 18:00 hrs, we meet the next dam which was full vegetation,” he noted. The Amerindian escapee and Varswyck along with their hostage ran barefoot while Alexander and Williams wore boots. Shivtahal said that the men rested for five minutes. “They stop and rested and then we hear gunshots”— this was apparently when the police found the car and the victim’s slippers. According to the young man, when they heard the gunshots, the escapees remained there for half an hour before they got up and started moving again. ESCAPEES WERE TIGHTLIPPED Shivtahal said that just as when they were in the car, even when the men sat to relax, they said nothing to each other. “They were quiet…just walking and running most of the time. Rasta man (Williams) is the leader and at one point, he, the police man and Alexander were speaking very quiet, and I didn’t try to bat my ears, because I didn’t want dey say I want know dey business.” He added that for most of his time with the men, he was being escorted by the Amerindian prisoner. Kaieteur News was informed that Alexander, Varswyck and Williams were in front, while their hostage was in the centre and the Amerindian man was at the back. ASSISTED OVER THE WATER As the men continued to trek through the backdam, when they reached the first trench, Shivtahal told them that he didn’t know to swim— hoping that the men would have allowed him to turn back as they went their way. However, Alexander held him by the arm and swam across the trench with him. They helped him across another three trenches. Shivtahal confirmed that he does know to swim. VICTIM FREED, GIVEN DIRECTION TO GO HOME When the men reached to the main canal, Varswyck reportedly told the other escapees that it didn’t make sense keeping him (Shivtahal) alive since he was slowing them down. “The policeman say, ‘leh we kill that man, it aint mek sense we keep he, cuz he can’t swim and he slowing we down’. That is when I start begging for my life. I turn to
Rasta man, because he is the leader, and I tell he that I got a one-month-old son and I don’t want him to grow up without a father,” the victim recounted. He further added that after telling Williams about his son, the man turned to him and said, “What you just tell me, I gone leh you go.” According to Shivtahal, Williams asked him where he was living, and when he said in Industry, East Coast Demerara—the man directed him to head straight to the Conversancy Dam then make a right turn where he would then see four swamps. “He said cross over the bridge and keep walking straight and I will see a bridge. He told me to watch east, and I will see the light and I should follow it,” the father of one said. He further noted that after he was given the direction, Williams then told him to keep running and if he looked back, they would kill him. “When he said that, I started running and I didn’t turn back to see which direction they went because I didn’t want to die, so I run and run.” HUNGRY, THIRSTY From the Sunday afternoon, the young man had nothing to eat. He was hungry, thirsty and tired having run through the bush with the men. “It had black water but because the place swampy, the water was dirty, so I only took a couple sips, but I didn’t see dem men drink anything. They just keep moving,” he noted. FINALLYRESCUED Shivtahal said that he walked for hours. He remembers stopping only once to rest for 10 minutes before he got up and continued his journey. “I walked and reach Annandale backdam and I see a shop. When I went there, some people went drinking and it had a policeman and I asked for a call and they asked me who I want call, because of how I was looking, my whole skin had mud, so I tell them that I am the boy that got kidnap,” Shivtahal revealed. He said that the policeman took him to Vigilance Police Station where he was given water and food and reunited with his family. HAPPY TO BE ALIVE Shivtahal yesterday counted his blessings for being allowed a second chance to be with his family. He said that had it not been for Mark Royden Williams, the Bartica massacre killer, he would not have been alive today. “I really had to beg for him to save me. All the time I was thinking about my son,” he said. Meanwhile, the manhunt continues for the escapees.
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Six Berbicians charged with trafficking ganja A woman, her two teen daughters, her husband and two other women were on Monday charged with the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The five females identified as Ann Thomas, 57, of 14 Smithfield, New Amsterdam, her daughters Kathyann Sampson, 17, and Mayann Thomas, 19, a mother of a seven month old, Paula Hinds, 51, of Angoy’s Avenue and Iverene Bourne, 56, of Suriname, were jointly charged with Joel Thomas at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s court when they appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore. The five women pleaded not guilty to the charge while Joel Thomas pleaded guilty. The teens and their mother were placed on $300,000 bail each, however their Attorney,
- lone male pleads guilty Horatio Edmonson, pleaded for leniency. Bail was subsequently reduced to $250,000 each. Bourne and Hinds were placed on $150,000 each after their bail was also reduced from $200,000. Sentencing for Joel Thomas was deferred. During the court proceedings, Attorney Edmonson requested the application for bail for the five women based on information that Joel Thomas had told the police that the cannabis found at the home belonged to him and not the women. He also stated that none of the accused was in the house when police entered the yard at Smithfield. However Police
Prosecutor Corporal Poliah objected to bail on the grounds that all of the accused were said to be in the house tending to the seeds, stems and leaves, believed to be cannabis, at that time. He explained that the six accused were met by ranks sitting on the floor, cutting and weighing the suspected cannabis. The Prosecutor also provided pictures reportedly showing all the accused cutting and weighing the narcotic. Magistrate Moore after viewing the pictures stated that they did not clearly identify the women and only Joel Thomas could be seen in the picture. Bail was subsequently
CHARGED: Joel Thomas
CHARGED: Ann Thomas
CHARGED: Paula Hinds
granted to the five females. Bourne and Hinds managed to post bail, however Ann Sampson and her two daughters could not. The four were all whisked away to the New Amsterdam Prison. According to the facts of
the case, on July 8 last at 11:20 hrs, acting on information received, police went to the home of Joel Thomas at 14 Smithfield, New Amsterdam and conducted a search for arms, ammunition and narcotics. In doing so, all the
defendants were seen in the hall of the house cutting and weighing the suspected cannabis. Eleven black plastic bags containing seeds stems and leaves were also discovered. The occupants were all arrested.
