Kaieteur News

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Thursday July 06, 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

DROWNING IN DEBT At the CARICOM Heads of State Conference which is underway, several leaders of the region are extremely concerned about the fact that the countries of the Caribbean, including Guyana, are suffering from the vulnerability of climate change. They are also facing difficulties in developing their economies, creating jobs and improving the well-being of the masses. Not to mention that their high public debt, which on average totals about 70 percent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is severely hampering sustainable development in the area. The CARICOM countries which are considered to be small developing nations have recorded public debt on average at over 80 percent of their GDP in the last decade. Globally, debt to GDP ratio of small states is averaging 64.3 percent. However, those in the Pacific have recorded much lower public debt ratios of 33 percent of GDP, and most other developing nations around the world also have a lower debt ratio than those in the Caribbean. This means that Guyana and the rest of the CARICOM states are drowning in debt, and this has been a major problem for their development. A number of leaders have seen the need to reduce the debt in their respective countries and have called on donor countries to pardon part of the region’s debt in exchange for the creation of a special fund to finance climate change adaptation efforts. This issue should be given priority at the conference. The huge debt is limiting the region’s fiscal space. This is compounded by the fact that their Gross Domestic Product has declined while spending and the cost to service the debt have increased significantly. These factors make access to overseas development assistance near impossible. The 15 CARICOM member-states have a total public debt of over US$50 billion dollars. This is between 76 percent and 130 percent of their GDP which is unsustainable because it is far above the limits for sustainable development in these countries. The debt level of a country is considered unsustainable if debt-to GDP ratio levels are above 60 percent. This underscores the fact that the high debt burdens reflect the economic vulnerabilities of these countries which have become a hindrance to their socio-economic development. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and droughts have damaged the infrastructure of many countries in the region. For example, it is estimated that between 2000 and 2014 natural disasters have caused damage in the amount of at least US$27 billion dollars in the Caribbean. In addition to the high cost of servicing their loans, many CARICOM governments are forced to create more debt by borrowing to rebuild their infrastructure damaged by natural disasters. There are several countries in the Caribbean in which the total debt service as a percentage of total government revenue is over 40 percent. The last two decades have been marked by an escalation of borrowing in most CARICOM countries. This has increased their debt substantially as well as the cost to service it. The increase in debt has made it much harder for these countries to attract foreign investors or to borrow for development. The leaders of the region should propose a framework to reduce their external debt through the creation of a regional fund to finance climate change adaptation and mitigation measures to protect the environment. This can be achieved with the help of the multilateral financial institutions and the lender countries swapping the region’s debt for the climate change adaptation measures. The goal is for the beneficiary CARICOM countries to commit to allotting the resources that they may save on the debt swap to the climate change fund.

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

Sugar, too big to fall, has fallen DEAR EDITOR, I am astounded by the fact that this Government can peddle inaccurate information without verifying the truthfulness of a statement which appeared in the press to the effect that the European Union disbursed billion and bilions (GYD) as financial assistance to the sugar industry in Guyana. What is most disturbing is the fact that the Minister of State would have made an open statement in the press that the previous Government did indeed collect such a humongous sum. Moreover, when this Government was in the Opposition they were privy to all such information via the Economic Services Committee. In addition, numerous debates were held in connection with the subsidy to Guysuco. They knew exactly what the true figures are. But it does seem that whatever political mileage can be gained for however brief a period then it seems worthwhile to have a go at it, re-

gardless if the Guyanese populace is misinformed fractionally. I have been doing some research on the internet trying to figure out the correct amount of financial assistance given under the Accompanying Measures to Sugar Protocol countries and found this article entitled ‘International Co-operation and Development’ in which it is stated that between the period 2007-2013 Guyana would have received 143 million Euros which would have amounted to $33.8 billion Guyana Dollars (https:// ec.europa.eu/europeaid/ countries/guyana_en). Furthermore, in that same article it was stated that the Sugar Industry showed signs of recovery after the injection of that amount by the PPP/C government. They also gave subsidies amounted to $28 billion (GYD). This Government has given a subsidy of $32 billion and has received around $10 billion from the EU in 2 years and the industry, especially

Skeldon is falling apart and Wales is closed. This is a spark of genius coming from a ‘competent’ CEO and his team of experts from the IMC. And of course without any political interference. It must be noted also that the Skeldon Expansion project was in keeping with the EU’s National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) which outlined five strategies, one of which is the expansion of the sugar industry. It must also be borne in mind that this same Skeldon Factory was lauded by the Coalition Government when it achieved its target. Then abruptly in the beginning of the first crop in 2017 we were told that it was falling apart. This seems to be a different strategy. The strategy to sell! Moreover, the Skeldon Project would have addressed two other strategies: to improve the sugar industry’s competitiveness and to diversify into electricity generation.

It must be recalled that other value-added activities were also promoted such as ethanol and packaging. It was a movement in the right direction. However, this Government has made an about turn and is mainly looking at diversification a w a y f r o m sugar and privatization as well as ‘right-sizing’ the industry. Unfortunately, it has so far failed to provide support for the livelihoods of those affected by the sugar sector reform it wants to implement (another NAS stipulation). Moreover, The White Paper is indeed ‘white’ since it does not say much about anything and far less about the livelihoods of workers. Workers simply do not have the finance and ‘know how’ to be involved in any type of agricultural production. But they are ‘expendables’ in the current scheme of things! This Government had said that ‘sugar is too big to fail’ but by shrinking it gradually they are hoping that no one will complain when it eventually fails. Haseef Yusuf

CARICOM needs to do more for the region and its people DEAR EDITOR, On Monday last, July 3, Guyanese joined with the rest of Caricom nationals to observe Caricom Day. This is a good time to reflect on the progress we have made since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4 1973 which brought into being the Caribbean Community and Common Market. The signatures to the Treaty were Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, but the Revised Treaty have now encompassed nearly all of the countries in the English speaking Caribbean as well as Suriname and Haiti with Assocciate status. There can be no doubt that as a region we have made significant progress since the establishment of Caricom some forty four years ago. Several in s t i t u t i o n s were set up to harmonize and integrate several facets of our regional existence such as education, trade, foreign policy, jurisprudence and travel. The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has now become a household word touching the lives of peoples throughout the region in a direct way. There are however several

challenges which the regional body continues to face, the most intractable of which seems to be that of the introduction of a single market and currency. Guyana continues to lag behind in terms of economic development and the exchange rate of its currency vis a vis the US dollar. Indeed, the Guyana currency is still the weakest in the region in terms of purchasing power and remains inconvertible outside the shores of Guyana. In the area of trade, despite the introduction of the Common External Tariff imposed on extra-regional trade, most of the goods and services continue to be imported from outside the region including several which are produced within the region such as rice, sugar,

poultry and vegetables. Many of the supermarkets in Guyana have on display imported fruits and vegetables despite the fact that the local produce is available at cheaper prices. This, in my view, goes against the grain of Caricom as envisaged by its founder members. It is a drain on our foreign exchange while at the same time impacting adversely on the local agricultural sector. Caricom as a regional body has done well but more effort is needed by policymakers in areas that are important for citizens of the region such as hassle free travel and the free movement of Caricom nationals. The region need to do more to safeguard against any tendency on the part of Caricom members to

dishonour its treaty obligations especially in the area of trade and human rights violation. A Democratic Charter along the lines of the Organization of American States ((OAS) needed to be institutionalized which should serve to debar and impose sanctions on any participating member for human rights violation and unconstitutional rule. As an aside, while Guyana is privileged to host the venue of the Caricom Secretariat, there are not many Guyanese who have had the opportunity to visit the Secretariat including our school children. Is it too much for the Secretariat to organize conducted tours to the Secretariat involving students and other interested parties? Hydar Ally

The police must investigate this man’s murder DEAR EDITOR, The police in many hinterland regions are not doing the work they are being paid to do. In Region1 (Barima-Waini) in the Mabaruma sub-region a pensioner by the name of Eustace Marcellino of the Barimanobo community (behind soldiers barracks) was killed around the 31st March 2017 and the murder-

ers are living right in the community. Marcellino lived with a daughter who claimed that she did not know what had become of him, the Mabaruma police failed to conduct proper investigations and were even directed by the daughter Marcellino resided with, on where and where not to search. The matter was reported to the Commissioner of Police

and to date no action has been taken. Is it because Marcellino was of Amerindian Ancestry? I am appealing to the Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of police to dispatch a team of police investigators to Mabaruma to have Marcellino’ killers brought to justice. Peter Persaud

Thursday July 06, 2017

GuySuCo’s Human Resource Director is talking nonsense DEAR EDITOR, I refer to a letter by Mr. E.B. John in of July 1 2017 where he referred to the factory at Skeldon as a “failed computerized elephantine factory”. Editor, Mr. John’s utterances confirms that he needs to educate himself before peddling conclusive remarks on technical matters. In fact, Mr. John, who happens to be GuySuCo’s Human Resources Director since 2015 needs to enquire from his lord and master, the CEO of GuySuCo about this factory. Since it is natural for senescence to be taking a toll on this Director, I have an obligation to remind him that the present CEO of GuySuCo was a Director for the company that managed the design, construction, testing and commissioning of this computerized elephantine factory which he also accepted without any reservations as the first Guyanese CEO after the Booker Tate era. It is unfortunate that GuySuCo’s G$1M/month Human Resources Director nests in a cozy office and creates spin in the media, laying blame on other stake

holders while matters under his direct purview are in a state of disorder. Since assuming the role of Human Resources Director, can Mr. John tell us when last he visited the frontline or the work site of field and factory workers? Having been conclusive on Skeldon, can he tell us when he walked Skeldon’s factory floors? While sugar production is in free-fall, the Corporation is mute on the causes why its lowly targets are not achieved and basic indices are not revealed. Here, I refer to one of Mr. John’s letters in the print media (KN edition of Nov. 26 2013 - “The increasingly curious ways of management of GuySuCo”) where he stated: “In the meantime, one continues to wonder whether the public’s inaccessibility to basic production and productivity indices, e.g., the average yields of cane harvested, as well as those standing; factory sugar processing per tonne per hour, is in fact a reflection of the mis-confidence felt by those who prefer spin.” What are your views now Mr. John? Sookram Persaud

Today is the anniversary of the Sun Chapman tragedy DEAR EDITOR, Today, 53 years have passed since that fateful day when more than forty (40) of Linden’s own were massacred on the Demerara River as they travelled home on the Son Chapman launch at 1600 hours on Monday, July 6, 1964. It has been said that ‘To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.’ How very true! The men, women, and children who died on the Son Chapman 53 years ago live on in the hearts and minds of their families and friends. And the people of Linden. Many of us alive today never knew the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman massacre. Yet, we remember them and reflect on their experience because - by their deaths - we have an example of what hatred and brutality can lead

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to senseless loss of life and endless suffering. Incidents such as the Son Chapman massacre and the July18 Tragedy of 2012 must never again occur. We must take the lessons taught by tragedies such as these to guide our actions in the here and now. For our society to allow such tragedies to reoccur would be indicative of our collective unwillingness to learn and grow as a society. The survivors of the Son Chapman - 6 crewmen and 26 passengers - must also be remembered for they r e p r e s e n t G o d ’s n e v e r ending mercy and the resilience of the people of Linden. May God rest the souls of the men, women, and children of the Son Chapman. And may God bless the people of Linden and Region 10. Sharma Solomon

Government had degutted the Ministry of Education Dear Editor, Recently we witnessed the removal of Dr. Rupert Roopnarine as Minister of Education, and the installation of Nicolette Henry as the new Education Minister. Many Guyanese, including the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), blasted the Government for making such a move, since Dr. Roopnarine will now head a department within the Ministry of Presidency. Their reasons generally floated around the arena of politics, and consultation, but I wish to bring to your attention a different angle to this reckless move by the Government. Let me first share a few points. 1. “According to Harmon, ‘the Department will oversee the implementation of innovations and reform in the education system. These functions will be removed from the Ministry of

Education, and placed in the hands of technical persons. These persons will also pay attention to the findings from the CoI, and other areas of concern in the sector that needs to be immediately addressed. 2. Harmon said, ‘The new department will allow for the development of policies and programmes needed for the long term development of the sector’ 3. The Government is now requesting $16.6 M to create this new department.” Taking the points listed above, it is clear that the Government is removing important sections from the Ministry of Education, and creating a “New Department.” Therefore, the MoE, will have less work to do with the same amount of staff, including the three technical advisors, Vincent Alexander, Cheryl Sampson and Allan Munroe,(together they are

receiving approximately $1Million per month), who should be assisting with policies. If you ask any teacher or education officer they will tell you that education in our country is driven mainly by policies. These policies affect the day to day management of our schools, including the actions by teachers and performance of our students. Almost everything happening in the school system is propelled by policies which are drafted and sent by the MoE, with the input from the Minister, Advisors, CEO and other Senior Education Officials. Therefore, by removing the power to develop and implement policies from the MoE, the MoE will not service its intended purposes. The Government is also requesting $16.6M, inclusive of $6.3M for contract employees; $3.06M for clerical and

office support and $2.53M for other direct labour costs; approximately $12M. In reality, our Nation is adding $16.6M more to the Education Sector, which already collected the largest slice of our 2017 budget ($43.1B or 17.2% of the Nation Budget), for programmes which it already budgeted for; anyone can look at the budgetary allocations and they will see there are monies for the development of policies and programmes, and for implementation of innovations and reform in the education system, which is an ongoing process. With all this in mind, Minister Nicolette Henry does not need advisors since she will only implement and administer work given to her by this “New Department.” She will be advised by this New Department.” Suresh Singh Young Educator

Who was the greatest cricketer-Bradman or Sobers? DEAR EDITOR, Cricket is simply the lifeblood of the Caribbean, and its greatest adhesive force. C.L.R. James, the renowned cricket scholar, in his work “Cricket in West Indian Culture,” at, p 119 aptly noted, “From its beginning to this day cricket in the West Indies has expressed with astonishing fidelity the social relations of the islands.” In his seminal work, “Beyond a Boundary,” James puts cricket in perspective when he wrote, “Cricket is first and foremost a dramatic spectacle. It belongs with the theatre, ballet, opera and the dance.” As kids, we were inspired to become famous and reach the pinnacle of cricketing fame like Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Learie Constantine, George Headley, Sir Frank Worrell, Rohan Kanhai and other West Indian icons so revered around the cricketing world. They are the very embodiment of the West Indian dream, and the fruit of its labor. One of the great lessons we learnt as aspiring cricketers was to walk when you knew you were out without waiting for the umpire’s signal and to acknowledge a good performance from the opposing side. As Samuel Selvon chronicles in his book, “The Cricket Match,” Ways of Sunlight, p. 162, a dry mango seed often substituted for a ball, and a pitch oil tin for a wicket. Yet, what cricket meant for us as kids is best summarized by Nobel Laureate Sir V. S.

