Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

PAGE 04

Wednesday July 18, 2018

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

CONCERNS ABOUT INFANT MORTALITY

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t is often said that a society is judged on how it treats its most vulnerable--the elderly and infants. But with 119 neonatal deaths recorded at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) between June 2017 and June 2018, it is obvious that our society has not done a good job. In this period, there were 6409 live births and 119 neonatal deaths at GPH. While GPH is the only public hospital in the country that is capable of providing neonatal care with invasive breathing support, the high infant mortality rate is worrying. The fact that there were 35 neonatal deaths in the first four months of the year is alarming, yet there are no investigations. The Minister contends that the high rate of infant mortality is because the hospital receives the sickest infants. Even if it is the case, the question remains as to what is causing the sickness of the infants in the first place and what measures are taken by the Ministry of Public Health to solve with problem. Today, Guyana continues to experience one of the highest infant death rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, despite some progress in the last two decades. Although the child death rate has fallen in the last few years, except for Haiti, no other country in the Caribbean had a maternal death rate higher than Guyana. Grenada which has an economy that is about a third of Guyana's economy has an infant death rate that was a fifth of Guyana. Infant mortality should be of concern to everyone. It is one death too many for the country whose population hovers around three-quarters of a million people. In 2013, the Ministry of Health embarked on a new strategy called Health Vision 2020, which outlined the country's priorities towards achieving the Millennium Development Goal of reducing the neonatal mortality rate of 29 deaths per 1,000 live births by 10 percent and the under-five mortality rate of 35 deaths per 1,000 live births to 20 deaths per 1,000 live births. The 119 child death figure is low when the goal is taken into consideration. The figure of 29 deaths per 1,000 live births works out to 174 for the number of live births. It is estimated that 32 out of every 1,000 babies died by their first birthday which is almost double the average for the Caribbean and Latin America. However, the under-five mortality rate of 35 deaths per 1,000 live births has declined consistently since 2000. Neonatal mortality rate is the number of new-born babies who die within months of their birth,and the underfive mortality rate is the number of infants who die before reaching age five. While the decrease in the under-five mortality rate is encouraging, it has not yet reached the country's target of 20 deaths per 1,000 live births as defined by Millennium Development Goal. In the last decade, the most prominent known causes of death for children below the age of five years were prematurity, birth asphyxia, congenital anomalies, neonatal sepsis, malaria, pneumonia, among others. Respiratory disorders–problems with breathing–account for 31 percent of all child deaths between birth and twelve months. At the core of these problems is insufficient public investment in healthcare, poor-quality healthcare services, poverty, low educational attainment among women, limited access to needed services and poor coordination of healthcare services. Fortunately, there are simple steps the government can take to resolve these challenges and ensure the provision of sufficient, quality and affordable healthcare services to reduce child deaths.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

Comparing and contrasting the CSME and EU DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me as I indulge in comparing and contrasting the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the European Union (EU). I’ll start with the EU. The EU is a political and economic union of 28 member states soon to be 27 with the imminent withdrawal of Great Britain - that are located primarily in Europe. The EU has developed an internal singular market through standardised systems of laws that apply in all member states. EU policies aim to ensure the free movement of people, goods, service and capital

within the internal market, enact legislation in justice and home affairs and maintain common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries and regional development. Within the Schengen Area passport controls have been abolished. A monetary union was established in 1999 and came into full force in 2002 and is composed of 19 EU member states which use the euro currency. The European Union provides more foreign aid than any other economic union. Covering 7.3% of the world population, the EU in 2017 generated a nominal GDP of 19.67 trillion US dollars, constituting approximately

24.6% of global nominal GDP and 16.5% when measured in terms of purchasing power parity. Additionally, 27 out of 28 EU countries have a very high Human Development Index, according to the United Nations Development Programme. As I highlighted earlier, Britain will be leaving the EU in March 2019. This is down to the arrogance of David Cameron. Say what you may about the EU, but it has been an economic and political success since member states all subscribed to it. I have experienced both the good and the bad of the EU, but EU member leaders all champion one cause - to make the EU a

resounding success. I will now turn to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CSME is an integrated development strategy envisioned at the 10th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) which took place in July 1990 in Grand Anse, Grenada. The Grand Anse Declaration had three key Features: 1. D e e p e n i n g economic integration by advancing beyond a common market towards a Single Market and Economy. 2. W i d e n i n g t h e membership and thereby (Continued on page 5)

