Kaieteur News

PAGE 4

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

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

POLITICAL REPRESENTATION In a democratic country such as ours, those who compete for elected office have always promised to represent the interests of the people. This is known as political representation, which is synonymous with democracy and the rule of the people. The idea of political representation dates back to the birth of democracy in Athens, Greece. It is an arrangement whereby the people elect representatives to political office to speak and act with authority on their behalf. It paved the way for accountability in government. This in turn paved the way for democratic representation, which is the classic definition of democracy enunciated by US President Abraham Lincoln as government of the people, by the people, for the people. Political representatives should mirror the opinions and advance the interests of their constituents. However, this has not always been the case in Guyana, where the actions of many representatives leave grave doubts about whether they truly represent the people’s interest as against partisan, business and personal interests. Many of our elected representatives tend to serve the needs and wants of special interests, which is invariably a minority of wealthy and powerful people whose objectives are often, if not always, at odds with the needs of the majority who are poor. While this is a common practice in many nations, it is the antithesis of representative democracy, good governance, and a betrayal of public trust by politicians. It is true that political representation is a very complex issue and, in a democracy such as ours, diversity has made it almost impossible for a political representative to effectively represent the interests of all people. The reason being under the current electoral system, political representation is both at the national and regional levels. Based on this setting, 25 out of the 65 Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected from the ten geographical regions across the country. These members are considered Regional MPs which means that they represent the people living in those ten administrative regions of the country. The remaining 40 MPs represent the interests of the people at the national level. That said, political representation should be improved so that the interests of all Guyanese, including those in the Diaspora, can be represented equally. Many may think that this type of political representation would serve the best interests of the majority, and that it is healthy for our democracy. However, a closer examination of the situation tells a different story. Some of our political representatives at both the national and regional levels feel comfortable in serving the interests of a few at the expense of the majority or to use their political office for personal benefits. Such unethical and immoral behaviour suggests that they are not about the country or the people but about themselves. One of the ultimate tests of political representation is the extent to which politicians advance the interests of the largest number of people. This criterion is consistent with how political representation in a given population will serve as the highest good. This is critical in assessing the political representation in democratic societies such as Guyana where most of the people are not a homogeneous group with common interests, but rather a diversity of groups with divergent and conflicting interests. In terms of population, women are 52.5 percent of the populace, and although female representatives have increased over the years, yet women are only 33 percent of the representatives in Parliament. In this regard, political representation would involve the representation of minority groups, labour unions, business interests, and powerful political donors, among others. Given the reality of the country’s ethnic make-up, its various groups and the diversity and conflicting interests, the duty of a true political representative is to seek to balance the competing interests.

President Granger should order a review of Minister Broomes’ actions Dear Editor, Hon. Simona Broomes, Minister within Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, is from my hometown of Bartica. I’m fond of her. She is a grassroots politician who relates to the people. Her audacious work to end human trafficking in Guyana’s hinterland and other initiatives on women’s rights and empowerment is stellar. Her advocacy for workers’ rights and uncompromising demand for employers’ adherence to labor laws and regulations are worthy of commendation. Prior to becoming minister, and as minister, Ms. Broomes stood on the hustings and in Parliament and demanded accountability from the opposition PPP for its stewardship while in government from 1992 to 2015. She is absolutely right. Some PPP ministers were lawless, corrupt and racist. They disgraced our nation and have not been held to account. Accountability in government is the foundation of a democratic society and the foremost principle of good governance. Ministers are

elected leaders who took an oath to uphold the law. This sacred obligation is irrevocable. Conformity to that oath, the law, highest standards of ethics and exemplary conduct are not discretionary choices. These cardinal tenets of ministerial and public responsibility are a covenant with the public who places its trust in them by exercising the franchise in their favor at elections. This is why only citizens of quality who are deemed to be qualified as well as “fit and proper,” are selected for such high office. Ordinary citizens, especially our youth, admire and emulate high office holders because their conduct and lifestyle earn much veneration. Deviation from these values, therefore, constitutes abuse of the powers of the office and violates the ministerial oath and public trust. Minister Broomes has acknowledged to a media publication her involvement in an incident in the New Thriving Restaurant parking lot at Providence Village, Guyana. Allegedly, upon arrival at the restaurant, her driver pulled up in what the business pro-

prietor alleged is a no parking zone. Without authorization, he removed the barricades or signs and attempted to drive into the restricted area. Video footage shows a security guard approach and stop the vehicle and then replace the signs or barricades. As a second guard arrived, the driver again exits the vehicle, confronts the guards and remove the signs a second time. Subsequently, Minister Broomes exits her vehicle, toss the sign to the ground. A confrontation between her and the guards ensue. During this time her driver drives in the direction of the guards, force them out of the path of the vehicle and proceeds into the restricted area. The minister acknowledged to the publication that the guards advised her that the area was a no parking zone. She claimed that she identified herself as a government minister, but the guards were belligerent. Ms. Broomes also alleged to police that a guard threatened her or pointed his weapon at her. The guards denied threatening the minister or her driver and alleged that the driver brandished a

weapon. The soundless, surveillance video ends when the parties moved outside of the range of security cameras. What happened thereafter is unverifiable by the video that was released to the public. The said footage does not show a gun being pointed at the minister or the driver brandishing a firearm. This does not prove that either alleged act did not occur. A number of eyewitnesses were present who will be able to corroborate the guards or minister’s account. Although their words are inaudible, nothing in the video footage shows the guards’ comportment to be inappropriate. Nonetheless, based on the minister’s account, Police arrested the security guards. Only the parties know what words were exchanged. If indeed the guards verbally threatened to shoot and/or pointed a gun at the minister, that action creates an aggravated circumstance that is potentially a criminal act that may warrant their arrest. Again, video footage from the scene, which was made available by (Continued on page 6)

Those manufactured crime statistics Dear Editor, After my last letter on security matters, a confidential source with strong ties to the APNU+AFC who will remain anonymous, called to plead with me not to be so critical of the Minister of Public Security. He said, “Harry, Khemraj (Ramjattan) means well but he’s not being given the support. He’s not getting the money he’s asking for to improve the sector and he sees money being wasted and unaccounted for in other ministries. They (APNU) want him to fail. They’re using him and (Prime Minister) Moses (Nagamootoo) as pitbulls to go after Jagdeo and his boys. “Haven’t you noticed? It is the Indians in the AFC that they’re using to discredit the PPP, our hands are clean.” So after pressing for an explanation, I was told that Granger is under pressure from the PNCR Executive for giving all the important ministries to the AFC but he can’t change that now without risking the breakup of the coalition. The APNU is hoping that Ramjattan will get frustrated by his many failures and either resign on his own, or ask to be reshuffled to another ministry. This year, $37.4 billion was budgeted for the Security Sector. This is a 10.9% in-

crease from the $29.1 billion allocated last year. In addition, the Guyana Police Force recently received generous gifts from the People’s Republic of China of vehicles totaling US$2.6 million, and 200 bicycles (30 of these were given to the City Constabulary) valued at over US$145,000 and another US$20,000 worth of electronic equipment from the United States Government. So in fact, the Ministry of Public Security should not be short of resources to put systems in place to reduce crime and to secure our prisons. The problem is, this Administration is incapable of dealing with the management and leadership issues that exist in the sector. Then on July 14, the Guyana Chronicle carried a bold headline that reads, “Armed robberies down by 8%”. The Kaieteur News coverage of this story was slightly different. It reads, “The Guyana Police Force has recorded 44 murders in the past six months. And with the exception of rape and gun robberies, serious crimes were down by five percent in comparison to the same period last year.” While Kaieteur News reported a two percent increase in robbery under arms in which firearms were used (298

as against 304 this year), the Guyana Chronicle had the figures reversed to show a decline of 2% to let the government look good. Even so, all Guyanese are aware of the almost daily reports of gun related robberies and other crimes that terrify businesses and communities, and whether it is +2% or -2%, no one believes those manufactured figures anymore. Shouldn’t rape and gunrelated robberies form part of the “serious crime” category to give us a true and accurate crime report from the police? Who is manufacturing these crime statistics to give our citizens a false sense of security? I would wager if an opinion poll is done today, only two persons would believe these statistics: The Minister of Public Security and the Acting Commissioner of Police. But oh, perhaps there is a third, Crime Chief Paul Williams, who seems willing to compromise his professionalism and integrity by defending an out-of-control Government Minister in hopes of getting the Police Commissioner’s job. As this matter is still being investigated by the police, I would hope the Crime Chief has the decency to recuse himself from any part of this ongoing investigation. Whatever marginal gains

the Guyana Police Force is reporting on crime statistics, even if true, are totally unacceptable to justify the huge amount of resources allocated to the security sector. We the citizens of Guyana demand results. And for the government to say that crime was also high during the PPP tenure is equally unacceptable. They are the ones that gained office with all the answers to Guyana’s problems and the security experts the likes of former Police Commissioner Winston Felix and former Rear Admiral, Gary Best, but since then, crime has gotten worst. With the inexperienced Ramjattan now left on his own to hang out to dry, it seems that my source’s information may be credible after all. But Editor, how serious can this government really be on crime when a drug dealer and former hit-man for the now imprisoned Roger Khan is employed by government as a driver for one of its ministers. I wonder if His Excellency the President, Minister Ramjattan, Acting Police Commissioner David Ramnarine and US Ambassador Perry Holloway are aware of this? Just asking! HARRY GILL PPP Member of Parliament

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Some use power because they have it REGION THREE TENDER BOARD Dear Editor, Reporters have asked for my comments on the Simona Broomes saga, but up till now I remained quiet on it largely because I did not want to become part of the personal attacks on the minister. Too often, these matters descend into personal attacks by detractors or uncritical defence by supporters. In the process, the real seriousness of the matter gets lost and the political culture remains intact. I think that is the case here. I am also mindful of the fact that the minister is human and is entitled to make errors of judgement. This may well have been the case here. But at the end of the day she is a minister in high office and ought to be very careful in the exercise of power. The minister’s behaviour to my mind is part of our larger elite political culture whereby those entrusted with governmental power treat it as their personal property rather than as a responsibility to be carefully executed. Minister Broomes, like so many political leaders on both sides of the political divide, seems to have allowed the power of her office to impair her judgement. I am very certain that had she been a pri-

vate citizen, she would have handled that matter differently. Clearly, her attitude on that night betrayed a sense of personal superiority and inherent entitlement to privilege. That she could throw her official weight around, as the video revealed, and then relate a narrative that appears to be contrary to what occurred betrays a sense of her sense of invincibility. Twist it and turn it, at the end of the day this is a clear case of official bullying of powerless citizens. It is one of the worrying characteristics of the top echelon of this government and previous ones—they seem intoxicated by the power they have and use it simply because they have it and could use it. Part of it, I think, has to do with their unfamiliarity with political power that is born of a lack of proper preparation for high office. Minister Broomes, for example, is part of a group of ministers who were never serious political activists; they did not come through the ranks of parties and movements. They were parachuted into high office when the coalition won in 2015. They did not personally struggle and sacrifice politically for the

power they now have access to. Hence, they are not as careful with it as they ought to be. Minister Broomes got caught, but I am sure there are others who behave in a similar manner. It is quite disappointing that apart from Minister Volda Lawrence, not one other official has had the courage to condemn what is clearly official bullying on the part of the minister. I have read where some defenders cite the minister’s hard work and forthrightness as her assets. But effectiveness as a minister is not license for bullyism. At the very least the government, the president and the party to which the minister is affiliated should publicly disassociate themselves from such behaviour. In the final analysis, this episode reinforces the need for a serious Code of Conduct for Ministers. It also signals that those entrusted with public power must manage it better. Our country is mired in lawlessness and uncivility at all levels and if we are to pull ourselves out of it, those who are in leadership positions must lead by example. David Hinds

Timely move by Minister Valerie Patterson Dear Editor, I read a piece in the newspapers this week. It had to do with the Department of Housing. Minister Valerie Patterson said that her ministry will reclaim large portions of land given away to alleged investors by the PPP but left idle for years or used for speculative purposes. Now this is good news as there are literally thousands of applicants awaiting allocation for house lots. Many of them possess the ability to build their own homes, notwithstanding the many dishonest and sometimes incompetent people who pose as contractors. The ball is now therefore in Government’s court to not only retake these lands but to also begin an earnest programme to reallocate these to address the large backlog of people waiting to build their own homes. The proof of the taste of the pudding is in the eating, so the saying goes.

The trouble here is that the Coalition does not seem to remember that happy people are usually eager to turn out and vote so it might well be in Government’s interest to get this out of the way as soon as possible rather than allowing another bureaucratic hurdle to prevent lots from being allocated. I know of at least a dozen young people in my working environment, some planning to marry and begin families in the coming months who are waiting for allocations but are becoming frustrated by

the slow pace by the Ministry. It might, therefore, do the Coalition a whole lot of good if this exercise can begin shortly and proceed with speed and alacrity. Those in power must remember that general elections are less than two years away and that the cabinet must be able to boast about its actual achievements rather than promises. Low cost housing construction and house lot allocation can easily be counted as achievements by any government. Regards, Earl Hamilton.