CHARGED: Kathyann Sampson (left) and Mayann Thomas
Wednesday July 12, 2017
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
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Red Stripe to engage farmers in cassava cultivation KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Beer maker, Red Stripe, has announced plans to engage an additional 200 farmers to cultivate cassava under its Project Grow initiative. The company says it will add to the 103 farmers who have already been contracted by the company to grow the crop as a source of raw material to substitute for the imported high-maltose corn syrup used in the production of its world-famous Red Stripe Beer.The farmers under contract are from the parishes of St. Elizabeth, St. Catherine, St. Ann, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Clarendon and Manchester. Red Stripe is looking to replace 40 per cent of maltose syrup by 2020 and already has more than 2,000 acres of land under cassava production. “In terms of Red Stripe farms, we are at 1,000 acres, and with the farmers we have recruited, we now have arable land totalling 1,159 acres,” said Local Raw Material Business Development Manager for Red Stripe, Dr. Cavell Francis-Rhiney. She was speaking at the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the United States Agency for International Development (USAD)–funded Jamaica Rural Economy and Ecosystems Adapting to Climate Change II project (Ja REEACH II) to provide technical assistance to boost commercial cassava production. Under the agreement, Ja REEACH II will provide support in refining research and training programmes; delivering farmer training; collabo-
rating with local partners to implement research and field trials to identify high-yielding, drought-tolerant cassava varieties; propagate highyielding planting materials; and identify and test complementary crops for intercropping and rotation. Ja REEACH II will mobilise its local technicalassistance-delivery team to support the training objectives. This will be complemented by international sup-
port from experts from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Delaware State University, and Tuskegee University. The United States-based institutions are partner universities of the ACDI/VOCA, which is the implementing agency for Ja REEACH. Teams from Ja REEACH II, Project Grow and the universities conducted site visits to local farms between July 4 and
July 7, to develop an implementation plan for the technical cooperation. “Our initiative with Ja REEACH and the universities will push forward the research activities that we have identified as important for the farmers to be successful at this venture,” said Dr. FrancisRhiney. Meanwhile, Director of the Office of Environment and Health, USAID Jamaica, Sara
Buchanan, expressed support for Project Grow. “Of particular value are the improved economic opportunities for small-scale farmers and sustainable employment for youth,” she noted. Ja REEACH II works with Jamaican public- and privatesector organisations to protect and sustain agriculture and natural-resource-based livelihoods.
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Venus rises again to stop Ostapenko in her tracks LONDON (Reuters) Venus Williams handed out another lesson to one of Wimbledon’s young upstarts when she beat Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-5 yesterday to become the oldest women’s semi-finalist for 23 years. The five-time champion, who turned 37, last month, tamed the big-hitting Latvian with a rock-solid performance under the Centre Court roof, winning with something to spare. Williams, who had already disposed of a 21-year-old and two teenagers en route to her 38th grand slam quarter-final, barely flinched against the 20-year-old French Open
champion whose magnificent 11-match winning run in majors came to an end. The American, who must scroll back to the 2008 Wimbledon for her seventh, and most recent, grand slam singles title, broke Ostapenko’s serve in the second game and was untroubled in taking the opener in 29 minutes. She sealed it when her 13th-seeded opponent swished at thin air on an attempted forehand service return. Ostapenko was subdued as Williams secured an early break in the second set, although she got a helping hand back into the match
when Williams double-faulted to drop serve. That had the effect of lighting the Ostapenko fuse and she began to look threatening as she held serve to love with an ace to move 4-3 ahead on a gloomy Centre Court. Williams had to serve to stay in the second set at 4-5 and was relieved to see an Ostapenko return land narrowly wide at 30-30 before squaring the set. Ostapenko felt the pressure in the next game when a hurried forehand into the net gave Williams the break and the veteran needed no second invitation, holding serve to love to claim victory.
Wednesday July 12, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Hassles with close friends or family will put a damper on your day and result in isolation and loneliness. Don't be afraid to push your beliefs and attitudes. Someone may be trying to damage your reputation. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Problems with relatives and friends could surface. Situations in your personal life are moving a little fast lately. Don't avoid your true feelings. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) It may not be the best day to confront employers or to present your ideas. You should be doing something special with children. You need to be careful not to make promises that you can't fulfill. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Romantic encounters are evident through travel or educational pursuits. Don't reveal anything about your personal life to those who may use such information against you. Be careful what you consume today. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Put in some extra hours and finish those careful jobs before you move on to some fun and games. You may divulge private information without realizing it today. Your confidence is growing and advancement is apparent. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You will find it easy finalizing personal papers if you make an effort. Problems with colleagues are likely. Someone
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envious of your popularity may challenge you to a debate. LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Come to your own conclusions rather than taking the word of someone else. Be sure that the person you're drawn to is not already involved. Your creative ideas must be put to good use. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) This is a great day for a family outing or just a drive. Be careful not to get involved in other people's personal affairs. Creative pursuits should payoff. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Take a break; you can finally mend any disputes on the home front. Take the time to close deals that have been up in the air. It's time to make professional changes. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) The battle continues. You can expect to feel confused about your personal prospects. Opportunities to make financial gains will develop through your connections with other people. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You could lose a good friend because of it. Family outings will make you feel secure and happy. Creative pursuits should payoff. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You'll be able to break bad habits if you put your mind to it. Don't let the cat out of the bag. Get back into a routine that promises a better looking, more aware individual.
Saint Mary’s boys and Eccles girls’ record wins in latest Windball Cricket
Players, Teachers and Official Hutton Mars (extreme right) take time out for a photo. Saint Mary’s boys and Eccles girls’ record victories in latest play in the National Sports Commission Ministry of Education & AL Sport & Tour Promotions 20th Annual End of School Year Primary Schools Day/Night Overhand
Windball Cricket Champions Trophy Region #4 Finals. In the Boys game – Grove batted first and scored 85-1, with Taheer Hassein 42 & Ramesh Persaud 36 left unbeaten. Saint Mary’s replied with
87-3 with Asif Yamat 48 (6x6s), Joshua Cleurian 18. Bowling for Grove Randy Khan 2-0. In the Girls segment Eccles 75-1, Amira McKenzie 40 and Althea Barnwell 16. Saint Mary’s were restricted to 49-3 in reply.