An ever-present Bharrat Jagdeo is creating a headache for his critics DEAR EDITOR, Ta c u m a O g u n s e y e , interestingly, writes about trying to maintain political objectivity while, at the same time, he pronounces definitively on the “hope harboured” by Bharrat Jagdeo prior to the CCJ ruling in the third term case. This is only one of the more curious points in his last letter. He was also definitive in saying that the CCJ ruling provided “tremendous relief to a large number of the populace” and I am curious as to what is definition of large is, surely his views on ‘largeness’ are distorted. Ogunseye was even more definitive in insisting that an “impartial observer will conclude” that Bharrat Jagdeo was behind the third term case. I beg to insist that impartial observers do not

pronounce conclusions on anything without some modicum of evidence. I wrote before to say that with all the talk about how terrible Bharrat Jagdeo is, you would think that the Caribbean Court of Justice ruling would have ended the sometimes hostile commentary you see in the newspapers. But it seems that this is not to be. Ta c u m a O g u n s e y e chooses to say now that the supporters of Bharrat Jagdeo “are contending that his critics and the coalition are fearful of him winning the 2020 elections” and that this is a “misplaced view” and that “the contention that Jagdeo is unbeatable” is wrong. Curiously enough, he goes on to say that in his judgment Jagdeo would have been an easier candidate for the APNU+AFC Coalition to

defeat. Editor, like I said before, the focus on Bharrat Jagdeo continues because, while the APNU-AFC Government could have gotten ‘help’ in the case before the Caribbean Court Justice, they cannot do anything about the fact that he is still around and active in local politics. Tacuma Ogunseye seems to substantiate this view of mine because after saying that Bharrat Jagdeo would be an easy candidate for the APNU+AFC to defeat at an election— he kept repeating this point. He goes on to warn that if Bharrat Jagdeo is involved it will “mobilize and galvanize coalition supporters to turn out and vote massively against” the PPPC.He further adds that Bharrat Jagdeo is “signaling that he intends to use every means at his disposal to

regain the seat of President of Guyana which he so badly craves” – all without evidence. It is worth repeating that Guyanese may be seeing these unsubstantiated comments, because what irks the government side so much is that the Caribbean Court of Justice win is only a half-win of sorts because they cannot altogether get rid of Bharrat Jagdeo. Jagdeo himself has said that he will be around. He said he will be on the campaign trail leading to the 2020 Elections. He said he will be part of the next government. The supporters of the PPP/C have the reassurance that his skills and experience will be available to the next PPP/C government. Regards, Baldeo Mathura

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

This is my final intervention on the Guyana Prize DEAR EDITOR, According to the Stabroek News Editorial on the Guyana Prize, “the debate has strayed off course” (July 11, 2018). I was constrained to respond to false notions that kept reappearing in the press, and I still am; but what appears below as my final intervention, includes statements I had already planned to make but had to suspend in order to write necessary responses. 1. What is the track record of the Guyana Prize? Has it been carrying out its functions and objectives? These functions and objectives begin with a quotation from a poem made by President Desmond Hoyte as a justification for founding the Prize and funding it from scarce resources. The following is the poem, which has been widely quoted, attributed to 13th Century Persian poet Muslihuddin Saadi, but according to the Paris Review, some sources cite the Classical Greek physician Hippocrates as possible author. If thou of fortune be bereft And in thy store there be but left Two loaves, sell one and with the dole Buy hyacinths to feed thy soul.

The Prize, therefore, represents the importance placed by the state upon its literature, its cultural output, which is measured in value equal to its economic well-being, and cannot be measured in a counting house of materialism, cannot be weighed in dollars and cents. The Stabroek Editorial calls it “priceless’. The Prize, the leading one of its kind in the Caribbean, has won the nation of Guyana high levels of respect, admiration and praise from international circles for the profundity of vision that founded it; for its continued existence. Foremost literary critic, scholar, poet and artist Stewart Brown, who was a judge in the Guyana and Caribbean Prizes commented on the magnitude of the contribution made by Guyana in the face of economic challenges, comparing it to his home city, Birmingham, whose literary authorities were arguing over a sum of money to be allocated to a literary festival. “The amount of money they were asking for was, really, so small – half that devoted to the Guyana Prize – in Britain, in the English second city, with a population several times that of Guyana and, by comparison, massively wealthy. I couldn’t help but make the compari-

son between that reluctant, carping, petty-minded version of state patronage and the vision, the essentially Caribbean generosity of spirit, that underpins the Guyana Prize.” This invaluable institution has continued consistently since 1987, with only one cycle missed because of Carifesta 2008. It has helped to give Guyanese literature international stature, reputation, exposure, uniqueness and identity. It has made Guyana a leader in the Caribbean as the birthplace of Carifesta and the Guyana Prize. 2. What has it done for Guyanese Literature, its development and its writers? The Guyana Prize has helped to take Guyanese literature to a prominent place on the world stage. Since 1987 it has been a companion to the development of the literature through the extra exposure given to the foremost celebrated writers who have been winners and most significantly, to new writers who have emerged and risen to prominence since then. Leading Guyanese writers of world fame have won the Prize. With each victory, such writers have enhanced their reputations but at the same time validated the Prize and given additional international

recognition and attention to the literature of Guyana. These winners have included Sir Wilson Harris, Martin Carter, Roy Heath, Ian McDonald, Pauline Melville, John Agard and Michael Gilkes. But the Prize has been responsible for the discovery and rise to international prominence of several others who are now internationally recognised, but who were unknown or first time emerging writers when they first entered their work in the Guyana Prize. It was through the exposure given to them, and the encouragement, that they climbed the ladder to become the highly decorated world writers that they are today. David Dabydeen, for instance, had never written a novel before when he won the Guyana Prize with his first work of fiction, The Intended, in 1992. Fred D’Aguiar won the Prize for Poetry with his very first collection of poems, Mama Dot, as a totally unknown writer in 1987. Then the Guyana Prize actually launched his career as a novelist when he entered his first novel, The Longest Memory, and won the Prize for the Best First Book of Fiction in 1994. Other writers who grew to the status of the prominent Guyanese authors that (Continued on page 6)