OPERATES ABOVE BOARD Dear Editor, With reference to an article on page 8 in Sunday’s Kaieteur Newspaper dated July 15, 2018 bearing the caption, “Region 3 REO decides which bids reach Tender Board,” the Regional Administration wishes to pen this formal response. To begin with, the Regional Administration wishes to thank Kaieteur News for publishing the concerns of a person or maybe two with regards to the manner in which contracts are awarded in Essequibo Islands West Demerara. We admire the work of the press and believe strongly that their work plays a vital role in promoting accountability and transparency. However we at the administration’s level found the article mentioned above to be very unfortunate, misleading and erroneous in its entirety. The unfounded story shows the lack of investigative journalism on the part of Kaieteur News and with full professionalism we appeal to the Editor in Chief to conduct training programmes for the reporters so that the actual truth can be printed so as to benefit all and not just the mischievous few. Notwithstanding the above, kindly find below how the awarding process is done. As instructed by NDCs, all bid documents for works to be executed by NDCs are submitted to the Local Government Department of the Regional Administration. The documents must be sealed and addressed to the Chairman of the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board. The name of the projects must also be on the envelope. No other writing should be on the envelope. Any envelope that has the Contractor’s name or any other information outside of the proper address

and name of projects is disqualified which is in keeping with instructions to contractors, norms and practices and procurement procedures and rules. The envelopes are then taken to the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board where they are opened in the presence of all members of the board. The bids, once properly addressed and carrying the name of the projects are then sent to the evaluation committee which comprises members who are not members of the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board. The evaluation committee after evaluating the bids makes its recommendations to the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board and in some cases, the NDCs themselves make recommendations. When the bid documents are sent back to the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board, the board members deliberate and then make their awards. All members of the board sign the awarded documents and minutes of the meeting. All decisions of the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board are unani-

mous. The procedure has never been and will never be a one man show. Notwithstanding the above, every opportunity the Chairman of the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board gets to address contractors, he tells them to always put their complaints in writing should there be any. He has done it on more than 10 occasions. Additionally, the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board is aware of misleading information being peddled in the public domain by a particular member who shares a cordial and private relationship with two particular contractors named in the article. The board is further aware of the particular member demanding monies from contractors for the provision of information. The board is taking the necessary steps to correct this illegal practice. In conclusion, the Regional Procurement and Tender Administration Board will continue to execute its functions without prejudice, affection or favour. Yours faithfully, Ganesh Mahipaul Regional Information Officer.

PAGE 6

Unlocking the Providence narrative Dear Editor, It is difficult to comprehend Minister Broomes’s assertion, “I feel disrespected and I feel targeted” in the Chronicle, on account of her escapades at the New Thriving diner at Providence. Did Broomes feel disrespected because the two guards were released? To get a conviction in Court, evidence has to be provided. It seems that Miss Broomes is of the opinion that by virtue of being a Minister of Government her evidence should not be required to stand the scrutiny of corroboration from any other sources. The CCTV footage revealed that no one had pointed any gun at the Minister. It is human to err but to bear false witness against anyone is contrary and condemned by all the Holy Books. Whether it was the Minister or her security personnel who reported that a security guard had pointed a gun on the Minister-the footage revealed that no such criminality occurred. The public would like to see an investigation to determine who made the report and charges be laid against that person. Cameras don’t lie-people do! It would be fitting that someone be charged for making false allegation against a security guard. The Minister said, “I feel targeted”. Was the Minister attempting to insinuate

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

that some person or persons are, or were trying to harm her? Had the Minister made a report to the police of her suspicion prior to this incident? Based on the footage I saw-the only things that seemed targeted were a security guard by an SUV and two “No Parking” signs by a person of stature similar to the Minister, who came out from the back, side door of the vehicle (SUV) and push them to the ground. Speaking of the incident, the Minister added, “I want to say to the Guyanese public that I was no threat or anything at all; it is just regrettable. I am really saddened and taken aback by it. It was uncalled for. “What was “uncalled for”? Was it KN putting the video online or is it the part where the public perceived the person pushing down the “no parking signs” to be her or is it because someone solicited the police to arrest the guards by making a false allegation? The public needs some clarity! Minister Broomes said, “I was not abusive”. Surely! If those “no parking signs” at New Thriving could have spoken, they may have told a different story. She added, “Since I took office I really continue to humble myself to serve the people of this country”. Is this a confession that she is aware of having attitude issues in the past? I do hope that Broomes does

not by any means suggest that the public has short memory and as such, had forgotten her academy award winning “Boom out” selfie that she performed in parliament to grace the presence of opposition leader Jagdeo. If that was humbling in anyway, I feel tempted to recheck my dictionary on “humble”! The public views her Providence escapades as “Boom Out” part two for food. This is nothing new to the public. They had experienced this kind of depravity at the hands of some PPP ministers. There was a feral blast on an outgoing US Ambassador by a Minister of Education; a Minister of Health wanting to slap political activist Miss Sharlina Nageer, another Minister on a drunken spree, threatening to shoot someone -just to name a few. The presidency of the PPP never attempted to set a precedent to stop these calamitous behaviours by demanding the resignation of any of its Ministers. To envision Granger breaking away from the orthodoxy of past presidents in dealing with psychopathic ministers would be looking for a mirage. None of the errant Ministers from the PPP ranks had ever apologized. Don’t expect an apology from Broomes. Citizen

WHEN WOULD GUYANESE STOP IMPUTING POLITICS INTO ALMOST EVERYTHING? Dear Editor, As a concerned Berbician and Guyanese and having noted indications in the media about the probability of a rate increase for the use of the Berbice River Bridge, I made a simple suggestion that our National Government (emphasis our National Government!) should consider “nationalizing the Berbice River Bridge” and so forestall any increase on the bridge-toll. This is taking into consideration the hardship the current toll presents and furthermore, having regard to the matter of national equlity in that the Berbice Bridge toll is

already 20 times the ‘national’ Demerara Bridge toll. I was therefore, naturally shocked to see in today’s media (15/8/18) a rather scurrilous letter written by one, Earl Hamilton, imputing ugly ‘political’ motives to my genuine concerns for users of the Berbice bridge, including , of course myself as a very regular user of the said bridge. My appeal was consciously directed to ‘Our National Government” with the specific purpose of avoiding any of the very aspersions Mr. Hamilton has now ever so wrongly imported into my thinking.

As far as I know, a “national government” includes all parties and groups, irrespective of their personal political persuasions. There were no other ulterior motives and I take umbrage at Mr Hamilton’s imputations. If indeed he is a man worth his salt, he will publicly apologize for his impulsive imputation. I also take this opportunity to appeal to all my fellow Guyanese to resist the temptation to see everything through political and by extension racial lens. Nowrang Persaud

President Granger should order... From page 4 management, does not appear to support a threat with a gun on either side, and does not establish a prima facie cause for the guards’ arrest. Consequently, the Guyana Police Force appears to be equally culpable in this disgraceful episode. Given the obvious inconsistencies and in the interest of total transparency, it is imperative for the Police to explain what evidence provided probable caused for the guards’ arrest and who gave such instructions. The Force’s credibility will be compromised if it allows the outrageous and injudicious comments from Crime Chief Paul Williams to contend. No security guard or minister of government is above the law. However, like all other customers, the minister is entitled to professional treatment as well as a safe and secure environment while conducting business on the premises. She is not entitled to special treatment at the facility by virtue of her office; unless the proprietors, exercising discretion, so offers or instructs.

Therefore, without commenting on the veracity of the minister’s claim to have been threatened, her knocking down the signs and general conduct was undoubtedly disorderly, lawless, reprehensible and unacceptable from a government minister. Her actions brought the government and cabinet into disrepute. President David Granger should not remain silent on this matter. Minister Broomes serves at his pleasure. He should request a full review of the incident and, based on the findings, repudiate her conduct if warranted by the facts and circumstances. We must hold ministers of government to the highest standards of ethics. If the minister was threatened she should have politely called the police and let them address the matter. Engaging in a brawl with security guards is unbecoming and beneath the dignity of her office. We’ve come to expect such lawlessness from the PPP. The APNU+AFC coalition government was elected on a commitment to high standards of good governance and thus should not tolerate such conduct. The minister made an obvious mistake and exercised bad judgment. This matter should have ended the next

day with her revisiting the facility to meet privately with management and the guards, then all parties announce that the matter was resolved. Her apparent misrepresentations and denials have given further currency to an otherwise insignificant incident. She should quickly and unhesitatingly apologize to the public, meet with the guards privately for an honest conversation to clear up all misunderstandings, and move on. She will earn the respect and admiration of the nation for doing so. On the other hand, calls for her to resign are equally deplorable. Did she endanger the republic? NO! Moreover, it is laughable and ironic that Stabroek News has been leading the attack and lecturing the minister about ethics and moral conduct. This same entity remained silent or tolerated corruption, racism, “gangsterism” and utter lawlessness from PPP government ministers. Its hypocrisy is suffocating. The editors should spear us their sanctimonious, false moral pontifications until such time when they can be fair and balanced. Rickford Burke President Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID)

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Multi-agency meeting convened to address situation fleeing Venezuelans Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, yesterday convened a multi-agency meeting at the Department of Citizenship, aimed at coordinating a response to the migration of Venezuelans into Guyana primarily through Barima-Waini (Region One) and CuyuniMazaruni (Region Seven). The multi-agency committee includes the Guyana Police Force, the Ministries of Communities, Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Social Protection, Public Health and Citizenship and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). In an invited comment at the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Felix said that the Ministry of Citizenship will the Venezuelans who arrive and to the best of its abilities and resources, make every effort to provide assistance. “This meeting is the coordinated effort to give structure to the Government’s response to the arrival of Venezuelans in Guyana. This was an inter-agency meeting and we all discussed our various roles and how those roles will complement the other. I can say for sure that during the course of this week, we will be reinforcing the Immigration Department in Region One to deal with the arrival of Venezuelans into

The multi-agency team meeting, chaired by Minister Winston Felix (backing camera) yesterday. Guyana,” he said. Minister Felix said that while the Ministries are still trying to finalise the number of Venezuelans, there are approximately 150 at White Water Village, Region One for which the

CDC has flown in supplies. “There is a health post in White Water where the Ministry of Public Health has personnel dealing with vaccinations as they come into the country and so on and the CDC has sent in sup-

The Venezuelans who fled to White Water Village, Region One.

plies including cots, pillows, tarpaulins, blankets and food supplies,” th e M i n i s t e r noted. Venezuela, a Spanishspeaking country that neighbours with Guyana, is facing severe economic

woes, with runaway inflation, food shortages and long lines. There are also shortage of basic supplies and medicines. Thousands of Venezuelans have been fleeing, with a large number of

Guyanese returning home. Guyanese officials are working with the embassy in Venezuela to coordinate their returns. With regards to Venezuelans fleeing, it is a problem that Guyana is grappling with.

PAGE 8

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

Toshaos Council Chairman blasts President over broken promises “I don’t know any promise was broken” – Granger President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger were warmly greeted outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre yesterday by leaders of Indigenous Peoples before the opening ceremony for the 12th annual National Toshaos Council (NTC) conference. But once the forum got underway, the Head-of-State became the subject of heavy criticisms for not delivering on promises to the Indigenous Peoples by the coalition Government since they took office in May 2015. “When we make commitments we must keep them,” said Joel Fredericks, outgoing Chairman of the NTC. Addressing a packed audience that included several Government Ministers and members of the Diplomatic Corps, Fredericks spoke directly to the President, reminding him of promises to establish a Lands Commission, land rights, revision of the Amerindians Act, Constitutional Reform and a plot of land for the NTC secretariat. Fredericks said that the NTC was promised a meeting with the President in February, but this has not happened. Additionally, he stated that ‘St. Cuthbert’s Mission is still St. Cuthbert’s Mission’ as the people of “Pakuri” await their official name change for the village. “If one is to believe in people, it is important we believe in their promises. Indigenous Peoples are people who hold people at their promises. Don’t prom-

ise me, I will come after you. I will remind you because I am representing our people. I have to listen to my people. Many times we as leaders and politicians we promise people. We must be careful with our promises as leaders. Let us rise out of that, look at the issues and fulfill our promises,” Fredericks stated. Although the President had an opportunity to address the concerns raised by Fredericks during his remarks to the conference, he opted to stick to his prepared speech. Minister of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sydney Allicock also had an opportunity to speak directly to Fredericks’ concerns. The Minister stated that the proposed land for the Council’s headquarters has been identified. The Minister did not speak to the other concerns. “Mr. President, everyone here as leaders, every time we make promises and break them we erode the trust that people have in us and our integrity. It provides room for lost hope. We must give people hope, not have them lost,” Fredericks noted. Following the opening ceremony, the President while leaving the venue was approached by reporters about the promises listed by Fredericks. “I don’t know any promise has been broken,” the President asserted. He spoke directly about the land for the NTC Secretariat, which he said is being processed. Following brief

President David Granger and First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger are welcomed by NTC Chairman, Joel Fredericks and other members of the NTC at the opening of the conference. comments, the President was quickly whisked away by his security. Fredericks stated that in 2015 the NTC listened to the President’s speech and they thought ‘this is the president; a man of integrity and honour, he is the man we need for Guyana’. “We listened to a vision we believed in. We identified with a vision that looked out for the interest of Indigenous Peoples and Guyana…For three years, we kept our ears to the sound and tunes coming out of your [Granger’s]

office and bit by bit, word by word, policy by policy, we saw the vision being eroded,” Fredericks noted. He stated that the NTC engaged in , and there was an excitement that ‘we have found a Government that looked out for us the Indigenous Peoples’. The NTC Chairman indicated that hope has been overshadowed by the broken promises. TAKE THE LEAD President Granger in his address placed emphasis on the NTC taking the lead in

developing Village Improvement Plans (VIPs). “The NTC is not an ornamental body nor is it a political party. It is a vital executive organ with clearly defined objectives for ensuring the progress of indigenous communities,” President Granger stated. He added that the NTC must establish appropriate administration, operation and organisation structures to foster cooperation between the national and regional governments and village councils and district coun-

cils, and to ensure implementation of its decisions. This year’s conference is being attended by a new batch of Indigenous leaders who were elected at the recently concluded elections. The one-week forum is being held under the theme, “Preserving our past, protecting our future.” During the course the week, leaders from the 212 Indigenous communities will engage the attention of Ministers and heads of government agencies on issues affecting their communities.

