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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
CHANGING CULTURE Culture is not static, it is constantly evolving, but recently, Guyana has experienced a titanic evolution of changes in our culture due largely to technological advances. Indeed, the advent of smart phones, IPads, computers and other electronic devices has taken us by storm. Culture is universal in the sense that it is found in all human societies. It can be defined in a number of ways, but most simply as the characteristics of knowledge of a group of people who share a common language, religion, food, social habits, music and arts. Culture can also be understood to be shared patterns of behaviours and interactions, cognitive constructs and the understanding that are learned through a process of socialization. However, the essence of culture is not just about artifacts, music, theatre, social habits or other cultural elements, but how members of one group interpret, use and perceive them. It is the values, symbols, interpretations and perspectives that distinguish one group of people from another in society. Culture is learned and shared and may be inherited, that is, it is passed on from one generation to another. In Guyana, our culture is seeped into all the activities and expressions that extend below the surface and unite us under a common sense of self, respect and love for one another. On a continuous basis, it gives meaning and currency to our lives, our society and our body politic. Historically, it is possible to highlight periods when our culture has led to social and political upheavals that have caused us to focus more on our cultural identity. The 1960s and 1970s are perhaps the starkest periods of representations of this in modern history. In these periods, divided opinions on politics and parties collided with deep-seated racism between the two major races. In the last 30 years, technology has changed the way we live and how we perceive the world. Many, including the elderly believe that technology has changed our culture,our lives and society for the worse. Others, especially youths, have credited technology for modernizing our society and making it easier for us to travel, communicate with one another, work, and to do common tasks in less time. For them, it is the key to the future. It has connected us and has isolated us. Technology has changed the way we raise our children. Computers and smart phones have not only isolated children from their parents, but have also allowed them to be in their own world. Many are more distracted than they used to be, with their eyes invariably glued to their cell phone screens, not knowing or even caring what goes on in the real world or in their community. Communicating with family members is, for the most part, at a minimum, and family time is valued much less by children. Many of our youths no longer considered the family structure as the prominent unit in our culture. This has had a profound effect on their social and civic life, personal relationships and the community. Many including educators are trying to figure out the new generation of young people sometimes called Millennials. It is interesting how technology has changed our culture, our lives, our society, our relations and the way we see the world. We are also left to ponder the effects of technology on the elderly and how it has changed our behaviour, in some cases for the worse, in others, for the better, which suggests that our culture is on a continuum of change.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email
That something about the law firm of Cameron and Shepherd DEAR EDITOR, I read the Freddie Kissoon column of Monday, July 24, in which the columnist wrote; “There is something about the law firm of Cameron and Shepherd that I have never seen in my life in this country and those that I lived in. Each time, this firm sends out a letter there is no signature of a person. In my capacity as a member of the University Council of UG, and in my personal capacity, I have received several letters from this firm but there is never a human name as a signature. The latest in this pattern is a letter to me and the Kaieteur News threatening legal action if there isn’t a retraction of certain sections of one of my column. The firm is headed by Ralph Ramkarran and comprises his two sons, Ms Josephine Whitehead and Mr. Rafeek Khan. I don’t know who authored the letter but for purpose of this column, I will put Ralph Ramkarran as the actor.” Mr. Kissoon is not a lawyer and from what I know has not worked in a legal firm so may I take the liberty of say-
ing that he is not familiar with correspondence from legal firms. There are two such types, one of which does not have to carry the signature of the lawyer but the stamp of the company should suffice. I offer an example. If the firm is informing a business entity of information that was requested of it, then the company stamp on the correspondence will suffice. For example; “We write to inform you that the law you refer to has been amended to include a tax on extra regional imports.” It is the company that is replying to information sought and the company’s stamp without a signature is in order. A law firm will send out countless letters like that. In matters of complicated civil law, the approach is different. If the firm writes for compensation for damages due to industrial injury which unless paid by the offending party there will be a law suit then it would be proper for one of the company’s attorney to sign or the head of the firm. It is not illegal if they do not, but it is proper and a signature should be placed be-
low. In the case of libel, then there should have been a signature. An attorney of the company should place his signature on the correspondence. Mr. Kissoon has claimed that he and the newspaper he works for received an intention to sue notice if certain retractions were not made and he does not know which lawyer from Cameron and Sheperd wrote because as Mr. Kissoon indicated there was not “human name.” This is unusual. I will offer an example of my time with the firm I worked with long ago in Guyana. A junior lawyer had replied to Booker’s Brothers and made a mess of the legal citations. It made the company look bad. The senior solicitor then (at that time we had solicitors) wrote to apologize to Booker’s Brothers. From reading Mr. Kissoon (I read all his stuff but do not agree with him many times), he said that the letter demanding retractions had evidence of wrong doing. The newspaper also implied evidence of dishonesty
on the part of the person who wrote by deliberately taking a paragraph of Mr. Kissoon’s column out of context. It means then that the head of the firm (in this case Mr. Ralph Ramkarran) will write to make the necessary corrections but I am afraid Mr. Kissoon will not know the lawyer who penned the correspondence to his newspaper even if it was Mr. Ramkarran himself. This is a no-win situation for Mr. Kissoon because if he sues for wrongful attribution, the company will defend it and the court will not bother with who wrote the original letter to Mr. Kissoon’s newspaper. What Cameron and Sheperd is doing as Mr. Kissoon alleges (well he said he has a letter from Cameron and Sheperd) is not illegal, and that is just my opinion but I would say it is improper and unusual. I care not to discuss the dispute between Mr. Ramkarran and Mr. Kissoon, two very learned men whose erudition I cannot match. And at my old age, I am fully aware of that wise saying; “when elephants fight, the grass suffers” so I choose to remain anonymous Retired Lawyer
With these prisoners on the loose, we must be careful DEAR EDITOR, It was indeed shocking to learn that over a dozen prisoners escaped from the Lusignan Prison on Monday July 24, 2017. This new breakout has occurred a little over two weeks after the Camp Street inferno which destroyed the Camp Street Prison resulting, according to reports, in a shifting number between 7 and 10 prisoners having escaped. These prisoners on the run are not petty criminals, but are very dangerous men who have been charged for horrendous crimes like murder and armed robbery. These men, running around unfettered in our country, have taken lives before. Why then were they still held at the Lusignan Prison remains a mystery. However, now that they have escaped, Guyanese must remain very vigilant about their surroundings and their safety. The glaring incompetence of the public security sector that has been on display ever since the Camp Street fire is appalling. It is very clear even to the less perceptive mind that the au-
thorities have no idea of handling this dreadful situation with prisoners in a sensible, professional and secure manner. And now the Guyanese people must fear for their lives as a result of this profound incompetence. There has been talk within the last decade of prison and police reform. Actually, the Guyana Prison Service had a Strategic Management Department responsible for all sorts of prison reforms. At the time of writing, I am not sure if that department is still in existence, but it is quite clear that the rhetoric of prison reform has not translated into sensible meaningful action. The struggle to try and bring the prison situation under control after the fire highlighted a security administration that is severely weak. The crisis management strategies employed by the public security sector have been abysmal to say the least. The argument has gone long past the stage of whether or not a prison belongs in the heart of the city. The issue of overcrowding is also a sore
point which has been ventilated ad nauseam by various commentators. What can be done to better accommodate and secure the guests of our society must be discussed in a multi-stakeholder forum to arrive at decisions that are geared to bring about meaningful prison reform. The President needs to act decisively to bring immediate solutions to the problem of the escaped prisoners. His decisions must ensure
that those in charge of our public security are held accountable for this national debacle. Whatever are the measures to be put in place to ensure the prison escapees are recaptured must be done with alacrity. It is unacceptable to have a public security ministry that cannot deliver basic public security. Meanwhile, the president has a former commissioner of police in his cabinet addressing immigration issues. Richard Francois
Why is the Ophthalmology Centre out of medication for cataract surgery? DEAR EDITOR, It is very disturbing to know that there is a drug shortage at the National Ophthalmology Center in Port Mourant, Berbice since September last year. I visited the institution last September with my dad to have his eye treated for cataract. The doctors who attended to him stated that he will have to undergo surgery but they do not have the medications required for surgery at the time and we should keep checking with the institution via phone. Numerous calls and visits, the most recent
being Saturday, to the hospital since have been greeted with “we are out of medication.” This causes me to wonder if the situation has been brought to the Ministry of Health’s attention and if not why. I am also puzzled as to what could be the reason for such a delay, if the Health ministry is aware of the situation. The relevant authorities owe the Guyanese people, in particular Berbicans, an explanation as well as a solution to the issue as many poor people are suffering. Mandy Thompson
Tuesday July 25, 2017
The Granger Govt. should have had intelligence reports on those prisoners DEAR EDITOR, Guyana has been rocked by another prison fire and yet another jailbreak. The circumstances surrounding both events are highly suspicious and very controversial. Rumours are flying everywhere “official” and unofficial” and persons are wondering what or who to believe. I have deliberately placed the two words official and unofficial in lifted commas to establish the pertinent point which is which - is it official that should take precedence or is it the unofficial. And this is the problem with this whole scenario of a place called Guyana where nothing is full-proof and nothing absolutely nothing is guaranteed. So, let us look at what can be considered legitimate and what should take precedence. In the first place the prison fire and subsequent jailbreakout was something well planned and meticulously executed. The Coalition government of David Granger should have had intelligence on this plan, because the COI that was conducted after the 2016 fire revealed that there was a plot to burn down the jail. President Granger also confirmed this when he said “the Camp Street fire was an accident waiting to happen.” Well, if they knew that it was a potentially dangero u s situation, then why didn’t they act on it in time? Why didn’t they carry out the recommendations of the Commission? Why did they sleep on it and allow the situation to deteriorate to catastrophic proportions? An entire prison is razed
to the ground whilst we have notorious criminals roaming free. Question number two, where did all those guns and ammunition come from? Rightfully so this is a high security area, but how come all that weaponry got into the hands of the criminals? We were told that a prison officer was relieved of his weapon, but that is only one firearm, however, where did that other cache of weapons that the ex-prisoners have in their possession come from? The news feed also revealed that other high powered weapons were abandoned by the escapees which were later recovered by the lawmen. What a security mess in a government who promised us full security if ever they got into power. Further to the argument with such “top” legal and military personnel in the government why can’t we get to the bottom of this? Questions and more questions. Finally, the notorious bunch after their escape, made their way straight to Buxton. Why Buxton? They did not go to any other community but to the safe haven locale of Buxton. A place that was sympathetic to the criminals’ cause in 20022006. Buxton you would recall was a haven for the 2002 escapees who wreaked havoc in society. It was a bloody mayhem of an affair that left scores of people dead with the debilitating effect of a country paralyzed by fear. Are we to come to the conclusion that this recent breakout will be a repeat performance of 2002? Only time will tell. Everton Adams
Sorry to hear what happened to this bride-to-be DEAR EDITOR, I read the letter about the unfortunate experience of the prospective bride and the proposed venue for her “happy day” at a certain “hotel’. I refer to the following; “Unconscionable behavior by a hotel’s management,” KN, Monday, July, 24, 2017. Over a period of time, I have come to the conclusion that temporary “lodging places” and similar outfits in Guyana, are all about making as much money as possible in the shortest time possible, and people planning functions should be very careful in doing their research. I still remember paying
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US$5.00 at the start of my last guest house short holiday in Georgetown, to have my suitcase deposited and left just inside the front door for ‘taxi collection’ on departure. The suitcase was left at the top of the second set of stairs leading to the front door. Fortunately, a relative came to collect me, and he carried it down. I have warned others about the antics of this outfit - minimal service, etc. for maximum charges. Exploitation generally! Let the buyer beware. Do your research. Geralda Dennison
In defence of the President’s reaction to the chief justice’s ruling DEAR EDITOR, Those who resort to, and uses legal dogma to condemn President Granger, must, be guided by elementary principles of fairness and intellectual decency, equally recognize and accept that legal dogma also exist and applies, and can and should be resorted to, to exonerate him from any wrongdoing, (perceived or actual) and provide him respite from any, constitutional opprobrium. And legal dogma requires us to say that the mere expression of a person’s intention, however (mis)interpreted has never constituted, any public wrong. Accordingly, until and unless President Granger does, or attempts to do something, which is in defiance of, or amounts to some disobedience of some clear, compliable court order of the Chief Justice(ag), he has committed no constitutional wrong. It is against this backdrop of considerations of elementary fairness and legal dogma, that I proceed to examine the soundness and veracity of critical views contained in letters to the press over an extempore comment made by the President in answer to
reporter’s question on the occasion of his swearing in on Wednesday july 19 of five judges (four High Court, one Court of Appeal) to serve in the Judiciary. And one must stop and think: is it not more probable that on that occasion the very President would not exhibit any anti-Judicial disposition. First, Anil Nandlall’s. His charge is one of infringement of separation of powers doctrine by the President. (KN 2017 – 07 – 20 “President Granger has infringed on the separation of powers”). I begin my rejection of Nandlall’s arguments with this: detached reflection, legal erudition and impeccability in expression cannot be expected in an extempore comment made in the presence and moment of reporters’ microphones. Be that as it may, what matters is that the President never did (and could not possibly have done at that swearing in event); nor purported to do, anything that under the Constitution it is the Judiciary’s function to do Infringement is like a constitutional crime; there must be an act/omission. By his mere comments, on any view, was the President interpreting, or purporting to
interpret article 161? Certainly not. If this matter was, ex hypothesis, litigated in court, how would Nandlall show that an infringement has happened? He could not. Nandlall writes as if constitutional law places some gagging writ on the Executive commenting (even critically) on the Judiciary. It does not. Nowadays, Judges do not fear criticisms (unlike in the 1760’s) nor, should they resent it. A greater public interest is at stake. It is freedom of speech itself. Does our constitutional law deny this freedom to the President? Not at all. But, with an accustomed degree of political rhetoric he inveighs against the President’s extempore comments Granger’s “utterances”. Second, there is Chery Devonish’s. She pens an abstract disquisition of general principles of law about the Judiciary’s role in the interpretation of the Constitution (KN 2017 – 07 -22 under caption “the Judiciary is the authoritative interpreter of the Constitution”). She is obviously of some learning; but I question the relevance of her disquisition to the facts of this matter. She
has confused interpretation, with EXERCISE OF POWERS to appoint (President’s; not the Judiciary’s role). Close analysis shows it is exercise that the President had in mind. No amount of linguistic artifice can convert that inevitability somehow into interpretation. And when that exercise is inevitably done, it must, and can only be done, by the President. Could any interpretation change or even be concerned to change, that cold reality. No. The hard fact of the matter is that the exercise of the President’s power in art 161(2) does not to any extent whatsoever depend on him (or his principle legal adviser the AG) having to decipher, or understand some difficult ambiguous esotenic wording. Third, Lincon Lewis’, his too, like Devonish’s, is a disquisition of abstract trite general mantra, albiet of a different theme. (KN 2017 – 07 – 22 under caption “the govt. has the premier responsibility to respect court rulings) what I have argued above in relation to Devonish’s letter applies equally to Lewis’. Those three letters have this in common: they are based on a false premise of a monstrous fallacy that the President has in point of fact done some act, or omission Continued on page 6
Fifty three years of accumulation of mud in the city’s canals DEAR EDITOR, In a previous letter, we attempted to describe the nature of the blockage of all the main canals existing in the City. We said that these main drainage arteries are blocked solid with mud and other matter, a few hundred feet from the kokers, precisely east of the kokers. We can say with justification that all the mentioned canals suffer from the same fate of what will be described herein; and one wonders with all the eight hundred million dollars expended on the desilting of the drainage system in the City, are we safe from flooding when slight rainfall occurs. The eight hundred million dollar question is who is/are responsible for this con job. Due to the regularity of heavy rainfall in that period, the work was abandoned. One would think that no one in their sane mind would commence drainage work in the May - June rainy season, but are there such persons within the compound of City Hall? Just within the past two weeks, work recommenced on
what will be described further. Two Caterpillar excavators, a lorry, and about a dozen workmen have been excavating the length of canal east of the Bank of Guyana building and beyond the Guyana Museum. On a visit to the location last Friday, here is what was observed. Manhole covers were removed in front of the Bank building. These covers are six foot by six foot, large enough to allow a huge excavator bucket to enter the canal opening, to remove about two cubic yards of mud each time the bucket is lowered into the trench. Yes solid mud, to be loaded onto a lorry to be dumped elsewhere. Looking into the cavity of the trench one sees that mud solidly fills the space. The trench is about eight feet wide and six to seven feet deep. The canal/trench is concreted. Mud fills the trench five feet to six feet deep. The team of workers have skillfully fashioned a contraption which is placed in the trench a distance away from the man hole by the workers,
this contraption is then reeled in by a wire rope attached to the one side track of an excavator. Yes the other track is suspended, whilst the other track operates as a winch. I dare say that only experienced workers could fashion such labour saving device. Perhaps others would wish to express different opinion as to the ability of the professionals to make use of such improvisations. The workers have to endanger themselves entering the tunnel to place the equipment to haul out the mud, which is then lifted out by the other excavator. Can your readers imagine such inhuman work conditions, in mud laden with germs, stink mud accumulated for years?