Anderson five-wkt-haul in vain as Guyana... (From page 37) Kevin Christian and Sinclair took the score to 36. Christian got one that slowed up on him from Gerson and attempted to hit across the line but was caught and bowled for nine, while Sinclair played back and was bowled by Jahseon Alexander for nine. Guyana’s indiscipline batting continued as Pradesh Balkishun was stumped down the leg side off Gerson without scoring leaving the score at 39-6. Alphius Bookie and Anderson attempted to resurrect the chase but after they put on 27, Bookie, who struck Alexander for six and pulled Pope for four, was caught on the edge of the 30yard circle for 12 when Guyana needed 59 from 101 balls. Anderson didn’t allow the bowlers to overcome him despite the steady flow of wickets, and played positively until he too threw his wicket away, caught at cover for 27. Nedd pulled Alexander and Ethan Doctrove for sixes but played across the line and was bowled by Alexander for 17. Torrington was the last man dismissed without scoring leaving Khan on six as Guyana were bowled out for
Kittel snatches... (From page 34) ahead of Erik Zabel’s German record of 12. “I don’t see cycling from that position. It’s not about being a VIP or part of history,” Kittel said. “I just do what I can do best, which is sprinting. I’m enjoying this huge event together with my team mates. We trust each other, and this is very special, very important to me.”
105 in 35.2 overs. Man-of-thematch Simeon finished with 310 of 10 overs, while Alexander had 3-28 and Joseph 2-14.
At Couva, Leeward Islands beat Jamaica by five wickets, while Trinidad and Tobago overcame Barbados at the Brian Lara stadium.
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Immamdeen honored by Corriverton CDC; Mayor attends Dozens attend motorcade The Community Development Committee of Corriverton in the Ancient County of Berbice, on Sunday last, held a well attended and supported motorcade to honour one of its own, Arif Immamdeen who returned to Guyana with 3-gold medals and one bronze on debut at the 16th Annual NAPF/FESUPO Pan-American Powerlifting Championships held in Orlando Florida, July 3-8, last. Competing in the 66kg – Men’s Junior and Open class, Immamdeen lifted his way to gold medals in both categories of the FESUPO competition, gold in the Junior Pan American and bronze in the Open segment to end a successful reign in his first international outing. He had a best squat of 210kg; bench pressed 11 7 . 5 k g a n d d e a d l i f t 215.0kg for a total of 542.5kg. In recognition of his outstanding performance, the Corriverton Community Development Committee (CCDC) led by Mr. Linden “Easy’ Murray organised a motorcade and reception for Immamdeen on Sunday last
Corriverton Mayor addresses the gathering. after he arrived back home on Saturday night. The well attended motorcade, which saw the Guyana Police Force providing escort, went through the town of Corriverton after moving off from Dundas’ Arch in #74 Village and concluded at Black Water in Line Path E at Immamdeen’s residence where the ceremony took place. Leading the officials in attendance was Mayor of Corriverton, Krishenchand Jaichand along with former Mayor Ganesh Gangadin, To w n C l e r k M o n e s h
Sookram, Winston Roberts Chairman of the Town’s National Events Committee, Coach of Total Fitness Gym Egbert Jackson as well as Councillors of the Corriverton Town Council and scores of villagers. The officials congratulated Immamdeen on his sterling performance which they agreed is positive motivation for the many youths of the Town and by extension, Guyana. Immamdeen did not let the occasion be his all alone as he took the opportunity to recognise and present trophies to students of his Town who excelled at the recently held NGSA examinations while encouraging them to always aim for the skies and be disciplined in their studies which will become more challenging at the secondary level. Organiser of the event, Linden Murray is a former national powerlifting champion himself who had broken a 19 year-old record (Squat and Total) that was held by current President of the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation Ed Caesar in 1997. (Franklin Wilson)
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Annual Sir Garfield Sobers Int. schools’ cricket tournament
Guyana’s Dick shines with bat and ball for Canadian Academy St Joseph’s beat UK School, Nations lose to Bajans The 31st Annual Sir Garfield Sobers Schools cricket tournament commenced on a steaming hot Monday in Barbados with 10 first round games with all-rounder David Dick returning the best performance by a Guyanese, while St Joseph School High beat Birkenhead of the United Kingdom and School of the Nations lost to Harrison College of Barbados. The 17-year-old Dick, who represents City side GNIC and should have been in Trinidad with Guyana’s U-17 side for the Regional U-17 tournament, made the most of his opportunity with Oakville Cricket Academy of Canada, who amassed the only 300 total of the opening round and had the only centurion. Played at the Dover ground, Oakville beat Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Club by129 runs after Brian Brown made a commanding 107 and got support from Neil Johnson (79), Dick’s unbeaten 72 not out and Marcus Nandu (15) fired the North Americans to 312- 6 in 39 overs. Daniel Ramsaywak captured 3-41 for the Trinis who were bowled out in 29. 2 overs for 183 as only Rickash Boodram (37 not out), Leon Basanoo (35) and Joshua Dookie (26) reached 20. Dick returned with his crafty off spin to finish with 4-22 and got support from Steffaun Griffith (3-36) and
Dwayne Dick played a role with both bat and ball for his Canadian team on Monday in Barbados. Shemar Davis (2-30). At Crab Hill, St Joseph High (Guy) beat Birkenhead School (UK) by 11 runs. St Joseph High 172 all out (34 overs) (Timothy McAlmont 50, Quinton Sampson 32, Stephon Wilson 27, Nkosie Beaton 12, Tuen Hicks 10; Toby Brown 3-45, Callum Andrews 2-22). Birkenhead School 1619 (40 overs) (Ashley Watkins 33, Armand Rabot 29, Toby Brown 15, Tom Corran 15, Jack Corran 10, Allen Andrews 10; Nkosie Beaton 2-19, Quinton Sampson 2-30, Stephon Wilson 2-30).