Guyana averts possible maritime export ban -as new mobile container scanner site commissioned Since June 2016, Guyana was without a functioning container scanner. It meant that the country was at risk with its exports which could be tainted with illegal drugs, to countries which have tough laws. With 80,000 containers annually coming to Guyana, the challenge of developing a system of checking containers, especially for high risk businesses, was very real. It gets even tougher when some of the empty containers are being shipped. Things ended up in some of them. The wharves had no way of checking 100 percent of those containers. Coupled with corrupt wharf and Customs officials, the challenges were monumental. The authorities in especially the US, which has introduced tougher port laws since 9/11, were wary of Guyana but stopped short of stopping altogether any

shipments from Guyana. That would have been an unthinkable situation with the US a main trading partner for Guyana. Yesterday, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) commissioned a new compound south of the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) with a mobile container scanner, a gift from China. In a few months’ time, GRA is hoping to also commission a fixed scanner at one of the wharves. According to GRA officials, the event is a significant one in the continued overhaul of the authority, once described as one of the most corrupt state agencies. Gathered at the commissioning were Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, officials from the Chinese Embassy and

The Lombard Street location of the mobile container scanner facility.

others. According to GNIC’s head, Clinton Williams, the scanner will be on continuous operations, leading to reductions of costs for stakeholders. During the last two years, the checks on incoming and outgoing containers took a strain, with GRA forced to

introduce profiling of businesses. Williams explained that since 9/11 (the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. mainland), the mandatory requirements to be compliant with international maritime and other regulations were realities that countries had to contend with.

On top of that, Guyana signed onto agreements which forced implementation of a number of security measures. The mobile container scanner, the GNIC official said, was manufactured by Chinese-owned Nuctech, which has been doing similar business in over 130

countries, including security at Olympics and summits. It is fitted in a Volvo truck. According to Commissioner-General Statia, since coming into office two years ago, talks have been initiated with stakeholders in placing scanners at the major wharves and (Continued on page 13)

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Cricket is in good hands The rivalry for control of cricket administration in Guyana is just as intense as the contest for the Chairmanship of the People’s National Congress Reform. Cricket administration is the local crown jewel which carpetbaggers want to secure. All manner of strategies have been used to gain control of the administration of cricket. Political and legal pressures have been brought to bear on the GCB which had to be running up and down the court steps instead of devoting more time to organizing local cricket. There has been a long power struggle within the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB). Those after power claim they are acting in the interest of the future of cricket. But they are

more interested in dethroning the present executive. The motivation is therefore not about rescuing cricket; it is about recusing those who are in control so that others can gain control. The GCB over the past 20 years has done more for local cricket than at any other previous time. Why then would there be such an intense power struggle? There was a time when cricket was in the doldrums. And it took Chetram Singh to come forward and rescue cricket. ‘Chetty’ put his personal money into his adopted club and into national cricket administration. The present administration is the successor of the Chetram Singh legacy. If Chetram Singh did not put his own money into administration, the game would have

hit rock bottom. The reason is simple. Cricket is big money. Cricket is now commercialized. Cricket administration is now professionalized. There are enormous benefits which come from being Guyana’s representative on the West Indies Cricket Board. Some persons want those benefits. Guyana’s cricket needs persons who will give back to the administration of the game; not those who want to be rewarded from the game. This is what cricket needs. It does not need a selfish power struggle. Cricket in Guyana is being affected because of the power struggle within the GCB. And this power struggle is so petty that it is unbelievable. And cricket is suffering

Dem boys seh ...

Senior police officer creating nuff playthings When people got power dem does believe dem is de biggest thing on earth. Some of dem does get so big that people does have to wonder if is de same people. Dem boys seh de country got so many murders because once yon got a gun in he hand he feel that he got a big penis. De same thing when some money people run and buy a big car. When ordinary people get promote that is wuss that when a man got a gun or a big car. Dem boys don’t want to talk bout de New Thriving incident because everybody talking bout it. De whole world see wha happen. Things meet de stage wheh people want Soulja Bai to get

in de picture. Nutten don’t happen without him. In fact, some people believe that is he send de Minister to behave bad. Now this same bad behavior deh in de police force. When a man is a constable he does beg but when he tun an officer he does demand. That is how dem have this commander who get promote. Is a long time dem boys hear that when a woman join de police force if she want to get promotion she got to learn to lie down. Now dem got a senior officer who like an octopus. He grabbing every young policewoman who wukking in he district. Is like if dem is plaything and dem boys know how children does grab every plaything dem see.

Dem odda people in de force didn’t know till some of dem young woman complain. One complain how she had a steady night duty because she seh ‘No’. Another one claim how she does get some long shift. At first, when she had to wuk late she thought it was de wuk. Is when de officer mek he approach in de dark that she realize wha happen. A man tek this thing to heart and he write a letter to Soulja Bai because nobody ain’t listening. He copy de letter to de Police Complaints Authority. Dem boys seh Soulja Bai should mek this officer learn to lie down before he can get any more promotion. Talk half and watch de police promotion list.

Woman stabs brother for refusing to roll her a “joint” Cedicka Barrett, of 165 East Ruimveldt, appeared yesterday before Magistrate Judy Latchman to respond to a charge of unlawful wounding, read to her at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that Barrett, on June 27, last, stabbed her brother Neil Clarke on his thighs. Barrett pleaded not guilty to the charge, stating that her brother is a substance abuser; that he just wants to put her in trouble and constantly threatens to kill her.

Clarke told the court that he had gotten out of jail on January 6, last, and decided to live with his mother and sister. He said he secured a job at Cevon’s Waste Management. Clarke further related that his sister is an alcoholic, doesn’t have a job, and constantly causes problems with him and the neighbours. He claimed that on the day in question at 01:30 hours, he was very exhausted from work when his sister entered his room asking him to role a

joint for her. Clarke said that he refused, and this caused Barrett to stab him twice on his left thigh and once on the right. The prosecutor, who was not opposed to bail being granted, indicated that medical records showed that Clarke sustained 1cm stab wounds. The Magistrate, after listening to the prosecutor’s submission, granted bail to the tune of $100,000. Barrett will make her next court appearance on July 20.

because of this tug-of war. Cricket administration in Guyana is democratic. It is not, unlike what some people feel, controlled by oligarchic elements. The Guyana Cricket Board has a constitution and it has a s s o ciations, and clubs chose their representatives to those associations. All manner of devices have been used to try to seize control of cricket administration. First, the lie was spread that the Guyana Cricket Board was not accountable. This was a PPPC lie. The facts proved otherwise. The most accountable of sporting organizations in this country is the Guyana Cricket Board. The PPPC wanted to seize control of cricket since it was seen as cash cow for investments of the oligarchic class which was aligned to Jagdeo. The PPPC wanted to control the Guyana Cricket Board so that they could eventually invest in the West Indies

Cricket Board. The friends of the PPPC were interested in toppling the Guyana Cricket Board so that they could advance their business concerns. The attempts to seize control of the GCB failed. It was resisted. The PPP then tried to gerrymander the representation of associations by proposing, for the first time, a Cricket Act with rules as to how the GCB should be constituted. That too did not succeed. In fact, every attempt made at trying to topple the lawful representatives of cricket has failed. And so now, the most desperate of measures is being attempted. After all attempts have failed, the race card is being played. Race is now being used to

try to unseat the representatives of the Guyana Cricket Board. It is now contended that the ethnic composition of the GCB is not representative of Guyana. No one makes a similar claim for any other sport. No one makes such a claim of even the government. But race has now become the last straw of desperate men who see the crown jewel of cricket administration vanishing before their eyes.

PAGE 10

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Granger and Nagamootoo lack self-confidence There are seven billion people who inhabit Planet Earth. Billions among them are parents. I am saying without fear of contradiction, a majority of parents by an imposition of nature instruct their offspring to have self-confidence. We all tell our children not to feel they are worthless, believe in themselves, and

have confidence that they can overcome odds, successfully pursue the things they desire and not be intimidated by bad-mouthing. Allow me to get personal and forgive my little output of chauvinism. If there is any value I have asked my daughter, my only child to embody is self-confidence. You can-

not be successful in what you do unless you possess or want to possess self-confidence. Many years ago, Ohio University enumerated the leadership qualities that must be present in a ruler. There are eleven of them. When I taught philosophy at UG and we looked at Plato’s “The Republic” and his “philosophy king” class, I would make sure my students were familiar with the Ohio University classification. Of those eleven features, “self-confidence” was ranked high and for reasons that are obvious. There are ongoing discussions that will go on until President Granger demits, about the paucity of his press conferences. In modern politics, Presidents and Prime Ministers hold regular press conferences. In a country that is complex and where the mind is hard pressed to endure the daily vortex of occurrences, one would expect that after three years and two months in office President Granger would have held more than two press briefings. Let me be unambiguous in my position – such a state of politics is completely unacceptable in modern times.

When pressed about this reluctance to face the press, Mr. Granger jeopardized his credibility by saying he is always available to journalists. Surely that could constitute an insult to the nation. Mr. Granger has an obligation to adhere to state protocol and leadership protocol and hold press conferences. That has no connection to his attitude that he is available to speak with the press if the media so desire. The two are not related. Why this attitude of both Granger and Nagamootoo? Both men have different reasons for not wanting to have regular press briefings. Mr. Granger is brand new to politics and brand new to PNC politics. He is finding his way. He knows Guyana is a difficult country to govern. He knows the territory is scattered with land mines. What he does then is avoid landing on any mines and one way to do that is to avoid the press. But there is a downside to this approach. Once a leader is assured he/she is doing the right thing, is convinced that he/she has the answers and is aware that silence will encourage rumours, he/she will face the press. It is called selfconfidence. You may not like

Donald Trump but you have to be dishonest to accuse him of lack of self-confidence. Trump is a businessman who sees things in dollars and cents. Armed with that conviction, he will stand his ground on criticizing America’s allies. The role of self-confidence doesn’t mean the leader is right, but self-confidence builds your courage to protect your leadership. After facing the nation and saying the wrong things with the possession of self-confidence, you will eventually get it right. That is the priceless role of self-confidence in leadership. I think Mr. Granger is afraid that he gets tripped up and bruises his credibility. His thinking is that ‘I will not find myself in hot water because I am not going in the kitchen’. Guyana is a graveyard for countless ambitious politicians and Mr. Granger feels he has to be extremely cautious. I think he has taken that extremity to even further extreme limits. In the case of Nagamootoo, he lives in moral fear of the media, because he has been running since May 2015 after the creation of the ministry of the

Frederick Kissoon presidency. Don’t take my word for it. Please go to the July 2015 edition of the gazette and look at the jurisdictions of each minister after their portfolios were identified. There are four areas for the Prime Minister as against eighteen for the Minister of the Presidency. So annoyed were the AFC leaders of the downsizing of the PM’s range of authority that the AFC held a retreat two years ago at the Convention Centre and issued an official press release asking for a reduction in the portfolios of Minister Joe Harmon. APNU refused to budge. Any schoolboy if asked who has more power after the President would say Minister Harmon. Nagamootoo lives in mortal fear that the press is waiting to pounce on him.