Naipaul, in The Middle Passage, p. 44, “Cricket has always been more than a game in Trinidad. In a society which demanded no skills and offered no rewards to merit, cricket was the only activity which permitted a man to grow to his full stature and to be measured against international standards...The cricketer was our only hero-figure.” This question as to who is the greatest cricketer has spurred great debate when Wisden’s so-called panel of experts chose Sir Don Bradman over Sir Garry Sobers as the cricketer of the last century, and, a fortiori, the greatest cricketer. Hopefully, this article will put the issue to rest. Sir Garfield Sobers was the great-

est cricketer, as distinct from being the greatest batsman, which honor belongs to Bradman and others. Sobers was the greatest cricketer of this and any other century, and by parity of reasoning, that he was the greatest cricketer that has ever lived, or the greatest the world has ever seen. He was a one-man cricket team, the dream of any captain. His versatility with the ball enabled him to bowl leftarm orthodox and wrist spin and fast-medium pace, including bowling bouncers. The completeness of his versatile skills and talents bestrode the cricketing world like a colossus, and like the proverbial Napoleon on the battlefields of cricket, he con-

quered all before him, excelling in every conceivable department of the game-except wicket keeping. Oh, if only Sir Garry, and players like Kanhai, Hall, Lara, Richards, Headley and others were available to proudly don West Indian flannels...West Indian pride will soar once again. Uniquely gifted, he was blessed with supreme athleticism, panther reflexes, eagle eyesight and the heart of a lion. He was a peerless exemplar of cricketing brilliance, endowed with an alliance of such natural gifts of talent and genius, that cricket may never see his like again. He was the cricketer’s Continued on page 6

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Suggestions for confronting corruption in Guyana DEAR EDITOR, My friend, Peter Outar Singh is a racecar driver in the US. He has built his own racecars and won races against formidable competition. Guyana honored Peter by inviting him to “help” its racecar drivers. Peter suggested that they install heat shields to prevent the engines’ intake of hot air (heated air burns less efficiently and expands less than cooler air). Peter’s suggestion was greeted with the Guyanese maxim: “Buddy, tha’ nuh guh wuk hey!” Translation/Subtitle – In this alternate universe that is Guyana, the laws of physics and nature are determined by the “wise ones” who embrace pride, envy, greed, sloth, etc. as their mantra. One young man who was not indoctrinated into this philosophy and clique followed Peter’s suggestion and won his races handily. I cannot be too hard on my fellow Guyanese because they are easy targets for their vices. I will thus focus on a more pressing matter that concerns all of us – the future of Guyana. If we view the concept of National Service, it seemed feasible and beneficial for the young people who were recruited. Sadly and unfortunately, the people who headed Na-

Thursday July 06, 2017

Kaieteur News

tional Service were not good generals to their recruits. Instead of doing everything to ensure the recruits’ safety and success and to accept any injuries to the recruits as their personal failings on many levels, they remain oblivious to their responsibilities and failures. This failure was also present in Nationalization. In theory, nationalization was a good thing. However, the people who were charged with the task of overseeing nationalization were not of the mind set and too corrupt to see it to its fruition. The same thing may be said of Dr. Jagan’s worthy vision of just governance for the country. Dr. Jagan’s eventual successor may still not see the difference between just governance and personal gain. This obsession with personal gain has plagued our country because many of our people do not see that taking what does not belong to them makes them THIEVES. This scourge of thievery has infected all levels of society. It is being inculcated in our children and emulated by many businessmen, politicians, common thieves, police, doctors, lawyers and civil servants on all levels. People! Surprise! A person who takes a bribe is a thief. Yes, I know bribery can be defended be-

The loss of power has mentally affected Bharrat Jagdeo

cause Guyana has its own math. Guyana’s math: two plus two equals six – four for them and two for meh pocket. But let me get to my main point – the prosperity of Guyana. Guyana getting monetary revenue from Exxon may not be the only way to reap our just dividends. Even though I might be begging the question, we know that of the monies Guyana will have received, some of it will be squandered and misused because many of us are only concerned with ourselves. For this reason, I am proposing some of the revenue be withheld by Exxon and for Exxon to use the withheld money for building the infrastructure of Guyana – Exxon is more than an oil company for they build things. We only need to look at the oilrig and ask ourselves if we would have been able to build one like it. Good grief, we cannot even build a hotel after years of consultations and millions of lost dollars on contracts. If Exxon withholds part of the revenue and Exxon builds, for example, a Berbice bridge where it should have been originally built, we will have opened a new area for development. Part of the condition for the building of the bridge is that Exxon employs a said number of Guyanese for the construction. If Exxon were to give Guyana that same money it would have expended on the bridge, we, my fellow Guyanese, would not be able to build the same bridge due to corruption and mismanagement. But how do we get pass: “Buddy, tha nuh guh wuk hey”? Stanley Niamatali

DEAR EDITOR, I am not a psychologist, I do not pretend to be one neither do I dream of becoming one. However, when I look at persons around me, be it, parents, children, colleagues, I conclude that some behaviours are not normal. Some are developed through consistent practice; some are shaped by their environment while others are just copycats. I can deal with those, especially when the behaviour can be changed through self-determination. However, I am concerned about a public figure who always presents himself on the television. Every time I watch the news, I begin to secondguess myself. “Am I mad? Am I hearing correctly? Is it me or him?” “Is this man crazy? Is he serious? Does he believe the things that are coming out of his mouth?” I am worried for him. I think he is hearing voices in his head. My suspicions of him started during the last election campaign, when he appeared to have pulled away from his party and kept a press conference by himself. He seemed to be answering questions which no one seemed to be asking. I doubted myself, maybe I was seeing incorrectly, but when I looked at every other press conference I would at least hear journalists identifying themselves and stating the media house which they represent. However, in this man’s case, he was identifying persons who were either invisible or hiding under a chair or somewhere in his head. This behaviour went unnoticed for months. It has been over two years now and my suspicions continue to grow. He has been successful in attracting

media houses to his press conferences. I believe these journalists in an attempt to provide unbiased news, attend these press conferences to lighten up their day, have a good laugh. I hope they are not second-guessing themselves too. In an attempt to understand certain behaviours, I did some research and stumbled upon some information, which may explain this man’s behaviour. I MAY BE WRONG. If for some reason I am right, please help to find him a cure. The source of the information is http:// www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/mental-health-psychotic-disorders#1 Psychotic disorders are a group of serious illnesses that affect the mind. They make it hard for someone to think clearly, make good judgments, respond emotionally, communicate effectively, understand reality, and behave appropriately. When symptoms are severe, people with psychotic disorders have trouble staying in touch with reality and often are unable to handle daily life. But even severe psychotic disorders usually can be treated. There are different types of psychotic disorders, including: Schizophrenia : People with this illness have changes in behavior and other symptoms — such as delusions and hallucinations — that last longer than 6 months. It usually affects them at work or school, as well as their relationships. Schizoaffective disorder: People have symptoms of both schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder. Schizophreniform disor-

der: This includes symptoms of schizophrenia, but the symptoms last for a shorter time: between 1 and 6 months. Brief psychotic disorder: People with this illness have a sudden, short period of psychotic behavior, often in response to a very stressful event, such as a death in the family. Recovery is often quick — usually less than a month. Delusional disorder : The key symptom is having delusions (a false, fixed belief) involving real-life situations that could be true but aren’t, such as being followed, being plotted against, or having a disease. These delusions last for at least 1 month. Shared psychotic disorder (also called folie à deux): This illness happens when one person in a relationship has a delusion and the other person in the relationship adopts it, too. (This man has managed to transfer his delusion to most if not all of his followers. He has taken away their power to reason clearly.) This article is not intended to stain, disrespect or laugh at anyone. In Guyana, we take mental illness for granted and only deem it serious when persons are issued a mental illness certificate or are walking and eating out of bins on the streets. I think the abrupt loss of power has affected Mr. Jagdeo in a negative way. He is now behaving like a child whose chocolate has been taken away and wants it back. He will not stop throwing tantrums until he gets his chocolate back. Mr. Jagdeo needs help and he needs it soon. I suggest he gets checked up soon, Royston King, Patricia Chase Green should be considered for an appointment with the psychiatrist also. Tearra De Silva

From page 5 cricketer, whose phenomenal genius hardly brooked human limits. It was legendary, both in quality and quantity. Sobers has set the standards by which other cricketers are measured, and like Muhammad Ali in boxing, Michael Jordan in basketball and Pele in soccer, Sobers is similarly unrivalled in the world of cricket. Sir Neville Cardus, that doyen of cricket scribes, gave the appropriate imprimatur to his all round genius in Wisden, 1967, p. 38, when he wrote: “Garfield St. Aubyn Sobers...the most renowned name of any cricketer since Bradman’s high noon. He is, in fact, even more famous than Bradman ever was; for he was accomplished in ev-

ery department of the game, and has exhibited his genius in all climes and conditions... We can safely agree that no player has proven versatility of skill as convincingly as Sobers has done, effortlessly, and after the manner born.” In fact, Sobers is to cricket what Shakespeare is to literature, Michelangelo to art and Mozart to music. His only perceivable Achilles heel was as a captain, a consideration which can be excluded in the present context of argument. Sir Donald Bradman, who saw his 254 against Australia for a World XI in Melbourne in 1971-72, reckoned that it was the best innings he had ever seen on Australian soil. Sir Clyde Walcott said, “Sir Gary is remembered not only for his remarkable trail of statistical records, but for the

quality of his cricket and the way he enjoyed the game.” E.W. Swanton reminded us that “the true measure of his influence must take account of his sportsmanship and an unselfishness that were never questioned an example second to none.” John Arlott described Sobers as “the finest all-round player in the history of cricket.” C.L.R. James reiterated that, “A man of genius is what he is; he cannot be something else and remain a man of genius.” Michael Manley once said this of Sobers, “Sobers was destined, in typically Caribbean fashion, to shine like some great star alone in the firmament of his own genius.” Let Sobers have the last word. In his book, The Changing Face of Cricket,

he commends C.L.R. James’ words to all readers everywhere, as if answering those who chose him second best, “What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?” Sobers played 93 Tests for the West Indies, scoring 26 centuries and 8,032 runs at an average of 57.78, taking 235 wickets at an average of 34.03, while holding 109 catches, most spectacularly close to the wicket with panther like reflexes. He has the fourth highest batting average in Test cricket in the list of cricketers with more than 5,000 runs. In his 383 first-class matches, he scored over 28,000 runs and took over 1000 wickets. His statistics eschew any comparison Albert Baldeo

Who was the greatest cricketer-Bradman or Sobers?

Thursday July 06, 2017

Over 1,000 head of cattle, 20 horses dead in Black Bush flooding Farmers who occupy the Cookerite Savannah in Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, currently underwater, are to receive assistance. This is according to the Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, on Wednesday during a meeting with the farmers at State House, New Amsterdam.

that a medical team will be dispatched to the affected area to bring the situation under control. Meanwhile, the farmers had complained that they were not getting the needed assistance since some of the pumps along the Corentyne were not working. Regional Chairman, David

He disclosed that some of the water could be released through Black Bush but rice and cash crop farmers there will have concerns. Several agencies have been contacted to get on board to prevent the spread of disease, providing grass for animals and monitoring their well being.

A section of the Cookrite Savannah farmland that is flooded. Nagamootoo, who is performing the duties of the President, was there with Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, meeting farmers yesterday afternoon in an effort to assess the situation. Meanwhile, as the farmers made arrangements to take some of their cattle to safe lands in residential communities, the President instructed that no animals should be impounded. The farmers had voiced concerns over the difficulties faced when dealing with stray catchers. However, the police have been ordered to ensure that no animal will be impounded during this period. Nagamootoo warned the animal owners to pay attention to the safety of humans. He also disclosed that he will assist by trying to have bran and molasses for the farmers who would have brought their animals out to higher grounds. Extension officers attached to the Agriculture Ministry were instructed by Nagamootoo to identify where there is unwanted vegetation to cut and give to the animals. “Once the grass is identified and you find a truck, you would not have to pay for it to cross the bridge,” he said. There have also been complaints from along the Canje River, of reported flooding and water-borne diseases. Kim Williams-Stephen, Region Six Executive Officer, reported that several persons are being affected by water borne diseases. She stated

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Armogan, had told the media that the regions budgetary allocations for fuel had been cut in the National Budget. However, Minister Sharma said even if that was the case the region was not short of funding to purchase fuel. “Under agriculture for fuel and lubricants, the amount of $270.5M was budgeted. If the chairman is saying that it was cut by half then that figure has to be multiplied by two. I was expecting that if he was going to make statements like that that there was no money. To date what was spent is only $48.7M of what was budgeted for agriculture. So under agriculture there is still $223M.” NDIA’s Region Six engineer, Lester Persaud, explained that Black Bush is an area with a structured drainage and irrigation system that did not include Cookerite Savannah.