These men do not get paid subject to the nature of the work. Pictures taken bear testimony. It thus means that the trench/canal that runs under the roadway east of the Bank building right up to the koker in the Munishwar wharf area is full of mud as seen in the canal in front of the Bank. If there had been record kept of the number of truck-loads of mud carted away, we would be astonished. This solid accumulation of mud has been building up twenty eight years, plus twenty three years, plus two years thus causing the flooding of all areas north of Church Street, and also on the south side. This is a horrible, horrible indictment of criminal Continued on page 6
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Ten serious accusations against the police in Region One - Barima-Waini DEAR EDITOR, There is an urgent need for a law enforcement assessment in the Police ‘F’ Division (hinterlands regions) by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Administration. Residents of Region 1 (Barima-Waini) have made the following allegations about the professional conduct of law enforcement officers attached to the GPF: 1) The Pork Kaituma, Matthews Ridge, Mabaruma and Moruca police station do not respond to community residents request for law enforcement in their communities. In the Bamboo landing community located in the Barama River, gold miners are threatening the lives of their employees when they do not want to pay them for their services. Quite recently a female cook’s life was threatened when she asked a gold miner for her five months of payments. The miner threatened the cook with the use of his firearm. Reports were made to the
Port Kaituma, Matthews Ridge and Moruca police stations but to date the police have not responded. The ‘F’ Division commander was also contacted on the matter but still no action was taken to date. 2) A Building was constructed seven years ago to be used as a police station in the Santa Cruz Amerindian community (not far from the Barama River mouth). The police station could have served communities along the Waini and Barama Rivers. The Building which the GPF knows about is currently a white elephant. I advised the village council to make productive use of the building since it is in an Amerindian village. 3) Eustace Maecellino, an Amerindian pensioner was reported missing since the 31st March, 2017 and to date has not being found. Barimanobo community residents and close relatives have alleged that Marcellino may have been murdered and buried in the backyard where
he was living with a daughter. Investigations were not properly conducted by the Mabaruma police. The crime Chief needs to urgently dispatch the police major crimes unit to the Mabaruma sub-region to conduct investigations and arrest Marcillino’s killers who are presently freely walking in the community. 4) Basil Da Silva and his family on the 25 th August, 2016 were travelling in their boat not far from Morowhanna in the Mabaruma sub-region when a speeding boat collided with theirs which resulted in the captsizing of Da Silva’s boat causing the death of his two little children and bodily injuries to himself and wife. The boat with two persons sped away without offering any assistance to Da Silva and his family. The two persons that caused the boat accident and death of two children are free as a result of improper police investigation at Mabaruma. 5) A Yarakita village officer
shot and killed a small businessman about two months ago while he was holding his baby. No police action was taken but instead the police officer was transferred from the Mabaruma sub-region. 6) Mabaruma residents when they call the Mabaruma police for help are told they (the police) will not respond because they do not have any vehicles; whilst they have three all-terrain vehicles (ATVS). 7) A traffic officer at Mabaruma charges vehicle owners an extra $30,000 for the processing of vehicle licences. The traffic officer a month ago had a rushed meeting
with vehicle owners on the matter of licenses which lasted about fifteen minutes. No questions were allowed to be asked. 8) Mabaruma police officers ask vehicle owners for money to buy cell cards, chicken, fish and fried rice. When the vehicle owners claim they have no money, they are harassed, targeted and at times taken to the police station for frivolus reasons. 9) What is the purpose of Kato’s police station? The only thing the police do there is to uplift their salaries at the end of the month. This police station in Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) needs to be urgently investigated by
the police force’s administration because no law enforcement activities are carried out. 10) Police officers at the Port Kaituma police station, Region 1 (Barima-Waini) have severely beaten four young Amerindian miners over a month ago on the claim by their “Boss man” that they stole his “Gold” no gold was found in their possession, neither in their bags. This is poor investigative work carried out by the Kaituma police, which is a norm by so-called law enforcement officers working in Guyana’s hinterland; with no attention or oversight by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) administration. Peter Persaud
In defence of the President’s reaction to... From page 5 that the CJ (ag.) has ruled cannot be done, or should be done, as the case may be. No such thing has happened. And here is how the fallacy happens. Here, are the newspaper headlines: GC “AG: CJ ruling vindicates President decision; KN “Court rules… GECOM Chairman need not be a former judge”, SN “CJ rules law doesn’t favour judges for Gecom Chair – says President must give reasons for any rejection”. So, for argument sake we treat these as fairly representing the ruling. Is the Judge by the words “need not be a former judge “or, “law doesn’t favour judges”, to be understood as unequivocally ordering that the President cannot, and is not, permitted by article 161(2) to choose a former judge? Plainly, not at all. The order (when one is entered) would be amenable to an understanding and capable of being understood, as still permitting the President,
if he so chooses, to appoint a former judge, assuming the President finds that nominee “not unacceptable”. In these events, has the President done anything it was the Judge’s role to do? No. Would he have disrespected or disobeyed any judge’s order? No. Would he have interpreted (rather than exercised, as he must his powers) the Constitution? No. There is a view to which I subscribe, that courts should show self-restraint when invited by litigants to pronounce on and render determinations that is by the very nature of the matter, legally impossible to supervise and enforce; and is therefore illusory. Interpretation is not enhanced by illusion. Is it legally possible (even forensically possible) for a court to supervise the nonjusticiable power vested in the President by article 111(1) by the words “his own deliberate judgment”, used when making his article 161(2) appointment?
It appears to me to be a legal impossibility. And it is instructive that in the exercise of that power so far, the President has rejected two lists; but the CJ(ag) ruling does not involve any determination that the President in doing that misdirected himself, or exercised his power wrongly? So, it must follow that the President’s interpretation of article 161(2) on which he based his exercise of power in rejecting those Lists/nominees was right and constitutional. Upon a further sober, dispassionate consideration of this matter I have come to the conclusion that in all the circumstances of this matter, there can be no greater legalistic nonsense written than that the President’s comment is somehow, nuanced disregard for the rule of law; disrespectful, or in purported usurpation of the Judiciary’s function. Maxwell Edwards Attorney – at – Law (Former Senior Magistrate)
Fifty three years of accumulation of... From page 5 negligence of those who administer the affairs of the City, Central Government, and citizens of Georgetown; who are all culpable. From investigations this site has not been visited by any one of significance to witness such degradation of the drainage system of this part of the City.What is true of the above may not be different to all the other main drains, alley-ways, other drains in Georgetown. Witness the huge trenches in South Georgetown, over-grown with antelope grass. May we submit that the City Council allow citizens to rear cattle in the area to make use of the luxuriant cattle feed, especially when Guyana de-
pends wholly on imported milk. We hereby ask citizens of Georgetown to visit the situation just described to see for themselves how we have been misled about the drainage situation. But especially to witness how “one, one dutty build dam.” This mud formation caused by 50 years of silt accumulation is a lesson for all of us. The citizens of south G/ town are becoming semiaquatic. Any slight shower of rain causes flooding of yards, and ground floor dwellings. All areas south of Brickdam. At the snail pace of the work in the “ de-mudding” the word “de-silting” is useless here; of Church Street canal, we can expect that same time
next year another canal will be cleared of accumulated mud, and how long would it take to complete the other canals? Editor, here is not the time and place to lay blame; we know whose are at fault. We call those who have responsibility over our lives to action, all we are asking is that greater effort be mandated to speed up the work to remove 50 years of mud from the drainage system of Georgetown, we need several teams like the ones working at Church Street to facilitate the speedy de-silting of the drainage system of the Garden City. By the way, can the team at Church St get another lorry, the team has to wait for the return of the only lorry to load the mud? Hafiz Rahman
Tuesday July 25, 2017
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Budget workshop being seen as “a serious time for reflection” By Kiana Wilburg “A serious time for reflection” is how Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan sought to characterize as well as set the tone for his Ministry’s Budget 2018 preparation and sensitisation training workshop which was held at the Marriott Hotel. Present at the opening ceremony were heads of Budget Agencies, other senior officials of the Government; and members of the media. In his address, the Finance Minister reminded that when the coalition Government acceded to Office, in May 2015, it did so with a promise to improve transparency and accountability. Jordan recalled that in its maiden budget, the Government’s vision for the development of the country, and the plans, programmes and policies that it proposed to pursue, were all firmly rooted in the solemn belief that all Guyanese can achieve the “good life”. Jordan said that the Government continued to stress the importance of building a strong, resilient economy capable of withstanding shocks
and sustaining high growth levels. In this regard, he quoted page 15 of his 2016 budget which says, “... the policies, programmes, reforms and measures envisaged in this budget are designed to stimulate the economy to achieve higher growth rates. It is an economy which is growing at ever higher rates, with benefits being more equitably distributed, which will enable us to bring the ‘good life’ closer to reality. We cannot continue to have the see-saw growth that has been witnessed over the past three decades and expect to solve pressing issues such as unemployment and poverty. We have to be innovative in our approach and bold in our measures, if we are to build an economy that stands on a foundation of granite...” In Budget 2017, at page three, Jordan also emphasised the importance of achieving strong growth and accelerated development to the benefit of the people. In particular, he said: “... We have resolved to pursue a growth strategy that breaks with the monotonous cycle of
Finance Minister Winston Jordan a few highs and perennial low prices of primary stage commodity production. We have to match the expectations of our people for a better life. But we would not be able to deliver if we stay the current course. To do so would allow the confluence of adversities and challenges
Jordan calls on officials to have respect for time It was not the first time he has spoken about tardiness, but perhaps yesterday’s proceedings turned out to be the proverbial last straw which left Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, at his wits’ end. At the opening of the Budget 2018 Preparation and Sensitisation Training Workshop, the Finance Minister observed that the event could not begin for the scheduled time of 9:00 am, since several agency officials were late. Before commencing his address, this was the first matter Jordan sought to deal with. The Finance Minister said that persons need to desist with such a laissez-faire and lackadaisical attitude. He lamented, “Why can’t we get our events started on time? I was available since 8:45, but the Director rushed into my office and said no, no, not as yet...and when I came in people were still coming in. People are still turning up.” Jordan added, “It is a disaster for our country that we cannot observe time; we don’t have the discipline to be on time and to get anything done on time. And we are supposed to be the leaders. What do we expect of people who we supposedly have to lead?” The Finance Minister told those present that he would
not be attending another meeting or another workshop if “we can’t get our act together.” Jordan said that if the programme says he is to make an address at 9:00am, then he would expect some modicum of respect and decency from persons and they would be seated at least five minutes before the agenda starts. Jordan said he has even observed that in the case of President David Granger, there are demonstrations of an apparent love for being
late by some. In this regard, Jordan said, “I have seen the President arrive and waiting on people...people still strolling in.” The Finance Minister said that he is passionate about time. He made it clear that he abhors people coming to work late or using any old excuse for sick leave just to avoid being at work. With respect to the latter, he says, “Be careful what you wish for.”
to continue to constrain us from seizing the opportunity to chart a new direction.” The Finance Minister explained that his reason for recalling those two quotes from the respective budget speeches, were not only due to their aptness - in the context of the focus of the training and sensitisation workshop – but, also, to remind those present of Government’s mission. Jordan said that achieving the “good life” is not a mantra, a slogan, an abstract concept or nirvana. He said, “It is our fixation, our constant reminder, that we were put in Government to improve the quality of life of all Guyanese, through the improvement in the quality and quantity of goods and
services that we must deliver to them, whether they be safer communities; quality education and health care; greater access within and among our 10 regions; improved governance; sustainable job creation; and a stable economic environment, among the myriad number of outputs.” The Minister said that all of these will be embodied in the Green State Development Strategy, which the Government is currently developing with support from United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Jordan said that these national goals will incorporate the relevant Sustainable Development Goals and any outstanding targets related to the Millennium Development Goals. The Finance Minister asserted that the administration continues to champion good governance and transparency as it goes forward, and, to that end, the national budget, as a policy tool, is the main vehicle through which policy is communicated and implemented, and results are achieved. The economist noted that once again, the nation is at that time of year in the budget cycle, when Budget Agencies are required to revise and update their plans for the next four years. In the process of doing so, he said that the respective heads of agencies will need to be cognisant of the vision of the Government and, in the context of their specific agency, articulate their strategic goals and objectives as their contribution to achieving this vision.
He said that they will also need to examine their performance framework, and ensure that requests for allocations of resources will directly and measurably contribute to the achievement of programme deliverables, that is, the results. The Finance Minister said, “It is also a time for serious reflection on past performance; a time to determine what works and what doesn’t; what is contributing to the expected outcomes of the programme and what is not; what programmes need to be scrapped altogether, what needs to be re-engineered, what needs to be expanded and what needs to improve.” He stated that it is a time for the respective heads of agencies to ask what is the theory of change being pursued for a programme and whether it is being achieved. Furthermore, in all of his years of being associated with budgeting, Jordan related that he has stressed, repeatedly, the need to have a planned approach to managing agencies, often with undesirable results. Jordan added, “But, I will reiterate here: Do not wait for the Budget Hearings in September to be asked these questions by the Ministry of Finance. You need to be doing that all year round and with greater intensity. The Finance Minister concluded that this will certainly aid them in understanding and ensuring that the quality of what they request from the national treasury is worthy of consideration.