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Too many patients diagnosed late with Parkinson’s disease - Neurologist - but early screening could help with prevention Patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease are almost never diagnosed at an early stage. This is according to Neurology Consultant at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] Dr. Iliana Lopez, who described it as “unfortunate” that many patients are not seen at an early stage of the disease. Parkinson’s disease, commonly referred to as PD, is a neuro-degenerative disorder that affects predominantly the dopamineproducing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra, according to medical experts. Dr. Lopez, during an interview yesterday, revealed that the disease is diagnosed quite frequently following conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia, when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders. “We have been observing that we have an incidence and prevalence representing 12 percent of all the neurodegenerative disorders that we assist,” said the Cubanborn Dr. Lopez who has been operating at the GPHC since 2016. She disclosed that currently there are 52 patients suffering from the disease, who are attended to at the public hospital. The symptoms, according to Dr.

Dr. Iliana Lopez, GPHC’s Neurology Consultant Lopez, are progressive. According to her, the associated symptoms usually develop slowly over a period of years and are known to manifest mainly in the elderly, according to Dr. Lopez. “We have only two patients younger than 60 [years old] and the rest are older and they are doing well,” said Dr. Lopez when asked of the age range of patients seen at the GPHC. The symptoms of the disease usually include: slow movement or bradykinesia, uncontrollable shaking and tremors, stiff limbs, issues with balance and problems

standing. In essence, the quality of life of persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s usually deteriorates considerably, Dr. Lopez revealed. However, in diagnosing a patient, she noted that “We choose to do some tests such as MRI, CT Scan of the brain in order to rule out other possibilities such as stroke... or head trauma which can produce damage in this area too.” But once the disease is confirmed, Dr. Lopez admitted that treating a patient is costly. She, however, assured that the GPHC is able to offer patients diagnosed with the disease medical attention and pharmacological support free of cost to ease their suffering. “We can significantly improve the quality of life of our patients...this is dependent on the early diagnosis, the prevention in the risk factors and the correct management. Our patients can stay alive a lot of years and with a good quality [of life],” Dr Lopez insisted. She informed too that “with the correct management, patients can live 10, 15 and even 20 years more.” In addition to good medical care, the Neurologist revealed that a patient’s life expectancy is also dependent on exercise, rest, and the use

Fix major impediments to effective expenditure management - IMF tells Guyana Guyana’s extractive industry is poised to usher transformational wealth; the kind that will see an overall augmentation of the nation’s economic performance. But if the authorities are to truly reap the benefits of this “transformational wealth” then there are key areas which have to be addressed. This is according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). IMF conducts annual assessments on the financial health of several countries including Guyana. Recently, the Fund said that the local authorities must work towards reducing the costs of doing business, strengthening private sector confidence, and advancing productivity-enhancing re-

f o r m s . The Fund said that part of the reforms will have to include an overhaul of the systems for ensuring quality and efficiency of government expenditure. It was pointed out that the poor rate of implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) is one area that underscores the need for reform. Earlier this year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan echoed similar sentiments. He indicated that he wants to see quick improvements, especially when one considers that the national performance on the PSIP last year was still far below Government’s expectations and economic needs. In addition to this, the IMF wants the government to

improve its procurement practices. It warned that if the government is unable to do this, then it should not hasten to pump money from the extractive sector into public infrastructure projects. The Fund said that its Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA) could help the government streamline the appraisal, selection and execution of projects. It stressed, “Bringing project selection, public procurement and investment management in line with international best practices would enhance the quality of public investment which would be supported by wealth from the extractive sector.”

of a high-fibre diet. She however highlighted that “Very, very important is physiotherapy, specifically for this condition. So the patient can gain an improved quality of life...” Further, Dr. Lopez revealed that since there is no known cure for the disease, there are measures that can be employed to help reduce persons’ chances of developing the disease. Early physical screening, including eye and heart tests, could help medical experts determine an individual’s risks of developing the disease. In fact, Dr. Lopez explained that screening is particularly important if a

family member has been diagnosed with the disease. “We need to follow the rest of the members of this family in order to do early diagnosis...,” said Dr. Lopez, who also revealed that persons exposed to herbicide and pesticide as well as some patients who suffer from encephalitis [an acute inflammation of the brain] are also predisposed to Parkinson’s. Taking early action in some parts of the world can help to stop the disease in its track since, according to Dr. Lopez, a vaccine has been developed to help prevent it altogether. The vaccine, she explained, is intended to

destroy the neurons which are known to cause Parkinson’s. According to an online article ‘Vaccine for Parkinson’s reports positive results from boost study’, published in 2016 on The Michael J. Fox Foundation website, a new study results from Austria biotech AFFiRiS support continued development of its vaccine against the key Parkinson’s protein alpha-synuclein. The article outlines that “researchers believe that clumps of this protein [also called fibrils] are toxic and cause the cell death that leads to Parkinson’s disease [PD] symptoms and progression.”

PAGE 12

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

Alleged $200B procurement fraud under PPP…

‘How come SARA can’t charge someone for $1M?’ – Jagdeo Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo is questioning the assertions made by the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) of $200B in state assets lost under the previous People’s Progressive Party (PPP) administration. SARA’s Chief Executive Officer, Aubrey HeathRetemyer recently indicated

that through procurement fraud, the state lost between $28B and $35B every year between 2010 and 2014. “If so much money was stolen why is it you can’t charge someone up to now for $1M of the $35B that was stolen per year?” Jagdeo questioned recently. As it relates to illicit capital flights, Heath-Retemyer

outlined that some $90B was lost, while the underground economy accounted for about $100 billion. He outlined ‘that and the underground economy are now almost nonexistent’. Jagdeo reasoned that the underground economy is larger than drugs and, for example, comprises taxi drivers and vendors who are not

paying taxes. The Opposition Leader indicated that the formal economy is tanking because of the policies of the Government and not because efforts to clean up the underground economy are working. Heath-Retemyer has indicated that SARA is working on a number of activities to change the culture and

behaviour of people as it relates to corruption. He added that the anti-corruption legislation will be strengthened, since corruption is corrosive and impairs good governance. Heath-Retemyer said that to date, over two million acres of lands have been retrieved; there was also the seizure of some amount of gold,

He noted that some people complain that the government should “let the drugs flow” because they would get jobs. “But, if drugs were allowed, and the underground community continued to flourish, you could have lost your sons and daughters to kidnapping and ransom. We were at the point where there would have been serious problems,” Heath-Retemyer reflected. He noted that the international community also informed the agency that the country was losing 15,000 ounces of gold per week, so the efforts to reduce corruption are well worth it.

Overseas-based Guyanese drowns in jet ski accident A Sunday outing in the Demerara River turned to tragedy when an accident involving a Jet Ski led to the demise of 46-year-old overseas-based Guyanese Ravindra “Rick” Budhraj, of Alma Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown. Police enquiries into this matter revealed that, “the victim arrived in Guyana on 7th July 2018, with his wife and daughter, where they planned a family outing to go to Santa Mission, which is located in the Demerara River. On 2018-07-15 about 10:45hrs, he along with his family, relatives and friends went to Jettoo’s Sawmill wharf, located at Block ‘Y’ Coverden, East Bank Demerara, where they joined a speed boat and went to Santa Mission. They returned to the said wharf about 17:00hrs the same day and disembarked the boat. About 17:15hrs, the Victim along with one Stefan Gadjie, who is a friend of the family and a member of the trip, mounted a Jet Ski and went jet sledding in the Demerara River. According to Gadjie, Budhraj, who was driving lost control and they both fell into the river. On seeing this, Ian Chung along with other persons, rushed to their rescue with another boat. They however managed to rescue Gadjie, who was seen panting for breath, but the victim was nowhere to be seen. Gadjie was escorted to Diamond Hospital, where he was treated and sent away. Several searches were made but the victim was not found. Statements were obtained, enquiries are in progress.”

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M. Farm $4M. Herstelling 2nd bridge corner lot $4M. Uitvlugt $2.5M. Providence $5M. Call 604-6724 FOR RENT

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Vill. WCB 3 House Lots. Coconut & Mango trees 49ftx10,314ft length. Price $18M. Contact# 648-7109/686-4818 3 Bedroom concrete house, Kitty. Price $23 Million. Call: 672-1920

FOR SALE Organic potting soil $700, Palms from $1000, Lawn grass, Ashoka trees. Tel# 6261044 1 CAT 215 Excavator 1 Mack 8 Cu yds mixer truck 1 CAT 428 Backhoe 1 double steel wheel roller. Call: 275-0367/ 683-7225 1 Pneumatic 9 wheel roller 2 Bitumin spray kettle 215 excavator spares. Call: 2750367/683-7225 One complete Water dragger Excellent condition, Ready to use, Equipped with satelite TV. Tel# 671-4019

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 2 bedroom apartments, fully furnished with AC in Providence. Contact # 6826238 whatsapp 1-246-8339739 & 660-7716 Furnished two bedroom apartment with AC for rent located at Lot Q Hadfield Street, Wortmanville. Tel# 651-4745/638-1112 Self-contain rooms for working couple/single person $35,000/$32,000 monthly, Light & Water, Lodge. Call: 623-0076

One Excavator, Minor repairs, engine in excellent condition. Tel# 671-4019

Room $3000 daily furnished apts $5000 $6000 daily, we also do laundry $700 a load. #223-0994/678-5827

1 flat concrete house, 3 bedroom & 1 master room, PVC ceiling, tile, grill, Parfaite Harmonie, Onderneerming #662-6818

(1) Two bedroom apartment with toilet and bathroom at Pigeon Island Chateau Margot ECD. Contact Bibi: 220-6657, 603-9547.

Generac Pressure Wash for sale 3100 PSI. Tel#654-5267/ 652-2244/220-4203

1 (3) Bedroom apt in Enmore. 662-5524, 681-4563, 627-8000

Yamaha boat engine 250. 6625524, 681-4563, 627-8000

One bedroom apartment 550 Sq feet for working couple or single person $35,000 monthly. Call: 638-8858

Excavator for sale CAT 320 DL 7000 hrs Good condition, Location Kuribrong $15M Negotiable as is/where is #613-5062 2 complete 6" Land dredge 2 Perkins, 1 MWM, Kubota, Miller 15 & 25 Yamaha 12 & 16ft Aluminium boat $10M Negotiable #613-5062

Newly constructed 2 bedroom apt in a safe and healthy environment- Call # 698-6496/622-6512.

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 226-3693DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

ACCOMMODATION

HEALTH Herbal remedies: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, Enlarged prostate, Kidney & Gall stones, Arthritis etc. Call Sparman #676-5924. LEARN TO DRIVE P. Outar and C. Persaud Driving School at Maraj Building. Call: 622-2872, 6150964, 681-2808

Make-up courses with Mac, Bare Minerals etcCosmetology courses $90,000- Nail Technician course $35,000. Call: 6471773/688-0009. Summer special 16 July-Aug Cosmetology Advance Makeup Nails $15,000 per package. Free products included. Abby# 614-6749 Cosmetology advance hair, nails & make-up $20,000. Certificate will be given. All products provided. Contact: 698-3018

1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/698-1134.

One experienced cook to work @ Beer Garden preferably from WBD #679-2612

Flat wanted in North/South Riumveldt at least 2-3 bedrooms. 2-3 months rent available in advance. Call: 651-5990

Hair stations available for rental. New market street. #638-1106

Wanted experienced hire car drivers and dispatchers at Ramada Hotel. Contact #2657075/616-5419 Welder or Fabricator for Grill work at 92 C field, South Turkeyen . Tel#621-5310 One experienced excavator operator. Call: 223-7165 1 Portable Sawmill Operator 1 Wakin 6 head planer operator, Labourers #619-9143/6148857 to work in Mahaicony 1 experienced male chef to work in interior 35 to 45 years old. #683-3360 1 ablebodied male clerk. Call: 231-2029/616-5954 Experienced pastry maker to work in Georgetown. Contact # 225-9409/618-1212 Help Wanted-Hot dog sales persons, men or women. Ages 25-35. Tel: 614-2412 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Wa t c h m a n / H a n d y - m a n required. Apply with ID, proof, police clearance, permanent address and 3 references. Call 231-0734/6534537

Private Customs Brokerage Certificate Training Course starts mid July 2018, register now & save. Call: 694-8322/ 690-4225 CAR RENTAL

SALON

VACANCY

EDUCATION

TO LET

Secret Villa & Harmony Inn, Fully furnished, Airconditioned apartments. $6000-$9000. #225-6337/2181400/266-5243/602-8769

WANTED

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP R AT E S , S P E C I A L OFFERS! . CALL: 6906494 AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

Classes: CSEC, CAPE: 6156604, 685-4192, 222-5913. Bernard, MEd, M.A, B.A, B.Sc, Formerly of QC First AID/CPR & home nursing courses available week-days and saturdays. Tel:225-9082 Register your child at Hidden Treasures Summer classes for slow learners in Phonics, Reading, Math etc. #675-4379 Common Entrance preparation & revison summer school & lessons Grades 4-6 classes July, August & ongoing. Rising Star Academy. Call: 690-9378/6770296. Rising Star Academy, registration is ongoing for Nursery, Grades 1-3. Call: 690-9378/677-0296