Over 1000 head of cattle were reported dead due to the flood waters in the Cookerite Savannah area, Black Bush Polder. More than 1000 acres is said to be under water, up to chest high in some parts. Farmers of Cookerite Savannah stated that there are over 7,000 head of cattle together with sheep, goats and horses. The farmers reported that so far more that 1000 heads of cattle have died and close to twenty horses. The farmers had stated that only one of the three sluice doors is in operation at Adventure, Corentyne, while the pump at Eversham and Number 43 Village are not being put into operation. The affected farmers went to the regional office of the Prime Minister seeking the assistance of the Prime Minister’s Representative, Gobin Harbhajan.

Ministry, immigration collaborate to weed out Old Age pension for overseas-based Guyanese The Ministry of Social Protection has been actively pursuing mechanisms which will help to prevent abuse of the Old Age Pension Fund by Guyanese living overseas. Director of Social Work, Wentworth Tanner, had explained that among the mechanisms, the Ministry has been collaborating with the Central Immigration authority to check the records of pensioners. Tanner said that to stop persons living overseas from tapping into the old age pension fund, records at the passport office are now checked regularly before the distribution of pension books. If the record of the travel history shows that the person is non- compliant then, that person is not allowed to collect the pension book. Additionally, Tanner noted the Ministry has been working to implement other measures to further prevent the abuse of the Old Age Pension. “There are other methods that the Ministry is looking at to enforce the policy, but it cannot be publicized at this time.” Tanner also noted that the Ministry is still working to create a system that would be not easily manipulated and abused. Former Minister of Social Protection, Volda Lawrence, had announced a plan to tackle the incidence of ‘double dipping’ whereby

persons not living in Guyana access old age pension from both Guyana and the country in which they live in. “We have persons who believe that it is their right to live in a foreign country and collect their (old age) pensions here. We are saying no, it is not going to happen,” Minister Lawrence said. She noted that the matter was brought to the attention of the staff of the ministry, who were advised they will be held responsible and surcharged in cases where books are issued although they know that the persons do not live in Guyana. Anyone desirous of accessing old age pension will have to be living in Guyana for a minimum of two years. Among the methods which were part of the plan to ensure greater efficiency accountability and transparency of the pension system was the introduction of the automated (digitized) distribution. In accordance with the laws of Guyana, Old Age Pension is not an entitlement from employment, as in the case of Government Pension and National Insurance Scheme Pension. Rather Old Age Pension is a monthly payment available to eligible Guyanese aged 65 or older. According information posted by the Ministry it is provided for under the Old

Age Pension Act (Chapter 36:03), which clearly states that applicants must meet certain statutory conditions to qualify for Old Age Pension. These statutory conditions are that the person must have attained the age of 65 years; must satisfy the appropriate authority that he/she has been a citizen of Guyana for at least ten years immediately preceding his/her claim for a pension, and the person must have been ordinarily resident in Guyana during the 20 years immediately preceding their claim for pension. In the event that the person is temporarily absent from Guyana, the applicant or pensioner must satisfy the Authority, usually through the provision of the person’s passport and an immigration check conducted by the Ministry, that the period of absence from Guyana has not exceeded two years during the past 20 years, according to law. Additionally, a person receiving Old Age Pension may become ineligible if that person is a resident in a charitable institution that provides board and lodging; is in prison or has migrated. It is in this context, the Ministry has sought to reinforce the laws, stating that persons, whether they worked in Guyana or not, who are now living overseas are ineligible for Old Age Pension in Guyana.

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Deliberate ploy afoot to malign University of Guyana – Vice Chancellor “Some people actually think they are helping the university but they have been maligning the image of the University.” This is the informed observation of Vice Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith. Professor Griffith said that the attempts at maligning the university have been on-going via social media and through the use of emails. “I don’t believe in public negotiations, I don’t believe in all these emails – a lot of nastiness,” said the Vice Chancellor of a situation he has been faced with at the national university. The Vice Chancellor’s disclosure was forthcoming in response to a question about his relationship with the

unions of the university – the University of Guyana Workers Union, and the University of Guyana Senior Staff Association. The unions have complained about the Vice Chancellor not addressing some of their concerns. They have also claimed that they have been subjected to Town Hall meetings which do not yield the results they anticipate. In response to this concern, the Vice Chancellor said, “The union may not be getting the answers they are looking for [but] my job is not to give people the answers they are looking for, my job is to give people answers that are needed.” He went on to explain that when he assumed the office

of Vice Chancellor, he reached out to the heads of the two staff unions. “I gave them my cell number, I told them what my approach is and I told them I don’t believe in conflict, I believe in collaboration,” said Professor Griffith. According to the Vice Chancellor, he introduced a monthly meeting with the union leaders during which he started to share information. “I have tried to be inclusive, I have tried to be transparent,” said Professor Griffith. He said that he also made it unapologetically clear to the unions that they must also accept that there is a distinction between transparency and confidentiality. “People are taking documents sending it around, so at some point I said we are going to share these documents during the meetings and take them back. We were at one Council meeting and before the meeting was done somebody took a picture right there at the meeting and sent it out. I am saying that we need to find a way to balance transparency and confidentiality,” asserted the Vice Chancellor.

“I made it clear to them I am going to be in the business of facing the reality so that we can fix it. So everything I’m going to say is not going to be nice and everything is not going to be what you want to hear.” Professor Griffith shared too, “They have not wanted to hear that I am committed to salary adjustment but I am the Vice Chancellor who in July of last year regularised salaries. I came here and met an impasse from January 2016 and I fixed that. “I am the Vice Chancellor when I heard that there were six women in the printingbindery [department], some of whom have been here for over 15 years [who] were on a month to month [contract[, I regularised that.” “I am the Vice Chancellor who went to the maintenance department and regularised those monthly contracts but I am also going to be the Vice Chancellor who says that performance is what is also go-

ing to be important,” asserted Professor Griffith. Performance and attendance must go hand in hand, Professor Griffith added. But according to him, based on a Consultancy done at the university [by Trevor Hamilton and Associates], “You will be shocked at the absenteeism at this university.” He said that many lecturers have been neglecting to submit students’ grades by the thousands. “My first day here I was shocked; I was given a report...this was June

2016. Thousands of grades were due from 2015. I asked the Registrar to give me a list but [the unions] don’t want to hear that. I am saying that how could the unions be at a university that have all these problems for all these years and not know,” queried the Vice Chancellor. He is, moreover, convinced that the unions are in fact “turning a ‘blind eye’ to the infractions but [they are] saying I want salary increase. That’s not going to cut it with this Vice Chancellor.”

NGO focuses on preventing child sexual abuse Few people may realize the extent to which child sexual abuse, including child rape, incest and sexual assault, exist in our Guyana. Child rape and incest transcend race, class, ethnicity and geography. It occurs on a daily basis and not too few of us dare to speak out especially when it involves family members and close loved ones. In 2014, Blossom Incorporated, a locally registered NGO dared to organise to address this scourge in our society with the help of Government through the Ministry of Social Protection - Childcare Protection Agency. But the bugbear remains funding, as there is never enough to go around. The hope is that a greater number of public and private sector agencies will come on board in the coming months

to forge a multi-sectoral approach to this issue as the little that’s available is dwindling especially as organisations move to tackle interior and remote locations. Blossom Incorporated is the only known NGO dealing with child sexual abuse cases in Region Two through a Child Advocacy Centre. The Region is one of the most affected in the Country. It has formed an extremely effective working relationship with the Police in G Division - Sexual Offences Unit, the Childcare & Protection Agency, Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and the Regional Democratic Council. “Together we collaborate to successfully work in the outlying areas such as Bethany, Tapakuma, Capoey, Mainstay, Kabakaburi, Wakapoa, Akawini, Mashabo, Karawap and others.

The work in these communities came about after the Managing Director of Blossom Inc., Ms Ayo DalgetyDea, and Child Counsellor, Bibi Barakat, participated in the quarterly Toshaos meeting for Region Two where a need for collaboration was expressed to address this ever-growing issue of child sexual abuse in their communities. They asked the organisation to visit their communities since they needed guidance, support and training in tackling the issue of child sexual abuse. Blossom Inc. has held sensitisation sessions on child sexual abuse in an attempt to make the community aware of and responsive to legislation relevant to children. These are the Sexual Offences Act, Marriage Act, Continued on page 23

GPL announces scheduled outages as four generators experience failure The Guyana Power and Light Incorporated (GPL) yesterday announced that four generators with a combined capacity of 20MW have experienced insulation failure on the alternator. Additionally, imports from the Skeldon Generation Station have been reduced by four MWs due to scheduled major overhaul of its 5MW generator.

“The remaining generation capacity is inadequate to satisfy demand during peak hours, resulting in scheduled load shedding for the remainder of the week. Efforts are underway to return the units to service as soon as possible.” The following areas were scheduled yesterday for load shedding:

Thursday July 06, 2017

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A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY The decision of the government to hold a Commission of Inquiry into an alleged plot to assassinate the President is an insult to Guyana’s law enforcement agencies. It is also a waste of money. A simple review of the investigation by a team of trained lawyers would have established whether a basis exists for having a new investigation. There is no need for millions of dollars to be spent on having a commission of inquiry which may end up with the same findings as the police investigation. The government is asking the ministries to cut cost, yet it continues on this path of having unnecessary and extremely costly commission of inquiries, the reports of which are being kept as state secrets. The Guyana Police Force would be justified in feeling insulted by the decision of the government to have a com-

mission of inquiry into the allegations which the police have investigated and which they reportedly found to be without merit. In other jurisdictions, such a decision would have so infuriated the top-brass of the Guyana Police Force that those concerned with the investigation, including the Crime Chief, would have stepped down because they would have felt so insulted that it would have made their positions untenable. The government of Guyana must ask itself why it has taken this unusual step. It has not offered to the public any shred of evidence that the investigation was tainted. It should proceed on the basis that this is a possibility because this would suggest that the military-dominated political top brass has issues with the Guyana Police Force. The army has conducted its own investigations, which

are called Board of Inquiries into certain matters. And the government has not, in any of those instances, called for a CoI into those investigations. But it has the temerity to insult the Guyana Police Force by calling for a CoI in an investigation which hardly excited the public. The government has been praising the work of the police’s crime sleuths ever since there was a change in government. The government has been relaying information about reduction in certain crimes. So if the police are so competent in investigating these matters, why question their competence in relation to the alleged plot to assassinate the President? What needs to be questioned is the fact that if the police investigations found that the allegations were malicious, why was the person not charged. If the person

Dem boys seh... Bandit move from rooster to a hen Pressure does mek people do all kind of thing. A youth man decide to rob a bank and under pressure after bullet start to fly he decide to tun chef. Dem boys hear how he run into a food stall and start to clap roti. He did even put on an apron. Now people claiming how de boy done signal that when he go inside Camp Street he gun got to end up in de kitchen. But that might not be de best place to be because when Brassington and Ashni come in he gun got to wuk till he sweat. Everybody know that once you got money you can eat good in jail. Brassington and Ashni got money suh dem gun mek that poor boy cook till he drop. Before he go in jail he use to count money till he drop. Dem boys hear that he got other problems. He family not talking, but one of dem bullets change him from a rooster to a hen. De doctors trying to reverse de problem but in life, some things can’t change.

Dem got another hen who coming to join him. This one got plenty money, too. He join up wid a man and everything fall in ee lap. He tek de thing and he start to share money like nobody’s business. He even pay fuh a man get kill and that is wha got him in trouble. Uncle Sam got him in jail. Uncle Sam also tell this hen that he got to stay in jail till dem ready to extradite him. He gun be put to use till then. Dem boys seh that is some other strange thing happen. Only yesterday a li’l boy bore a big man in he neck and kill him. Old people does always seh that people should not mek joke wid li’l boy, anti-man and crappo. De story is that this big man decide to mek rough joke wid de li’l boy. He got a long time trying to explain wha he do. He school days done and is one rough life from here when everything over. Talk half and don’t try to rock de boat of life.

who it is claimed maliciously claimed that someone offered him money to do something to the President is not telling the truth, then that person has wasted the time of the police. That person should be charged and hauled before the courts. A determination as to why this has not happened does not require a Commission of Inquiry. It requires a review of the investigation. And the Guyana Police Force has a competent legal adviser who can do this. The Minister of Public Security has so far not said anything about this matter. It

needs to be asked whether he was part of the decision to have a CoI. If he did then, he will have to explain to the Guyana Police Force why he has taken such an unusual decision which could see him having to exercise ministerial responsibility over a Force which is going to be further demoralized by this unusual and perverse decision. The investigators of the allegation of a plot of harm to the President are now going to be put under investigation. The crime sleuths of the Criminal Investigation Department will have to appear

under oath and give evidence about their investigation. They are going to be humiliated in the eyes of the public These officers deserve to be told the basis for a CoI being launched. This is the most ridiculous state of affairs ever to confront the CID in recent memory. How more absurd can things become in the rotten state of Guyana?