At the MTW ground, Harrison College off Barbados beat Guyana’s School of the Nations by six wickets after being dismissed for 83 in 34.2 overs despite 33 from Christopher Baljit, 16 from Ariel Tilqu and 15 from Mark Ramsammy. Lijani Cherry (4-13) and Kristian Best (3-11) did the damage with the ball for the Bajans who replied with 844 from 21.5 overs with Lijani Cherry making 24 and Dominic Hart 20. Mark Ramsammy took 2-30 in a l o s i n g e ff o r t f o r t h e Guyanese. (Sean Devers)
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Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association holds successful Grading Exercise On June 30th and July 9th, the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association held its grading exercise for students of the Banks DIH and Mae’s Schools Dojos. A total of 44 students were graded under the supervision of the very experienced 7th Dan Sensei Winston Dunbar assisted by 3rd Dan Sensei Darren Nurse, 2 n d Dan Sensei Fazal Mohamed and 3 r d Dan Sensei Dennis Fiffee. The exercise was deemed a success as the students performed the various requirements in order to attain elevation to a higher rank. The following are the new ranks of the students: 1st Dan (5#) Va s a n n a P e r s a u d , Maliha Rajkumar, Jonathan Roopchand, Tai Panday, Fabian Reicherdt. 1st Kyu (3#) Ihatiah Frank, Lizannie Mohamed, Shane Birkett
Participants of the Guyana Wado-Ryu Karate Association following their grading exercise. 2nd Kyu (2#) Tirthananda Kuldip, Ethan Panday 3rd Kyu (4#) Mahir Rajkumar, Richard Pedroso, Anand Persaud, Ashmeera Singh
4th Kyu (11#) Lionel Skye, Manuel Va s q u e z , R o v a l d o Mohamed, Seara Mohamed, Shivpersaud Ragunath, Emmanuel Campbell, Indika Haimpersaud, Omkar
Haimpersaud, Mahendra Narayan, Rovindra Singh, Peter Khan 5th Kyu (7#) Aaron Abraham, Tamesh Chattergoon, Ryan Khan, Eashan Harjohn, Lytton
DeJonge, Irshaad Nasir, Ethan Morris 6th Kyu (5#) A n t h o n y B a r l o w, Abigail McKoy, Upasna Singh, Arysh Raghunauth, Hans Ceasar,
7th Kyu (7#) Irfaan Nasoordin, Emma Mangal, Emily Bacchus, Aaliyah Nelson, Aashir Mohamed, Dashawn McKenzie, Hemal Ramnarain.
UDFA/ GT Beer $6M ‘Sunday Night Super Cup’
Upper Demerara open with dominant 4-1 win over East Bank Upper Demerara got off to a rollicking start with a 4-1 crushing of East Bank, while East Coast and Essequibo Pomeroon had to settle for a 1-1 draw to open their campaign in Group A of the inaugural GT Beer $6M ‘Sunday Night Super Cup’ Inter Association football championship last Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Among those who were present at the opening night were President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Wayne Forde, who along with Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Berbice) Chairman Renis Morian watched the night’s matches. Upper Demerara were led to their impressive result with a youthful line up as
Denzil Fordyce opened their scoring in the 25th minute from a beautiful clip from national schemer Clive DeNobrega going down the right flank into the goal mouth where Fordyce headed home the go-ahead goal. As the home team continued their positive play, Kellon Primo would get the second goal of the game two minutes from the half time break when DeNobrega, who controlled the midfield, made a good move with another feed. This time it would be Primo to finish with a good shot from outside the 18 yard box that flew past the East Bank goalkeeper, who never and a chance. Holding a 2-0 advantage, the Upper Demerara side
were playing with good measure against their opponents who could only give spurts of collective play and ten minutes into the final half Fordyce was again able to convert, for his brace, from a one-two play with the brilliant scheming DeNobrega in the 55th minute. This dominance of the home team was evident on a night they showed composure and another goal came in the 60th minute when DeShawn Dey got into the act of scoring from a squared ball from DeNobrega for a tuck in for a 4-0 advantage on the green outfield. East Bank would pull one back, however, and this came from lax defending as
From Left UDFA Scorers KeShawn Dey, Kellon Primo and Denzil Fordyce.
Essequibo and East Coast play to 1-1 stalemate Delroy Dodson came through the middle to score in the 79th minute as the scores read 4-1 for Upper Demerara. In the opening game earlier that evening, Essequibo Pomeroon and East Coast played to a 1-1 draw with goals in that game
coming from Romario Walcott for Essequibo Pomeroon in the 25th minute, a lead they enjoyed until the 65th minute when Shamar Scott got the equalizer and the game petered out to a stalemate 11. On Sunday, two more
matches involving the other four teams in this preliminary round play, Georgetown, Bartica, Berbice and West Demerara will play in the round robin format to decide the two teams from each group of four who will move to the semifinals and then the final.
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
Digicel Schools Football Championships
Champs Charity roar into national playoffs with 11-0 drubbing of NOC
The Charity Secondary School marksmen pose for photo op after their win over the New Opportunity Corps yesterday. Defending Region 2 champions, Charity Secondary School, showed little mercy on the New Opportunity Corps (NOC) after inflicting a crushing 110 win yesterday at the Ana Regina Community Centre ground in Essequibo. Playing in the regional final of the Digicel Schools Football Championship, before a sprinkling of fans, the reigning seven-time champions hit the ground running and got on the scoresheet after just seven minutes when Ariel Chester’s curling corner taken from the left side evaded one defender and the
opposing goalkeeper, before landing in the back of the goal. One minute later, Lindon Daniels made it 2-0 when he raced on to a pass from just outside the penalty area to fire into the far corner. Not even a change of goalkeepers could curtail the rampaging Charity frontline and Gavin Duke, who netted four goals, entered the fray in the 17th minute when his searing free kick from about 35 metres out tipped a jumping NOC custodian, before nestling in the back of the net to make it 3-0. The agony continued for NOC following an
The victorious Charity Secondary School pose for a photo op following their lop-sided win over New Opportunity Corps yesterday at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground. enchanting sequence of passes that culminated with a clinical finish from Stephon Clarke in the 22nd minute of play. nd Duke returned in the 32 minute to net his second, courtesy of a penalty kick subsequent to a handle ball in
Defending Champions dethroned by Marians Academy MVP of the U-14 final Jether Harris dribbles to score a couple of his game high 20 points as Marian Academy beat McKenzie High in the U-14 final. (Sean Devers photo)
Marian Academy dethroned Mackenzie High school in the U-14 Final of the National Schools Basketball tournament which concluded on Sunday at the Cliff Anderson Sports
Hall. Captain of Marian Academy, Jether Harris, lead his team to a 34-30 win with a game high 20 points, 13 rebounds and three steals to take the MVP of the U-14
division. It was inadvertently stated in yesterday’s report on the tournament that Mackenzie High had retained their title which was incorrect.