Experience Cook/ Housekeeper, Parika/Bushy Park #693-0636 for details. Driver/Expediter. Contact # 223-5273/74 Maid for East Bank area to cook & clean, Accounts Clerk English-1 Mathematics-2, Payroll, NIS, PAYE, VAT & QuickBooks. #614-4358 1 Office/Sales clerk (female) to work in Vreed-en-hoop WBD, send application to email: salesclerks@gmail.com Office clerk, East Bank Area preferable. 30-55 Call: 2261100/629-9450 Driver, Female Cleaner Office & Home Tel#233-2745 Vacancy exist for 1 female 25 yrs or older to work @ Del Ice Co, must have Maths & English. Call: 642-9191/2311408 Purchasing clerk valid license MC/MV/ML 30-55 Call:2261100/629-9450 One experienced legal computer clerk. Call: 624-7087/ 226-4283/258-0213/ email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com Male counter clerks. Apply with written application. Royal Jewel House, 137 Regent St, next to GBTI Experienced sales girls with 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Bartendercomputer knowledge, Blue Martini 169 Lamaha & De Abreau St. Call: 656-5544 5pm- 6pm Room attendant, Female supervisor, Male deskstaff 25-50 yrs. Tel# 225-0198 233 South road, Lacytown Qualified tutor to teach 3 year old boy 7:30-12:00 Payment $70,000 monthly. Apply @ Alabama Trading. 1 sales girl #265-3586 Annabel Bistro located @ 36 La Grange WBD is seeking experienced cooks with baking skills. Call: 500-1500 for details. Vacancy for: Marketing clerk, Logistic clerk, Garage supervisor, Purchase clerk. Contact #218-5120/603-4541 e m a i l : chungsvacancy@gmail.com

Tuschen house corner lot $6M $1.5. Crane Scheme house $5M. Parfaite Harmonie $3.5M. Diamond front $4M. Call 666-2326

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Jonathan Saunders is Region Four’s top special needs NGSA performer Ten year- old, Jonathan Saunders was among some 14,500 students to sit the National Grade Six Assessment, (NGSA) examination, last March. He emerged the top performing student among those with special needs, last month. The St Paul’s Primary School student earned 400 marks and a spot at Plaisance Secondary, where he is likely to attend in September. The lad’s mother, Annesia Woolford-Saunders recently told Regional officials that she is proud of her son’s achievement. The beaming mother, however, talked about some of the difficulties Jonathan faced in school. According to WoolfordSaunders, Jonathan was denied oxygen at birth. As a result, he faced many long –term health challenges which affected his ability to learn. Consequently, Jonathan struggled to speak and walk. She noted too that he was unable to write as fast as other learners, or pronounce some words properly. However, the mother remained confident in her son’s ability to retain what he had been taught. “I know that he has a great memory, because as long as he is taught some-

thing, he remembers it,” she said. Woolford-Saunders, who is also a teacher at Plaisance Secondary, revealed that when her son started his educational pursuits at the Green Acres School he faced a number of challenges. As a result, she and her husband were forced to move him to another private school. “We eventually moved him to the public school as most of the work that they taught him at the private school was colouring. It was as though he was specialising in colouring and therefore, we recognised that we had to move him, and we did, but to a public school,” she said. Woolford– Saunders said that had the school provided her son with a scribe and a reader he would have done better at the exams. “Jonathan is a very alert, intelligent and focused child. However, because of how his brain works and the fact that he is slow in communicating, he certainly would have been at a disadvantage,” she said. Wo o l f o r d – S a u n d e r s added nonetheless, that the most critical challenge relates to the stigma and discrimination. She recalled that while the other students didn’t care

Mrs Annesia Woolford-Saunders (left), her son Jonathan, and Region Four Special Needs Officer Simone Abrams about her son’s disability, a teacher at the Grade Six level refused to have Jonathan in the class because she claimed that she was not comfortable working with him. But, after one teacher re-

fused to work with her son, another teacher volunteered, which gave him an opportunity to write the Grade Six examinations. The mother therefore called for more training for teachers in Spe-

cial Education Needs (SEN). “While the SEN department at the National Centre for Educational Research Development (NCERD) does a number of short programmes, I firmly believe that the train-

ing should be longer so as to ensure that the teachers working with special needs children better understand their roles,” she opined. The woman added that her husband also deserves the credit for her son’s work. “Jonathan’s father is self-employed and continues to spend significant (study time) with him. He has been the major backbone in our daily struggles to cope with the difficulties and challenges.” Meanwhile, Special Needs Officer within the Department of Education at Region Four, Simone Abrams said that the region has a lot to celebrate over Jonathan’s performance. She expressed similar sentiments that a scribe and reader would have assisted Jonathan, adding that he is evidently bright. “At the Special Needs Office, we are very proud of him and would like to continue supporting him and other students as well.” The sky is the limit,” Abrams said. Abrams noted the Department of Education Region Four will continue providing relevant and timely support so as to ensure that those special needs children can pursue a normal educational life.

US group urges Guyana president to review minister’s alleged parking lot actions NEW YORK (CMC) – The president of the Brooklyn, New York-based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) is urging Guyana’s President David Granger to review the alleged actions of Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes and “repudiate them if deemed inappropriate.” CGID president Rickford Burke told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) on Sunday that Broomes, Minister within Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources, “has acknowledged to a media publication her involvement in an incident in New Thriving Restaurant parking lot at Providence Village, Guyana.” Burke said that, allegedly, on arrival at the restaurant, Broomes’s driver pulled up in what the business proprietor alleged is a no parking zone. “Without authorization, he removed the barricades or signs and attempted to drive into the restricted area,” Burke said. “Video footage shows a security guard approached and stopped the vehicle, and then replaced the signs or barricades.” As a second guard arrived, the CGID president

said the driver again exited the vehicle, confronted the guards and removed the signs a second time. “Subsequently, Minister Broomes exited her vehicle, tossed the sign to the ground,” Burke said. “A confrontation between the minister and security guards ensued. “During this time, her driver drove in the direction of the guards, forced them out of the path of the vehicle and proceeded into the restricted area,” he added. Burke said Broomes acknowledged to the media publication that the guards advised her that the area was a no parking zone. “She claimed that she identified herself as a government minister, but the guards were belligerent,” he said. “Ms Broomes also alleged to police that a guard threatened her or pointed h i s w e a p o n a t h e r, ” h e added. “The guards denied threatening the minister or her driver, and alleged that the driver brandished a weapon.” Burke said the soundless, surveillance video ends when the parties moved outside of the range of security cameras. “The said footage does not show a gun being

pointed at the minister or the driver brandishing a firearm,” Burke said. He, however, said “this does not prove that either alleged act did not occur.” Burke said a number of eyewitnesses were present who will be able to corroborate the guards or minister’s account. “Although their words are inaudible, nothing in the video footage shows the guards’ comportment to be inappropriate,” he said. “Nonetheless, police arrested the security guards.” Burke said if the guards verbally threatened to shoot and/or pointed a gun at the minister, “that action creates an aggravated circumstance that is potentially a criminal act that might [have] warranted their arrest.” “Given the obvious inconsistencies and in the interest of total transparency, it is imperative for the police to explain what evidence provided probable cause for the guards’ arrest and who gave such instruction,” he said. “No security guard or minister of government is above the law,” Burke added. “However, like all other customers, the minister is entitled to professional treatment, as well as a safe and secure environment while conducting business on the premises.”

But he said Broomes is “not entitled to special treatment at the facility, unless the proprietors, exercising discretion, so offer or instruct.” Burke said President Granger should, therefore, “request a full review of the incident, and, based on the findings, repudiate her conduct, if the facts and circumstances so warrant. “We must hold ministers

of government to the highest standards of ethics,” he said. “If the minister was threatened, she should have politely called the police and let them address the matter. “Engaging in a brawl with security guards is unbecoming and beneath the dignity of a minister,” he added. “The minister made an obvious mistake and exercised bad judgment,” Burke

continued. “She should apologize to the public, meet with the guards for an honest conversation to clear up this misunderstanding, and move on. “She will earn the respect and admiration of the nation for doing so,” Burke continued. At the same time, he said calls for Broomes’s resignation are “equally deplorable.”

PAGE 24

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

Indonesian villagers kill nearly More animals die after escaped jaguar 300 crocodiles in revenge attack goes on killing spree at New Orleans zoo NEW ORLEANS — Nine animals have now died after a jaguar escaped from its habitat at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. The zoo announced that an injured fox died Monday morning. CBS affiliate WWL-TV reports an alpaca and fox died Sunday, the day after the male jaguar killed four alpacas, one emu and one fox Saturday morning. The jaguar was captured and returned to its night house after being sedated by a vet team. No people were hurt and the zoo was reopened Sunday. The zoo acquired the alpacas in March from farms in Alabama and Mississippi. The

alpaca that died overnight Sunday was the zoo’s last living alpaca. It’s not immediately clear how the animal escaped. Zoo officials say inspections found that the roof was “compromised,” but initial findings concluded that keeper error was not a factor. “This continues to be a sad time for the Audubon family,” officials wrote. “We appreciate the continued overwhelming support.” In a Facebook post in February, the zoo called the jaguar named Valerio a “big lovable goofball” and encouraged visitors to see him in its “Jaguar Jungle” exhibit.

The US is facing a serious shortage of airline pilots JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian villagers armed with knives, hammers and clubs slaughtered 292 crocodiles in revenge for the death of a man killed by a crocodile at a breeding farm, an official said. Photographs released by Antara news agency showed bloodied carcasses of the crocodiles in a large pile in the Sorong district of the eastern Indonesian province of West Papua.

The head of Indonesia’s Natural Resources Conservation Agency in West Papua said that the 48-year-old victim had entered the crocodile farm and was likely picking grass for animal feed when he was attacked. “An employee heard someone screaming for help, he quickly went there and saw a crocodile attacking someone,” Basar Manullang said in a statement.

After the burial of the man on Saturday, villagers entered the farm and killed all the crocodiles, said Manullang. Manullang said the farm had been given a license to breed protected saltwater and New Guinea crocodiles in 2013 for preservation and also to harvest some of the animals. But one of the conditions was that the reptiles did not disturb the community, he said. “To prevent this from happening again, farming license holders need to secure surrounding areas,” said Manullang. He said his agency was coordinating with police in their investigation. “Crocodiles are God’s creatures that need to be protected too,” Manullang said.

CNN) — The national security of the United States relies on a healthy airline industry. That requires modern reliable airplanes — and highly skilled pilots to operate them. However, the United States has a shortage of pilots right now, particularly at the regional airline levels. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there were about 827,000 pilots in America in 1987. Over the past three decades, that number has decreased by 30%. Meanwhile, during this period, there has been a tremendous increase in the demand for air travel. The International Air Transport Association predicts that over the next 20 years, air travel will double.

This is a classic case of low supply and high demand. This mismatch has created a perfect storm that could wreak havoc on the US airline industry over the next decade. The somber news is this shortage is going to get much worse. I have not only studied and researched the airline industry since 1978, but I also was a pilot for 19 years, before going back to academia in 2006. In the 1970s, when most of today’s airline pilots like myself were growing up, piloting for an airline was considered a prestigious career. The job offered not only high salaries and nice schedules with many days off, but also a respected position in society. In the early 1990s, pilot

salaries approached $300,000 in today’s dollars for some international pilots. What’s more, during this time, the military had a steady and consistent demand for pilots. A young aspiring aviator could go into the military to receive all of his or her flight training. Once these pilots had fulfilled their military commitment, they were almost guaranteed a good job flying for a major airline. Today, this is no longer the case. The career of the airline pilot has lost its luster. This is due in part to deregulation. The 1978 Airline Deregulation Act kicked off the era of the low-cost carrier. As a result, airlines such as Pan-Am went out of business.

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Joint operation intercepts vessels with Haitian nationals

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – A joint maritime operation between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos Islands (OPBAT), and the United States Coast Guard on the weekend, resulted in the apprehension of two Haitian Sloops in the southern Bahamas with a combined total of 162 Haitian nationals on board. The sloops were initially reported by the Defence Force Intelligence Section, in collaboration with The Bahamas Immigration Depart-

ment, to OPBAT, which deployed a helicopter to search for them. Confirmation of sightings were made by OPBAT, which, in turn, provided the Defence Force and the US Coast Guard with geographical locations of the sloops; the first being approximately 67 nautical miles west of Inagua and the second, 20 miles south of Inagua. The first sloop was subsequently intercepted by the Defence Force patrol craft,approximately 40 miles east of Ragged Island with 42 migrants on board.