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Thursday July 06, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Spending new money in an old political culture Never underestimate the political education of the masses in Guyana. I don’t know about other CARICOM countries because I haven’t lived long enough in any of them to ascertain the political attitudes of their people, but I know Guyana. I have never lived a middle class existence in my country. I never drove with my windows up with the AC on. I socialize with people who belong to the ordinary, mundane world in Guyana. I think, then, from such an angle, I can gauge the feelings of ordinary, low earning Guyanese on how they see politics. Most Black people are definitely against voting for the PPP. Most Indians are definitely against voting for

the PNC. But it begins and ends there. Black people are not great admirers of their leaders. The historians should find the Rodney Commission a gold mine. In researching the Rodney Commission, they should put aside the search for who knew what about Rodney’s death and look at the testimony of the politics of that period. There were trenchant descriptions of the penetration of state personnel by Rodney including the army. This was happening to a President who at the time was a very progressive post-colonial leader who was assisting the anti-apartheid struggle and who had innovative ideas that few post-co-

lonial leaders could have matched - Forbes Burnham. On the other side, history is yet to record how many leaders came to challenge Jagan and many of them actually ate into Jagan’s support among Indians. Three names stand out – Walter Rodney, Paul Tennassee and Ravi Dev. Indians found Rodney immensely embraceable. Tennassee and Dev pulled substantial sympathy from Jagan’s constituencies with Dev winning a seat against Dr. Jagan with his votes coming from Berbice. Outside of the electoral prison, the ordinary man and woman are not political dunces. They know the essence of people who say they have

plans and visions that are good and they want a chance to rule Guyana. With all the talk about steady income to the state from oil money which will allow for social development leading to economic elevation, Guyanese are concerned about how this money will be spent and they believe it will be used for lavish extravaganza. This newspaper reproduced an analysis from the internationally known “Economist” magazine in which the writer expresses fear about the corrupt use of oil money. The article says it will take better politicians to manage Guyana’s oil wealth. The writer was circumspect. Maybe because she/he is a foreigner, presumably White was afraid of the wrath of a third world government referring to him/her as colonially condescending if he/she had castigated the government as corrupt. The local people do not have to be afraid of such trepidation. Outside of Jagan, Burnham, Mrs. Jagan and Hoyte, we have not had the kind of leaders in Guyana who

can manage petro dollars without succumbing to the temptation of sybaritic extravaganza. I have not included Mr. Granger because it is too early

Frederick Kissoon yet; he is just two years in power. His record of financial propriety is manifest but I would say without hesitation, he turns a blind eye to exuberant spending of state money of which I think UG is one example. Right in the middle of the debate of how petro dollars will be used came the discovery of rent to the tune of half a million dollars for each of two ministers. I live in a compound where diplomats from rich

countries reside and consultants from international organizations. The highest rent I know so far is S485,000. This is the rent rich countries pay for their diplomats. Of course what will never go away is the salary hike. The APNU+AFC leadership in Cabinet gave themselves a massive salary increase a mere six weeks into power and made it retroactive from June 1, making it a salary increase two weeks after they took office. There is talk all over the place that the Prime Minister’s Office has bought one of the most expensive cars equal in price to what Presidents and Prime Ministers of rich countries drive. This has been reported by several media houses and I haven’t seen a rebuttal from the Prime Minister’s office. At the time of writing, I don’t have the facts but two AFC persons told me it is true. If this is so, I ask; why would the PM want such an expensive SUV? So we end with the observation in the Economist that “it will take better politicians to resist the corrosive power of petrodollars.” We don’t have such types.

Thursday July 06, 2017

Shooting outside Wings and Things bar…

Victim testifies he was drinking whisky, feeling nice

CHARGED: Lloyd Lyte Martin Atwell, who was allegedly shot thrice by a former policeman outside the Wings and Things Bar on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, said that prior to the shooting he was drinking Johnny Walker Double Black whisky and feeling nice. Former policeman, Lloyd Lyte, 43, has been charged with the shooting. It is alleged that on November 14, 2016 he discharged a loaded firearm at Atwell, also known as John Kirby, with intent to commit murder. Lyte is currently out on $150,000 bail. He has also been ordered to lodge his passport and report to the East Ruimveldt Police Station until the determination of the matter. The Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the matter continued yesterday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Police Prosecutor Vishnu Hunt called Atwell to testify during which he told the court that he went to the bar with his son and nephew. He

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Kaieteur News

Martin Atwell also known as John Kirby

recounted that he was consuming the alcohol beverage and feeling a little nice. The witness recalled that Lyte was the man who walked up to him and told him something before pushing him. Also testifying was Police Constable Kevis Thomas, who is stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown and attached to the Crime Laboratory. According to the police witness, he carried out a gun powder residue examination on Atwell. Constable Thomas was later cross examined by Satish Kissoon, Attorney-atLaw for Lyte. According to reports, Atwell was standing outside the ‘Wings and Things’ bar, when an argument ensued between him and Lyte. Police said the row started after Atwell refused to remove some beer bottles he placed on the trunk of Lyte’s vehicle. It is alleged that after the argument, the ex-cop went into the bar, but Atwell

followed him, pulled out a firearm and shot at him. The man immediately drew his licensed handgun and discharged several rounds at Atwell, hitting him in the chest and abdomen. In May, Atwell, who is said to be a father of 30, was released on $200,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty to a charge which alleged that he attempted to pervert the course of justice. Particulars of that charge alleged that Atwell, 45, of Lot 374 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown contacted Hurst Simons to gave false information to police. The offence allegedly occurred on May 15 at Georgetown. Court facts indicate that on the day in question, Simons dropped off Atwell’s son, Jose at his destination. However, after Jose disembarked the vehicle, Simons upon checking found a loaded firearm in the seat on which Jose was sitting. Jose has been charged for being in illegal possession of a 9mm pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition.

Miner remanded for raping five-year-old A miner yesterday made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly raping a five-year-old family member. Twenty-nine-year-old Elroy Williams was not required to plead to the charge which stated that on June 29 at Mabaruma compound, he engaged in sexual penetration with a family member. It was further alleged that between January 1, 2011 and August 3, 2011 at the Mabaruma compound he engaged in sexual penetration of a five-year-old child. The matter was held in camera. The accused was remanded to prison and he will make his next court appearance on July 21.

Remanded to prison, Elroy Williams

Public corruption, oil curse symposiums to begin today The Caribbean Institute of Forensic Accounting (CIFA) in collaboration with the Guyana Oil and Gas Association (GOGA) will host two one-day special symposiums: “Public Corruption and the Oil Curse” and Lessons from Developing Countries” with co-host, the African Business Round Table. The engagement will commence today at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston at 09:00hrs. The other event will be held on Friday at the same venue and time. The themes for these symposiums are ‘The ills of public corruption and the oil curse;’ and ‘The oil curse and its prevention. Symposium Speakers Include Afra Rymond, a

Professional Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Survey o r s and the Managing Director of Raymond and Pierre L i m i t e d ; D r. K e n n e d y Mkutu, an associate professor in International Relations, Peace and Security at USUI- Nairobi, Africa; Eric Williams, Principal Consultant and President of Royal Triangle Energy Solutions Limited (RTESL); Stephen Baker, Senior partner at Baker & Partners, English barrister and Jersey advocate; and Dr. Perry Stanislas, Leader of the Contemporary Issues in Police and Security Leadership and Management Programme run by Community and Criminal Justice Department at De Montfort University, United

Kingdom. Symposium Panelists Include Zalena Khan, Founder and Managing Partner of Zcloud LLC, a NetSuite Solution Provider Partner in the Caribbean and South America; Vicky McPherson, A Shareholder in the Global Energy & Infrastructure Group and the Africa Practice Group at the international law firm Greenberg Traurig; and David Holukoff, Director of Grant Thornton, British Virgin Islands. These symposiums would come at a time when several concerns are being raised with regards to the management of Guyana’s emerging oil and gas sector and government’s push for production by 2020.

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Thursday July 06, 2017

Kaieteur News

Labour Department to conciliate concerns of East Demerara Workers - Agri. Minister unaware of workers’ plight but Union claims otherwise

GWU President, Mr. Norris Witter A plethora of concerns affecting workers of the East Demerara Conservancy is slated to shortly gain the attention of the Labour Department of the Ministry of Social Protection. This is according to President of the General Workers Union [GWU], Mr. Norris Witter, who revealed that this development was communicated to the Union by Chief Labour Officer, Mr. Charles Ogle.

The picketing exercise on Tuesday. “We are agreeable to that so we are awaiting a date for conciliation from the Chief Labour Officer,” said Witter.

This development comes on the heels of a picketing exercise arranged by the Union.

On Tuesday, the GWU organised the picketing exercise in retaliation to its belief that the workers of the East Demerara Conservancy have been neglected not only by their managers but by Government as well. Based on reports from union representatives the workers, numbering about 50, have for years been deprived of millions of dollars owed to them collectively. Some of the workers have reportedly ‘racked-up’ in excess of 30 years of service. However, on the picket

line outside the Region Street lawn of the Agriculture Ministry were less than a score of workers together with representatives of the Union. They were armed with placards some embalzened with the messages ‘It is time’, ‘Enough is enough’ and ‘Pay Up’. However, according to Witter, who led the picketing exercise, the action was deliberately small “to register our disgust over the slothfulness of the East Demerara Water Conservancy [management] in addressing serious

and critical concerns of the employees.” He, however, noted that “if by this action we do not get the kind of response expected then we are going to intensify the action.” Escalating the action, he said, could take many forms including increasing the numbers on the picket line, moving the picketing exercise to various locations or even an extension of the process. “We are hoping this action not only draws attention to the management that we are Continued on page 23

Thursday July 06, 2017

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U.S. prepared to use force on North Korea ‘if we must’ - U.N. envoy Reuters - The United States cautioned yesterday it was ready to use force if need be to stop North Korea’s nuclear missile programme but said it preferred global diplomatic action against Pyongyang for defying world powers by test launching a ballistic missile that could hit Alaska. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council that North Korea’s actions were “quickly closing off the possibility of a diplomatic solution” and the United States was prepared to defend itself and its allies. “One of our capabilities lies with our considerable military forces. We will use them if we must, but we prefer not to have to go in that direction,” Haley said. She urged China, North Korea’s only major ally, to do more to rein in Pyongyang. Taking a major step in its missile programme, North Korea on Tuesday test launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that some experts believe has the range to reach the U.S. states of Alaska and Hawaii and perhaps the U.S. Pacific Northwest. North Korea says the missile could carry a large nuclear

warhead. The missile test is a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to prevent North Korea from being able to hit the United States with a nuclear missile. He has frequently urged China to press the isolated country’s leadership to give up its nuclear programme. Haley said the United States would propose new U.N. sanctions on North Korea in coming days and warned that if Russia and China did not support the move, then “we will go our own path.” She did not give details on what sanctions would be proposed, but outlined possible options. “The international community can cut off the major sources of hard currency to the North Korean regime. We can restrict the flow of oil to their military and their weapons programmes. We can increase air and maritime restrictions. We can hold senior regime officials accountable,” Haley said. Diplomats say Beijing has not been fully enforcing existing international sanctions on its neighbour and has resisted tougher measures,

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley addresses the U.N. Security Council as it meets to discuss the recent ballistic missile launch by North Korea at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S. yesterdsay. REUTERS/Mike Segar such as an oil embargo, bans on the North Korean airline and guest workers, and measures against Chinese banks

and other firms doing business with the North. “Much of the burden of enforcing U.N. sanctions

Take Two for Trump in talks with unnerved European allies WARSAW (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump will get a chance to patch up trans-Atlantic ties this week when he meets with NATO allies still rattled by his failure on an earlier trip to embrace the principle that an attack against one member is an attack against all. Trump arrived yesterday in Warsaw, Poland, where the White House said he would showcase his commitment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in a speech and in meetings with a group of nations closest to Russia on his way to the G20 summit in Germany on Friday and Saturday. “He will lay out a vision not only for America’s future relationship with Europe, but the future of our trans-Atlantic alliance, and what that means for American security and American prosperity,” Trump’s national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, told reporters last week. Aside from shoring up the U.S. relationship with NATO allies, the speech is symbolically significant given Poland’s proximity to Russia and regional fears about Moscow’s ambitions following its 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. It was only six weeks ago when Trump, meeting with

U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Warsaw military airport in Warsaw, Poland yesterday. REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh NATO leaders in Brussels, scolded them for failing to spend enough on defense during a speech in which the Republican president was expected to explicitly endorse NATO’s Article 5, the collective defense provision of the treaty. He slammed Germany for its trade practices, and shortly after returning home, pulled out of the 2015 Paris

climate deal, leaving his officials to try to smooth ruffled feelings. “They have spent a lot of their time trying to undo or explain away some of the images and the mood that came out of the last trip to Europe,” said Derek Chollet, a top defense official for former Democratic President Barack Obama. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the host of

the Group of 20 meeting of leading economies, has signaled she will not back down on climate and trade. Shortly before leaving for Europe yesterday, Trump dug in on trade, tweeting: “The United States made some of the worst Trade Deals in world history. Why should we continue these deals with countries that do not help us?”

rests with China,” Haley said. The United States might seek to take unilateral action and sanction more Chinese companies that do business with North Korea, especially banks, U.S. officials have said. China’s U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, told the Security Council meeting that the missile launch was a “flagrant violation” of U.N. resolutions and “unacceptable.” “We call on all the parties concerned to exercise restraint, avoid provocative actions and belligerent rhetoric, demonstrate the will for unconditional dialogue and work actively together to defuse the tension,” Liu said. The United States has remained technically at war with North Korea since the 195053 Korean conflict ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty and the past six decades have been punctuated by periodic rises in antagonism and rhetoric that have always stopped short of

a resumption of active hostilities. Tensions have risen sharply after North Korea conducted two nuclear weapons tests last year and carried out a steady stream of ballistic missile tests North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said the ICBM test completed his country’s strategic weapons capability that includes atomic and hydrogen bombs, the state KCNA news agency said. Pyongyang will not negotiate with the United States to give up those weapons until Washington abandons its hostile policy against the North, KCNA quoted Kim as saying. “He, with a broad smile on his face, told officials, scientists and technicians that the U.S. would be displeased ... as it was given a ‘package of gifts’ on its ‘Independence Day,’” KCNA said, referring to the missile launch on Tuesday

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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; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Affordable house plans for residential and commercial buildings @ 37 Camp and Croal Streets. Call: 610-4085/ 614-0525/227-3575 Eagle’s: Re-gas -$8,000, Washing machine repairs, Gas Stove, Plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

WANTED 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Hairdresser/Nail Technician apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight, W.C.D. Call: 269-1524/6563561 Hairdressers and nail technicians to work at Modern Hair Fashion Salon. Call: 227-8613 or 226-1931 Buying fresh wamara logs and square. Call: 664-5150 Contract cars at City Taxi Service, 8 Vlissengen Road. Call: 227-6868 Experienced curry cook roti/ puri cook, counter servers, waiters (day shift only). Apply Hacks Halaal, 5 Commerce Streets. 1 Heavy duty mechanic for Interior must have Driver’s License & know to weld. Accommodation & Meals provided. Call: 682-2702 2 Cashiers to work in the Interior. Call: 644-6366/ 6999458 Live in experienced waitress 18-25yrs -$80,000 monthly. Call: 610-3974 Cosmetologist to work in salon must be certified & have clientele, must have pleasant personality. Call: 626-6450/ 227-1125 Professional mechanic specialized in diesel & gasoline vehicles with responsibilities - $5,000 daily. Call: 685-6588

CAR RENTAL DOLLY’SCARRENTAL-CALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 6421783/ 646-3011634/7182301695

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

Thursday July 06, 2017

Kaieteur News

SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. -CosmetologyCourses:$120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 647-1773/660-5257

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754.