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
COI into alleged plot to kill President…
Top Cop had instructed release of prime suspect - witness Questions related to the chain of command within the Guyana Police Force (GPF) were raised yesterday at the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the alleged plot to kill President David Granger. Inspector of Police, Prem Narine told the Commission that he was among the leading policemen within the rank of investigators into the assassination plot. Narine related that the investigation led to the arrest of businessman, Nizam Khan. The witness recalled that some time after Khan was arrested, instructions came from his superior to release him on bail. He specified that instructions came from the hierarchy of the Police Force to put the prime suspect engaged in the plan. When questioned by Commissioner Paul Slowe, Inspector Narine told the commission further that given the nature of the allegation against the suspect, he would not have released Khan. But, he was instructed by Commissioner of Police Seelall Persaud to place Khan on bail. Narine said that as a policeman he is not in the habit of placing suspects on bail unless he is instructed to do so by his superiors or until the legal time for detaining a
suspect has expired. Narine told the Commission that nonetheless, after receiving the instruction to place Khan on bail, he consulted with Detective Mitchell Caesar, who was in charge of the investigations at the time. Under questioning by retired Chief Justice Ian Chang, the witness was asked whether he considered it improper for him to take instructions from a Commissioner of Police, who was on leave. Chang is representing the interest of the police at the COI. In response to Chang’s questions, Narine noted that it depended on the circumstances. He explained later that after receiving the instructions, he would have divulged the information to officer Caesar who was directly in charge of the investigations. In his personal view, however, Narine noted that given the serious nature of the allegations, the matter required further investigations. Meanwhile, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told the COI that on March 29, 2017 he received information from the Ministry of the Presidency about an alleged plot to kill the President. Blanhum recalled that as a result he had instructed ranks of the
Guyana Police Force, (GPF) to launch an investigation into the matter. Blanhum said that as a result, the man identified as Andrif Gillard, told a story to Detective Caesar. He said that Caesar later recorded 17 pages of statements from Gillard about a plan to kill the president Blanhum said that as a result of the statements, businessman Nizam Khan was arrested. According to Blanhum, a search was also conducted at the home of the businessman, but nothing of evidential value was recovered. Given the nature of the allegation, Blanhum told that instructions came from the police legal advisor to hold a confrontation between the complainant (Gillard) and the businessman. However he noted that it was brought to his attention that Gillard was shifting his story and focusing on the personal issue with investigators. Under questioning by Commissioner Slowe, the Crime Chief said he is aware that there are certain offences which are non-bailable, but the allegations against Khan did not amount to one. He explained further that nonbailable offences included
Inspector of Police Prem Narine (standing in the witness box) is questioned by former acting Chief Justice Ian Chang (also standing) as the inquiry’s Commissioner Paul Slowe (sitting at far left) listens attentively. murder and treason, but Khan was arrested for incitement to commit murder. The Commissioner pointed out to Blanhum, however, that it was an incitement to murder the President. “You don’t think that is treasonous,” Slowe asked. Blanhum stressed that he did not believe the report against Khan constituted treason. He said that there may be different definitions for the term. Questioned by Chang, Blanhum said the investigations revealed Gillard had made several reports against Khan, but none was about the alleged plot to kill President
Granger. Asked based on the investigations whether any attempt was made on the life of the President, Blanhum said that there was absolutely no indication of such. He said too that given the chain of command, acting commissioner of police must seek guidance of his superior, the Commissioner, even while the latter is on leave. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Ret’d) 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. The plot had detailed a bounty of $7M was offered to kill President Granger some time in 2015. The man who filed the report had claimed that he went to borrow $6M from a businessman, said to be gold miner. Instead, the businessman offered $7M. The commission 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.
A most regrettable opinion piece An opinion piece by Frederick Kissoon in yesterday’s issue of the Kaieteur News has been dubbed by the management of the newspaper as a flight of fancy. The piece contained material that could only have come from Mr. Kissoon’s imagination. In some cases he denied logic and in others he created his own version of the facts. He wrote, “The gunmen had extensive connection with Georgetown actors including Ronald Waddell who was buried in the ‘Gulf’ at the back of Buxton where arms are reportedly still hidden.” Reacting to the contention, Ms Bonita Bone-Harris, Waddell’s wife, was quick to point out that Waddell was cremated at Good Hope and not buried. She said that this is malice on the part of Kissoon who wants to say that weapons are buried in Buxton. “He wants to put Ronald in the same hole.” He writes that ‘two Cabinet Ministers in the present government had contacts with the gunmen.’ When challenged, he not only failed to name the Cabinet Ministers, but contended that such an accusation was made by Bharrat Jagdeo when the People’s National Congress Reform was in the opposition. Jagdeo never made such a claim. Another flight of fancy was that ‘Food at a certain cultural organization was cooked in Georgetown for the gunmen and sent to the home of a certain lady in Buxton for distribution. When challenged again, he said that the organisation was not the African Cultural and Development Association. He could not say which, choosing to suggest that there are many cultural organizations in Guyana and the description could fit anyone and that the newspaper was safe. A newspaper is the history book of today’s activities. It is also a record of society. We regret that what was published yesterday would end up in the archives and would serve to mislead some researcher. (By Editor)
Tuesday July 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Why things are not going to get better Another week, another crisis! Another prison break! Another calamity for the APNU+AFC administration! Is this the ‘change’ that people voted for two years ago. What has gone wrong and how can it be fixed? It is a myth that people voted for change in 2015. People voted along party and ethnic lines in 2015, as they did in 2011. The results of the 2015 general and regional elections mirrored the results of the 2011 elections. This means that the people of Guyana really did not vote for change in 2015; they voted for their respective parties. The difference between 2011 and 2015 was that in 2015, there was a pre-election coalition of APNU and the AFC. These two parties, collectively, did not increase their percentage of the electorate over 2011. They simply combined to
oust the PPPC. APNU campaigned on the basis of the need for change, but really did not need to campaign at all, since the outcome of the elections was no different from 2011. APNU+AFC got 51% of the total votes, just as they did in 2011 when they campaigned individually. The voting patterns in Guyana, concentrated along the lines of race and party, are a disincentive for change. When a political grouping simply has to merge with another party to win an election, it really does not need to bother too much with ensuring that it delivers on its campaign promises. If an argument can be made that people re-voted for the parties of the coalition because of the promise of change, then the parties have not vindicated the faith which their supporters placed in them. T he coalition has plodded
along when it comes to its main elections promises. The good life was not a campaign promise. The green state was not articulated during the election campaign. Housing solutions which cost six million dollars per unit was not what the voters were promised. The moving ahead with the controversial Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project was not expected. The PPP’s bridge across the Demerara River is being kept. In fact, there is not a single PSIP project which has been announced which was not part of the PPP’s plans. The APNU +AFC coalition promised that VAT would be reduced, because it was a burden that was making life difficult for consumers. It took two years for APNU to reduce the VAT by a mere 2%. There have been no reductions in prices. The decrease has not resulted in
Dem boys seh...
Prison escape is a game these days Early yesterday morning people wake up to de news that more people get away from jail. This time was 13. De number tun out to be unlucky because before de day done, six of dem done get ketch. De thing that got people vex is how some of dem get ketch. Dem boys seh it had to be that de people who getaway did want to test de police. When dem deh home dem don’t dig nutten. Dem don’t worry bout nutten, but as soon as dem end up in jail dem looking fuh spade and shovel. Khemraj Rum Jattan call a press conference and he tell dem reporters that is not only El Chapo (Joaquin Guzman). He was a man who get away from jail by having people dig a tunnel fuh him. This set dig dem own tunnel. Rum Jattan did put soldiers and police all round de place. De prisoners just crawl out and none of dem didn’t even see. Dem boys seh dem should smell, because jail man got he own smell that don’t go away easy. It had
to be that de people who was guarding de prison had cold. De eye pass come when two of dem tun up at de bus stop fuh ketch a bus to go up de East Coast. Nobody don’t know whether dem had money to pay de bus or if dem woulda stop de bus and run way. De good thing is that dem didn’t get to go nowhere because de police know dem to a T. De whole thing now look like a game, because prisoners mekking jail break look like stupidness. Long time when dem had a jail break de prisons had a siren that dem use to sound off whenever a prisoner escape. In 2002 when dem had de jailbreak de siren didn’t wuk. De other day when some more prisoner getaway de siren didn’t sound and yesterday when dem find out that more prisoners get away, again de siren didn’t sound. It probably mean that de whole thing is a joke. Talk half and watch more prisoners get away.
a reduction in the cost of living. APNU+AFC bemoaned the lack of security. Citizens’ security has not improved for the better under the new government. The coalition promised greater transparency. It started out on a good note by making available the contracts signed under the PPPC. It has been less forthcoming about some of its own dealings. Controversy over a number of deals has tarred the coalition’s record. What has changed in health procurement? What has changed in terms of security? Teachers, policemen and nurses are not enjoying a substantial increase in wages. The snail-pace housing programme of the new government is not much different to the options which the PPPC had been providing. Local democracy is being stymied by the failure to appoint a local government commission. Public works have a poor implementation ration, as
was signified in the half – yearly report of the Ministry of Finance. The economy is sluggish, depending mainly on gold. The commercial sector – the one which can generate the most jobs – is declining. Businesses are downsizing, because there are more illegal sellers than legitimate businesses, and nothing is being done about this. Squatting is on the increase. The reduction of electricity losses has not improved appreciably. There is no incentive for the government to do better,
because people are not voting on the basis of performance. They are voting along the lines of traditional loyalties, and so the government is under no pressure to force itself to correct its mistakes. Guyanese did not vote for political, economic and social change. They voted for exchange. This is what they have gotten.
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water My wife said to me Saturday night, “Where is that music coming from?” I told her a private night spot in the Giftland Mall compound. Since the July prison escape, there was a manifest decline in nighttime activities. You couldn’t miss the absence of traffic where I live, just one-minute drive from my home to Giftland Mall. During the immediate aftermath of the prison break, I did my customary nocturnal walk with my dog at the mall. My wife asked me to discontinue it. The car park was conspicuously slack. About five nights ago, while walking my dog in the same site, I noticed the normal, huge build-up of parked vehicles. There is a night spot as
you enter the Giftland compound. It has a semi-alfresco appearance. Patrons were swinging. I think that was where the music was coming from that my wife enquired about. As the days wore on, I think people were getting back into their routine. The prison escape from Lusignan will definitely put a damper on the return to nighttime activities of citizens, as what happened in the first week of the Camp Street inferno. I am sure as I look out my window tonight I will see the trickle on the Railway Embankment. And I know my wife will stop me from walking the dog tonight. As I write, there is no advisory from the embassies in-
dicating that their citizens should take caution or warning those from their countries about travelling to Guyana. At the moment, there is a big diaspora conference sponsored by UG, in which a sizeable number of overseasbased Guyanese and also foreigners are in the country attending. It is too early to say what will be their attitude to their stay. The Government itself has advised citizens to be watchful. It follows that if locals should be careful, then foreigners may become pessimistic and want to leave. I hope not. How could 13 dangerous inmates have dug a hole under a fence and escaped? It just baffles the imagination.
At the time of writing, that is the explanation making the rounds. It may not have been the mode of getaway but if it is, then this government is in trouble. A number of factors have to come into play. First, the violent inmates were the ones that instigated the riot in 2016. It meant that from thereon, those kinds of prisoners needed to be given extra surveillance. Surely, a man in the Camp Street prison jailed for nine months for a pick-pocket offence isn’t going to riot to escape. Such low profile prisoners normally would wait for their short stint to end. Escape plans are most times hatched by criminals with a very long stay. The July 2017 prison mayhem was instigated by people incarcerated for horrible crimes. Yet there are reports that they mingled with low profile prisoners and could have been seen in the court yard “liming.” Thus it appeared that the relevant authorities did not learn the lessons of the 2016
prison fire in which seventeen died. We come now to Lusignan. The prisoners that escaped yesterday are deemed dangerous.
Frederick Kissoon Were they given extra watch in their makeshift accommodation at Lusignan? The answer to that has to be yes. If no, then we are surely on a journey to nihilism, as I am wont to write about. Let us return to the digging. If that is the method they used in the uncivilized hours of Monday morning, then it had to take hours to make that aperture large enough for a human to pass through. What instruments did
they use? Wasn’t noise made during the operation? Where were the security personnel during those hours? Wasn’t there supposed to be twenty-four hour guard service ringing the external perimeter of the makeshift fence? I guess these answers will have to wait for another inquiry. If there is going to be another Commission of Inquiry into the July inferno at Camp Street, the authorities can save money by subsuming the investigation of this latest prison madness under the Camp Street inquiry. I guess in that way they save money. What happens in the coming weeks and months is anyone’s guess if those prisoners from Camp Street and Lusignan are not captured. But for sure until that happens, this nation will be an unhappy one. My thoughts will be with our folks who live in isolated spots in the interior and the rural areas. This country’s people deserve happiness they never had long before and long after Independence.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
We must run the full gamut to improve the procurement process - Nandlall
By Abena RockcliffeCampbell “If we are speaking about improving the procurement process in our country, we must run the full gamut,” said former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. According to him, a key measure to be implemented is the setting up of an Appellate Tribunal. Why does Nandlall see the establishment of an Appellate Tribunal as so important? Because “the supreme law of the land (the Constitution) so prescribes.” During an interview with Kaieteur News yesterday, Nandlall said that Article 212 EE of the Constitution stipulates that Parliament may, by law, provide for the establishment of a Public Procurement Commission Tribunal. He noted too that Article 212 BB of the Constitution provides that a decision of the Public Procurement Commission is appealable to the Tribunal and a decision of the Procurement Commission tribunal is appealable to the Guyana Court of Appeal. “What we now have in existence, therefore, is merely one rung of the hierarchical ladder of the procurement process,” said Nandlall. The former Attorney General said that the Appellate Tribunal is another layer of protection for the procurement process. He said that a law has to be enacted to bring the other Constitutional layers into force. “Naturally, this law will have to make rules and regu-
lations in terms of how the different appeals are to be filed and all matters in relation thereto.” Last week, Nandlall had spoken extensively to this newspaper about the weaknesses in the Procurement Act of 2003. He said that the Act needs to be strengthened, because, like any other law, it has loopholes that have become apparent over the years. He did admit that the Act can benefit from improvement in the areas of securing the interest of the government, specifically as it relates to quality assurance. Nandlall said that penalties should be added to the Act for engineers who collude with contractors to shortchange the country. However, Nandlall begged to differ in his opinion from Trinidadian Professor Afra Raymond who said that there seems to be “engineered loopholes” in the Act. Professor Raymond is a Trinidadian expert who was a panelist on the recently concluded oil and gas symposium hosted by the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA). Professor Raymond was critical of Guyana’s Procurement Act of 2003, which he said seemingly contains “engineered loopholes” in addition to antiquated provisions that allow for a situation to
Former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall be taken advantage of by corrupt persons.” According to Professor Raymond, the Procurement Act of 2003 allows Government to enter into government-to-government arrangements outside of the ambit of the procurement laws for international agreements. He said that this is a major loophole. Speaking to the statement made about “engineered loopholes,” Nandlall responded, “As far as I can recall, the Procurement Act which was enacted in Guyana was, at the time, one of the most modern of the international models. It was the most modern in the
Newly appointed DEOs benefitting from induction workshop Twenty-five newly appointed District Education Officers (DEOs) are benefitting from a two-day workshop which began yesterday morning at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Kingston. The initiation workshop is being held under the theme “Education Officers- Creating and Sustaining a Culture of Excellence”. Minister of Education (acting) Nicolette Henry said this is important to realising the quality changes the sector needs. “The Ministry of Education must be known for its culture of excellence,” the Minister stated. She added, “A culture of excellence within the Ministry provides meaning and purpose to work.” However, she pointed out that there has to be changes in the workers mindset if there is to be this culture is to be created and sustained. Minister Henry also committed the government’s
support to the DEOs “so that they will make a difference in their assigned districts.” She urged the DEOs to “strive for excellence,” and to execute their duties with “confidence, diligent, professionalism” and with passion. The new DEOs are learning the importance of the role they will play in strengthening the local education system. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry, Marcel Huston said the workshop will set a foundation for the DEOs. “It will reinforce the Ministry’s mission to provide an education system that
delivers quality education and training at all levels and particularly to eliminate illiteracy, modernize education and strengthen tolerance,” the CEO said. He also reiterated that the DEOs are “critical to the process of transforming the landscape of Education in Guyana. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative Paolo Marchi highlighted the need for officers to get to know and understand the needs of their students, so that they can make decisions that will guide the implementation of effective education strategies.