CARICOM joins Japan in mourning flood deaths GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – The Caribbean Community has expressed condolences to the Government and People of Japan in the face of the tragic loss of life, widespread destruction and continuing suffering wrought by torrential rains and floods in Central and Western Japan. “The Caribbean Community conveys its heartfelt sympathies to the fami-

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

lies of those who lost their lives and the families of the missing. The Community also sympathizes with those displaced by the disaster, “ CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said in a message of condolence to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. “The Caribbean Community expresses its solidarity with the Government and

people of Japan at this moment of national grief, and is confident that the innate strength of the people of Japan will fortify them as the task of recovery and rebuilding begins,” the SecretaryGeneral added. Japan’s worst floods in three decades have left about 200 deaths and forced millions to evacuate as more than 500 millimeters of rainfall fell on the weekend.

Psychologists to assess firearm licence applicants

Chief Executive Officer, Firearm Licensing Authority, Shane Dalling, shows a demand map for ammunition among Jamaican firearm and ammunition dealers. KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA), Shane Dalling, says the organisation is currently holding discussions with two psychologists to assess applicants of firearm licences.

Dalling said this is part of the vetting process for persons who are applying for firearm licences. In addition, the CEO said a literacy test will be introduced for new applicants. “We believe persons should be able to read and write in order to be given

such an awesome responsibility of owning and carrying a licensed firearm,” he emphasized. Dalling said his management team believes these two steps will help with better selecting persons who are capable and responsible to keep firearms.

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Space Gym’s Kerwyn Clarke reclaims... From page 30 Gym) the lone competitor in the Welterweight category, Chatram Nagassar (Fitness 53) Bantamweight winner and the Heavyweight winner, Carlos Petterson who represented Home Gym. Usually, the showdown among the respective body building category winners would be hotly contested but owing to the earlier decision in the Heavyweight showdown, more than half of the fans had left the venue and this took with it the high energy levels that were being displayed by the various supporters of the respective athletes. As a matter of fact, there is also the usual comparison that is requested by the Judges and even the pose down to a choice of music by

the DJ, but none of this was done. In fact, the announcer, GBBFF President Coel Marks would normally announce the positions from the bottom before reaching to the overall winner; this too was not the case. Clarke was straightaway declared the Overall winner, the announcer was even asked to repeat himself as the transmission was not clear enough owing to the quality of audio which was a challenge all night. Earlier in the show, the Open Men’s Physique showdown between 2017 winner, Yannick Grimes (Space Gym) and the then dethroned Emmerson Campbelle (Fitness 53) saw the latter athlete turning tables on the former in a close battle to reclaim the crown.

The Ms Bikini competition was a three way tussle which saw Fitness Paradise’ Chadani Khan out posing the Space Gym duo of Angelina Barrones and Digiula De Souza to claim the top spot, trophy, Fitness Paradise hamper and Ministry of the Presidency cash prize of $100,000. Campbell and Clarke were also presented with $100,000 cash prizes from the Ministry of the Presidency by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Department of Sport, Melissa Tucker. GABBFF President Coel Marks commented on the issue of the judge’s decision: “Because we did our judges seminar and the upgrading, there are certain international compliance issue that we had with past shows that were corrected. We did have a lot

Tuesday July 17, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you were offered the opportunity to take a trip around the world, where you would see wonderful palaces and experience a timeless love affair, would you take it? TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today might be a bit difficult, because you aren't likely to be as productive as usual. You won't have much to say, and you'll feel sleepy and somewhat grumpy. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You certainly are in a strange mood today True, things have been going smoothly for the past few days, but be careful not to fool yourself. CANCER (June 21–July 22) It will be as though you're in a new, hopeful world today. The people you meet will be cordial and caring, and the future will seem like a bright, attractive place to live.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The day ahead should be excellent. You've been searching for meaning behind recent events. No doubt there have been a lot of changes both at work and at home. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You'll probably be perfectly in tune with the day ahead. Of course, there are days when it's tempting to run away from the reality of the moment and its hardships. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't even try to understand what's happening today, Sagittarius, because you won't be able to fathom it. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) This kind of strange day doesn't occur often. You no longer seem to know what you want. Work or time off? Redecorate your house or live in a beach shack?

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Because your tendency recently has been to brood over everything, Leo, a day like this can't be anything but beneficial. It has been difficult for you to find material satisfaction of late

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Do countries abroad represent real opportunities for you, Aquarius? This is a question that you'll soon have to answer. The grass may be greener on the other side of the world, but have you considered the possibility that it isn't?

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) There are days when you feel wonderful without being able to attribute the feeling to any real event. Of course, your rational mind will search for a reason for the happiness.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today won't be like most other days, Pisces. Look around and you'll see that people either have their heads in the clouds, are depressed, or seem to be trying to keep up a good front.

of upsets, a lot of patrons were not happy with the results but the judge’s decision is final. We’ll be having a forum to ventilate all these issues within the coming week; we’ll have an open discussion with all our patrons and judges to clarify. But there were a number of persons that were disappointed with the results, but there are things like I said before that we were non-compliant with in terms of our judging and those areas were rectified by virtue of hosting the seminar.” Marks noted that going forward athletes would be much more educated on what is expected on stage and concomitantly, patrons would also be more edified on what to expect when attending such shows. Marks also stated that the show was another success and the turnout was good. The resources garnered from the show would go towards assisting the athletes that would be attending the CAC Championships in Mexico, this month end. ”We’re very happy that we had a strong attendance and we are able to utalise the resources garnered here to make sure our athletes are comfortable when they go to fly that Golden Arrowhead abroad.” Among the sponsors were Fitness Express, Secure Innovations and Concepts, Ghandi’s Store and Zoon Business among others.

A World... From page 29 “I missed my birthday, Father’s Day, one daughter’s birthday and four school Sports Days while I was here, and I was not by any means the only one,” said Reuters Global Sports Editor Ossian Shine. “It has been a wonderful Reuters effort and a great World Cup, but I think we are all ready to go home now.”

Prize money revealed for each 2018 World Cup nation NBC Sports - Exactly $400 million will be dished out by FIFA in prize money to the 32 teams who competed in the 2018 World Cup, which is a $42 million increase from the tournament in 2014. With the winners getting $38 million and the runners up $28 million, the four semifinalists were the big winners with Belgium winning $24 million and England getting $22 million. The four teams who were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage each received $16 million, while the nations who reached the last 16 earned $12 million each. For simply qualifying for the tournament and reaching the group stage, the 16 teams who didn’t make it to the knockout rounds received $8 million. Below is a breakdown in full of which countries earned

what as France took home a cool $38 million as winners. List of prize money for 2018 World Cup $8 million: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Peru, Australia, Nigeria, Iceland, Serbia, Costa Rica, South Korea, Germany, Tunisia, Panama, Senegal, Poland (knocked out in group stage) $12 million: Portugal, Argentina, Mexico, Japan, Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Colombia (reached Round of 16) $16 million: Uruguay, Brazil, Russia, Sweden (quarterfinalists) $22 million: England (fourth) $24 million: Belgium (third) $28 million: Croatia (runners up) $38 million: France (winners)

PAGE 28

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

GFF Elite League Season III

Christian Coleman, Caster Den Amstel needle Buxton 1-0 Semenya win at IAAF Rabat in Sunday’s feature match Den Amstel Football Club (FC) continue to put pressure on the front runners Western Tigers FC and Fruta Conquerors FC after holding their nerves to needle Buxton United FC 1-0 in the feature match of Sunday’s triple header at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora. With the win, Den Amstel (12 games) are now tied on 26 points with Fruta Conquerors (11 games) at the top of the league table, while Western Tigers are third with 24 points (10 games). Center Forward Gideon Payne latched on the a low cross from left winger Jamal Pereira to fire the West Coast Demerara based club ahead in the sixth minute of the clash. Despite good attacking

Den Amstel’s goal scorer Gideon Payne football from both sides, another penetrating moment didn’t come in the remaining 84 minutes of the g a m e a n d P a y n e ’s g o a l proved the decisive strike. It was a quiet game for the free scoring Den Amstel team

whose goal difference of 20+ goals is only bettered by Fruta Conquerors FC that have a remarkable tally of 25+ goals in their 11 games played. League action continues Friday at the NTFC with two anticipated clashes between table languishers Ann’s Grove FC and New Amsterdam United FC who will both be looking for three points in their bid to avoid relegation in the opening match which kicks off at 19:00hrs. The feature match will pit current third place Western Tigers FC and the struggling Cougars FC from 21:00hrs. Admission to the venue is $500; women and children are free. Please see below current points table. (Calvin Chapman)

Action during Den Amstel’s (blue) 1-0 triumph over Buxton United On Sunday night at the NTFC.

Reuters - RABAT — American Christian Coleman returned from injury to run his fastest 100 metres of the season and claim victory ahead of an impressive field in a time of 9.98 seconds at the Diamond League meeting in Rabat on Friday. Coleman edged compatriots Ronnie Baker (9.98) and Noah Lyles (9.99) in a photofinish as he competed for the first time since late May, having struggled with a hamstring injury. The 22-year-old made a fast start out of the blocks and managed to hold off a late charge by Lyles. “It was a perfect night for me, good race and good time,” Coleman told reporters. “I could not be happier. I am not so surprised to win my first race (back from injury), even with such a great field because I was very fast in practice these last days. “When I was injured, I managed to maintain a good condition.” South African Caster Semenya smashed her own world leading time this year in the 1000m as she coasted home in 2:31.01, a Diamond League record and the sixth fastest time in history, but a little over two seconds shy of Svetlana Masterkova’s longstanding world record. “It was a very good race, but unfortunately it was not as fast as I expected,” Semenya said. Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba took advantage of the absence of Olympic champion Semenya in the women’s 800m to claim a comfortable victory in 1:57.90. Russian world champion Maria Lasitskene, unbeaten in her previous 45 high jump competitions dating back to

Caster Semenya opted to run at the IAAF Diamond League event in Morocco, instead of at the Athletics World Cup in London. (FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images) June 2016, saw her incredible winning streak ended by 2016 Olympic silver medallist Mirela Demireva of Bulgaria as she failed at 1.94m. “I am disappointed of course but these things happen,” Lasitskene said. “I lost myself. I had no problem, no injuries, it was just a bad day. Now I need to go back to training and work hard.” BIG IMPROVEMENT World champion Hellen Obiri shaved over five seconds off the leading time this year in the women’s 5000m as the Kenyan won in a time of 14:21.75. “I am very delighted for this victory, especially that I accomplished the world lead time in 2018,” Obiri said. “The race was fast and difficult, especially in the last lap.” Dutch runner Sifan

Hassan set a new European record of 14:22.34 as she finished second. Ethiopian indoor world champion Yomif Kejelcha ran the quickest time of the year in the men’s 3000m as he won in 7:32.93, a meeting record and almost three seconds quicker than compatriot Selemon Barega managed in Ostrava last month. Olympic champion Brianna McNeal claimed the women’s 100m hurdles in a meeting record time of 12.51, holding off fellow American Sharika Nelvis (12.58). Jamaican Akeem Bloomfield cruised to victory in the men’s 400m, while Olympic 400m champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas won the women’s 200m in a meeting record time of 22.29.

Christian Coleman won the 100m in a photo finish in Rabat, after returning from an injury he picked up in May. (FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images)

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Grass to be left on Providence track for Sunday’s ODI The outfield at Providence was lush green yesterday. (Sean Devers photo)

St Lucian Kent Crafton

Assistant Stadium Manager Mahinder Ghanshiam.

By Sean Devers Windies Skipper Jason Holder has called for quicker pitches for the home series against Bangladesh and according to Head Curator at Providence, Wazim Habib, the track for Sunday’s opening match of the three-match ODI series between Windies and Bangladesh will have some grass left on it to provide consistent pace and bounce. Habib informed that everything is on track with the pitch and ground preparations for Sunday’s ODI and the second one on Wednesday which is a day/night

game. “We will leave some grass on the pitch for Sunday which is one of the four relayed pitches here which will provide more consistent bounce than before but it should be good to bat on since it should be a true surface,” said Habib who began working on International pitches in 1998 at Bourda when England visited. He added that the outfield will be cut everyday from today before the first match, adding that the cutter is also used to roll the ground. St Lucian Kent Crafton is

CWI’s Regional Curator and travels to each venue to supervise the preparation of the pitches. “Two pitches will be prepared for two games here from among the new ones and the one for the night match will be rolled a bit more because of the expected dew. I am confident that we will have two good pitches that will assist the pacers but at the same time be good for playing through the line without having to worry about balls keeping low,” said Crafton. Beyond the boundary

preparations are also completed with some minor finishing touches like repainting the outside off the stands. “All the major things have already been dealt with. The wash rooms have been checked and are in working order and fully functional, while the lines for internet has already been put in place by the GTTs guys including the Media Centre. The CWI IT guy will connect, test sometime this week, while the floodlights have been tested and will be tested again on Thursday,” stated Assistant Stadium Manager

Mahinder Ghanshiam. Ghanshiam disclosed that the all documentation between the Cricket Guyana and the Stadium has been completed, adding that the replay screen should be at the venue by Friday. “The Stadium is always in a state of readiness for Mayor Events since maintenance work is ongoing via the Sports Ministry. We also have the CPL starting here from August 912 before returning on September 8 and 9 while the playoffs are set for September 11 and 12. The Guyana leg of the

Women’s World Cup is scheduled from November 9-17. So we are ready,” stated Ghanshiam. Tickets for the two games at Providence went on sale from yesterday at the GCB office on Regent Street Bourda, while the teams are scheduled to arrive tonight. The Guyana matches have not been aggressively promoted by CGI, while new NCN Marking Manager Dellon Murray said the State owned Radio and Television station will not be carrying Radio commentary or broadcasting the game on TV.