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Paint Sale! Until supplies last! Coloured latex paint, 50% discount. Call: 265-3541/ 6954785/616-3411

Hair & nails stations available for rental to experienced hairdressers & nail technicians. Call: 6283092/ 683-7033

Three (3) pure bred female German shepherd pups, location: La Grange, W.B.D. Call: 654-6354 Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Transported property & music equipment. Call: 2653586

1 Three bedrooms upper flat @ Lusignan, E.C.D. Call: 6298240 Furnished three bedrooms top flat, next to Georgetown Hospital. Call: 225-3756/6032257 Hair/Nail Station rental & barber station rental, New Market Street. Call: 638-1106 Property for rent - 2 storey house at Republic Park, E.B.D. Call 647-1773 Fully furnished luxury apartment to rent 2 & 3 bedrooms, long and short term stay. Call: 665-3505

EDUCATIONAL Canadian School of Arts & Science: Summer Classes 2017- Pre-K, Nursery, Primary, Secondary (July 10th –August 11th). Call: 216-6921/22 for registration

9 Course, Diploma in computeroffice 2016, windows 10 -$20,000 off for CXC students 2017 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 264-3057 Summer Computer classes for ages 5-14 early registration starting @ $8,500 @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Computerized Accounting, PC Repairs and graphics courses. Register Now @ MicroGraphics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057/Study in Canada or USA Call Now! Summer Classes July 10th – August 5th: Phonics, Reading, Compositions writing, Maths, Crafts Games & Fun Day, Oronoque & Lamaha Streets. Call: 695-9625

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

VACANCY Cook/ Baker for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

One three bedroom concrete house for sale Contact Mala: 917-254-2909, location: Vryheid’s Lust, North. Call: 699-4111/626-2208

Chef and assistant cook. Call: 225-7933 or visit us at 173 Sheriff St.

Aubrey Barker - $28M, Greenheart -$25M, Norton Street -$11M, ½ Mile - $16M, Atlanticville - $28M, Kitty $10M, $30M. Call: 231-7805/ 618-7483 1-2 Storey house concrete bottom, wooden top with shop @ Herstelling, reasonable price. 1-2 story building in Tuschen. Call: 6955154 Summer School ages 4-14, Rising Star Academy, Phonics, Reading, Mathematics, Science; Register Early. Call: 677-0296 Property for sale at Hope, E.C.D- Call: 648-0436

Room to rent - $30,000 monthly + security @ Aubrey Barker Road, S/ Ruimveldt Gardens. Call: 6230076

Sewing machine operator & 1 trainee draftsman/cutter, consideration given to persons with intermediate level training. Call: 225-5948/ 644-4398/333-4170 Experienced bartender. Call: 225-8572 between 7am-9am Accounts clerk: English A (Grade 1) , Mathematics, P.O.A (Grade 2), knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT & QuickBooks @ Technical Services, Eccles. Call 6144358 C a r p e n t e r, M a s o n a n d porters, apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown, Ferry Stelling. One experienced Accounts Clerk; apply to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling. Workers: carpenter & mason. Call: 265-3586

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Hilux extra cab, GVV series, 5L diesel, good condition. Call: 673-3335/233-6218

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

LAND FOR SALE Land at 42 Coglan Dam, size: 37X270 price -$5.5M negotiable. Call Mr. Howes: 677-9938 or Mrs Clarke: +13473870537 Land at Well Street Ogle, E.C.D, back lot, 65feetX105feet - $12M. Call: 625-1514 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, Zeelugt -$2M, Tuschen house & land - $3.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.7M. Call: 642-1252 Harmony prime spot, ideal for business. Call: 695-5154 Prime land to build that dream home. Not far from Princess, New Thriving, Massy, HJ water world $13M neg- Call: 669-8397 La Parfaite Harmonie (main road) - $2M, $1.6M, $1.4M, $1.8M, Herstelling -$3M, Tuschen - $1.2M, Farm $3M. Call: 666-2326 La Parfaite Harmonie $1.6M, $1.4M, $1M, $2M, Eccles - $5.5M, Herstelling $3M, Tuschen - $1.2M, $5M. Call: 604-6724 or 686-9608

Oswin J’s Auto Imports, new arrivals: Premio 2009, Allion 2009/2010, X-Trail 2009, Vitz 2013, 1 Bus 05/09. Call: 6092815/696-4659 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 2 Isuzu Troopers -$1.9M each. Call: 657-3893

TO LET Newly constructed apartments in a safe & healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/622-6512 Room in Albertown / Apartment in Eccles. Call: 225-3234

1 Mitsubishi Lancer PJJ series, female driven $500,000. Call: 656-2255 1 Toyota Vigo, price -$2.5M, 4 wheel drive immaculate condition. Call: 225-3234 (2) 2010 Vitz - $2.2M negotiable each, 2010 Suzuki swift & Nissan March - $2M negotiable each (all unregistered). Call: 649-7771/ 690-7155

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Thursday July 06, 2017

Shop owner charged for illegal ammo A businessman yesterday made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for having in his possession, ammunition without being the holder of a firearm licence. Paul Hector, 41, of Lot 30 Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara, denied the charge which alleged that on June 30, last, at Water Front, Port Kaituma, North West, he had in his possession 30 live rounds of 9 mm ammunition when he was not the holder of a firearm licence. Hector’s attorney told the court that her client is the proprietor of shop which is located in the North West District. The lawyer added that her client has never been charged before and asked that bail be granted to him. The ammunition was found at a shop where her client was consuming alcohol with friends, she

Remanded to prison Paul Hector said. She told the court that if bail is granted to her client he will return to court for the trial. However facts presented by the prosecution stated differently. Prosecutor Moore objected to bail on the grounds that no special reasons were put forward by the attorney. The prosecutor added

that the ammunition was found in the back pocket of Hector’s pants, after a police officer conducted a physical search on him. The defendant was remanded to prison and he will make his next court appearance on August 8 in the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court.

Labour Department to conciliate concerns of... From page 12 fed-up and disgusted with their procrastination but we will be happy if the subject Minister, whom we have written to and who has not had the courtesy of even responding to acknowledge our letter, if he also can take note of this action and more so, those who manage the affairs of the State...” But Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder, said that prior to hearing from this publication he was not privy to the concerns of the workers or the union. He claimed he wasn’t even made aware of a picketing exercise outside of his office Tuesday since he was engaged in a Cabinet meeting. “I can’t remember him writing to me at all,” said Holder of Witter’s claims. “I know nothing about it at all. This is the first time I am hearing about this problem,” said Minister Holder. He added, “I would look into it if I have the information. We are a caring government you see; we respond to these things.” The concerns of the workers include failure to pay workers several allowances since 2012 and even failure of the management to address issues pertaining to workers’ contract of employment. “We had employees who have worked with the Conservancy in excess of 12 years and to date are not in receipt of a contract of employment. Some may argue that they do have an oral contract but we have argued that it is always safe and more convenient and more professional for contracts of employment to be issued to employees where all parties will be fully aware of their rights and re-

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Kaieteur News

sponsibilities under the contract,” Witter explained. Others matters that have been of concern to the workers and by extension their Union is one of outstanding statutory payments to the National Insurance Scheme [NIS], Pay-As-You-Earn [PAYE] and the employees’ pension scheme. However, Witter said the Union has observed that there have been some attempts to regularise outstanding payments to NIS and the PAYE. “Where the payments to the pension scheme is concerned there is some question marks surrounding how the management will proceed with that matter,” said Witter as he stressed that the general situation is characterised by “a plethora of deficiencies on the part of the management in addressing matters pertaining to workers’ welfare and wellbeing.” Witter has made it clear that the workers have not only been neglected under the coalition Government but also under the former People’s Progressive Party/Civic regime. He said, “Under the PPP administration after engaging the management of the Conservancy and also the Ministry of Labour on practically all these issues we decided to write to the subject Minister.” Ministers of Agriculture under the PPP regime, Mr. Robert Persaud and Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, were written to on the matter, Witter said. He, however, noted that “our letters to these two gentlemen did not evoke the kind of responses that we expected.” A picketing exercise was mounted too and, according to Witter, “some efforts were

made; a lot of promises were given.” The promises, according to Witter, have continued under this administration too. “All of the promises have been broken. They say a promise is a comfort to a fool, well the fools have grown impatient and intolerant of the promises and we have decided that from henceforth we will take whatever we may consider to be appropriate action until the issues that affect the workers are resolved to our satisfaction,” the GWU President asserted. Witter is of the view that some of the issues that have been highlighted have implications for policy positions taken by the State. He pointed to the issue of employment and noted that recently the management of the Conservancy was attempting to impose temporary contracts on the backs of the employees. But according to Witter, “The Government has a policy position in its manifesto that wherever contract workers exist, they are going to phase them out and eventually eliminate that scourge. This management is [still] trying to do that. “It is either they have no respect for the position as embraced by the State or they have scant regards for the employees or both.” Managing the East Demerara Conservancy is viewed as a critical area of operation since it is regarded as one of Guyana’s main water storage and flood control facilities. According to Witter, if such a facility is not properly manned and there is neglect, there can be a repetition of the flooding situation of 2005.

NGO focuses on preventing... From page 8 Sexual Reproductive Act, Disability Act, Protection of Children Act etc. Following these sensitisation sessions, Child Abuse Prevention Watch Groups are being initiated which will see community members come together and commit themselves to preventing child sexual abuse and promoting child wellbeing. The organization has noted that without community participation, primary prevention programmes cannot be successful. Therefore, community members are best placed to know the community strengths and aspirations, vulnerabilities and needs. The organization also sees active community involvement as essential in developing genuine long-term capacity and sustainability. In fact, a common barrier to effective child abuse prevention strategies is insufficient community involvement, responsibility and ownership. Life skills will be offered

to community members in the form of Parenting Workshops, which will be delivered, using an evidence-informed programme, which empowers parents to meet their children’s core emotional needs. It offers a step-bystep guide for parents to learn how to raise emotionally healthy children and hence build emotionally healthy communities. This will mitigate the risk factors that increase children’s vulnerabilities. Last month, Blossom Incorporated’s Programme Manager, Ms Shaundell Shipley, was part of a multidisciplinary team, which conducted child abuse prevention outreaches in Region Nine. This included engagement with community members in two of the five districts and other stakeholders in the region. As part of the response, the team met with representatives from the Regional Democratic Council, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Education and the Guyana Police Force.

The National Protocol for Child Advocacy Centres Multi-Disciplinary Team was shared with the Regional Health Officer and the Officer in Charge at the Lethem Police Station. Blossom Inc. staff also oriented the officers of the Sexual Offence Unit on the use of the protocol. Specialised sexual abuse medical examination, the single interview approach that is child friendly and developmentally appropriate and the responsible reporting of child sexual abuse cases were discussed at length. A notable observation in the region is while there are systems in place for the reporting of child sexual abuse cases, these are not being followed. However, this could be as a result of there being no child protection officer at present in the region or lack of follow-up by reporting professionals in the region. During the community engagement leaders were identified for the establishment of a Child Abuse Prevention Watch Group in South and North Rupununi.

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Thursday July 06, 2017

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USAID provides US$3 million for safety and security in schools in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has partnered with the education, youth and information ministry in Jamaica to provide grant fund-

ing in the sum of US$3 million for a safety and security in schools project. Under the partnership, USAID will provide the funds over two years. The National Education Trust (NET) will

act as coordinator for the project. The prime objective for the ministry, through this initiative, is to implement the necessary measures to transform schools and their imme-

diate surroundings into safe zones through a multilayered and multisectoral approach. It will utilise schools, community, parents and public and private partnerships in an effort to ensure a safe envi-

ronment that will facilitate a quality education system and raise the bar to benefit all learners, both male and female. Specifically, the project will aid in controlling access to school compounds by installing or repairing perimeter fencing, and controlling the possession of weapons and other contraband in schools, through the use of security monitoring equipment and increasing the number of security personnel assigned to schools. The project will also ensure the implementation of security and safety guidelines and continue the promotion of uniformed groups and clubs, which will promote positive values and attitudes at both school and community levels.