Caribbean, and in many respects it still remains one of the more advanced legislation of its type in the Caribbean.” He continued, “But that does not mean that (the Act) does not have loopholes, which with the passage of time, and experience are now apparent.” Nandlall pointed out that no legislation is ever perfect.
He said that one has to use experience and look at how the legislation has worked over a given period in order to identify shortcomings if any and take corrective measures. “But I do not subscribe to the view that there were engineered loopholes.” “But certainly there are some loopholes that can be plugged.” Pointing to one such hole, Nandlall said that consultants or engineers who are supposed to represent the government’s interest in projects, are sometimes found “wanting” in their assessment of work done. Nandlall said that such eventualities lend to the view that there may be collusion between the engineer and the contractor. “So you have substandard work being passed as meeting standard requirement or you have the engineer or consultant agreeing to grant variations to the contract. The variations may subsequently discover not to be in the best interest of the state whose interest the engineer should have been representing. That is one aspect of our
procurement law that needs strengthening.” The former Attorney General said that this can be addressed by imposing serious penalties on the contractors, consultants and persons functioning in those capacities. Nandlall also spoke about aspects of the Procurement Act that speak to evaluators, and said that they need to be reviewed. This is so that more technically sound persons “and persons of sound integrity and independence can serve as evaluators. What we have are ordinary public servants, some of whom are not suitably qualified, functioning in those capacities.” Nandlall pointed to the ambiguity in the Act with regard to Cabinet’s role in the procurement process when there is a functioning Public Procurement Commission (PPC). He said that the provisions in the Act relating to this issue are currently left to interpretation. “That should be put to rest once and for all, because the intention obviously was to end Cabinet’s involvement upon the establishment of a procurement commission.”
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
Victim died as result of gunshot injuries to the head Ex -cop on trial for seaman’s murder…
State Pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh testified yesterday to performing a post mortem examination on the body of murdered seaman, Davonan Sookram. Sookram, is said to have been murdered between July 27 and July 31, 2013. His body was found in a trench at Ruby Backdam, Parika. According to reports, Sookram who was nicknamed ‘Tall Man,’ had left his home on July 27, 2013, in the company of a friend, but he never returned. His body was discovered, days later, in the murky waters at Parika Backdam. It was reported that Sookram was murdered execution-style in retaliation for a deal gone sour. His partially decomposed body is said to have been found with two bullet wounds to the head. Investigations mounted by the Serious Crime Investigations Unit (SCIU) of the Guyana Police Force led to the arrest of Ruel Brandon, an ex- cop, who was later charged for the killing. Brandon is currently on trial for murder before Justice
Nareshwar Harnanan and a mixed 12-member jury at the Georgetown High Court. State Prosecutors, Siand Dhurjon, Lisa Cave and Shawnette Austin are presenting the case. The accused is being represented by Attorney Nigel Hughes. Yesterday, the Prosecution called Dr Nehaul Singh to the stand. During his testimony, Dr. Singh told the court that he has in excess of two decades of experience, having conducted post mortem examinations on hundreds of bodies. After he was deemed an expert in the field of Pathology, Dr Singh recalled that he had conducted an examination on the body of Davonan Sookram on August 3, 2013. The doctor recalled that there was an external and internal examination. He recalled that when he did the autopsy, there was mud on the body, skin slippage, and it was in an advanced state of decomposition – the hair was falling off and there was the presence of maggots. Dr Singh recalled that Sookram’s body was also
bloated and there were two circular wounds on the head. As a result of the examination, the witness said that he determined that Sookram died as a result of gunshot injury to the head. When the trial began on Monday, Police Detective Lallbachan Dyal testified to participating in the Crime Scene Investigations (CSI), in relation to a murder committed at Ruby Backdam, Parika. The policeman said that a body was in a trench in the vicinity of Ruby Backdam, Parika. The body was found lying in a slightly slanted position and the head was faced downward. The policeman recollected that the body was clad in a bluish- grey T-Shirt and multi-coloured three-quarter pants, and did not have any footwear. The body was fished out of the trench and placed on a parapet near the roadway. He said that he took a closer look at the deceased person and determined that he was bald. The policeman said that he therefore could not tell the ethnicity of the individual.
Accused: Ruel Brandon Officer Dyal however said that he later learnt the name of the dead man to be Davonan Sookram. Detective Dyal, also no-
Dead: Davonan Sookram
ticed two wounds on the deceased, one on the forehead and the other on the back of the head. The witness had testified
that several photographs were taken of the crime scene — the photographs were tendered and marked as exhibits in the trial.
Brazilian doctor is final witness in Babita Sarjou murder PI
Dead: Babita Sarjou
Accused: Sharnandand Narine called ‘Anand’
Accused: Darel Ponton called ‘Yankee’
Renato Teodoro Ferreira Paranaibo, a Brazilian doctor, is said to be the final witness in the Babita Sarjou murder Preliminary Inquiry (PI). The matter continued yesterday before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, where the doctor continued giving his evidence via Skype video call with the aid of a Portuguese interpreter. Sarjou’s ex-husband, Sharnandand Narine, called ‘Anand’ of 51 Seaforth Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, and Darel Ponton called ‘Yankee’ of 54 Broad Street, Charlestown, are currently on remand for the woman’s murder. Paranaibo is a Brazilian
Forensic Genetics Expert, who worked at the National Institute of Criminalistics, Brazilian Federal Police since 2003. His testimony is based upon the DNA analysis from the remains of Sarjou, which was sent to Brazil to be tested. Attorneys Ronald Trotman and Hubert Rodney, who are representing the defendants, yesterday made submissions to block the Brazilian Doctor from testifying, citing that he was giving his testimony via Skype and he was not in court. Chief Magistrate McLennan then adjourned the matter until July 27, when Police Inspector Gordon Mansfield is expected to reply to the lawyers’ submis-
sions on that day. Babita Sarjou went missing on November 4, 2010 after she left her Timehri, East Bank Demerara home, informing her mother that she was going to meet with her husband, Narine, and son at the Kitty Seawall to view the annual Diwali motorcade. When she did not return home that night, her mother became worried and filed a missing person’s report. Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum and a team of detectives were able to crack the case on May 22, 2016, after they spent over five hours digging up a site at Sharnandand Naraine’s home, where they found Sarjou’s skeletal remains.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
New Chairman of Monetary Council chairman says ECCU will fall short of target
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC – The new chairman of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU), Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt has reiterated the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB)’s move towards the socio-economic transformation of the economy in order to secure the future of the people of the region. At a formal ceremony on Friday where he assumed the chairmanship from Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, Skerritt, whose country is now ranked among the top
three in gross domestic product (GDP) of the eight ECCU countries said while the global economic growth is projected at 3.5 percent and 3.6 percent in 2017 and 2018 respectively, growth for the ECCU is projected at 3.2 percent in 2017 and 3.1 percent in 2018; still short of the five percent annual growth rate target which is required. According to Skerritt, it is expected that tourism and the foreign direct investment, particularly through Citizenship by Investment, will continue to be the main drivers in achieving these targets.
“We see a future of strong banks, vibrant economies led by tourism, agriculture, medical education, financial services and powered by technology; we see a future where our citizens can find or create decent and meaningful work; we see a future where our children can grow up to realise their God-given potential; we see a future of peace, stability, unity and prosperity.” The Dominican Prime Minister said having set economic transformation as its focus, the ECCB will formally launch its strategic plan for 2017 to 2021 in September. “The process of economic transformation is not a sprint, it requires inter alia, a solid foundation, an appropriate infrastructure, a strategy, resolute implementation and patience…it is with this high level of commitment and with the eagerness to make life better for citizens of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union that I assume the Chairmanship of this council.” Skerritt also disclosed ECCB statistics which revealed that St. Kitts and Nevis, once the ECCU economic leader, has tumbled down the economic ladder and is now number six of the eight ECCU countries in projected growth for 2017.
National Security Minister concerned about “torture” video CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – National Security Minister, Hermangild Francis has described as “unfortunate” videos that surfaced on social media over the weekend, showing a young St Lucian man being held hostage and tortured overseas in an apparent drug move gone bad. Francis said he plans to meet with the Commissioner of Police Monday to discuss the matter. In the video the handcuffed youth is wearing what appears to be a blood-stained shirt and is pleading for his life. “Mommy, tell Shawn pay the people for me – mommy, mommy, the people go kill me! The people go cut my head!” The victim said as automatic weapons were pointed at his head. In another video the victim is seen lying on the ground while two men, one with an automatic weapon and another with a chain saw, stand over him. Reliable sources have confirmed that the young man in the videos is 18 year old Scott Atkins, who is originally from the East Coast village of Micoud.
Thousands march in nationwide protest
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A nationwide protest called by trade unions and the private sector has won the support of thousands of Barbadians who turned out yesterday urging the government to roll back the increase in the National Social Responsibility Levy. The protest is jointly organized by the Barbados Pri-
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Kaieteur News
vate Sector Association, the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW), the Barbados Union of Teachers (BUT) and the Barbados Secondary Teachers’ Union (BSTU). O n S u n d a y, t h e N a tional Union of Public Workers (NUPW) called on all members to participate in a national
march and rally. The umbrella organisation said it informed the head of the Civil Service and the permanent secretary in the ministry of the industrial action, in writing,. “The march has been organised to continue to insist on our rights as citizens to engage in meaning-
ful social dialogue with our government on issues that affect us all.” The NUPW said it warned the government at a pre-budget meeting that the union would not support increased taxes. “Yet the government introduced an unjust National Social responsibility Levy tax, even though public sector workers have not received a salary increase in almost a decade. We have publicly suggested that the workers at least be given coping subsidy since salary negotiations have not been concluded or a repeal to the NSRL based on the expected hardship it will cause public servants and the vulnerable.” The NUPW added that although a letter was delivered to Prime Minister Fruendel Stuart asking for dialogue on the issue – “To date our government has refused to meet with us. We have since engaged the Private Sector, our social partner to press government to engage – this has still not happened.”
Hermangild Francis It has also been revealed that the ‘Shawn’ he mentioned in his video is his cousin. In the video, Atkins begs ‘Shawn’ to pay his captors because if he doesn’t they will kill him. Sources say Atkins was kidnapped in February from Trinidad and Tobago and taken to Venezuela where he has been held by his captors ever since. The gang holding Atkins claims it is owed over US$130,000 by a relative of Atkins. Francis told reporters Monday that it was a “terrible” situation and he sympathizes with the victim’s family. He said the situation should serve as a warning to youth to stay away from the illegal drugs trade. “It just shows and tells our young people in St Lucia that yes you may get through once, twice, three times, but you gonna be caught. And if you are caught, this is some of the penalties that you will have to face. So it’s really not a good trade to get yourself involved in,” he said. He said while the lure of quick money and fancy vehicles may be attractive, “those persons from outside
are very vicious”. “they do not care who you are or what job you have, whatever they want, as long as you do not pay, you are going to have to meet the piper and sing the tune.” He hopes the person he mentions on the video can come to his senses and make the payment being demanded. Francis added that he’s very concerned about illegal drugs and firearms being brought into St Lucia through the Venezuelan drug connections. He said the current political turmoil in Venezuelan has left many Venezuelans desperate and now they are coming to St Lucia. There are at least three Venezuelans currently detained at Bordelais Correctional Facility, he said. “This is worrying,” Francis said. “This is very, very worrying. These guys will do anything and it stretches our armed forces so it is of very great concern to me.” He plans to meet with the External Affairs Minister, Sarah Flood-Beaubrun and the Venezuelan Ambassador with a view to stemming the flow of Venezuelans coming to St Lucia.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyanapassport 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. Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Cotton Club 231-1908: for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. 41 Public Road Kitty. Upholstery: cover any type of furniture at a reasonable cost, home service if possible. Call: 216-2230/6828718
WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 604-6606/ 692-4649 Driver and porter to drive sell water. Apply Nimbus water system, 79 Albert Laluni Street, Queenstown. Tel 6220445/231-7002 One husband & wife to work on farm in the Interior. One night security. Call: 667-5717. Live in and live out waitress. Call: 643-9007/666-4647 Live in or part time maid. Call 695-5505 or 611-6364 between 8am-4pm Urgently! Able body security guard to work day/night must have NIS/ID/TIN certificate. Call: 226-7337/654-9350 Do you owe housing & want to sell your land? We pay it off & give you cash. Call: 6662326 Land to buy in Eccles, Parfaite Harmonie, Tuschen, Farm, Uitluvgt, Herstelling, we pay best price. Call: 604-6724/6869608 Vegetarian Gardens: office assistant. Call: 227-7714/2310951/223-3448, info@vgiworld.com Experienced shop workers, handyman & domestic to work in the Interior, age 1840yrs. Call: 231-0363 (9am4:30pm). (TIN, ID & NIS)
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,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL: PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 PEN PAL Man age 43 looking for female. Call: 672-2394
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
VACANCY
FOR RENT
LAND FOR SALE
Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620
MINING BLOCKS FOR SALE @ OMAI & CUYUNI NEAR BUCKHALL GY$2,500,000 EACH. CALL: 622-7563
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257
W.B.D: Schoonord -$3M, Uitvlugt 50X100 -$2.8M, La Parfaite 50X100 & foundation -$3.5M, $1.5M, $1.6M, Coglan Dam, Nimes -$2.5M. Call: 231-2199/618-7483
Register Now! Summer Courses in cosmetology & nails 7th -18th August; Cost: $20,000. Limited space available. Call: 618-2417
One data entry clerk, must be computer literate & have passes @ CXC Maths & English. Apply PO BOX12118 1 Counter clerk, must have a decent handwriting & passes in Maths & English. Send handwritten application to PO BOX 12118
Fully furnished luxury apartment to rent 2 & 3 bedrooms, long and short term stay. Call: 665-3505
1 Canter driver. Call: 629-2912
One big two bedrooms top flat house at Phoenix Park, lot 20 West Bank Demerara. Call: 643-9286
1 Experienced person for super bet, sport betting outlet. Apply @ August Beverage with written application in person, 27 Norton Street. Call: 225-5501 Accounts clerk: English A (Grade 1) , Mathematics, P.O.A (Grade 2), knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT & QuickBooks @ Technical Services, Eccles. Call 6144358 MALE CASHIER: night shift, knowledge of point of sale. Apply @ Fortune House Restaurant, 98 Sheriff Street. 1 Maid for East Bank area. Call: 614-4358 1 Driver/mechanic with minibus license, living in G/ Town attractive salary & benefits. Call: 664-0802 Taxi drivers. Call: 646-8748
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 2006 Audi – A4 PRR series$3.1M. Call: 623-3839 One fielder wagon in excellent condition, owner leaving country, price $1.550M negotiable. Call: 659-5226/ 690-8889 Unregistered Mazda Axela 2011 -$2.7M, Corolla Fielder 2010 -$2.4M, Nissan Pickup 2000 -$2.3M. Call: 617-5536
Aubrey Barker -$27M, William Street -$11M, Diamond -$14M, Grove $7.8M, David Street- $30M, Norton -$10M. Call: 231-2199/ 618-7483 1 Two story 3 bedrooms concrete house, Block 8 Mon Repos -$17M negotiable. Call: 645-8543
Land @ No.7 Village W.C.B – 86’X317’, roadside -$34M negotiable. Call:622-6473 (Raj), 648-6873 (Bernard), 661-4604 (Veronica)
Three storey 75ftX30ft building/bond, open floors, 2 offices, 2 washrooms, driveways @ 25B Princes St., Charlestown. Call: 223-0654/ 225-0605
House & land in Zeelugt, old & new scheme -$2.5M, land in Tuschen (Phase 1) - $2.5M & La Parfaite Harmonie $1.7M – 642-1252
One bedroom apartment well secured for working couple or single person -$35,000 monthly, light & water included. Call: 638-8858
La Parfaite Harmonie- $2M, $1.3M, $1.1M, Herstelling$3M, Tuschen house & land - $2.7M, Tuschen -$2M, $1M. Call: 604-6724/686-9608
1-Two bedrooms bottom flat a C.I housing Scheme, West Coast Dem. Preferably 1 male or couple. Call: 661-9689
La Parfaite Harmonie (main road) -$2M, $1.4M, $1.2M, Herstelling -$3M, Tuschen Phase 2 - $1.2M. Call: 6662326
2 Bedrooms apartment in Eccles New Scheme, furnished or unfurnished from August 1 2017. Call: 2253234
2 ½ Acres riverside land, 5 Acres land with 5,000 sq.ft building, Brickery, East Bank Demerara. Call: 653-2477/ 685-6874
FOR SALE
EDUCATIONAL
LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.