the ‘red zone’. It became 6-0 at the break when Daniels netted his second as Charity took a clearly unassailable lead to lemon time. The final period brought no stay of execution for the hapless NOC unit as Charity
fired in five more goals to wrap up a convincing win and confirm another trip to the national playoffs where they await the Region 1 winners. Meanwhile, over at the Wisburg ground in Linden, C h r i s t i a n b u r g / Wi s m a r
Secondary beat Linden Technical Institute (LTI) 50. On target for the winners were Jehu Regis13th and 65th, Darwin Adolphus-25th, Omar Brewley-45th and Jermaine Mason-68th.
Kittel snatches fourth stage win, Froome stays in yellow BERGERAC, FRANCE (Reuters) German Marcel Kittel claimed his fourth victory in this year’s Tour de France when he powered to an impressive Stage 10 win in a bunch sprint yesterday as Briton Chris Froome retained the overall lead. Kittel’s compatriot John Degenkolb was second and Dutchman Dylan Groenewegen took third place with Froome finishing safe in the bunch to keep the yellow jersey. “It was a quiet day, no stress at all,” said Froome, who like the other riders enjoyed a rest day on Monday. “It was one of the most relaxed days we’ve had in this Tour de France. It was like having a double rest day,” he added. “Now it’s about saving energy for the Pyrenees and the Alps,” added the Team Sky rider, who will today spend his 50th day in yellow to match the great Jacques Anquetil’s mark. The record is held by Belgian Eddy Merckx with
Quick-Step Floors rider Marcel Kittel of Germany celebrates winning the 178-km Stage 10 from Perigueux to Bergerac, France. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier) 96 days in the leader’s jersey. Sky are on course to become the first team since Merckx’s Faemino-Faema in 1970 to hold the coveted jersey throughout the race. Elie Gesbert, who on Monday almost set his Fortuneo-Oscaro team hotel on fire after leaving a towel on an electric heater to trigger a partial evacuation of the building, jumped away at the start. He was accompanied by fellow Frenchman Yoann
Offredo (Wanty-Groupe Gobert) and the duo built a maximum advantage of 5:30. The sprinters’ teams, however, had them on a tight leash and they were reined in 6.8km from the line. None of his rivals could match Kittel’s power as the Quick-Step Floors rider beat Degenkolb by more than a bike length to extend his lead in the points’ classification. It was Kittel’s 13th Tour stage win, taking him one (Continued on page 31)
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GTT provides support to FCFC Youth Football & Leadership Camp
GTT’s Public Relations Officer, Ms Alison Parker (right) hands over one of the balls to FCFC’s Daniel Thomas in the presence of participants. The football skills of youths in the South Georgetown area will be sharpened through GTT’s donation of 20 footballs to the Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC) which will be hosting its 10 th
Annual Football Youth Camp, which commenced on July 10 and will conclude on July 20. The presentation of the balls followed a request made by the club to the company. GTT’s, Public
Relations Officer, Ms Alison Parker said that the presentation of the balls is a demonstration of the company’s support for initiatives at the grassroots and community levels which provides the platform for the
energy and talent of youths to be channeled in a positive direction. In accepting the balls on the club’s behalf, Secretary, M r. D a n i e l T h o m a s expressed thanks to GTT for supporting a
programme that engages the youths of the several communities in a productive manner. Thomas said the Camp will this year place much more emphasis into molding the participants into
potential and future leaders and would this time be more of a “Youth Leadership Camp.” The Camp caters for youths, both male and female, between the ages of 7 to 17.
Dottin, Taylor star as West Indies leave Pakistan winless ESPNcricinfo - Deandra Dottin’s first ODI century lifted West Indies to 285 and did half the job against Pakistan, a team that hadn’t made more than 150 for four innings in a row. And although Pakistan put up a solid response, a combination of rain and quick wickets meant their innings was cut short on 117 for 3 - 19 short of the DLS par score in 24 overs. It was their 13th successive loss in a World Cup match. Pakistan’s revised target was 245 in 38 overs and Javeria Khan was unbeaten on 58 when rain interrupted the game for a third time. She added 80 with opener Nahida Khan before offspinner Anisa Mohammed dismissed the opener for 40. Thirteen balls later, Iram Javed, promoted ahead of Nain Abidi, holed out to extra cover off what turned out to be the last ball of the match. It meant that the fluent stand between Javeria and Nahida, that kept Pakistan close to the DLS par score, went in vain. Pakistan captain Sana Mir admitted to a “lapse” in planning after the match, with the side preferring not to take the batting Powerplay when the drizzle started getting heavy. Earlier, rain had delayed
Stafanie Taylor plays a cut, Pakistan v West Indies, Women’s World Cup, Leicester, ©ICC/Getty
Deandra Dottin launched an attack in the back end of the innings to push West Indies to 285 © ICC/Getty the start of the game by an hour. Stafanie Taylor, who had lost the toss, found herself out in the middle after the end of the first over. Having hustled the openers by utilising the overcast conditions with a couple of swinging deliveries, seamer Asmavia Iqbal floated up an off-cutter and had Hayley Matthews chipping a return catch. The left-handed Kycia Knight then threatened to monopolise the cover boundary, striking four dominant boundaries through the off-side belt. But Asmavia was back with another cutter, this one
climbing away from Knight whose aimless prod outside off resulted in a outside edge that was smartly taken by Sidra Nawaz low to her left. Asmavia even ventured up the pitch to make the wicket a memorable one - shouting out a clear send-off to the perplexed batsman. By the time Pakistan captain Mir offered her an apologetic pat, she was an amused batsman. But one who was out, nonetheless. Chedean Nation joined her captain in the fifth over. West Indies continued to find the boundary regularly at one point, 48 of the 63 runs had come in fours - to offset
an otherwise tight bowling display from Pakistan. Taylor channeled Knight and was particularly punishing through the off side. She made most of the 87 runs the pair put on for the third wicket before Nation, who has faced some criticism for throwing away starts this tournament, walked across and exposed her middle stump in a bid to sweep. She would be Nashra Sandhu’s only wicket. When Taylor brought up her fifty, it was West Indies’ first of the tournament. There wasn’t a deliberate attempt to accelerate after she reached the landmark.