Addressing a ceremony to sign the letter of implementation for the project, at the ministry’s offices in Kingston, on July 3, permanent secretary Dean-Roy Bernard expressed gratitude to USAID for the grant. For her part, USAID mission director, Maura Barry Boyle, said the project came to fruition based on discussions with the ministry to improve security in schools. The mission director thanked her team for mobilising and bringing the project together in record time. She said it will be implemented once the new school year begins in September. The improved safety and security in schools project represents a much broader initiative than the SSP, which was instituted in 2004. (Caribbean News)

Thursday July 06, 2017

Kaieteur News

Give CSME More Credit, Says CARICOM Secretary General ST GEORGE’S, Grenada – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) is not getting the credit it deserves for all it achieves, according to the 15-member grouping’s top public servant. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque Tuesday admitted that the CSME was seen by many as a waste of time, but said this was simply because the people of the region did not know enough about the achievements. “There are always a few things I can say that we can do better, but I think we are doing not too badly . . . . So we have to do a better job at communication, basically, both from the standpoint of the Secretariat as well as the member states. I regret that people see it as a waste of time. I don’t think it is. Absolutely not,” LaRoque told a news conference in Grenada. “It is constant communication to the people of the region in terms of what we are doing, what we are achieving and how we

Irwin LaRocque are going forward. Sometimes we take for granted what it is that we are doing,” he added. CARICOM is yet to achieve the second phase of the integration process, which includes harmonized economic policy. H o w e v e r, L a R o c q u e said at the last summit, the leaders had taken stock of the CSME, and a roadmap was being prepared to help countries that were “lagging

behind in certain areas”. “We are in discussion with them on time frames that need to be adhered to. That does not mean that the rights and obligations that member states have by virtue of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, or by decisions taken, [are] negated,” he said. The Secretary General said the Georgetown, Guyana-headquartered Secretariat and the member countries have an obligation to inform the general public “what is going on and how they are benefiting from it in terms of functional corporation in a vast number of areas – education, health, our advocacy in the international community”. LaRocque announced that the leaders’ threeday summit will have a heavy emphasis on tourism, human resource development and entrepreneurship. Other matters on the packed agenda include crime and security, border issues, health, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and Brexit. (Barbados Today)

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Thursday July 06, 2017

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Aru signals Tour ambitions as Froome takes yellow LA PLANCHE DES BELLES FILLES, FRANCE (Reuters) Fabio Aru claimed his maiden Tour de France win yesterday, as defending champion Chris Froome snatched a yellow jersey he intends to wear all the way back to Paris. Italian champion Aru launched a blistering attack in the final stretches of the fifth stage, jumping away from the leading group with 2.3km left of the 5.9km climb at a lung-busting average gradient of 8.5 per cent. On a searing hot day in

eastern France, the 2015 Vuelta champion of the Astana team became the third winner at the top of La Planche des Belles Filles, where Team Sky’s Froome came to prominence in 2012 and Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali prevailed in 2014, the year he won the Tour. “I had seen a video of Nibali’s win and I tried to do the same to see what would happen,” said the 27-year-old Aru. “I wanted to test my rivals, I did not have the

stage win in mind but obviously it’s a great day.” Ireland’s Dan Martin took second place on Wednesday, 16 seconds behind, while Froome was 20 seconds off the pace in third, with his rival Richie Porte in his tracks. Another top contender, l a s t y e a r ’s r u n n e r- u p Romain Bardet of France, took fifth place, a further four seconds behind. “When Aru went, I still had team mates (to do the work) so I waited for the others to react. Nobody

Thursday July 06, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Get on with business. Praise will be yours if you have been pursuing your goals. Changes to your self image will be to your benefit as long as you don't over pay. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Your need to obtain additional details will lead you into strange topics of conversation. Help if you can, but more than likely it will be sufficient just to listen. Try to accommodate them without infringing on your own responsibilities. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. Don't overextend yourself in the process. Now is a good time to ask for favors. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't overspend or give too freely to others. You will be a bit of a spendthrift today. It won't take much to upset your lover. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Don't let your partner get you going. You are best to travel or attend lectures or seminars. Professionalism will be of utmost importance. Concentrate on work and on making money. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Rely on the one you love for support and affection. You may find that getting together with colleagues after hours will be worthwhile.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Self-deception about relationships is a problem. Only bite off what you can chew. You may want to try your hand at a little creative writing. Don't let your boss get the better of you. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Evasion is likely if you aren't direct about your feelings. Be careful what you consume today. Relatives may not be telling you the whole truth about a family situation. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Rewards for past good deeds will highlight your day. Use your quick wit to win points and friends. Go out shopping today. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Make plans that will take you to exotic destinations. You can make amends by taking them somewhere special. You may find your self a bit frazzled if you allow someone to goad you into an unsavory debate. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Romance may be likely if you travel. A passionate party for two might be just the remedy. If you're feeling uncertain, spend some time alone and reevaluate your motives as well as your needs. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Someone you care about may not be too well. You will be able to enlist the help of colleagues who believe in your ideas.

moved so I thought I had to go to see what I could do,” said Froome, who added he felt fresher than on his previous dominant rides on the Tour. DOMINANT SKY Colombian Nairo Quintana, tipped as one of Froome’s main challengers, struggled to finish ninth, 36 seconds back, while Spain’s Alberto Contador limited the damage in eighth place, 26 seconds behind Aru. Froome took the yellow jersey from team mate Geraint Thomas, who could not sustain the pace on the climb’s steepest parts. Overall, three-time champion Froome leads Thomas by 12 seconds with Aru in third a further two seconds behind. Froome believes he can defend his lead until the last day in Paris, although no team has kept the yellow jersey from day one all the way to the finish of the three-week race since Eddy Merckx’s Faemimo-Faema held it throughout.

Morris helps Woodland... From page 30 Transport Sports Club in Georgetown, ended the tournament with 180 runs and six wickets. In the two-day league, Morris scored 168 runs from five innings at an average of 42 with his best being 88 versus San Franique CC in a drawn game. He picked up 20 wickets at an average of 10.1 with a best of 6-96 in the same game. His team finished second in the league behind HYO.

Graham’s Hall overcome... From page 30 scored 80-3, taking first strike against Graham’s Hall. Donna Lowe slammed 61. Graham’s Hall responded with 85-2. Susanna Ketwaroo hit 25, Vevica Rampersaud made 24 and Alecia Elicock 19. Mae’s posted 178 without loss against F. E. Pollard. Jayna Qualander stroked 82 (13x6s, 1x4), while Saskia Persaud scored 72 with 12 sixes. F. E. Pollard replied with 41-3, Zasha Johnson got 23. Persaud came back with the ball to grab 2-10. The teams were met by Guyana Amazon Warriors all-rounder Steven Jacobs prior to the start of play.

“I’m used to being in that position,” he warned. While Aru emerged as the sharper climber, Porte said that the road to Paris was still very long and that the Italian would have to deal with the pressure of being tipped as a major

favourite alongside Froome. “Aru slipped away (a) bit I’m still happy with my ride ... he’s going to have more pressure - we saw it last year he exploded in one of the last stages,” the BMC rider said.

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Thursday July 06, 2017

Kaieteur News

Digicel Junior CASA team events

2017 Digicel Junior CASA declared Open

promises Government support for sports Guyana Boys beat Bermuda 4-1, DSBy Sean Devers The well planned and Girls win 4-1 against Cayman wonderfully executed Digicel 2017 Junior CASA was offiBut B’dos take early lead

The Guyana Girls beat Cayman Islands 4-1 at the GT Club yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

The Guyana Boys Team beat Bermuda 4-1 yesterday at GT Club. (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers Guyana began the Digicel 25th Junior CASA team tournament yesterday at the Georgetown Club Courts in auspicious fashion a day after managing just two Individual titles of the 10 that were up for grabs as Barbados took the lion’s share winning six. Yesterday the Guyanese lasses beat the Cayman Islands 4-1 as only Makeda Harding, who won her first game 11-5, lost her match to Jade Pitcairn, who won 5-11, 11-8,11-9,11-8, while Guyana Boys beat Bermuda 4-1 with only Daniel Islam failing to win his match. H o w e v e r, B a r b a d o s , Guyana’s strongest challenge to deny them a 13 th consecutive team title, began the opening day of the

four-day tournament even stronger that their South American Counterparts. The Bajan Boys beat T&T 4-1, while their Girls inflicted a crushing 5-0 win against T&T to end the day with a one match lead. Guyana Girls Skipper 1 8 - y e a r- o l d Taylor Fernandes, fresh from her victory over Bajan Amada Haywood to win the U-19 title, was in no nonsense mood yesterday and sent Emma Turnbull packing in straight sets 11-4, 11-5, 11-8. Kirsten Gomes, beat Olivia Kluyver 11-1, 11-0, 113, Abosaide Cadogan got past Henry Shaelah Parchment 11-1, 11-2, 11-1 and Rebecca Low defeated Kali MacLean 6-11,12-10,11-4,115. Guyana Boys Captain Benjamin Mekdeci got his off

to a good start when he dispatched Anaya Smith 11-3,118,11-3, Alex Cheeks beat Matthew Elliott 11-3,11-2,11-6, Shomari Wiltshire, on the back of his U-15 title win over Christopher Anthony, easily disposed of Charlie Riker 117,11-9,11-1. Michael Alphonso also had a three set win against Graham Moss, 11-3,11-1,11-3, while Islam lost to Taylor Carrick 7-11,3-11,12-10,119,11-7 in Guyana’s only defeat. Results: Guyana Girls beat Cayman 4-1 Guyana Boys beat Bermuda 4-1 Barbados Boys beat T&T 4-1 Barbados Girls beat T&T 5-0 Jamaica Boys beat Cayman 3-2

cially opened yesterday afternoon at the Georgetown Club on Camp Street with a colorful parade of the six teams before Director of Sports, the hard working Christopher Jones, declared the 25th CASA tournament officially open. Absent was the OECS team who only participated in the individual event which concluded on Tuesday and Jones promised continued Government support for sports in Guyana, noting that sports brings people together and creates a healthy nation. “This is dememonstrated right here today at this head table as we see two of Guyana’s biggest beverage competitors (Ansa McAl and Banks DIH) sitting side by side as sponsors of this wonderful tournament,” Jones said. Minister of Telecommunications Cathy Hughes said she was very impressed by the passion exhibited by the youngsters. “I am in the building next door and see the level of enthusiasm and unity shown throughout this tournament which makes me proud to be from this part of the world. We are from the great Caribbean where there are more similarities than differences between us,” Minister Hughes said to resounding applause from the participants and their parents in the audience. “Tournaments like this allow us to visit each others’ homes and understand the various cultures. I was tempted to sing the Jamaica anthem when the anthems of the teams were being played since I lived there for seven years and that is the only

Director of Sports Christopher Jones speaking at the Junior CASA Opening yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) other anthem I know,” Hughes disclosed. President of the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) Robin Low said that Squash is considered by many as the world’s most healthy sports but feels it is not recognized as it should be and lamented that squash is not a part of the Olympics. He thanked the Director of sports for helping to improve squash facilities and Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson for helping with the walkway to the GT club. “Digicel’s name is synonymous with Squash in Guyana and we would like to thank the company for supporting the GSA over the years and to Coach Carl Ince for his role in the 12 years of Guyana’s success,” said Low, who took over from David Fernandes who is now

a Vice-President. Low thanked everyone who contributed towards making the this event a success, while explaining how much work has to be put into a tournament of this magnitude. CEO of Digicel, Gregory Deen, informed that Digicel was involved in the Junior CASA tournament six years ago when it was last hosted by Guyana and stated that it was a privilege to be associated with the GSA. The Digicel boss, who has two daughters who play Squash, singled out Taylor Fernandes and Shomari Wilshire for special praise after they won Guyana’s only two titles in the Individual competition. Representatives from Exxon Mobil, Banks DIH and Ansa McAl also spoke at the opening. The team Events commenced yesterday at the GT Club.

Edwards, Taharally and Petterson... From page 27 My squat was ok but didn’t get the required depth on my last attempt. For the deadlift my adrenalin was running, I felt warm, I was up and down keeping myself warm and in the end I pulled it off so I’m happy.” Taharally commended the young lifters for setting the pace and revealed that she uses them as motivation and tries to keep up with them. “I thought for my age I did pretty well.” With 60, 70 and 80 year old women also competing, the 44 year-old Taharally said she would love to be competing at those ages. A number of persons were credited with assisting Taharally in her climb to the top. “The whole RipHit crew, my teammates also they are always encouraging me, the Outcast crew, David Gomes for always pushing me to be my best, my boss, the girls at Buddy’s Gym, my mother and family.” The fourth debutant and third local athlete on the day, Carlos Petterson lifted his way to respective silver and bronze medals in the very competitive 93kg Men’s Junior and Open

competition. Petterson also set new National Bench and Deadlift records. He had set a new Pan American record in the Squat of 280kg but that was broken soon after by the USA’s Chance Mitchell who lifted the standard by another 3kg’s. Petterson took silver in the Male Raw Junior 3-Lift competition with a total of 760.0kg; Mitchell won the gold with a Total of 770.5kg, while Canada’s Yohann Savinsky captured the bronze with a Total of 735.0kg. In the Open battle, Petterson had to settle for bronze with Mitchell taking silver and Canada’s Walter Cariazo taking the gold medal with a total of 795.5kg. Petterson set new national benchpress (150kg) and deadlift (317.5kg) records in both the Junior and Open divisions. Medal Table for Guyana Day 1 Gold Silver Bronze 2 2 1 Day 2 2 1 2

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West Indies v India, 5th ODI, Kingston

A series showdown at Sabina Park

32nd FESUPO/16th NAPF & FESUPO Pan American C/ships – Raw/Classic

Edwards, Taharally and Petterson combine for 5 more medals - 10 new records set, PBs achieved

Virat Kohli watches and Jason Holder prepares to celebrate as Shai Hope gets under a catch, West Indies v India, 4th ODI, Antigua, ©AFP ESPNcricinfo - A month ago, the lowest-seeded team went into a world tournament and came away with the championship. Now, in the era of teams cruising to targets of 300-plus, a total of 189 has been successfully defended and a series between the third and the ninth-ranked teams has come to a decider. Ladies and gentlemen, it has finally happened. Miffed at all of us writing it off, and all the talk of little brother T20 taking over the world, fifty-over cricket has decided the time has come to show off the crazy tricks it has up its sleeve. So, Sabina Park, are you ready? Since 2010, three out of nine totals batting first here have exceeded 300. Additionally, during the past seven years, the average run-rate of 5.00 is the highest across venues in the West Indies (minimum nine matches played). Kingston, and it’s fast-paced pitches, offers the best batting conditions in the Caribbean and that plays into India’s hands. (Or not, considering India have only won two out of their seven completed ODIs at the venue). Virat Kohli and his men like to construct their innings organically. They start slowly, build steadily and then only after a certain threshold of overs - in other words, making sure they will not be bowled out - do they vent their anger on the white ball. The first match in North Soundshowed this approach in good light, the second not so much. If West Indies’ bowlers can maintain discipline stiflingly enough, things could come to a proper boil. What’s more, they’ve tasted victory - for only the fifth time in their last 20 completed matches - and it was remark-

Nadina Taharally achieves a Personal Best of 155kg.