INSTITUTE OFACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Registration commenced for I.A.E Secondary school, forms 15, termly fee -$30,000. Call: 683-5742/621-7365
House & land for sale, latest Toyota Tundra and Tacoma parts. Call: 646-8594
Rising Star Academy: Register now for kindergarten & Grades 1-4, build a strong foundation for common entrance. Call: 6770296
Elevator good condition $700,000, sauna, ceiling fans - $3,000, AC- $10,000, metal gate- $25,000, glass doors $40,000. Call 231-1284 New generator/welding plan 10KVA, 200amps, 13 horse power, diesel, silent & new 3" Troni gasoline water pump. Contact Melissa: 629-2292 1 Set of used magrims, 4 holes 17". Call: 685-6874/653-2477
ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 642-1783/ 646-3011634/ 718-2301695
Office & business space to rent @ 78 Hadfield Street. Call: 225-9211/693-3946
E.B.D: Diamond, Farm -$4.5M, Providence 50X185, land of Canaan cleared land -$6.5M acre, Republic Park -$15M. Call: 231-7805/ 618-7483
Teachers needed for Nursery & Primary School. Mail resume to Rising Star Academy, 38 Cumming St. Alberttown. Call: 690-9378/ 677-0296
Live in experienced waitress -$20,000 weekly. Call: 610-
VEHICLE FOR SALE
Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D $1200USD. Call 647-1773
TAXI SERVICE
Puppies – husky 10 months old poodles, pitbull. Call: 2670205/ 671-9136/ 670-4228
GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
A flock of sheep, price negotiable. Call: 645-2676/ 218-3647 ask for Mike.
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!
TO LET Furnished apartment for local & overseas guest. Call Ms. Dee: 661-7354 or 223-1061
LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj Building- Call: 644-5166; 6222872; 615-0964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). WANTED One maid, one babysitter. Attractive salary. Contact 696-9386
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
Social Cohesion Ministry to launch Inter-Village camp in mid-August We want the young indigenous persons to not only understand diversity, but also feel included, and so we want to develop a cadre of young people who can go back into their villages and help with building a cohesive society,” Patterson said.
The Camp targets preidentified peer leaders and is scheduled for seven days. The objective of the Camp is to promote an appreciation of differences so as to construct integrated communities. Programme Coordinator at the Ministry of Social Cohesion, Ms. Sharon Patterson stated that the initiative of the Camp was developed by the Ministry through nationwide consultations. She said that the Camp will focus on educating the attendees on the functions of social cohesion in nation building and constructing their power to promote togetherness in their home towns. “This is a pilot activity and it is an inter-village programme, because it will be promoting geographic inclusiveness.
Toshaos and village leaders would have been the one to choose the participants since they would have demonstrated leadership qualities and are engaged in community development activities, she stated. The Ministry, in an attempt to make certain the youths are exposed to information that will not only support the Ministry’s message but offer personal development opportunities, has arranged meetings that are centred on endorsing trust, unity, equity, equality and an appreciation of diversity among their peers, with the overall goal of creating an enabling environment that will cultivate community development. The importance of education, career opportunities in various fields, business op-
portunities at the community level, youth and the law, as well as social issues such as Trafficking in Persons (TIPs) and domestic violence by representatives from Government agencies, educational institutions and businesses, will be expounded on during the sessions at the Camp. In addition to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Public Health has consented to partake in the event and has committed to sending its Adolescent Health team to “have a presence at the activities.” Addressing the participants will be representatives from the Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited. The company promises to host a Banking and Business episode which seeks to avail financial support for the commencement of small businesses. The organization had also recently given a cheque of a confidential amount to support its participation in the Camp. Thankful for the contribution, Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton, acknowledged the donation and expressed gratitude to Republic Bank for being part of the activity and for making the event a reality. The minister also expressed interest in similar partnerships for the future. Supporting the event also are RUBIS Guyana Incorporated, MACORP, Gaico Construction and General Services Incorporated, Mohammed’s Enterprise, and Mekdeci Machinery and Construction Incorporated. Dr. Norton declared that ministry has also sketched a full plan of interactive activities which includes outdoor games and physical exercises, along with a campfire and a special cultural evening all centred at giving power to make members, individually and collectively, contribute to their particular community.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan yesterday dismissed a matter of fraudulent conversion against a miner after the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. It was alleged that between August 1, 2016 and February 17, 2017, at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, fiftyfive-year-old Anirood Persaud of Eccles Housing Scheme, after being solely entrusted by David Sugrim with a pearl set, two platinum chains with diamonds and other items, totaling $10,300,000 in order that he may keep same and return to
Sugrim, fraudulently converted it to his own use and benefit. The miner was represented by Attorney-at-law Bernard DaSilva, who had always argued that his client was innocent of the offence that was alleged to have been committed. The lawyer went on to tell the court that his client and the virtual complainant were business partners who had a falling out. It was then that the lawyer told the court that the allegation against his client arose when the virtual complainant was unable to give his client some money after the two had reached an
agreement to pawn several pieces of jewellery and to share in its proceeds. Attorney DaSilva on his client’s first appearance had told the court that the allegation was brought to his client after almost a year, and he questioned why his client was being charged. The matter was prosecuted by Police Prosecutor Arvin Moore who told the court that some of the items have been returned to the virtual complainant. On his first appearance, the miner had been granted bail to the tune of $150,000 by the chief magistrate.
The Ministry of Social Cohesion will be launching an Inter-Village Exchange Camp on August 13, 2017. The camp aims at 160 participants ranging between the ages of 16 and 25 from 23 villages across Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr. George Norton
Fraudulent conversion matter against miner dismissed
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German schoolgirl who allegedly joined ISIS may be tried in Iraq
Linda Wenzel was one of at least five foreign women captured by Iraqi forces after the battle for Mosul. (CNN) A 16-year-old German girl who ran away from home in 2016 and allegedly joined ISIS has been found alive in Iraq, the German government confirmed yesterday. Linda Wenzel, a schoolgirl from the town of Pulsnitz near Dresden, was one of at least five foreign women captured by Iraqi forces sweeping the old city of Mosul after the defeat of ISIS, according to sources within the counterterror operation in Mosul. The sources added that the women have now been moved to Baghdad and are under interrogation. An Iraqi journalist who met Wenzel said she was treated for a gunshot wound. Wenzel was named on Monday by the German Foreign Ministry, which said a second German national was among those detained. “From what we know, she
is physically fine,” Dresden prosecutor Lorenz Haase told CNN when asked about Wenzel’s condition. “However we do not know how she is psychologically.” Haase does not yet know if Wenzel will return to Germany and said she could be put on trial in Iraq. “If she is proven to be a member of ISIS her case will go to the general federal prosecutor in Germany,” he said. Wenzel’s parents first alerted the police that Linda had gone missing in July last year, Haase confirmed. When police learned that the teenager might have converted to Islam and ran away to join ISIS, the case was handed over to the prosecutor in Dresden. However, the investigation was dropped after Wenzel’s whereabouts could not be determined.
“Now that Linda is identified as the missing girl from Pulsnitz, we will reopen the investigation today or tomorrow on the suspicion that she may have been supporting a terrorist organization or was planning an attack against a foreign state,” said Haase.”However, we do not know what happened to Linda after she disappeared in Istanbul last year in the summer. We do not know who she was in contact with, what she was doing or whether she was involved in criminal acts or even fighting with [ISIS]. Iraqi journalist Amir Musawy visited Wenzel last week as part of an investigative team reporting for German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and public broadcasters NDR and WDR. According to Musawy, he was the first journalist to gain access to the teenager since she was discovered. Wenzel had a gunshot wound on her leg but was able to talk and answer questions, Musawy told CNN. He witnessed her being offered medical treatment. “It seemed to me as she didn’t fully understand what happened to her or what she did,” he said. “I just want to leave,” she said, according to the report published in the Suddeutsche Zeitung (SZ). “I want to get away from the war, away from the many weapons, the noise.” She also said she was ready to testify.
San Antonio driver says he didn’t know immigrants were in truck San Antonio (CNN) James Matthew Bradley Jr. says he had no idea dozens of undocumented immigrants were stuffed inside the brutally hot semi truck he was driving. That’s the story he told federal investigators, who clearly don’t believe him. The 60-year-old Florida man is charged with knowingly transporting undocumented immigrants. Bradley was driving the tractor-trailer found parked at a Walmart in San Antonio early Sunday morning. After an employee noticed the suspicious vehicle and called police, authorities found dozens of undocumented immigrants inside. Eight people in the truck were already dead, and two more died after being hospitalized. Dozens more were severely injured, and many will suffer from “irreversible brain damage,” the city’s fire
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
James Matthew Bradley Jr. walks to court chief said. San Antonio’s police chief called the case “a human trafficking crime.” “Checking the video from the store, we found there were a number of vehicles that came in and picked up a lot of the folks that were in that trailer that survived the trip,” Police Chief William
McManus said. But the truck driver said he didn’t know what — or who — he was hauling. When police came to investigate the semi, an officer found “multiple people standing and laying at and around the rear of the trailer,” according to a criminal complaint against Bradley.
Turkey: Opposition newspaper journalists go on trial in Istanbul
Reporters demonstrating as the trial of journalists from one of Turkey’s opposition publications began Monday Istanbul, Turkey (CNN) The trial of 17 staff members from Turkey’s Cumhuriyet newspaper — one of the country’s last remaining opposition publications — began yesterday in what many are calling a crucial test of press freedom. Charged with terror-related offences in the wake of last year’s failed coup, the defendants — journalists, executives and lawyers — made their first appearance in court since they were put in pre-trial detention nearly nine months ago. Each faces lengthy prison sentences of up to 43 years if convicted. Prosecutors are expected to argue that the newspaper aided members of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen’s movement — whom Turkey says
was behind the coup attempt — in addition to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK. Gulen has denied involvement in the failed 2016 coup. But rights activists have condemned the trial as “politically motivated,” accusing the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government of using the coup to muzzle opposition. “This case is highly symbolic. Cumhuriyet newspaper is one of the few remaining independent media outlets — that’s why they are on trial,” said Johahn Bihr of Reporters Without Borders, outside the hearing. “Today press freedom is on trial. The situation in Turkey has never been as difficult as it is now.” “We are sick and tired of
these mass trials ... In Turkey journalists are being jailed chronically for their journalism. Articles they have written are taken as evidence in the indictments,” he added. The government has heavily restricted the media, shuttering around 150 media outlets and jailing an estimated 160 journalists, according to Reuters, which cites the Turkish Journalists’ Association. In an ironic turn of events, the trial kicks off on one of the country’s three press freedom days. Journalists have historically recognized July 24 as the day censorship was lifted in the Ottoman Empire. Turkey is ranked 155 out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index, compiled by Reporters Without Borders.
Chinese jets intercept U.S. surveillance plane: U.S. officials WA S H I N G T O N (Reuters) - Two Chinese fighter jets intercepted a U.S. Navy surveillance plane over the East China Sea at the weekend, with one jet coming within ab o u t 3 0 0 f e e t ( 9 1 meters) of the American aircraft, U.S. officials said on Monday. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial reports showed one of the Chinese J-10 aircraft came close enough to the U.S. EP3 plane on Sunday to cause the American aircraft to change direction. One of the officials said the Chinese jet was armed and that the interception happened 80 nautical miles (148 km) from the Chinese city of Qingdao. The Pentagon said that the encounter between the
aircraft was unsafe, but added that the vast majority of interactions were safe. Incidents such as Sunday’s intercept are relatively common. In May, two Chinese SU30 aircraft intercepted a U.S. aircraft designed to detect radiation while it was flying in international air space over the East China Sea. China closely monitors any U.S. military activity around its coastline. In 2001, an intercept of a U.S. spy plane by a Chinese fighter jet resulted in a collision that killed the Chinese pilot and forced the American plane to make an emergency landing at a base on Hainan. The 24 U.S. air crew members were held for 11 days until Washington apologized for the incident. That encoun-
ter soured U.S.-Chinese relations in the early days of President George W. Bush’s first term in office. Separately, the Pentagon said the U.S. military would soon carry out another test of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. “These tests are done as a routine measure to ensure that the system is ready and... they are scheduled well in advance of any other real world geopolitical events going on,” Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters. The director of the Missile Defense Agency, Lieutenant General Sam Greaves, said in a statement that a test would be carried out at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Alaska.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
CDB funds US$25 million street lighting project in Jamaica BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has approved fund-
ing to rep l a c e e x i s t i n g street lights in Jamaica with high efficiency light-emitting diode (LED)
lamps According to the CDP, the funds being provided to the light and power
company – the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), and will facilitate the replacement of approximately
105,000 high pressure sodium and mercury vapour streetlights. “Jamaica is on track to achieve its renewable energy target of 30 percent by 2030. However, to do it, the country must reduce its expenditure on imported petroleum products. In 2016, spending on street lighting was US$20 million per year,” said the regional lending institution. “Street lights are a critical national service, as they facilitate personal safety, as well as the safe operation of the transportation sector. However, street lights in Jamaica are the second largest consumer of electricity, representing 15 percent of total public sector energy consumption. This project is expected to reduce electricity consumption for street lights by approximately 65% per year. In addition, it is expected that it will significantly contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Jamaica,” said Daniel Best, Director of Projects at the CDB. The lamps in existing
street lights have an approximate lifespan of six years, and a failure rate of 20 percent per year. The Streetlight Retrofitting Project will include the supply and installation of the high-efficiency LED streetlights and related smart controllers. The controllers will allow JPS to be aware of, and respond to, street light failures in a timely manner. In addition, a climate risk assessment will be done during implementation, which will assess any vulnerabilities to climate change impacts, and provide recommendations to address them. The Project aligns to the CDB’s Strategic Plan 2015-2019 and Energy Sector Policy and Strategy in which it highlights energy efficiency and renewable energy as priority investment areas for CDB. This is the fifth street lighting retrofitting project approved by CDB for its Borrowing Member Countries. CDB says JPS will provide counterpart financing to complete the project, which is scheduled for completion over a period of 2.5 years.