A World Cup win - in logistics and safety (Reuters) When France beat Croatia 4-2 in the 2018 World Cup final in Moscow, it marked a second triumph for the French, and the culmination of more than 18 months of planning by Reuters to cover the world’s biggest sporting match. The Summer and Winter Olympics feature more events and require a larger reporting budget, but the sheer size of Russia and its 11 host cities from the exclave of Kaliningrad in the west to Ekaterinburg in the east made the month-long World Cup tournament the most complex sporting event to cover logistically in the history of Reuters, said Declan Niall, editorial logistics manager for Reuters in Europe and the Middle East. “It required us to be very nimble on the ground,” he added. The logistics included figuring out accommodation and travel for 140 members of the Reuters staff, including about 25 writers, 44 photographers, 32 video journalists and 14 members of the broadcast team. To deliver coverage from the 64 matches in 12 venues

along with hundreds of stories from dozens of team base camps, Reuters staff stayed in more than 3,200 hotel rooms, flew on 750 flights and took at least 50 train trips. All of that travel went off without a hitch, Niall said. Reuters journalists typically arrived two days ahead of time to cover training and news conferences before each match. Rather than driving private cars or taking taxis in traffic-clogged Moscow, our reporters used the ultraefficient Metro to get to matches and press events. Extra measures were taken to ensure news and data remained safe from hackers. For the first time, Reuters implemented cyber security measures, briefing all its journalists involved with World Cup coverage on information security risk management. “Clean” laptops loaded only with programs essential to covering the tournament kept the chance of a software breach to a minimum. To make it easy to immediately connect with other Reuters journalists, the staff also received an iPhone preprogrammed with each colleague’s Russian contact

Members of the media are seen before the match at the World Cup soccer, Brazil vs Costa Rica at Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia, June 22, 2018 (REUTERS/Lee Smith/File Photo) information. The phones were also equipped with Mojo, a proprietary app Reuters uses to capture and deliver breaking news as video and photos. When a taxi hit pedestrians near the Kremlin on June 18,

photographers were able to shoot video until our TV crew arrived on site. Reuters reporting teams based in each city along with some far-flung training bases were the backbone of its World Cup coverage.

As the tournament progressed, countries were eliminated and host cities closed, the Reuters staff slimmed down. By the time France became world champions, a much leaner group of 40 Reuters journalists -

including locally based staff - were left to cover the final at Luzhniki Stadium. On Monday, the remaining Reuters journalists headed back to London after more than a month abroad. (Continued on page 27)

PAGE 30

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

Ninth annual GBTI Tennis Open launched The Guyana Bank of Trade & Industry (GBTI) has always been a good corporate Citizen, especially with their commitment to Sports development, and yesterday at GBTI Tennis Court in Bel Air the Bank launched its ninth Annual GBTI Tennis Open. GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda told the gathering that the Bank continues to stand resolutely behind the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association (GLTA) and was pleased to again sponsor this tournament. “Our association with this tournament began in the 1980s before returning in 2010. Since then we have been supporting the GLTA every year by sponsoring this tournament,” said Binda, who has been with the Bank for the last three years. She noted that GBTI’s main focus is on education but was quick to point out, sports and education work together. “Sports provide a forum

to develop a well-rounded person and it is very important in the life of any child. We are satisfied with this partnership and will continue supporting this tournament since we have seen the benefits derived from it,” Binda concluded. Cristy Campbell, one of the GLTA’s Vice-Presidents and one of the leading players on the local circuit, thanked GBTI for their continued support of Tennis and for making each tournament bigger and better than it was. Robin Singh, another Vice-President who heads the Guyana Baseball Association, said that nothing happens in Sports without sponsorship and was looking down the line partnering with GBTI. “A child without some area of sports in their life is an incomplete individual and I encourage everyone to get involved in Tennis or any other sports and reap the benefits of a long and healthy life,” Singh encouraged.

Director of Sports Christopher Jones applauded GBTI for providing the GLTA members the access of their beautiful Club for tournaments and training. “The NSC promotes sports but at a time when facilities for Tennis are not readily available, we commend GBTI for supporting the GLTA by providing a Court for them to compete,” said Jones who reminded that soon the Lawn Tennis Court at the National Gymnasium will be completed. Campbell informed that due to the inclement weather the tournament was postponed, adding that she was pleased that the competition finally commenced yesterday. Approximately 52 players will be in action in Boys, Girls, Ladies, Men, Over-35 and Over-45 categories with eight matches being played each day ending under lights in the evenings. Campbell also said that the GBTI also has a Court at Diamond on the East Bank

DS Christopher Jones serves to officially open this year’s tournament. where a ‘Summer’ Camp will be held shortly. The Director of Sports made the first serve to offi-

cially launch this year’s GBTI Tennis Open. Apart from Campbell, Anthony Downes, Godfrey

Lowden, Africa Gentle and Heimraj Raual are some of the top players in the various categories. (Sean Devers)

GABBFF Seniors 2018...

Space Gym’s Kerwyn Clarke reclaims Mr. Guyana crown - Fans show disapproval after heavyweight placing

Ms. Bikini winner, Chandani Khan (Fitness Paradise) Story and photos by Franklin Wilson The 2018 edition of the Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) ended with former Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke of Space Gym reclaiming the title from a field of five competitors but the show did not end in good taste for the faithful fans who turned up at the Parc Rayne Event Centre, Rahaman’s Turn, Houston, East Bank Demerara on Sun-

Category winners contesting the Overall from right, Chatram Nagassar (Fitness 53) Bantamweight, Marlon Bennett (Fitness 53) Masters and Lightweight, Caerus Cipriani (Life Gym) Welterweight, Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke and Carlos Petterson (Home Gym) Heavyweight.

day night last. The night got underway over 35 minutes late, after the scheduled advertised starting time of 19:00hrs and during the show fans had to be listening carefully for the posing routine announcements as the audio and at times lighting, was not of the best quality. Nonetheless, the faithful supported and tagged along as they lent some semblance of understanding to the circumstances but the tolerance

levels of the fans exploded when the results for the penultimate category (Heavyweight) was announced. The seven member judges’ panel, supervised by Chairman of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Judges Panel, Mr. Errol Williams of Antigua & Barbuda found themselves in unchartered territory more or less, given the fact that FIBB Judges standards had to be adhered to in its totality. Through the eyes of the

fans and athletes as well as media personal present, the final placing for the heavyweight class should have gone quite differently but the rules governing the sport had to be followed to the T, which would have not necessarily been the case in Guyana for the past two years or so. The move by the GABBFF to have the refresher course has certainly brought the sport in line with IOFBB Judges standards, painfully so, but in the long

run would redound to the benefit of the athletes; education would be key to ensure all stakeholders are brought up to speed. Kaieteur Sport would seek to enlighten all in a subsequent article. Back to the show, Clarke, as has been the case in his previous four championship wins, was in a class of his own as he waltzed to the Mr. Guyana title after first winning the Light Middleweight category in a two-way clash with elder statesman and a former

Mr. Guyana, Lindie Sharpe, representing the Universal Barbel Club. In his hey-day, Sharpe might not have been an easy walk over for the young Clarke, the latter was in pristine condition and it was an easy stroll into the Overall showdown which saw him coming up against 17-year veteran Marlon Bennett (Fitness 53) who won both the Masters and Lightweight Classes; Caerus Cipriani (Life (Continued on page 27)

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Balram Narine rides away Bramble’s men earn CWI big bucks with Franco Crawford 50th Consider Rutherford for Providence ODI against Bangladesh Birth Anniversary cycle race

Overseas based former national cyclist Franco Crawford presents the cheque to winner Balram Narine in the presence of other members and club officials. On a day blessed with brilliant sunshine, Balram Narine once again dominated proceedings when the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) held the Franco Crawford 50th Birthday Race. The event saw the riders peddling off from the junction of Main and Alexander Streets to the Bush Lot Gas Station on the Corentyne Coast before returning to its place of origin for the finish. The up and coming Narine, who has been in good form, covered the 45 miles event in a time of 1hr: 5 0 m i n u t e s . Tw o o t h e r youngsters in Donovan Fraser and Ralph Seenarine occupied the second and third spots. Veteran riders Syborne Fernandes and Daniel Mootoo came in fourth and fifth. The 12-14 Category was won by Jeremiah Joseph who got the better of Marion Washington. Calvin Persaud won the duel over Daniel Rigby in the event for Over-60 riders. They rode from New Amsterdam to Port Mourant and back.

Narine rode away with six of the eight prime point prizes up for grabs with Seenarine and David Hicks taking one each. The event pedaled off at 10:45 hrs and saw some 18 riders taking part. A four man bunch broke away early and held the lead for most of the race as they continued their tussle for dominance. However, Narine seized the opportunity over the last two miles to break away and ride home all alone. At the presentation ceremony, which was held immediately after at the Raj Sukpaul Gas Station, Crawford, who now resides in England, but is still a member of the FACC restated his earlier commitments of wanting to assist his countrymen as much as possible. Crawford, who has now established himself as a community activist and is also spreading the word of GOD, does not only assist cycling, but gives to other sports and community activities as well. Crawford stated that he is motivated to assist his

fellow Guyanese because he feels happy to be able to return to Guyana and give back to his home country and community. He remembered his early upbringing when he hadn’t a proper bike and gear to participate. He continues to be impressed by the talent that is available in Guyana. In addition to the respective winners every cyclist that participated in the race was presented with special prizes compliments of Crawford. Crawford, Randolph Roberts, executive member Eli Hazel and former National Boxing Champion Jeff Roberts and Proprietor Raj Sookpaul assisted with the presentation ceremony. Roberts and Hazel also expressed appreciation on behalf of the club. They once again used the opportunity to call on other past members, overseas based Guyanese and businessmen along with the Government to take a page out of Crawford’s book and assist the youths so that they could be kept away from the ills of the society and illicit activities.

Says Sean Devers The West Indies ‘B’ team led by Guyanese Keeper Anthony Bramble enjoyed a wonderful tournament in the Canada Dry Global T20 at the Maple Leaf Cricket Club in King City, Ontario, despite playing against a galaxy of International stars. The team, with an average age of 22, surprised many by reaching the Final with great team cricket before their worst performance in the tournament saw then being beaten by Chris Gayle’s Vancouver Knights. West Indies ‘B’ won their first four matches but lost the next two leading up to the finals. Vancouver Knights collected $500,000 Canadian dollars, while West Indies took home $250,000 in addition to earning Cricket West Indies some big ‘bucks’ for sending a team to the three-week tournament as one of the six teams. The tournament included 22 matches and according to Cricket Canada’s President Ranjit Saini the West Indies is a sponsor of the League and partnered to assist Cricket Canada in the conduct of the tournament and got a fee for sending a team. Brian Lara is the tournament Ambassador of a league owned by Mercuri Canada Limited which is run by Sriram Bakthisaran, an Indian entrepreneur. Mercuri signed a Masters License Agreement with Cricket Canada to own and operate the League for 25 years and is the sole owner of the League but aims to have investors buy five of the six teams next year. Cricket Canada will benefit by Mercuri paying an annual fee of US$500,000 for the first year with an increment of US$100,000 each year for the next five years. From the sixth year Cricket Canada will get

Sherfane Rutherford celebrates his fantastic ton in Canada. the stipulated fee or 10% of the gross profit or whichever is higher. Shahid Afridi, Dwayne Bravo, Chris Gayle, Chris Lynn, Lasith Malinga, David Miller, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy and Steve Smith were the marquee players and paid US$100,000 each. The others got from US$3,000 to US$90,000 but the player who made the biggest was Guyanese allrounder Sherfane Rutherford. The 19-year-old Rutherford scored the only century in the tournament with a sensational unbeaten 134 from just 66 balls and his 10 sixes equalled Evin Lewis’s 10 during his 96. Rutherford reached the boundary 17 times and cleared it on 19 occasions in compiling 230 runs and was only behind Simmons (23) and Andrew Russell (20) for the most sixes in the tournament. Rutherford scored more than any of his team mates although Nicolas Pooran (176), Justin Greaves (171), Fabien Allen (169), Brandon King (179) and Shamar

Springer (133) all scored fifties. Only 21-year-old St Lucian Obed McCoy, who had 11 with a best of 4-22 and 29-year-old Jamaican Derval Green with eight wickets, got more wickets than Rutherford’s seven for West Indies ‘B’. Only Lendl Simmons (321) and South African Erasmus van der Dussen (255) scored runs than the left-handed Rutherford who hails from Enmore and plays for DCC in the City. It won’t be such a bad idea to pick Rutherford in the squad against a not so strong Bangladesh side for the ODI series which starts on Sunday at Providence where he made his First-Class debut last year. The first two matches of the three-match series will be played in Guyana and if Rutherford is selected along with Kemo Paul and Shimron Hetymer this could help to galvanise a capacity crowd to provide the type of atmosphere which has been absent at any of the grounds which hosted matches involving Sri Lanka and Bangladesh this season.