The priority, it seemed, was to build a long innings and take an otherwise fragile batting line-up as deep into the innings as possible. Her own innings pushed into the 4 0 t h o v e r, b e f o r e a n attempted drill past Diana Baig was caught by the bowler in her follow through. She missed out on a sixth ODI hundred by ten runs. The acceleration came from Dottin who, in the midi n n i n g s b r e a k , acknowledged that she had looked to play straighter. With five fours and a six, she brought up her fifty off 49 balls in the 42nd over. And
from there began West Indies’ acceleration. Seventy-four runs came off the last seven overs; 54 of those were pummeled from Dottin’s bat in just 27 balls, including a six that came from a launch over long-on to bring up a 71-ball hundred. She celebrated by flinging her bat to square leg - like someone who should have had a first hundred long before her 99th ODI innings. Scores: West Indies women 285 for 4 (Dottin 104*, Taylor 90, Asmavia 276) beat Pakistan women 117 for 3 (Javeria 58*, Nahida 40, Anisa 2-21) by 19 runs (DLS method).
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
All systems a go for API on Saturday @Leonora; Sponsors elated to partner
Sharing the head table at the press launch from right, Dion Nurse, Clive Pellew, Claude Blackmore, Christopher Jones, Aliann Pompey, Troy Peters, Carl Bowen and Errol Nelson. By Franklin Wilson All systems are in place for what will be biggest athletics meet yet to be held in Guyana on Saturday at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, the Aliann Pompey Invitational (API). Headlining what is anticipated to be a sizzling afternoon and evening of quality action is World Champion, the famed Kim Collins of St. Kitts & Nevis along with T&T’s 2017 National champion, Emmanuel Callender who is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist as well as Barbados’ Levi Cadogan and Antigua and Barbuda’s Chavaughn Walsh to name a few. Yesterday, at Olympic House, Meet Director, G u y a n a ’s f o u r- t i m e Olympian Aliann Pompey, who shared the head table w i t h s p o n s o r s representatives and other officials, informed that all is in place for this Saturday’s event, whilst noting that the international athletes begin arriving from today. Director of Sport Christopher Jones representing the National S p o r t s Commission/Ministry of Education, which is the biggest sponsor on board, B a n k s D I H ’ Communications Manager Troy Peters, Errol Nelson (Powerade Brand Manager), Carl Bowen (Fly Jamaica, W i n g s Av i a t i o n , A i r
Guyana), Claude Blackmore (IAAF Technical Delegate), Clive Pellew (Rain Forest Waters Brand Manager) and GOA’s Dion Nurse, all shared the head table with Pompey. Noticeably absent was Athletics Association of Guyana President, Aubrey Hutson. A number of Olympians, athletes who are bound for this year’s World Championships set for London as well as athletes who are chasing the World C h a m p i o n s h i p Standards,including Guyanese Compton Caesar and Rupert Andel Perry, will be on show this Saturday which makes the Meet a quality event which every athletic fan and supporter wouldn’t want to miss. Pompey expressed sincere gratitude to all the sponsors for partnering with her to make the API a huge success, noting that the prize monies have been more than doubled from last year. She noted that last year’s men’s and women 100m and 400m which were invitational events, saw the top three athletes receiving USD$1000, $600 and $400 dollars respectively, but this year has seen more events added with the same prize structure. ”This year in addition to men and women 100m and 400m we’ve added the same prize structure the men’s triple jump and men and women 400m
hurdles. In all three of those additional events we have Olympians in each event; we have a pretty substantial international field that I feel warrants the increase in prize money structure.” There has also been an increase of more than 200% in prize monies being offered for national events from USD$200 to $500 for first place. ”So the total prize purse for the competition on Saturday is USD$18,500 dollars, up from about USD$6,000 last year. So it’s a much more expensive meet and I think the roster warrants that.” Patrons would be asked to pay a general admission fee of G$1000 with $5000 for VIP. Sponsors were complimented for staying the course with the API and those making a return are the NSC/MoE, Fly Jamaica, Banks DIH through its Rainforest Water, Powerade and Malta Supreme brands, IAAF, ConSudAtle, Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, Quality Plus Fast Foods and the GOA. New sponsors on board are Douglas & Associate, P.C. (Attorneys at Law) of NYC, SDS Petroleum, Amethyst Marine Service which will be sponsoring the James Wren-Gilkes Men’s 200m race, Star Party Rentals, Hit & Jam 94.1 FM. Pompey informed that there are a few events that are still to be sponsored and is actively seeking to have them covered before Saturday. ”A couple field events as well as the women’s 1500m, the only track events that is not sponsored.”