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
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Kaieteur News
China’s Sun, American Ledecky light up world championships
BUDAPEST (Reuters) China’s Sun Yang destroyed the field to win a hat-trick of men’s 400 meters freestyle titles, while American Katie Ledecky reached more milestones in her glittering career as the swimming got underway at the world aquatics championships on Sunday. Sun posted a world-leading time of three minutes 41.38 seconds as he eased to victory by more than a body length over bitter Australian rival Mack Horton. Horton beat Sun to the Olympic title last year in Rio de Janeiro, with the Australian calling the Chinese a “drug cheat” before the Games in reference to Sun having served a three-month ban in 2014 after testing positive for a banned stimulant. Sun said at the time that the stimulant was in medication to treat a heart issue and
did not enhance his performance. In a race billed as ‘War on the Water, Part 11’, the rivalry in the pool failed to materialize on Sunday as Sun become only the second swimmer to win a third 400 freestyle world title after Ian Thorpe of Australia 14 years ago. The 25-year-old Sun, wearing a distinctive pink swimsuit, looked in ominous form after taking the lead at the 150m mark and, after garnering his eighth world title, he glared at Horton who was racing in lane two after a sluggish morning heat. The Australian had to settle for silver, 2.47 seconds behind, with Gabrielle Detti of Italy taking bronze. “I don’t really have a goal in mind for the week,” Sun told reporters on the prospect of reaching 10 golds at these championships.
Katie Ledecky swept two golds on Sunday’s opening day. “I’m just going take it race by race and do my best.” “I’m in a lot of pain, training a lot for the last year. I’m getting old, a couple of injuries now and then and always wrapped up in tape after a competition. I’ll focus on what is coming this week and get some rest.” Sun’s time was all the remarkable given his ageing
Tuesday July 25, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Be prudent and don't be led down the garden path. Try not to skirt issues if you think you'll hurt someone's feelings. You may find it difficult to discuss personal matters with family members. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) You have more energy than the rest of the people you live with anyway. Avoid conflicts with in-laws or other family members. Don't be afraid to make additions to your house. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Real estate investments could be prosperous. Pleasure trips or friendly get-togethers will be satisfying and intellectually stimulating. Do things because you want to, not because someone else thinks you should. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive. You need to spend less time daydreaming and more time accomplishing. Be creative in your pursuits. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can't always have your own way. Unstable relationships are likely. Let your boss know your goals. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Take care of any pressing health problems. Make changes that will enhance your appearance. Friends and relatives can give you good advice.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Trips will be more than adventurous. Your words will be taken out of context if you're evasive with coworkers or employers. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) If you can get away for a vacation, do so. Your personal partner may be less than willing to accommodate you today. Helping children may be rewarding and challenging. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Reevaluate your motives. You should be making plans to spend some time with the ones you love. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Keep an open mind when listening to the opinions of others. Do some research if you want to find information that you can apply against the opposition you face. Your efforts will be rewarded handsomely. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Your energy will be high; however, if not channeled suitably, temper tantrums may erupt. You just hate waste, and when someone else costs you dearly you see red. It may not be the best time to socialize with clients or colleagues today. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Avoid any over indulgences. Minor health problems may lower your vitality. Cultural activities open your eyes to new ways of doing things.
body. Horton, who refused to be drawn fully into another postrace controversy, said: “I think my time stings a little bit more.” Ledecky Treble Thirty minutes later, Ledecky duly bagged the 400m freestyle in another onewoman show of speed and agility. The 20-year-old college swimmer’s championship record time of 3:58.34 secured a trio of world titles as she became the first woman to do
China’s Sun Yang destroyed the field to win a hat-trick of men’s 400 meters freestyle titles. so in any discipline. Leah Smith ensured a United States one-two, while Li Bingjie of China touched for bronze. Ledecky also helped the U.S to a brilliant gold in the women’s 4x100m relay — which included a world record for Swede Sarah Sjostrom for the 100m freestyle — as the American quartet ruined Olympic champions Australia’s title defence. Leading off the Swedes, who finished fifth, Sjostrom posted 51.71 seconds, smashing the time set by Australian Cate Campbell last year by 0.35 of a second. Katinka Hosszu is favorite to follow Ledecky into the record books, judging by her form in the 200m individual
medley semi-finals. The Hungarian, roared on by 12,000 fans inside the Duna Arena, qualified fastest for yesterday’s final in a time of 2:07.14. Adam Peaty of Britain showed that he has the potential to lower his world record mark of 57.13 seconds after easing into the men’s 100m breaststroke final. A frenetic end to the evening’s action saw the U.S. regain top honors in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay. The quartet of Calaeb Remel Dressel, Townley Haas, Blake Pieroni and Nathan Adrian edged Brazil into second place. “The French are not here, as a long-term opponent of us, but we have the Brazilians as a new one,” said Adrian.
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Teams confirmed for Indoor Pan American Cup On October 14th 2017, Guyana will embark on hosting its first ever Pan American level hockey championships. The tournament, called the Indoor Pan American Cups, will feature two simultaneous competitions for men and women and serves as the Pan American Continental Qualifier for FIH Indoor Hockey World Cups scheduled for February 2018 in Berlin, Germany. The 2017 Indoor Pan American Cups will take place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), in Georgetown, Guyana which was renovated in preparation for the Caribbean Basketball
Under-16 Championships held one year ago. The CASH used to be a regular home for local indoor hockey and was the first venue used when Guyana began its Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival back in 2004. The festival was able to fill the venue to near its 3,000 spectator capacity and launched Guyana on the map as being one of the top regional hosts for indoor hockey. This year the competition will be one of the biggest ever in its history which dates back to 2002. There will be eight nations contesting the women’s
competition and seven contesting the men’s with each tournament being represented by participation from North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. Only the 2010 competition, held in Venezuela was larger and by just one team. The tournament will see the return of all four semifinalists for both genders from 2014 in competition and promises to be one of the most highly contested. In the men’s competition, the Canadian side which boasts the most first place finishes, four, will comprise of some players not entirely unfamiliar with Guyana and
the CASH. Several of these players have participated in the annual Diamond Mineral Water International Indoor Hockey Festival over the years and have already established their own following among the local supporters. Tr i n i d a d similarly is likely to have several players in their ranks who have competed in Guyana as the island which has supported the local hockey festival with the greatest attendance of foreign players throughout the years. The mighty Argentina and USA have both been finalists in the past with the USA winning the
RHTY&SC Teams and Namilco launches historic “Say No/Say Yes Exercise books”
Representatives of some of the schools pose with a copy of the Namilco books along with Ms. World Guyana Vena Mookram. Thousands of school children drawn from 30 Secondary and Primary S c h o o l s , C h i l d r e n ’s Orphanage and less fortunate students would receive free exercise books under a Say No to Suicide Programme organised by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, and sponsored by the National Milling Company (Namilco). Thirteen thousand exercise books which were printed locally was handed over by representative of Namilco, Ms. World Guyana Ve n a M o o k r a m a n d Marketing Consultant Affeeze Khan to Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club President Keith Foster on Friday last during an impressive ceremony at the St. Francis Community Developers Training Centre. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that the Management of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports club in May 2017 paid an official visit to Namilco and Financial Controller Bert Sukhai and an approval for the exercise books
Programme was given immediately. He explained that the main objectives of the exercise book programme was to reach thousand of youths in the educational system to promote the importance of Saying No to Suicide and promoting the message that life is worth living despite some minor problems. The eighty pages exercise books carry messages for youths on suicide, choosing friends, crime, importance of education, Drug Abuse and Religion. The exercise books under the Motto “Change Your Thoughts and you will change your World” and “You are Guyana’s Future Act Wisely”, would be distributed to the following schools by the eight cricket teams of the RHTYSC - Line Path Secondary, Skeldon High, Tagore Memorial, Central Corentyne High, Black Bush Secondary, Winifred Gaskin Secondary, Manchester High, Corentyne Comprehensive, Port Mourant Secondary, J.C. Chandisingh Secondary,
Lower Corentyne S e c o n d a r y, C a n j e Secondary, Berbice High School, Vryman’s Erven S e c o n d a r y, B e r b i c e Educational Institute, New Amsterdam Secondary and Tutorial Academy. Thirteen Primary Schools including Rose Hall Town, Port Mourant, Belvedere, Cropper, Albion, Sheet Anchor and Tain. Foster hailed the relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and Namilco as special and noted that together they have made a positive difference in the lives of youths, the elderly and less fortunate. Special mention was made of Mr. Bert Sukhai, Fitzroy McLeod and Affeeze Khan of Namilco for their tireless efforts to make the project a reality. Marketing Consultant of Namilco Affeeze Khan hailed the project as a well organised and much needed one for youths and stated that the Company was pleased to be associated with it. He expressed confidence that the positive messages would
be well received by students across Berbice. Ms. World Guyana Vena Mookram speaking in her capacity as a representative of Namilco advised the large gathering of Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club members, teachers and student, to always strive to live a healthy lifestyle, stressing the need for proper eating habits and physical fitness in order to defeat diseases such as diabetes. The Queen also advised youths to cherish life and to always remember that Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Ms. Mookram also committed to making Guyana proud when she walks on the Ms. World stage in China in 2017. Representatives of the schools and the Region 6 Ministry of Education all expressed gratitude to the Club and the Company for the donation of the Say No to Suicide exercise books. The messages in the books, they noted would be of a massive assistance to students and hopefully would follow them.
championships against then hosts Argentina back in 2008. Barbados rounds out the participation from the Caribbean, and although not known particularly for their indoor game, always produces players with tremendous skill, while Mexico returns to the competition for their third time as the lone Central American entrant. Guyana has competed on three occasions in this competition, resulting in a 4th place finish in 2005, fifth place in 2010 and their best showing, 3rd place in the last competition held in 2014 in Montevideo, Uruguay. The seven teams of the men’s competition, Guyana, Argentina, Barbados, Canada, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and the USA are all strong contenders for the gold although Canada remains the favourites having won the competition a record four times out of six. The same seven nations will compete in the women’s competition with the addition of Uruguay which has been the surprise of Pan American hockey over the past few years. Uruguay has been the biggest mover on the world rankings and even qualified for the Indoor World Cup back in 2010. Argentina and Canada both have enjoyed the winner’s podium twice while Trinidad won the inaugural women’s Indoor Pan American Cup back in 2002.
The Guyanese women, who have competed creditably over the past 10 years in the outdoor version of the game, will taste their first international indoor hockey competition this year as the competition’s least experienced side. Most of the Guyanese players however would have had the experience of competing in the Diamond Mineral Water Indoor Festival over the past several years and will be familiar with the conditions and the vociferous home supports. Apart from the usual strong spectator support for the competition and those accompanying the visiting teams, the Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) has plans to have all matches streaming live. Viewership throughout the Americas is expected to be in the tens of thousands and the GHB intends to use the opportunity to also showcase Guyana as a sports and recreational destination, especially to the many viewers who may not have heard much about this beautiful country. The Pan American hockey website http://www.panamhockey.or g has the match schedule posted and will be following the event as it unfolds. Follow us on social media: Instagram page play_hockey_gy Facebook - Guyana Hockey Board
UCDC & Carlton Stephenson Emancipation Day Events
Marathon-run to headline day’s activities Ve t e r a n M a r a t h o n runner Carlton Stephenson has collaborated with the Uitvlugt Community Development Committee to stage a grand day of activities for August 1 (Emancipation Day) and the eagerly anticipated Marathon run from Sophia in the City to the Uitvlugt Library Square is set to h i g h l i g h t t h e d a y ’s activities. The feature event is scheduled to commence at 04:40hrs and will be followed by a fun day from 10:00hrs with a variety of races including a Flat race, Late for school, Tennis Roll Race, Slow Cycle Race, Needle and Thread, Tug-owar, Dog and the Bone, Football and Dominoes.
There will be prizes for the O l d e s t a n d Yo u n g e s t competitors. Meanwhile, a Cultural programme of Arts and Craft Exhibition where villagers will showcase their talent will be held on July 31 from 17:00hrs. African dishes will be on sale and the six oldest Villagers (3 males and 3 females) will be presented with gifts as will the top three students from Uitvlugt who excelled in the Grade six Assessment and CXC Exams in 2017. For more information call Stephenson on telephone number 2194856 or 650-0228 and or UCDC Chairman Errol Giddings on 690-3122.