Ajinkya Rahane swivels to pull, West Indies v India, 4th ODI, Antigua, ©AFP ably sweet. Both the captain and coach - Jason Holder and Stuart Law - have already said they want more. Weather permitting, that is. In the spotlight Fast bowler Kesrick Williams has found great success with his assortment of slower deliveries. With no great pace, he relies on his accuracy and his ability to surprise batsmen with variations. West Indies must have wholehearted trust in his ability to deliver these variations under stress, as they have tended to deploy him in the slog overs. “Our shot selection wasn’t up to the mark,” said Virat Kohli in trying to explain how a veritable artillery of batsmen failed to take down a target of 190. The Indian captain himself has been guilty of that particular error, especially against the short ball in this series. Barring one innings, he has not given himself the time he usually likes to feel comfortable at the

crease. Perhaps, with the trophy on the line, he’ll bring out his best. Team news West Indies might keep the same team, but they will want their batting line up to be a bit more conscious of scoring runs. In the last five years, and among Full Members, their average of 27.49 and run-rate of 5.13 are only better than Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Yuvraj Singh was left out of the last ODI in an effort to manage a hamstring niggle. If he is fit again, he might return to the XI. R Ashwin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were rested on Sunday, perhaps they might come off the bench for the decider. Pitch and conditions Overhead news: the Kingston weather forecast suggests some rain both on the eve and on the day of the match. Underfoot news: it’s the best surface in the Caribbean.

Carlos Petterson deadlifts 330kg, new National Junior and Open records. By Franklin Wilson in Orlando, USA compliments of Crown Mining Supplies, Fitness Express, Secure Innovations & Concepts, Industrial Safety Supplies, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. Guyana ended the Raw/ Classic segment of the 16th North American Powerlifting Federation (NAPF) and 32nd South American Powerlifting Federation (FESUPO) Championships yesterday at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport with another authoritative performance. Led by experienced gladiator ‘Big’ John Edwards (120kg Masters 11 50+& Open) who captured gold and bronze medals, Guyana mirrored the opening day medal haul of five with the two debutants also ending on the podium. ‘Big’ John was in devastating form as he set new Commonwealth, South American and Pan American

records; seven in total. His gold came in the Masters 11 50+ contest with his total of 712.5kg, while the bronze was achieved in the Open Class; gold went to Costa Rica’s Manuel Campos (745.0kg) and the silver was taken by Alexandre Emidio of Brazil with 715.0kg. Edwards’s best squat of 275kg replaced the old Commonwealth and South American records of 265.0kg (set by Steve Lousich of New Zealand on April 11, 2015 in Australia) and 190.0kg (set by Richard Alverez in Uruguay on November 22, 2013). His new Total of 712.5kg erased the old Commonwealth and South American marks also set by Lousich (705.0kg) and Alverez (510.0kg) on the above dates. Alverez’ old Bench and Deadlift records of 172.5 and 200.0 respectively were also smashed by John’s new standards of 200.0kg and 262.5kg, respectively. The old

Pan American Bench Press record was also replaced. Nadina Taharally, the third debutant to take the platform, contesting the 72kg Masters 1 (40+) and Female Open divisions had a dream start to her international career, capturing the nation’s third gold medal in the Masters Class whilst achieving Personal Bests in the Benchpress and Deadlift. The mother of two snatched the gold medal in the Masters 1 Class with a total of 337.5kg – 742.5lb. Taharally had a best squat of 117kg, benchpress 65kg and deadlift of 155kg; both the bench and deadlifts were Personal Best lifts for Taharally. She spoke of her performance: “My feel for today is not as I would like it to be because of the coldness of the arena I wasn’t that warm especially for my bench, I really didn’t like how it went. (Continued on page 26)

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Letter to the Sports Editor

Surprised the GCB describes the RHTY&SC as a charity DEAR SPORTS EDITOR, It was with shock that the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, noted that the Guyana Cricket Board in a press release described us as a charity organisation. The press release was carried in the Sunday Edition of the Kaieteur News and also stated that we are not a member of the Berbice Cricket Board as per the Cricket Bill of 2014. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club was voted in as a member of the Berbice Cricket Board in 1992 and has voted in every election since then but for some unknown reason was left out of the 2014 Cricket Bill along with the Young Warriors Cricket Club which became a member in 1995. We are not too concerned about being a member of the Berbice Cricket Board but we are very proud of our achievements as a Cricket Club and

for the record we would like to remind the Public of our achievements as one of Guyana’s top cricket clubs. 1) Since our first cricket match in 1990, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has played a total of 1003 matches, winning 887, losing 72, drawing 13 and 21 being washed out. 2) Won our first title in 1992, the Sydney Sabsook Second Division and has gone on to win a total of 54 major cricket titles at the Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Under-23, Female, Second and First Division Titles. 3) Won three national cricket championship - two male championships in 2004, 2005 and female title in 2009. 4) We are the only club in Guyana to have a female cricket team which to date has produced two West Indies players, eight national seniors, thirteen national juniors and over 30 for Berbice. 5) Won five Guyana Club

of the Year Awards in 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010 and 2016 and four Berbice Club of the Year - Not “bad” for a charity organisation. 6) Overall we have produced one Test Cricketer, one ODI Player, One West Indies ‘A’, one West Indies Under19, one West Indies Under15, one West Indies ‘Sixes’ player, two West Indies Females, sixteen national senior players, fifty two junior nationals and over one hundred for Berbice at all levels. Players produced by the Club includes: Assad Fudadin, Esuan Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Royston Crandon, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Neil Williams, Shawn Grant, Renwick Batson, Dominique Rikhi, Plaffiana Millington, Eon Hooper, Clinton Pestano, Kevlon Anderson, Jason Sinclair and Sylus Tyndall among countless others. 7) The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS,

NSBF National Schools Championships Day Two Results

raised and invested over $20M to transform the Area ‘H’ Ground from a swamp land into its current state. The ground now has three pavilions, an all weather outdoor Court, sanitary facilities etc. The Area ‘H’ Ground is not the best in Guyana but it has an outstanding record of producing cricketers. 8) The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has hosted to date 26 Cricket Academies which produced a total of 2019 young cricketers and has published over 30 publications, most of them cricket related. 9) Has assisted over 140 cricket clubs and schools with cricket gears, cricket balls, uniforms, trophies, medals and sponsorship over the last 20 years at the cost of millions of dollars. Many Cricket Clubs in Berbice are alive today because of the kindness of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and its cricketers. 10) Has invested heavily in assisting young cricketers in fulfilling their potential. Dozens of junior cricketers have benefitted from cricket gears and that include Rajendra Chandrika, Gudakesh Motie, Linden Austin, Shimron Hetmyer, Shawn Pereira, Plaffiana Millington, Loyden and Daniel Lewis and Ashkay Homraj among others. 11) The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club has organised a total of 114 cricket tournaments over the last twenty years at the Under-15,

Under-17, Under-19, Female, Second Division and First Division levels. These tournaments have kept Berbice Cricket alive. 12) The Club raised over $20M worth of sponsorship and materials over the last decade and spearheaded the hosting of over 1500 programmes/activities that played a major role in the massive development, not destruction of Berbice Cricket. Every week of the year, Cricket Clubs come in for assistance and not one of them have been turned away. As a Club, we are proud of our achievements over the last 27 years and we challenge anyone to find any other cricket club that can match our contribution to the development of cricket in Guyana on and off the cricket field. For the Guyana Cricket Board to describe us as a Charity Organisation is beyond reasoning as we are heavily involved in activities under the sub-headings of sports, culture, education, youth development, community development, anti-suicide, anti-alcohol, anti-crime, religious, awards/honour, publications, social development and jobs for youths among others. We are proud to have the St. Francis Community Developers as our Parent body as it is the only club to have ever received the Commonwealth Youth Service Award three times and together we have received

countless awards from around the world. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club is also the only youth and sports organisation in the history of Guyana to have ever received a National Award and the President of Guyana in 2016 described the Club as a National Treasure which should be emulated across the country. We wish to inform the county of Berbice, that the Management of the Club has decided to quit organising first division cricket and we really feel sorry for the clubs who would practice all year long with hardly any cricket to play. Our efforts would be placed into organising other games like softball cricket, dominoes, football, table tennis, scrabble, chess and volleyball as part of our Say No/Say Yes Programme. By the way we are the current defending Champions of Berbice at Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, First Division and reached the finals of the Second Division Tournament. (Not bad for a Charity). In closing, we wonder how the Guyana Cr i c k e t Board in 2016 could have made the mistake of naming “A Charity Organisation” its Cricket Club of the Year or was it because we were highly successful on the cricket field and produced a total of seventeen players for Guyana at all levels during the year. Yours in Sports, Vice President, RHTYSC.

Registration extended to Friday for Rising Sun Turf Club meet on Sunday

Part of the action in one of the matches Tuesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in the NSBF basketball National Championships. Play in the 12th edition of the NSBF National Championship continued Tuesday at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Marian Under-14 defeated New Amsterdam Multilateral - 38 to 4 points. Ethan Fernandes 12 points, Jether Harris 11points, 4 assist, 9 rebounds, 8 steals, and Meshal Allicock 6 points, 5 steals led the winners. D e v o n t a Ta p p i n h a d 3 points, 3 rebounds for New Amsterdam Multi.

Tutorial High Under19 then defeated Adult Education Association (AEA) - 35 to 30 points in a keen contest. Denzil Logan 16 points and Zion Gray 5 points, 14 rebounds were the standouts for Tutorial. Graig Harlequin 10 points, 12 rebounds and Te r r e n c e A u d a i n h a d 5 points, 11 rebounds for AEA. Plaisance Secondary held off GTI 56 to 54 points in a closely fought battle. Regional

Conference MVP, Nigel Bowen poured in 30 points, 29 rebounds, Andrew Johnson 7 points and Jared Sears 6 points, 11 rebounds for Plaisance. Shamar Huntley had a game high 32 points, and Ki-Jah-Nee Simple 6 points, 16 rebounds for GTI. The tournament is being sponsored by Edward B Beharry and Companies Ltd, National Sports Commission, John Fernandes Ltd and Sterling Product Ltd.

The Rising Sun Turf Club in collaboration with the Guyana Association of Women’s Police grand one day horserace meet fixed for this Sunday, July 9 at the Rising Sun West Coast, Berbice track, will go ahead as planned once the weather holds, and as a consequence the organisers have extended registration to tomorrow, Friday July 7. The event was rescheduled from June 25 due to the weather. According to Compton Sancho of the organisers, the track is in very good condition for racing so the group has decided to host the event. He noted that committee members will be at the Port Mourant Turf Club today from 2:00pm to handle additional registration for persons on the Corentyne Coast.

Contact can be made with Cynthia Kelly 622-5975, Compton Sancho 691-1174, Fazal Habibulla 657-7010 or Niketa Ross 662-4668 for more details. Horse owners are advised to ensure that their horses are registered in their correct categories. Several horses have been added to the programme which includes Maximus, Black Devil and Easy Lion. More than 50 horses have been registered. The feature event is the G class race, but the 3 years and I class races are expected to produce excellent competition. Six races are carded with over three million dollars in cash and trophies up for the taking. The feature event is for horses classified G class and

lower over a distance of one mile for a top prize of $300,000. The runner up will take home $150,000 and third prize $75,000. Other events listed are the I class and three-year old Guyana bred, J 1 and lower, K class and lower, L 1 and lower and L 2 and the unclassified. Among the top horses slated to take part are Settling Star, Appling Harvest, Got to go, T and T, Cat Massiah, Bird Man, Chelsea, Red Jet, Red Regent, Something Special, Bridal Stone Corner, Party Time, Puppy Tail, Richie Poo, Seven Dust, Little Star and Unruly. Some other upstarts in the lineup looking to upstage the favourites are Big Man in Town, Not This time, Stormy Breeze, Lil Boy, Timely, Royal Prince and Bounty be True among others.