Jones in his remarks noted that that the NSC and by extension the Government of Guyana is very proud to once again be associated with this prestigious international event, continuing its support from last year. ”We recognise that because of the facilities that we have at the Leonora Stadium, it provides the opportunity for regional and international tournaments and of course it provides the opportunities for local athletes to compete with their peers from those respective countries that will be participating. We do hope that this meet will be as successful as the one held in 2016 and of course it is a commitment on the part of the government of Guyana that we will continue to support the development of young people and by extension the development of our athletes.” Peters, on behalf of Banks DIH complimented Pompey for her commitment to aiding in the development of local athletes by bring quality international competitors to these shores as a means of giving back to the nation after her own successful exploits on the track. ”Not many former athletes can commit to such an undertaking so Aliann must be lauded for this bold initiative. More than 50 international athletes from 16 countries took part last year and I was told that the field is supposed to be much larger this year. Banks DIH Ltd. is honoured to be partnering with Pompey and the team
International athletes begin arriving today
for this meet by sponsoring the prestigious men’s 100m w h i ch will feature an international field of athletes.” Peters noted that despite not having the likes of International star Usain Bolt; this race will be a scorcher. ”Our brands, Rain Forest Water, Malta Supreme and Powerade will ensure that athletes and spectators alike are hydrated. We look forward to an action packed meet on Saturday and I would like to encourage sports fans to come out in their numbers to support this event, especially those living in the West Demerara area.” Representing Fly Jamaica Airways, whose parent body is Wings Av i a t i o n / A i r G u y a n a representative, Carl Bowen
noted their pleasure at being involved once again with the API. He posited that Aliann Pompey is a special person whose vision and dedication to the sport in Guyana is beyond compare. ”We’ve learnt that last year when dealing with her. Her dedication to the sport in and out of Guyana and where her professional career has taken her is unbelievable. It is only because of the support that Fly Jamaica gets from the travelling public that we are able to assist and give back to Guyana, se we thank all of our passengers, all of the travel agents who make this a success. We encourage them to come out and support this event.” S a t u r d a y ’s o p e n i n g ceremony is set for 15:00hrs.
Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Anderson five-wkt-haul in vain as Guyana go down to Windward Islands by 20 runs Kemani Melius picks up runs on the of-side. (Zaheer Mohamed photos)
Kevlon Anderson picked up five wickets
By Zaheer Mohamed in Trinidad and Tobago In association with V Net Communications, Mike’s Pharmacy, 4R, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre and Ramchand’s Auto Spares Prior to the game, Guyana skipper Ashmead Nedd said that they would need to capitalise on the early chances Windward Islands tend to offer- they did let off a few, but managed to pull themselves together and restrict the Islanders for 124. Take into consideration their experience, with five players having played previously at this level, their talent and depth in their batting, that total should have been a walk in the park for the Guyanese. But they made it looked like a mountain to climb and lost their opening fixture of the regional U17 50-over tournament by 20 runs at Gilbert Park in Trinidad and Tobago. Kevlon Anderson was the most positive cricketer on show and together with Junior Sinclair destroyed Windward Islands batting after opener Kimani Melius hit a top score of 53. Anderson and Sinclair shared eight wickets between them as Windward Islands were bowled out in 33.4 overs after they were inserted on a difficult pitch. Pacer Qumar Torrington posed some problems early on for the openers and could have had skipper Melius in his third over, but Nedd missed a difficult chance at slip; the ball went to the third-man boundary for the second four in the over. In his next over, Torrington found the edge off Jahiel Walter’s bat, but Sinclair couldn’t hold on at second slip. The pacer continued to attack Walters, who looked
uncomfortable and got him to top edge a short ball for wicketkeeper Kevin Christian to take an easy catch; he departed for two with the score on 16. Left arm spinner Kevin Umroa, who shared the new ball with Torrington, removed Tahj Tavernier for one before Melius and Tijourn Pope added 68 for the third wicket. Melius hit Nedd for six, but was put down by Torrington off Nedd’s very next delivery at mid-wicket. He then drove Anderson for fours, while Pope took boundaries off Anderson, Reaz Khan and Junior Sinclair. But Anderson settled into a nice line and bowled Melius just after he had reached his fifty; he struck six fours and one six off 63 balls in scoring 53. Anderson then had Micah Joseph caught without scoring before Pope was bowled by Sinclair for 22 as Guyana fought back to leave their opponents at 925. Anderson and Sinclair then wrapped up the rest of the batting with only Lee Solomon (22), who was put down off Anderson, reached double figures of the remaining batsmen. Anderson led a disciplined bowling performance with 5-35 off 7.4 overs, while Sinclair claimed 3-16 off seven, Umroa 1-3 and Torrington 1-23. Guyana lost Sachin Singh, caught at slip off left arm spinner Micah Joseph for three before Alex Algoo, who cut pacer Cazari Charles for four and drove Joseph to the long boundary, lost his concentration and was stumped off Simeon Gerson after chipping down the pitch attempting an illadvised swipe; he departed for 11. Omroa then played across the line and was bowled by Joseph before (Continued on page 31)
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Wednesday July 12, 2017
First encampment for National U-15 team concludes – Team steps up preparations for August tournament
Players go through the paces under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Bryan Joseph.
The National U-15 team go through their paces during a training session. The national U-15 male team will today wrap up a successful five-day encampment on the West Coast of Demerara. The camp is in preparation for CONCACAF U15 Boys Championship in the United States of America (USA) from August 13 – 19. In an invited comment, Bryan Joseph, Head Coach of the National U-15 Boys team said he was pleased with the progress made by the players from the last camp: “We’ve seen progress faster than we’d expected. The team has grown a lot over the last few months and the several encampments we’ve had. We’re now in a position where we have a clear picture of our potential based on what we have been able to achieve. We also have a better understanding of how to prepare the guys...” Joseph said the new players from the GFFScotiabank Academy
Training Centres (ATC) included in the squad have added a competitive edge to the players, “The camp has got very competitive and every position within the squad is being challenged by new members so we have observed that both the level of play and commitment have improved. Clearly we have seen the importance of the ATCs and how the developmental pathway of the players is coming together.” He envisages Guyana to be very competitive in the August tournament: “This is still a process, we don’t have the final product as yet, we continue to build with a solid technical unit that is working together to bring out the best in the team. We expect a competitive tournament and we plan to be equal to the task. Therefore, we’re working to get the young footballers ready to face whoever comes before us.”