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
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RHTY&SC launches Kares Engineering Patron’s Green Economy Softball Cricket Tournament bowls off on Saturday The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club on Friday last launched its first ever Kares Engineering Patron’s Green Economy Softball Cricket Tournament at its parent body St. Francis Community Developers Tr a i n i n g C e n t r e . T h e Tournament is organised by the Cricket Development Committee of the Club in honour of its celebration of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Patron’s 72nd Birthday. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster disclosed that the tournament would involve nineteen teams drawn from across the ancient county and would bowl off on Saturday 29th July, at the Hampshire Cricket Ground. The teams
are Set Up, Rising Star, Canje Pathfinders, Force, Grill Master, Fyrish, Shamie Grocery, Toopoo Rising Star, Letter Kenny, Hustler II, Tain, Chaser, Maida, Hard Knock, Under Dogs, Guru Eleven, Hustler I and No. 64 Marines. The Winning Team would take home $500,000 and a trophy, the Runnerup $300,000 and trophy, 3rd Place $100,000 and trophy while the 4th Place and Man of the Finals would pocket $50,000 each. Kares Engineering Inc is the sponsor of the prizes, while among the other sponsors are the Ministry of the President, S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies, B.K. International, Bakewell and
Some of the team captains pose with trophies up for grabs. Major Smith of the Ministry of the Presidency and Radesh Rameshwar of Kares Engineering Inc share the moment. KSM Investment. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would be using the opportunity during the tournament to educate the Berbice Public on Climate Change and Guyana’s push for a Green Economy. The Say No to Drugs, Suicide, Alcohol, Crime and Yes to Life, Education, Sports, Religion Message would also be promoted to
the teams and the general public. The first round of matches would be played on an eight overs basis, while the 3rd Place Playoff and Finals would be 20Overs. Only round hard bowling would be allowed, while only one non-Berbician would be permitted per team. The four semifinalists would be uniformed in polo
Guyana Cricket Stakeholders Pickets GOG Stage peaceful protest at AG’s Office yesterday Approximately 39 persons from a group calling themselves ‘Guyana Cricket Stakeholders’ staged a peaceful protest yesterday morning against the Government of Guyana outside the Office of Attorney General Basil Wi l l i a m s t o h i g h l i g h t Government’s apparent reluctance to address the issue of the Guyana Cricket Administration Act and the alleged illegality of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). According to spokesman for the group, former GCBs Chairman of selectors and ex West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) Director Claude Raphael, the two-hour Picket was aimed at bringing to public’s attention the David Granger ’s Government’s perceived lack of will in dealing with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) issue which he feels is affecting the development of Guyana’s cricket. Raphael explained that that the group is calling for Government’s intervention to bring some normalcy to the manner in which cricket is administered in Guyana. The group is calling for free and fair elections to be held by the GCB. “It’s been two years now that this Act has been passed into law and we can’t help but wonder what is the real
reason for this reluctance. Now that issue has been made public we hope that something can be done to ensure that the Cricket Board Elections are held soon,” Raphael stressed. The protestors came from as far as Berbice, Essequibo and Linden to make their disapproval in the manner Government is dealing with this issue, known to the public. Among the East Coast members there yesterday was the President of the Buxton Cricket Club Essie Peters, while the GCA was also represented. Members from every Area Cricket Association in Guyana were present except East Bank and West Demerara. A Placard screamed ‘Previous Govt passed the cricket Bill, present Govt lacks the will. Why? Another demanded “Mr President, we want free and fair GCB Election now! The one held by Raphael asked ‘Why is Mr Granger’s Government so supportive of an illegal regime? While former GCB Match Referee Omar Bacchus held up a Placard which said “Mr AG, Election Injunction must be heardNOW! After a challenge to the Guyana Cricket Administration Act 2014 by the GCB, the then Chief Justice (Ag) Ian Chang,
upheld an injunction and issued an order that prevented any elections of the GCB and its membership until the substantive matter is heard. Without elections the present GCB will continue to run Guyana’s cricket until the matter regarding the Cricket Administration Act, which was assented into a Law by former President Donald Ramotar, is heard or the injunction is quashed. In 2014, then Sports Minister Dr Frank Anthony had, as was mandated by the ‘Cricket Administration Act’, appointed Pastor Wi n t o n M c G o w a n , a respected cricket historian, to the position of ‘Cricket Ombudsman’ with his duties being to verify the members that were eligible to vote and oversee the GCB elections. In the GCB Challenge to the ‘Cricket Administration Act’, Minister Frank Anthony and Attorney General Anil Nandalall were named as defends but now that the Government has changed, Sports Minister Nicolette Henry and Attorney General Basil Williams, who worked on the ‘Cricket Bill’ when he was in the opposition party, have now become the defendants in the case. “The defendants’ role is to have the matter brought up for early hearing or to have
the injunction quashed which will then allow for free and fair elections of the GCB to be held. We are questioning why the AG and the Sports Minister are so reluctant to do so,” Raphael informed. Former West Indies Test off-spinner and President of the Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) Roger Harper, who said he was not at yesterday’s protest, had told Kaieteur Sports that the Bill is a way of streamlining the whole cricket structure and Organization in Guyana. “It will help to ensure that Associations and Boards are all on the same page and the election processes for the bodies are better structured and also all are accountable,” Harper opined. “We (GCA) are hoping that this (Bill) will mean that more of the right people with genuine interest in the development and advancement of the game at heart will be involved in the running of the sport,” The former Guyana Captain said. He added that no one has a problem with the GCB per se but the manner in which the current executives attained office because there will always be a Guyana Cricket Board. Harper said he is hoping that the Bill with help to clean up all the chaos in Guyana’s cricket. (Sean Devers)
shirts provided by Mr. Mahadeo Panchu of KSM Investment. The fixture for the first round was drawn by representatives of the teams and the matches to be played are: 1) Set Up vs Rising Star 2) Canje Pathfinders vs Force 3) Grill Master vs Fyrish
4) Shamie Grocery vs Toopoo 5) Letter Kenny vs Hustlers II 6) Tain vs Chaser 7) Maida vs Hard Knock 8) Under Dogs vs Guru Eleven 9) Hustlers I vs No. 64 Marines. 10) Rising Star Cricket Club (West Berbice) drew the BYE
Scores from the Regional U-19 cricket tournament Guyana (220) vs Leewards 17-1 – 1st day, 1st round
BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Leeward Islands, replying to Guyana’s 220, reached 17 for one in their first innings on the opening day of their first round game in the CWI Regional Under-19 three-day championship at Verchild’s here yesterday. Scores: GUYANA 220 (Ramnarine Chatura 62, Raymond Perez 48; Kian Pemberton 3-51, Zawandi White 356) LEEWARDS 17 for one. Barbados (192) vs Jamaica 11-2 – 1st day, 1st round Jamaica, replying to Barbados’ 192, reached 11 for two in their first innings on the opening day of their first round game in the CWI Regional Under-19 three-day championship at St Paul’s. Scores: BARBADOS 192 (Shian Brathwaite 66, Kilano Brathwaite 53; Kristoph Virgo 3-43, David Bird 3-53) JAMAICA 11 for two. T&T (233) vs Windwards 68-5 – 1st day, 1st round Windward Islands, replying to Trinidad and Tobago’s 233, were 68 for five in their first innings at the close on the opening day of their first round game in the CWI Regional Under-19 three-day championship at Conaree. Scores: T&T 233 (Saiba Batoosingh 60, Leonardo Julien 42; Dillon Douglas 3-27, Lee Louisy 3-59) WINDWARDS 68 for five (Wayne Edward 39; Navin Bidaisee 2-0, Aaron Maniram 2-19).
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Jamaica stun Mexico to book place in final PASADENA, United States, CMC – Kemar Lawrence struck late with a brilliant free kick as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz stunned tournament favourites Mexico 1-0 in a tense semi-final here Sunday night, to advance to tomorrow’s final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. With the contest at the Rose Bowl locked nil-all and seemingly headed for extra time, Lawrence stepped up in the 88th minute to curl a left-booter past goalkeeper Jesus Corona, and hand the Jamaicans their first win over Mexico in eight Gold Cup meetings. They will now meet the United States who beat Costa Rica 2-0 in the other semi-final at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper, Andre Blake, again voted Man-of-theMatch for another spectacular performance
between the uprights, said organisation had been key to the Caribbean side’s victory. “It was a great game. Mexico is very good team. You have to come out and be very organised, very patient defensively and we did just that,” the 26-year-old Philadelphia Union custodian said afterwards. “The guys did a great job. I’m there to do whatever I can to keep my team in the game. Once we stop teams from scoring, we are always close to winning the game so it was great to move on to the finals again. “We as a group we all believe in each other and that’s the most important thing. We just have to stay hungry, keep fighting and hopefully we can win the entire thing.” Jamaica, losing finalists to Mexico in the 2015 edition of the Gold Cup, face a massive hurdle in the US in order to clinch their first ever confederation title.
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz celebrate Kemar Lawrence’s goal en route to their 1-0 victory over Mexico in Sunday’s semi-final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Two years ago, they upset the Americans in Atlanta en route to the final and Blake said they would once again be giving the game their all
in the fixture carded for Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. “We’re definitely going in [to the final] to do whatever we have to do win
Banks sponsors first prize for Guyana Cup Horserace Meet
the game,” he stressed. “The US is a very good team so we’ve just got to go in, stick together be organised defensively again and hopefully we can win this game.” It was Blake’s superb skills which kept Jamaica in the game early as Mexico threatened to overrun them. Twice in quick succession in the 12 t h m i n u t e h e p u l l e d o ff crucial saves, first denying Jesus Dueñas’s shot and then also turning away Erick Torres’s follow-up from close range. Blake was once again called upon in the 25th minute to keep out a Torres header
from point-blank range and in the 65th minute, used all his skill to palm away a longrange free kick from Jesus Gallardo. Jamaica, too, had their chances with Jermaine Taylor coming close with a free kick in the 38th minute, second-half substitute Ricardo Morris following up in the 56 th minute and Damion Lowe forcing a fine save out of Corona in the 78th. However, it was New York Red Bulls’ Lawrence who broke the deadlock with time ticking away at the end, calmly sending his 25-yard free kick into the upper left corner.
NA Warriors in come from behind win
Rawle Nedd (Banks Beer Trainee Manager 2nd left) presents the sponsorship package to Nasrudeen Junior Mohamed (Guyana Cup Promoter), while Troy Peters (Communications Manager, Roy Jafarally (Race Organiser) and Mortimer Stewart (Outdoor Events Manager) look on. Banks DIH Limited will sponsor the feature race at this year’s 11th Annual Guyana Cup Horserace Meet billed August 13th at Rising Sun Turf Club in West Berbice. The race will be sponsored under the Banks Beer brand and the Company presented the prestigious first place Trophy and cash incentive to be presented to the winner of the feature ‘B’ Class and Lower Open, which will feature all Guyana bred and imported horses three years and over. Rawle Nedd, Banks Beer Brand
M a n a g e r ( Tr a i n e e ) m a d e t h e presentation to Nasrudeen Junior Mohamed, Promoter of the event during a simple ceremony at Thirst Park. Mohamed thanked Banks DIH Limited for its continued sponsorship of the Guyana Cup now in its eleventh year. “Banks DIH Limited has been one of our major sponsors for the past 11 years and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the years ahead,” Mohamed said. Communications Manager Troy
Peters said that the Guyana Cup is the premier horseracing event on the local racing calendar and Banks DIH Limited is honoured to once again sponsor the feature race on the programme. Also present at the ceremony were Banks DIH Limited Outdoor Events Manager Mortimer Stewart and Roy Jafarally, one of the race organisers. Over $11 million in cash prizes will be at stake in the eight-race programme scheduled to start at 11:00 hours at the West Berbice Turf Club.
The Berbice Amateur Basketball Association 2017 Tournament for teams in Berbice, which is sponsored by Nigel Hinds Financial, continued last Sunday with a game between New Amsterdam Warriors and Hopetown Stealers at the Vryman’s Erven Basketball Court. NA Warriors had to claw back after trailing to eventually win the contest 57-54. NA Warriors had a narrow first quarter lead 1312, and fell behind to trail at half time 28-22. The third quarter saw them still behind the Stealers 43-40. H o w e v e r, a f o u r t h quarter explosion propelled NA Warriors to their final 57-54 win over Hopetown Stealers. Qwesi Mickle poured in 22 points, while Edgar
Semple supported with 14 points and R. Fogenay 12 points for the winners. For Hopetown Stealers, Elvis Thompson 14 and Kelon Webster 12 were the top shots. Meanwhile, the rescheduled game between Ithaca Hardliners and Canje Knights will be played on Sunday 30th July at the Ithaca Court. The competition is being played on a round robin basis in two zones. Zone A includes Canje Knight, Fyrish Black Shark and Ithaca Hardliners, while Zone B comprises of Rose H a l l To w n J a m m e r s , Hopetown Stealers and N.A. Warriors. Trophies, cash and other incentives are up for grabs. The tournament is being organized by Vibert Garrett.
Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 25, 2017
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EBFA / Ralph Green U-11 League
Jersey’s for players and coaches presented; competition to kick off shortly Sponsor of the East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Under-11 League, USA based Guyanese Ralph Green recently presented branded jersey’s to the association that would be handed over to the players and coaches of the 10partcipating teams. Green, who was on a short visit to Guyana, was hoping to see the kick off of the tournament but the current prolonged rainy season put paid to his wish as grounds on the East Bank have been rendered unplayable for the past two months and counting. In handing over the jersey’s to EBFA President,
Green said that he was eager to see the players in action but is hoping to be back during the competition or for the conclusion to enjoy the youngsters in action. He noted his pleasure in continuing to support grassroots development of the game on the East Bank and has promised to continue to work closely with the association to make the tournament a continued success where players will look forward to being a part of it annually. Apart from the players and coaches jerseys, a set of polo’s, also branded, were presented to the EBFA Executive. The competition
Ralph Green hands over one of the branded jersey’s to EBFA President Franklin Wilson along with the finals ball in the presence of association Secretary Wayne Francois and Exco member, Clive Matthews. The players’ jerseys are being worn by Grove players. when it gets started will see association branded balls being used. Thirty-four numbered playing vests, one first aid kit, two captains arm bands, five back-packs and 74 medals (first to fourth placed
teams) were also donated by Green. Only Players born on or after January 1st, 2006 will be eligible to participate in the tournament. Agricola Red Triangle are the inaugural champions and will be going all out to retain the crown but will
have to contend with nine other teams. Craig Primary placed second last year with Grove Hi Tech third and Friendship All Stars, fourth. Agricola’s Floyd Boyce was the MVP of the League, he also finished as the joint top goal scorer with Grove’s Tyrese Jones. Agricola also
won the best goalkeeper trophy which went to Adam Wilson. The Most Improved Player award was presented to Joshua Moore of Craig P r i m a r y, w h i l e S h a v i Atkinson of Friendship All Stars was adjudged the Most Promising Player.
Clarke brace Canada beat US to seal puts Jamaica women past hosts place in Under-19 World Cup Ebony Clarke … scored both goals for Jamaica’s women.
H A M I L T O N , Bermuda, CMC – Ebony Clarke scored in each half as Jamaica beat Bermuda 2-1 in their CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Under20 Group B qualifier at the National Stadium here on Sunday night. The Reggae Girlz went into Sunday’s group decider with a superior goal difference over the hosts after trouncing Curaçao 100 on Friday night following Bermuda’s 5-1 win over the same opponents two days earlier. St Lucia’s late withdrawal had reduced the
group to three teams. Canada-based Clarke put the well-organised visitors ahead in the third minute with a shot from the edge of the box that flew past goalkeeper Micah Pond, who frustrated the visitors with a string of fine saves during the game watched by more than 2,000 fans. Deshae Darrell drew Bermuda level on the hour when she outpaced the Jamaican defence to stroke the ball past advancing goalkeeper Sydney Scheider.
Parity lasted only five minutes, however, before Clarke scored the winner for the visitors. Jamaica will now join hosts St Kitts and Nevis and the other two group winners from Haiti and Dominican Republic in the final qualifying stage in November ahead of the 2018 championship. Jamaica captain Emily Caza admitted her side were caught off guard by Bermuda’s quality. “ We a l w a y s f e l t confident of achieving our goal,” she said afterwards. “We knew if we worked hard we would have enough to win, although I’ll admit we maybe underestimated Bermuda a bit. “The early goal took the pressure off but we were still frantic at the beginning because of the competition they gave us.” Bermuda captain Eva Frazzoni struggled to hold back tears after the final whistle but said she believed she and her team-mates had won the hearts of the fans who packed into the stadium’s main stand. “We left everything out there and we really thought it was our time,” the midfielder said. “It’s really hard to not make it through.”