Russell makes long-awaited... From page 31 Joseph, meanwhile, has returned to the side after recovering from a stress fracture which kept him out of competitive cricket for most of the year.The 21-year-old played the last of his 14 ODIs ten months ago on the five-match tour of England. Chief selector Courtney Browne said with the Windies scheduled to play 16 ODIs before the ICC World Cup in England next May, his panel would use the opportunity to continue their evaluation of players. “As we continue to pre-

pare, there are only 16 ODIs leading up to the tournament. The panel will focus on giving opportunities from time to time to players that we believe can add value to the ODI team,” said Browne. “With the Super50 Championship set for October this year, we will also have an opportunity for regional players to perform heavily and place themselves in line to be considered for selection.” As expected, the squad will be led by Test skipper Jason Holder and includes impressive 20-year-old pacer Keemo Paul and Test left-

hander Kieran Powell who has not played an ODI in over a year. The second ODI is also carded for Guyana on July 25 with the final match set for Warner Park in St Kitts three days later. West Indies swept the preceding Test series 2-0. SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Devendra Bishoo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Evin Lewis, Jason Mohammed, Ashley Nurse, Keemo Paul, Kieran Powell, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell.

PAGE 32

Tuesday July 17, 2018

Kaieteur News

CWI Regional U17 50-over tourney

Guyana inch closer to title with 31-run victory over Jamaica

Guyana skipper Sachin Singh picks up runs on the onside. (Zaheer Mohamed photos). By Zaheer Mohamed in Trinidad and Tobago in association with V NET Communications, Regal Stationery and Computer Centre, Mike’s Pharmacy and Bel Air Rubis Guyana moved closer to lifting the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional U17 50-over title following a 31-run victory Jamaica when the fourth round concluded yesterday in Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana were asked to bat on a moist Gilbert Park pitch and Sachin Singh and Navindra Persaud added 33 for the opening stand before Persaud was caught off Rajiv Redhi for six, while Yeudistir

Persaud poor run of form continued when he was bowled by Brandon English for two leaving the score on 38-2. Singh wasn’t afraid to play his shots and took boundaries off Akeel Hanchand before smashing Jemario Wint and Brandon English for sixes as he added 28 with Seon Glasgow. After hitting two fours Glasgow was taken at longleg off Romanie Jacob for 15, however Singh continued to time the ball well and put on 24 with Andre Seepersaud before the left-handed Singh who looked well set for his second half century of the tournament attempted to sweep Jacob and was lbw for 48; he faced 99 balls and

counted two fours and three sixes. Dwain Dick was then run out for 13 in a terrible mix up with Seepersaud before the latter shared in a 43-run fifth wicket stand with Leon Swami to prop up Guyana’s total. Swami was his usual aggressive self, hitting two fours and a six before he was caught off English for 25 which came off 26 balls in the latter stages of the innings. Seepersaud was lbw to Hanchand for 30 which came off 80 balls with a solitary boundary as Guyana managed 174-7. Jacob claimed 224 and English 2-37. Pacer Silvan Williams handed Guyana the breakthrough by uprooting the

Daniel Beckford top scored for Jamaica stumps of O’Neil Roberts without a run on the board. Daniel Beckford struck Williams and Sheldon Charles for fours and shared in a second wicket stand of 32 with Romaine Bennet who was removed by Dick for 11. Dick troubled the batmen with his steady line, however it was left arm spinner Niran Bissu and leg spinner Nigel Deodat who reaped further success for Guyana. Deodat removed Razack Williams for three before Bissu picked up three quick wickets; he had Lennox Simpson (14) and Joseph Simon (04) caught in the infield before Jacob was neatly stumped by Yeudistir Persaud without scoring as Jamaica

were restricted to 78-6. Beckford looked solid as timed the ball well and brought up his fifty off 113 balls with two fours, but wickets continued to fall at the other end with Seepersaud removing English and Redhi for nine and two respectively, leaving Jamaica on 105-8. Swamy then bowled Wintz, who played back to a good length ball, for six before Beckford and Hanchand put on 30 for the last wicket, however Swamy had Hanchand caught at long-off for one to seal victory for Guyana. Beckford finished unbeaten on 73; Jamaica were bowled out for 143 in 48.5 overs. Bissu captured 3-15 off

Niran Bissu fours overs, Seepersaud 2-17, Swamy 2-18, while Dick, Seepersaud and Williams had one each. At National Cricket Centre, Barbados beat Leeward Islands. Batting first Barbados posted 245-8 with Matthew Forde scoring 68, Antonio Morris 50 and Jayden Leacock 42. Leeward Islands were bowled out for 115 in reply. Jayden Hunte picked up three wickets and Nicholas Austin two. At Brian Lara stadium, Trinidad and Tobago beat Windward Islands. Guyana will now take on Barbados in the final round today at NCC and a win will guarantee them the title.

‘Reds’ Perreira looking forward to Berbice trip as Guest of the BCB Former Chairman of the Guyana National Sports Council and OECS Sport Director, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, is looking forward to his four-day stay in Berbice, as guest of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB). Perreira was invited by the BCB President Hilbert Foster three months ago and will conduct a wideranging programme aimed at identifying areas in need of development but the focus will be on the Senior Berbice clubs and their Youth development. He hopes to visit as many sports facilities in the Berbice area to get acquainted with the current infrastructure. He’s scheduled to arrive in Guyana tomorrow and will be met by BCB Secretary, Robby Saywack and former National Coach, Albert Smith. Perreira’s visit to Berbice

will not only focus on cricketing matters, since also on his agenda are meetings with the Mayors of New Amsterdam, Rose Hall Town and Corriverton along with the Regional Development Officer to share ideas about developing sport in Berbice. The Guyana-born International sports Commentator, who now resides in St Lucia, has already confirmed a fundraiser for the BCB with the assistance of popular Guyanese performer, Dave Martins, who has agreed to play free of charge at a venue and date to be decided by the BCB. All expenses associated with Martins’ band will be sponsored by Barons Foods Ltd. Perreira has also received commitments from several associations to stage exhibitions in the months of August, September and October, and is especially grateful to

Boxing, Rugby, Table Tennis, Basketball, Hockey and Body-building Associations who are committed to work with the Berbice authorities in staging the events. The Athletic Association has confirmed they will sponsor three 10Ks and possibly the same amount of 5Ks in New Amsterdam, Rose Hall town and Corriverton. Perreira hopes the Cycling and Volleyball Associations will also agree to stage exhibitions in the Berbice area. His first assignment will take place on tomorrow afternoon when he meets with young cricketers and o ff i c i a l s o f t h e We s t Berbice area. A gift of 24 clickers will be presented to the Berbice Cricket Board for distribution to umpires of the Berbice Umpires Association.

Reds makes a presentation to GCA President Roger Harper on a recent visit to Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 17, 2018

PAGE 33

Discount Store saddles ExxonMobil under-14 schools’ football with Guyana Cup 2018 Semifinal matches on today

Semifinal action between Dolphin Secondary (orange bibs) and New Campbellville during the former’s penalty victory last Saturday. CEO of Discount Store Ridwan Khan (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Roy Jaffarally, organising committee member of Guyana Cup 2018. The Guyana Cup Horserace meet 2018 is set to be the biggest in the event’s history with over $15 million in cash and prizes up for grabs. The August 19th event is gaining traction both locally and overseas with a few sponsors throwing their support behind the event and footwear giant Discount Store, which is based on Regent Street, has been the latest entity to get on board Guyana’s premier horserace meet. CEO of Discount Store, Ridwan Khan, handed over the sponsorship cheque recently to Organising Committee member of Guyana Cup 2018, Roy Jaffarally, in a simple presentation at the company’s office. Also throwing support behind the Guyana Cup recently have been Hand-inhand Insurance, Gizmos and Gadgets and Mazi nightclub of the USA. The programme of events for the day has

been released and as is customary, the C Class event is the main attraction. The day’s full race programme reads as follows: 1) C class and lower, 1600m. Total purse: $3,875,000 2) 3yr old Derby 1100M - purse: $2,000,000. 3) G1 and lower 1400M - purse: $1,550,000. 4) H3 and lower 1100M - purse $1,350,000. 5) 2yrs old Guyana Bred 1100M - purse: $680,000. 6) I class and lower 1400M - Purse: $581,000. 7) J3 and lower 1400M. Purse: $485,000. 8) L class 1400M - purse $390,000. 9) L class 1400M - purse $390,000. 10) L class 1100M – purse $290,000.

The finalists in the boys’ and girls’ final of the ExxonMobil under-14 schools’ football tournament will be decided today at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on CARIFESTA Avenue from 15:00hrs. The winners of the girls’ semifinal, which will be the first game being competed this afternoon between South Ruimveldt and La Penitence, will joining Charlestown Secondary in this Saturday’s final. Meanwhile, the boys’ semifinal will see tournament favourites Chase Academic Foundation facing a stern test when they clash with East Coast’s Buxton Youth Developers. The winner of that match will face North Ruimveldt in Saturday’s final at the MOE ground.

Russell makes long-awaited return, Samuels out ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Explosive allrounder Andre Russell is poised to play his first OneDay International in three years after being named in a 13-man squad for the threematch series against Bangladesh starting next Sunday in Guyana, but no place has been found for veteran right-hander Marlon Samuels.The 30-year-old Russell has not played since the tour of Sri Lanka back in 2015, with his availability having been further compounded by a year-long ban for an anti-doping whereabouts violation, which ruled him out of all competitive cricket last year. He returned at the start of the year and scored a hundred in the domestic Super50 Championship but

declined an invitation to participate in the World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe in March. A big-hitting lower order batsman, brilliant out-fielder and sharp seamer, Russell’s return has been highly anticipated and West Indies head coach Stuart Law said he was pleased to have the Jamaican back in the fold. “This is the start of our prep for the 2019 [Cricket World Cup], opportunities for players to stake a claim to be included in the squad,” Law said.“Great to have Dre Russ (Russell) back as well. His explosive power and energy will breathe life into an already motivated squad.”The 37-year-old Samuels is a conspicuous o m i s s i o n , h o w e v e r. A veteran of 199 ODIs, the

Jamaican stroke-maker was part of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers where he scored 231 runs at an average of 33. He along with superstar opener Chris Gayle are the most experienced members of the Windies ODI setup, which otherwise comprises a number of young players. Samuels is just one of several players who participated in World Cup Qualifiers, to be overlooked for the upcoming series. All-rounder Carlos Brathwaite, along with leftarm spinner Nikita Miller and seamers Kesrick Williams and Sheldon Cottrell, have all been ignored while Test seamer Kemar Roach has been rested.Speedster Alzarri (Continued on page 31)

Action between North Ruimveldt (on the ball) that defeated St. John’s College 1-0 in their boys’ semifinal match last Saturday.

Budhan Memorial Turf Club to stage August 26 Meet at Number 66 racetrack The Budhan Memorial Turf Club will stage a one day horserace meet on Sunday August 26 at their Number 66 Village, Corentyne Racetrack starting at 1:00pm. The organisers have informed that six races are carded for the day and over two million dollars in cash and trophies will be on offer for the outstanding performers. The main event is the race for J Class and Lower horses and the winner of that event will take away a $160,000 prize. Other races will see L Class and lower, the

2 years old non-winners Guyana bred horses, the Unclassified Division 1 and the Unclassified Division 2 and the Cow horses in action. The country’s leading J Class horses are expected to be on show during the main event and fans are promised a treat. The racetrack is in good shape as the weather pattern begins to change and an entertaining day at the races is promised. Entries for the race will close on Sunday August 19.

rt o p S GABBFF Seniors 2018...

P. 30

Space Gym’s Kerwyn Clarke reclaims Mr. Guyana crown - Fans show disapproval after heavyweight placing

PS Ministry of Education, Department of Sport, Melissa Tucker hands over the Overall prize to Mr. Guyana, Kerwyn Clarke.

Open Men’s Physique winner Emmerson Campbelle (Fitness 53) receives his prizes.

Ninth annual GBTI Tennis Open launched P. 30

Director of Sports Christopher Jones, Executives of GLTA, representatives of GBTI, Coach Nunez and players at the Launching yesterday at the GBIT Court. (Sean Devers photo)

Russell makes P. 33 Guyana inch closer to title with long-awaited return, 31-run victory over Jamaica Samuels out CWI Regional U17 50-over tourney

P. 32

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.