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Junior powerlifters satisfied with Orlando performances Gonsalves, Chan, Mack and Toney represent Guyana’s future By Franklin Wilson in Orlando, USA compliments of Crown Mining Supplies, Fitness Express, Secure Innovations & Concepts, Industrial Safety Supplies, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. The sport of powerlifting has come on leaps and bounds ever since Guyana hosted the Caribbean Powerlifting Championships in March, 2010 and this was after there were many years of dormancy; it was resuscitated in 2008. The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) was revived under the Presidency of Peter ‘Chine’ Green with Ed Caesar as Secretary and ever since, it has been consistently rising. Now under the leadership of Caesar, the momentum is being maintained and improved. Here in Orlando, USA, the international prospect for Guyana looks very encouraging with some exciting young lifters making their mark. The 17 year-old pair of Britney Mack and Teneisha Toney along with 19 year-old Romario Gonsalves and 20 year-old Demetri Chan are just some of the exciting lifters Guyana will be unleashing on their Caribbean counterparts and those further afield.

Others here and expected to also do well are Arif Immamdeen and Carlos Petterson. Despite some niggling injuries, Mack (47kg), Toney (57kg), Gonsalves 59kg) and Chan (74kg) all competing in the Raw segment of the championships on opening day, Tuesday, representing well. Kaieteur Sport spoke with the quartet after they competed. Mack said that she was a bit disappointed she didn’t get the world record and this was due to the fact that she changed up her technique and wasn’t able to perfect it in time. ”I think it was my fault because of the somu technique, I wasn’t getting it properly but other than that it was ok. I think I’ve improved because I am in a lighter weight class now and I did better in my raw performance.” Toney said she really wanted to do better: “I was very disappointed because I did a 55kg for my deadlift, I don’t even warm up with 55kg but I was happy that I at least finished the meet and did at least one deadlift.” Not being at 100%, Toney informed, was as a result of an injury she picked up. “About one month ago while I was training I got a back in-

jury and it’s been affecting me on and off. In my second squat I put a strain on it and it just affected everything after that.” Toney is still contemplating along with her Coach if she would be competing in the Equipped segment of the competition which will start today. Chan, like Toney and Gonsalves are representing their country for the first time and have turned in stirring performances, in Chan’s words, “It was very exciting and it was a full out fight with the other two countries. It was very competitive. On the last lift I managed to medal and break a Pan American record in the deadlift.” Gonsalves also set new local records in the squat, benchpress, deadlift and total in a scintillating display of power. ”It’s not bad for the first time; it motivates me to compete internationally as well as motivates me to encourage my fellow lifters locally to up their game.” Chan informed that from the time he was nominated by the federation last year for this championship, he was focused on excelling and also knew that something special was in store for him.

Future Stars! From right, Romario Gonsalves, Teneisha Toney, Britney Mack and Demetri Chan. The meticulous athlete has been keeping a disciplined routine of training and dieting in order to always make the weight class. He informed that in the past he would have had to lose weight to make the

weight class and in the process would have felt weak but this time around he ensured that would not be the case. Gonsalves revealed that he was also happy that he was able to go nine for nine (making all 9 lifts) in

his first international meet and first for the past year and a half; Chan was also nine for nine. Gonsalves was also pleased with the level of fight that Chan showed having been plagued by a back injury.

RHTY&SC Cricket Teams unveil Logo and Programme for Rose Hall 175th Anniversary The smallest Township in Guyana from the 19th August, to the 20th September, 2017 would be a hive of activities as residents celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Rose Hall Village, bought by 57 (fifty seven) free slaves in 1842, Guyana’s most dynamic youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS, and its eight cricket teams would be the organisers of the historic anniversary celebration. The Club has officially launched the Logo for the month long celebration. The logo features the Rose Hall Monument with the names of the 57 (fifty seven) slaves along with the Theme of the 175th Anniversary “Celebrating the legacy and vision of our founding Fathers”. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who is spearheading the anniversary celebration, disclosed that full

coloured copies of the Logo would be placed across the Township, while decoration would also be done using the five colours of the Guyana flag. Last year, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, hosted a highly successful 46th Anniversary of Rose Hall attaining the status of township and Foster stated that is was widely described as the best ever Town Week in the history of Guyana. The members of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club are very proud to be associated with the small township and as such have pledged to promote Rose Hall Town as much as possible. The programme for the 175th Anniversary has been completed by the five member planning committee and consists of the following: Saturday 19th August Religious Service/Lighting up of Arch Square Sunday 20th August -

Cross Country Race Wednesday 23rd August - Feeding of the Poor Friday 25th August School bags/Exercise books Programme Sunday 27th August Football Tournament Monday 28th August Commissioning of Community Projects Saturday 2nd September - Evening of Music and Dance Competition Thursday 8th September - Medical Outreach Tuesday 12th September - Career and Business Fair Thursday 14th September Parade and Grand Ceremony Friday 15th September Educational Competitions (Spelling Bee and Art) Sunday 17th September - Day of Sports Monday 18th September Inter Secondary School Tapeball Competition Tuesday 19th September

GCB female inter county U-19 T20 bowls off tomorrow The Guyana Cricket Board female inter county U19 T20 tournament will commence tomorrow at the Everest Cricket Club. In the opening round, Essequibo will take on Demerara at 09:00hrs and Berbice will play the President’s XI at 13:30hrs.

On Saturday the President’s XI will face Demerara at 09:00hrs and Essequibo will take on Berbice at 13:30hrs. The competition will conclude on Sunday with the President’s XI playing Essequibo and Demerara battling Berbice at 13:30hrs.

Inter Secondary School Cricket Competition Wednesday 20th September - Berbice Teachers of the Year Programme and Closing Ceremony. The eight cricket teams - Farfan and Mendes Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Females, Gizmos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division are appealing to every resident of Rose Hall Town to be involved in the month long celebrations. The teams also announced that they would be publishing a full coloured Tourism Guide to Rose Hall Town, Anniversary Magazine, while the Guyana Chronicle also be doing a pull out segment in one of its daily newspaper on the township, while the club would also be involved in the production of a one hour Television Documentary on the Development of Rose Hall Village over the last 175 years. Overseas based Rose Hall Town Residents are encouraged to return home for the massive celebration. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Ms can be contacted on 337-4562 or email: foster_hilbert@yahoo.com for more information.

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Best of the Best Martial Arts C/Ships

Police, Harpy Eagles put on good show

The Police and Harpy Eagles team display their Medals. The Guyana Police Force and the Harpy Eagles Martial Arts Academy collaborated in a joint effort to impress at the Best of the Best Martial Arts Championships at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue last Sunday. Eleven Participants between the two institutions competed for honors with Police winning 16 Gold and a Silver Medal in addition to the first place Trophy, while Harpy Eagles captured seven Gold, four Silvers and one Bronze Medals. They also won the first place Trophy in Grappling. For the law enforcers, female Sheriese Bobb won Gold in Sparring

and Self-defence, Kevin De la Cruz won Gold in Sparring, Trevlon Clark Gold in Sparring and Silver in Grappling and Ijah Cave won Gold in Sparring and Grappling. Mark Barrion won Gold in Weapons and Silver in Kata, Akil St Hill took Gold in Sparring and Kata and Silver in Weapons, Ephraim Mingo won Silver in Kata, Vinita McDonald won Gold in Sparring, Rayson Gill won Gold in Kata, Jamal Benjamin won Gold in Weapons and Silver in Open Form and Shemar Benjamin won Bronze in Kata for Harpy Eagles. (Sean Devers)

Graham’s Hall overcome Winfer Garden’s

GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U-17 Intra Association Football

Tournament continues despite inclement weather affecting some matches

Four matches were played last weekend in the GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National U17 Tournament in two Regional Member Associations (RMAs) that is, the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) and the Berbice Football Association (BerFA) despite some being affected by the current inclement weather pattern. In the UDFA, action was held at the Wisburg Ground and saw Amelia’s Ward FC and Eagles FC tied to a 2 all draw, while Milerock FC defeated Netrockers FC by a 7 – 0 margin with a hat-trick scored by Tyrese Lewis. Action in the Berbice FA saw Corriverton Links FC defeating Young Strikers FC by 5 – 1 at Burnham Park and Mondderlust FC got the better of Hopetown United FC by a 3– 0 margin at the # 5 Ground. The other 11 matches scheduled for the weekend of the 1st – 2nd July were cancelled due to the inclement

weather. This is the third week of play in the second half of the national Thunderbolt Flour Power Intra Association U17 tournament with the majority of games in the following RMAs – UDFA, Ber FA, Essequibo-Pomeroon FA and one weekend’s play in the West Demerara FA. Play in the other five RMAs has been affected by the inclement weather. The nation-wide GFFNAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Intra-Association U-17 Tournament is a five (5)-year partnership between the GFF and the National Milling Company and is a key component of the Executive Committee’s strategic objective in its youth development thrust. Below is a summary of matches played: DATE - 1-Jul-17 Wisburg Ground Result: Amelia’s Ward vs Eagles 2 - 2 Goal Scorers Amelia’s Ward FC:

Shawn Jackson 8', Keston Johnson 27'. Eagles FC goal scorers: Derricks Kevin 56', Shaquan Roberts 59'. Net Rockers vs Milerock 0 7 Milerock FC goal scorers: Tyrese Lewis 2', 4', 9', Lorenzo Miller 6', 25', Lennos Richards 13', Mario DePaz 34'. 2-Jul-17 Burnham Park Corriverton Links vs Young Strikers FC 5 - 1 Corriverton Links FC goal scorers: Ryan Grimers 31', Alex Partab 47', 77', 78' Young Strikers FC goal scorers: Cyrus Nicholson 3' (OG), Oshea Leitch 25' Monedderlust FC vs Hopetown United #5 Ground 3 - 0 Monedderlust FC goal scorers: Daniel Rose 36', Brentnol Frank 70'. Hopetown United Rangers FC goal scorer: Kevin Wilson (OG)

Morris helps Woodland CC claim TTCB South Division one T20 title

Steven Jacobs (centre) with the captains and team official Alistair Munroe. Graham’s Hall defeated Winfer Gardens by nine wickets when the National Sports Commission Ministry of Education AL Sport and Tour Promotions 20th Annual Primary Schools Day/Night Windball Cricket Champions Trophy continued recently with action in the Georgetown zone at the National Gymnasium.. Playing in the male segment, Winfer Garden made 65-3, batting first with Rashidi Taylor scoring 22 and Orlando Dickie 18; Josh

Alves had 2-4. Graham’s Hall responded with 67-1. Josh Alves made 39 and Joshua Alves 26. Sophia scored 60-2, batting first against Mae’s. Kenroy Davis got 35. Mae’s replied with 66 without loss in 1.5 overs. Jonathan Van-Lange struck 36 and Antwan Pinto 22. In the female division, Saint Pius (Continued on page 25)

Former Guyana U19 pacer Keon Morris turned in a commendable performance to help Woodland Cricket Club capture the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Division one South championship recently. Morris scored 42 not out as Woodland CC posted 1365, batting first at Powergen Cricket Club ground, against Heritage Youth Organisation (HYO) in the final. HYO needed eight from 12 balls, and Morris was asked to bowl the penultimate over; he did well to contain the batsmen, picking up one wicket and conceded just two runs in the process as they were restricted to 129-8 in reply. Morris finished with 2-14. Morris, who plays for (Continued on page 25)

Keon Morris

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Business School, North Georgetown, GTI triumph

Fabayo Manifold (centre) battles for possession.

Jermaine Padmore (right) and Selah Thompson

From left Alisaiah Alleyne, Omalley Scotland and Brandon Powley. By Zaheer Mohamed The Business School, North Georgetown and Government Technical Institute (GTI) r e g i s t e r e d convincing victories when the Digicel Schools football championship continued yesterday in Georgetown. Led by a pair of goals from Jermaine Padmore and one each from Nicholas Andrews and S e l a h Thompson, The Business School defeated Sophia Special School 4-0 at the Georgetown Football Club ground. Padmore put his team ahead in the 19th minute before extending the lead in the 25th. Andrews

then found the back of the net two minutes later as his side enjoyed a 3-0 lead at half time. Sophia Special School found it a difficult to contain their opponents whose d o m i n a n c e c o ntinued following the interval, and Selah Thompson netted in the 49th minute to see his team comfortably into the next round. P u r e M a s t e r s Academy gained a walk over from Huston Stars. At the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, North Georgetown beat Bishop’s High 3-1. North

Georgetown went ahead early as Ravon Bayley found the back of the net in 6th m i n u t e b e f o r e Ty r e s e Souvenir equalised in the 35th, leaving the score 1-1 at the break. Reuben Miller handed North Georgetown the lead in the 48th before netting his double in the 60th minute. In the second fixture at the said venue, GTI thumped St. George’s Secondary 6-1. Sheldon Reid gave St. George’s the lead in the 30th minute before Alisaiah Alleyne found the equaliser two minutes later when he latched on to a cross and fired home from inside the

area. Alleyne then found the back of the net from outside

the area to score his second in the 35th. The lead seemed to motivate the GTI lads who increased their pace considerably, which their opponents found difficult to match, and the game was merely a one sided affair thereon. Omalley Scotland scored twice within a minute of each other before Brandon Powley a n d F a bayo Manifold

completed the route with a goal apiece. Scotland first came in the 42nd when he tapped in a cross from Alleyne from inside the box. Scotland netted his second in the 43rd, beating two defenders and the goalkeeper before sending his shot into an empty net. Powley’s goal came in the 51st minute, while Manifield headed home a corner in the 55th.

t r o Sp 32nd FESUPO/16th NAPF & FESUPO Pan American C/ships – Raw/Classic

Edwards, Taharally and Petterson combine for 5 more medals - 10 new records set, PBs achieved

Big’ John Edwards sets a Commonwealth and South American squat record of 275.0kg.

2017 Digicel Junior CASA declared Open DS promises Government support for sports P.26

The teams and Officials after the Launching of the Digicel Junior CASA tournament at the GT Club yesterday. (Sean Devers photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.