TORONTO, Canada, CMC – Canada sealed their spot in next year’s 16-team Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand by beating neighbours United States by four wickets in the final ICC Americas qualifier at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club on Sunday and advancing by virtue of a superior net run rate. Canada, who lost to the US by four wickets in a lowscoring match last Tuesday, avenged that defeat to romp home with more than 10 overs to spare despite losing both openers for ducks in the first over of their reply. Each country finished with three victories. Bermuda, the third team in the tournament, finished bottom of the standings after twice losing heavily to Canada and the US. Canada ended the weeklong tournament with a net run rate of 1.395 compared to the Americans’ 1.162. Slow bowlers Rommel Shahzad and Aran Pathmanathan shackled the US, who were dismissed for 132 from 47 overs after being sent in, number four Raymond Ramrattan topscoring with 34 from 64 balls. Off-break bowler Shahzad claimed an impressive six for 28 from 10
Aran Pathmanathan … picked up three wickets for Canada.
overs while slow left-arm bowler Pathmanathan picked up three for 20, also from 10. The Canadian reply got off to the worst possible start as medium pacer Keshav Pabbisetty had captain Bhavindu Adihetty caught off his fourth ball and bowled Kunwarpal Chana with his sixth. Pabbisetty, who finished with three for 12 from seven overs, struck again to dismiss Akash Gill for five with only 17 runs on the board, but number three Arslan Khan – later named man of the match – steered Canada into calmer waters with 52 from 80 balls,
including four fours, before he was fifth out at 81. Slow left-arm bowler Karthk Gattepalli, who bowled Khan, earlier caught and bowled Kavian Naress for 16 to finish with two for 27 from 9.2 overs. Pathmanathan was sixth to go for 13 in the 35th over but Ashtan Deosammy held his nerve to help guide his side home with an unbeaten 24 from 47 balls. Besides clinching their place in next January’s U n d e r- 1 9 Wo r l d C u p , Canada have also earned a spot in the Super50 One-Day tournament in St Kitts next month.
Kaieteur News
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Tuesday July 25, 2017
Digicel Schools Football Championship
Hosororo dismiss Charity to set up clash against defending champs Hosororo Secondary School led by goals from Shawn Hercules and Shem Ramacindo in the 23rd and 63rd minutes respectively sent hosts Charity crashing out of this year’s Digicel Schools Football Championship. Playing in the national playoffs on Sunday at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground, the visitors controlled the tempo of the game from the start and used their physical and technical superiority to their advantage to coast to a comfortable 2-0 win to book a quarter-final matchup against defending champion Chase Academy today, at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue. After a balanced start which saw both teams share the possession of the ball, Charity was the quicker to adjust to the atmosphere and looked the more likely to score. However, as the game went on the visiting Hosororo team grew in confidence and utilized their bigger bodies to dispossess
the smaller Charity players. T h e s k i l l f u l Te r r y Mendonca, one of the smaller of the Hosororo players was a constant threat against the Charity defenders, thrilling the fans with his skill and speed, while the duo of Hercules and Ramacindo added the effectiveness in attack that made them dangerous. Hercules it was who entered the scoresheet first when he finished an attack that started on the left side with his effort beating the goalkeeper on his near post. Despite their dominance in the air and several threatening incursions, Charity, who had beaten Hosororo in a previous encounter on their home soil a few years ago, managed to contain the score to 1-0 at the break. With almost the entire home support sprinting over to the Charity bench to offer advice and additional coaching, everyone braced for a riveting final period. However, that was not to be as Hosororo led by Mendonca continued their
-Quarter-finals on today at various venues
Lucky fan receives a smart phone from Digicel representative Mario Grimshaw at the Anna Regina Community Centre ground on Sunday. relentless display of pace and skill and it took a combination of brilliant goalkeeping and luck to keep the visitors from adding to their lead. What seemed certain was that it was just a matter of time before Hosororo increased their advantage and it came following a thunderous right foot
screamer that flew off the crossbar and who else it was that reacted faster than the tired Charity defenders. It was Ramacindo, who leaped high in the air to meet the rebound and send it back with a fierce header over the keeper’s extended hands into the goal. Even after making several changes Charity
Hosororo goalscorers Shem Ramacindo (left) and Shawn Hercules pose for a photo op following their win over Charity. could not get a goal with a weak shot from the pintsized Stephon Clarke and another feeble effort from Ariel Chester, being the closest they got at threatening the opposing goalkeeper. The Championship resumes today with matches at various venues. At Burnham Park in New
A m s t e r d a m , Vr y m a n ’s Erven play host to Annai, while at Beterverwagting ground, Region 10 champs Christianburg / Wismar t a c k l e B u x t o n Yo u t h Developers. A t L e o n o r a , Waramadong battle Sir Leon Lessons. All the matches will commence at 15:30hrs.
Fullbore Captain Persaud leads Team WI to Junior Mackinnon Trophy at Bisley Places 351 of 729 shooters Fullbore Captain Mahendra Persaud returned f r o m B i s l e y, E n g l a n d yesterday after participating in the 148th Imperial Meet which was contested from June 16 to July 22. The various competitions over the period ranged from Schools Cadet, Match Rifle, Historical Arms, F-Class and Target Rifle which lasted July 1418. The Grand Aggregate was on by Mr. CJ Watson with a score of 698.105Vs, obtaining the DCRA Challenge Shield, The NRA Gold Cross, a Gold bar and £200 followed by Mr. P. Patel with a score of 698.102Vs, obtaining the NRA silver Cross, a Silver bar and £200. Third was Mr. RSF Shouler who obtained an NRA Bronze Cross, a Bronze bar and £175. Persaud shot a commendable score of 669.64Vs to end in 351st place, just 30 points behind the winner
underscoring the level of the completion and the number of persons who had similar s c o r e s ; t h i s y e a r ’s competition attracted 729 shooters. Meanwhile, four West Indians also participated in a four member team shoot for the Junior Mckinnon Trophy which the Caribbean side won under the Captaincy of Trinidad and Tobago’s Norris Gomez. The team shot a score of 268.25vs, having shot 192.19Vs at 900 yards and 176.6Vs at the 1000 yards r a n g e . Persaud led the team with 95.8Vs at the two ranges, followed by Gomez 94.9Vs, S t . Vi n c e n t & t h e Grenadines’ Chalky White 93.4Vs and T&T’s Caroline Gomez 86.4Vs. Adjutant (Manager) was T&T’s Gaby Gomez. Persaud in an invited comment said that conditions at Bisley were very windy and seeing was not great at times. Persaud
also noted that he was trying out a new rifle and is still getting accustomed to it. The West Indies team had also won this trophy in 2013 when the team was captained by Gomez and included Persaud, Guyanese Sigmund Douglas, T&T’s D, Rajnauth and Jamaica’s D. Rickman. Major John Nelson (Jamaica) was Captain with coaching duties performed by L. Johnson. The winning score then was 377.31Vs. And, Messrs Persaud and Lennox Braithwaite will soon be leaving for Canada to participate in the Canadian National Shooting Championships which will be the inaugural multidiscipline championships for rifle, shotgun and pistol sections to be held in Cookstown at the new Pan American range. According to the GuyanaNRA, these championships form part of their preparation for the Commonwealth Games next February in Australia.
Team West Indies displaying the Junior Mckinnon trophy from left, Caroline Gomez T&T), Chalky White (SVG), Mahendra Persaud (Guyana), Norris Gomez (T&T), Gaby Gomez – Adjutant (T&T).
Kaieteur News
Tuesday July 25, 2017
Mohamed spurs Everest Masters to victory By Sean Devers In sultry conditions, with pulsating music being played beyond the boundary, host Everest Masters led by fine all-round work from Man-of-the-Match Saheed Mohamed, beat the touring T&T’s Central Masters by four wickets on a heavy outfield and slow track on Sunday to win the Trophy Stall Trophy in feature t20 encounter. Mohamed, who played for the Cayman Islands in the Standford t20 tournament, took 3-26 to help restrict the visitors to 157-6 in 20 overs before returning with the bat to clobber a pugnacious 56 as the Camp Road team replied with 163-6 in 17 overs. Played in a fete match atmosphere with huge pots on the fire, 40-year-old Shazam Babwah, who scored a century and a fifty in 12 First-Class matches for T&T between 2002-2005, played an array of attractive shots in an entertaining 63 as he rolled back the years. But in a team from Carnival Country that
included three other players with First-Class experience including Skipper Rajendra Mangalie, only Amardoe Lutchman with 27 offered resistance as extras contributed a healthy 20. Former T&T youth and senior team player Mukesh Persad, whose 10 included a boundary, hit Mohamed to mid wicket to give Mohamed the first of his three wickets with his offspin. Pacer Basil Persaud made a couple of inroads into the Trinis batting to support Mohamed with 2-24. When Everest Masters began their reply Mohamed clobbered five sixes and four fours in a 33-ball innings, but former National Senior big hitting Rohan Sarjoo, West Indies youth player Rakesh Gangaram, Essequibo players Ramesh Narine and Sahadeo Hardaiow along with Skipper Rajesh Singh all failed to get going as for T&T left-arm wrist spinner Avidesh Samaroo and offspinner Persad bowled in tandem. When Mohamed was
dismissed, 28-year-old Troy Gonsalves was sent out to join Sarjoo instead of former Guyana and West Indies ‘B’ t e a m ’s R a b i n d r a n a u t h Seeram and proceeded to turn the match on its head by belting the ball for six sixes and a four. One of his sixes ended the match and took him to 51 not out, while Persaud chipped in with 23. This game was made possible by support from Trophy Stall in Bourda Market, CIDI and Professional Printing Services. Sunday’s loss was the first suffered by the visitors who had beaten Albion in
Several activities including sporting event on the cards Area H Ground. The JCCSS games master Mr. David Brigbhukan has arranged a limited-overs cricket match between JC grads and grads o f C o r e n t y n e Comprehensive Secondary School. There will be another match involving JC overseas grads and JC local grads. Football and rugby tournaments are also expected to draw a huge crowd. Novelty events will include sack race, late for school race, lime and spoon, 1 0 0 m , 4 x 1 0 0 m r e l a y, watermelon eating race, enter hole, frisbee throwing, and board games (Chess, Draughts, Scrabble). Grads will also be given a chance to fly a mini drone. A dancing contest will bring the day’s events to a close. Some grads are already referring to the day’s action as a miniOlympics. The next day, Saturday, August 5 will be the Dinner and Dance at the St. Francis Hall starting at 4:00pm.
T&T’s Central Masters lose by four wickets
The Everest Masters took the Trophy Stall Trophy by beating the touring Central T&T Masters by four wickets on Sunday at Everest. (Sean Devers photo)
JC Chandisingh Grads to hold Grand Three-Day Reunion The Guyana Chapter of the JC Chandisingh Secondary School Grads Association is busy putting the final touches on what is expected to be a truly grand reunion to be held on August 4, 5, and 7 on the Corentyne. After months of intense planning and hard work, the excitement of the grads to soon being able to “meet, greet, and be sweet” is understandable. Grads who have not yet obtained their tickets should do so at their earliest opportunity. The three-day event will get started on Friday, August 4 with a flag-raising ceremony on the school ground and then a procession to the Rose Hall Town cemetery where the grads will lay flowers at the graveside of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Lillian Chandisingh. The fun and games will then begin at 10:00am at the
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Grads are really looking forward to this event because, until now, all the big JC reunions have been done in New York and Toronto. An important part of the night’s proceedings will be the recognition of teachers, athletes, and students who have performed with distinction. Saturday’s dinner and dance will not be the end of the Reunion. There will be a Big Lime on the grounds of the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club in Bush Lot Farm on Monday, August 7. Grads will chill out listening to music, playing softball cricket, and do an oldfashioned bush cook. To stage an event of this magnitude required many months of planning and hard work. Some of the leading planners are Frank Sanichara, Sarah Foo, Rene Ramdin, Rihanna Ameir, Tiffania Williams, and Syd Latchana.
Berbice on Thursday and West Demerara Masters on Saturday by three wickets at the Tuschen ground. Richard Sookdeo (43)
and Gangaram (27) took West Dem Masters to 143-9 in 20 overs before the Trinidad team replied with 147-7 in 17 overs with
Narine Badasie leading the way with 42, while Babwah made 38. Sarjoo took 2-24 for the West Demerara Masters.
GASA asked to explain Amy Grant’s exclusion from CYG and Goodwill Games Attorneys-At-Law feels treatment is “Intensely Discriminating” T h e o n g o i n g disgruntlement of swimmers and targeted clubs have reached another boiling point in the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA). Kaieteur Sport is in receipt of a Lawyers Letter that has been sent to the association from the mother of one of Guyana’s leading swimmers, Amy Grant. Grant’s mother, through Attorneys-at-Law, Satram and Satram has written GASA demanding an explanation on the exclusion from the Guyana Team of young Grant from the just concluded Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) and n e x t m o n t h ’s X X 111 Goodwill Swim Meet scheduled to be hosted here from August 18-20 where teams from Suriname, St. Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad &Tobago have been invited, while Grenada and Bahamas have been invited as guest teams. With regards to the CYG, Kaieteur Sport has ascertained that the 15 yearold Grant, who has been dominant in her age group would have accumulated the highest FINA Aggregate Points yet was overlooked by GASA which sent Kenita Mahaica of Dolphin Speed Swim Club. The letter dated June 26, 2017 was delivered to the GOA mailbox for the association but had a wrong address. However, it was subsequently hand delivered
Amy Grant to the association Secretary Christine Bailey who was present at the National Aquatic Center, Liliendaal, on Thursday July 13th, last. G r a n t ’s n e w c l u b , Dorado Speed Swim Club (DSSC) had written to the association in early May of this year requesting reasons for the 15-17 swimmers exclusion from the Guyana teams having already earned her place by beating her opposition. GASA to date has not responded to its affiliate’s request, a pattern that has been consistent under the Presidency of Ivan Persaud who is also Chairman of the National Sports Commission. To this unprofessional move, Satram & Satram noted in their letter that it is disturbing. ”We represent the child who has the protection
which the law and international treaties to which Guyana has subscribed gives her and she cannot be properly or fairly excluded from representing a team in her category from Guyana where there is a competition for which she is qualified,” the letter notes. It further stated: “The association has a responsibility to all children who are concerned in the competitions and it is disturbing to the child who has suffered distress by the unreasoned exclusion. We ask that you let us have your reasons for exclusion as were requested by the Dorado Speed Swim Club and we further ask that your response to us be given with the reasons within five days of the date of the letter hereof.” To date, GASA has not responded.
t r o Sp Teams confirmed for Indoor Pan American Cup
Guyana’s Aderemi Simon on the attack against Uruguay in the 2014 competition.
Latacia Chung may be one of the emerging stars on show for Guyana in the upcoming competition.
Guyana Cricket Stakeholders Pickets GOG Stage peaceful protest at AG’s Office yesterday
Former GCB Chairman of selectors and ex WICB Director Claude Raphael and BCB’s past secretary Angela Haniff were a part of protest against the GOG yesterday.
Banks sponsors first prize for Guyana Cup Horserace Meet Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210