Top Brandz Corona Invitational football continues today
Play in the Petra Organisation organised Top Brandz Corona Beer Invitational Football Tournament, which kicked off on Sunday last at the GFC ground in Georgetown with three matches, will continue today with three more matches at the GFC ground. Starting from 17:00hrs, Western Tigers FC face Black Pearl FC in the opening match, that will to be followed by a clash between GFC and
Camptown FC. In the nightcap, Police FC come up against Beacons FC. The teams involved in the tournament are battling for a first prize of $1million and the championship trophy, while second to fourth take home $400,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively. On opening night Northern Rangers beat East Veldt 2-0, Riddim Squad and Flamingo played out a 0-0 stalemate and Santos defeated Pele 4-0.
Wednesday July 12, 2017
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Sports to be a part of Savannah Drive Organizers excited about July 30 Event
Coordinator Shane D’Andrade. By Sean Devers The ‘Super 7 Team’ has collaborated with United Kingdom-based Media Company, Green Mango Media and British Virgin Islands brand Absolutely Unique to promote adventure tourism in Guyana through the Savannah Drive. The Savannah Drive is truly an amazing adventure and it promotes adventure tourism in Guyana. It is about linking communities through sports and heritage celebrations. It opens up the Savannah to locals and tourists, creating lasting relationships with Savannah communities. The drive takes participants along scenic landscape, including undisturbed Savannah lands, rain forest, sandy and muddy terrain with natural springs and creeks and relics of the past. It’s described as a true off road adventure. The next one-day drive is set for Sunday, July 30 and ends with a Savannah Wellies (long boots) Party and prize giving ceremony and for the first time, sporting events will be included in the day’s activates. “It is an affordable event
because we want everyone to enjoy the Savannah. For persons with their own vehicles, registration is $7,000. Bikers pay $3,000. If you are using the Super 7 vehicle (bus then truck) from Georgetown, you pay $1,000 return and $3,000 for the Savannah Drive. Kids pay $500 return and $1,500 for the Savannah Drive,” informed Managing Director of Green Mango Media, Amada Wilson. Persons are advised to register early to secure their space since registration gives them automatic access to sporting events. Tickets are available at: Yarrowkabra, the home of Savannah Drive’s Coordinator Shane D’Andrade, Rent A Tent, Rahaman’s Park, Houston, East Bank Demerara, N a d i n e & S h e r w i n ’s Groceries, Agricola Public Road, East Bank Demerara (223-0596) and Super Seven Groceries Kaikan Street, North Ruimveldt (218 5537). “We are pleased to be endorsed by the Guyana Tourism Authority as we seek to promote adventure tourism in Guyana. We strongly believe in partnerships as we
Dirt bikes take to the trail to start a Savanah Ride. expand the Savannah Drive brand,” disclosed Wilson. In what is anticipated to be an exhilarating adventure, the drive will follow ancient Amerindian tracks, along changing terrain from sandy to muddy in the beautiful Savannah. Vehicles and dirt bikes will pass ruins, creeks and several Amerindian villages, including Swan, and Laluni. There will be competitions in every village, including Vehicle & Bike one-mile mud track Race, 100ft Arrow and Bow Shootout and Mud Tug of War. The Arrow & Bow Shootout will see participants going through a 10-minute introductory session with Amerindian chiefs and then have two tries to hit the bull-eye 100 feet away. This contest tests precision, technique and vision. The Vehicle and Bike
Mud Race over a Mile is expected to test the power of the vehicle, driving skills and the ability to work as a team. Three cars will race at a time and the winners from each group will battle for the championship. Participants have one try to defeat their opponents in Mud Tug of War. The battle is open to teams and individuals. This contest tests your strength and how well you work together as a team. Every event has rules and will be done in a secure e n v i r o n m e n t . Wi n n e r s will receive trophies and prizes, including monetary awards. Coordinator Shane D’Andrade of Savannah Drive revealed that as a teenager he had a motor cycle and would ride to St Cuthbert’s Mission for Amerindian Heritage Month
celebrations every year. “I enjoyed it so much that I dreamed and talked about trail riding all the time with friends and family and about six years ago, my mum built a house in Yarrowkabra and I moved there when I returned from the Caribbean. Living in the village and interacting with the locals they told me stories about trails that their fore-parents used to hunt and visit families in the Savannah,” D’Andrade explained with lots of enthusiasm. He started tracking trails, visiting different villages but it took him a long time to link communities, such as Madewini, Swan, Samville, Kuru Kuru, Laluni and St Cuthbert’s Mission, using off road tracks. “But it all paid off because I now know the trails by heart. Something a lot people don’t know about me is that I love the Savannah and the surrounding villages so much and talked about it so much with friends and family that my daughter is named Savannah,” explained D’Andrade who rode from the Linden Highway to Sherriff Street for yesterday’s interview for this story. A c c o r d i n g t o D’Andrade, the young people from villages on the Soesdyke Linden Highway never knew the Savannah existed and the Savannah drives expose our young people to different cultures
and show them the beauty of Guyana. “Several of the young men and women from various villages in the Savannah are now trail guides eager to share their experiences and knowledge of trailing in the Savannah. Every time I ride it feels like a new experience. It’s an adventure every day. When I am stressed, riding in the Savannah clears my head, it relaxes me. Some people get addicted to food and other things but I’m addicted to trail riding. It is the adrenaline that gets me every time,” informed D’Andrade. “It is astonishing that Guyana is so beautiful and people spend loads of cash to travel abroad to see other people’s natural environment and right here in Guyana, in our own backyard, we have it all, the beautiful Savannah,” exclaimed Wilson who lived for a long time in Switzerland. Wilson, who says she loves adventure and has been on all the Savannah Drives, encouraged Guyanese to come out and test the power of their vehicles and bikes. “This is the perfect place to show your driving skills, in the wide open Savannah,” said Wilson who plans to climb Mount Roraima from the Guyana side. For more information check their Facebook page: Savannah-Drive-Guyana or call D’Andrade on 6387877.
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