Comparing and contrasting the CSME and ... From page 4 expanding the economic mass of the Caribbean Community (e.g. Suriname and Haiti were admitted as full members in 1995 and 2002 respectively). 3. P r o g r e s s i v e insertion of the region into the global trading and economic system by strengthening trading links with non-traditional partners. What can the CSME learn from the EU? To begin with, the CSME is in its infancy. Still evolving. For it to be as successful as the EU, the 12 member state leaders need to buy into in and be prepared to sell it to their people. I’ve lived in the UK for nearly 15 years and apart from the far right party, UKIP, our successive leaders have been promoting the EU. This does not mean that there aren’t problems with the EU, but member states work as a unit to resolve these issues. Comparing that to the evolving and now developing CSME, I’ve heard the Prime Minister of Antigua recently stating that Guyanese and Jamaican nationals are a burden to the Antiguan economy. A statement like that does not augur well for CSME. How can we have free movement of people and goods when leaders are

viewing member states as burdens? Should these leaders not be setting the tone for their nationals? Unfortunately, such utterances will only promote insularity among member states. We will never be a success like the EU. Antigua is not an isolated state with this xenophobic view of integration. It was only recently I was speaking with a good friend in Trinidad. He is an Indo-Guyanese, and what he described to me made for very difficult listening. I will highlight some of his experiences and concerns by his employers. - Lack of Equal Opportunity in terms of training, overseas training, sponsorship of training to local institutions - Lack of promotion - Different yardstick in performance measurement - Unequal payment (lack of extra duty or additional duty allowance) - Discrimination in the workplace - Victimisation in the workplace Exclusion from committees where you can make a meaningful contribution -Promotion of lesser qualified candidates ahead

without an interview -Nepotism and favouritism - Daily reminder by his colleagues that his time is up. Guyanese have also been having problems in Barbados, where quite a few were deported last year. As a matter of fact, discrimination against Guyanese has been a common problem throughout the Caribbean. None of our leaders, present and past seem to want to take an assertive stand against such action. This is very unfortunate.I think for the CSME to be a success we need to move away from this insularity. I would humbly suggest that member states get active feedback from their nationals in foreign Caribbean islands. This will inform recommendations to make CSME better. I also believe like

the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), we should develop a Caribbean Employment Tribunal that Caribbean nationals can apply to for employment redress. I think we as a Caribbean community should see each other as one. As brothers and sisters. As common victims to European exploitation. Unless we do this, we are destined to be the Caribbean Community that always looks to the West for financial aid. That would be a shame, since we proudly boast of independence. With foreign aid comes foreign demands which may not always be in our best interest. Dr Mark Devonish MBBS MSc MRCP(UK) Consultant Acute Medicine Nottingham University Hospital UK

It would appear that we have now entered a new era of diplomacy and int’l relations DEAR EDITOR, We are so much embroiled with our domestic politics that we sometimes lose focus on some of the bigger issues playing out at the regional and international level. Cuba, for instance, is moving towards a modernization of its political structures with the introdu c t i o n o f some significant constitutional and structural changes such as presidential term limits and the creation of the Office of a Prime Minister. These are indeed forward looking developments and speak to an evolving process of democratic renewal at the political and governance level. Another significant development at the hemispheric level is the recent victory of the pro-labour government headed by Manuel Obrador in the recent Mexican elections. President-elect Obrador promised to stamp out corruption, revitalize the economy and create a more equitable society. He also promised significant cuts in salaries of those in the top echelons in the government hierarchy, including his own presidential salary, which other governments in

the region, including Guyana, would do well to emulate. Then there is the ongoing trade war involving the United States, China and western Europe. The IMF has already warned that the impact of this war could potentially slow down global economic growth and impact negatively on the economies of the countries involved. At the political and diplomatic level, we are witnessing a new approach to diplomacy by President Trump which is not only unorthodox and unconventional, but which is generating great unease among the United States allies, in particular those in Western E u r o p e a n d Canada. President Trump’s recent meetings with British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Queen during an official visit Britain has been highly criticized by the international media as a departure from the norms of civility and decorum. It would appear that we have now entered a new era of diplomacy and international relations in which personalities rather than institutions and national interests are being emphasized. Hydar Ally

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Wednesday July 11, 2018

This is my final intervention on the ... Government can buy the Berbice 1. Created through the UG Library, the largFrom page 5 tect their interests? they are today developed their career as first est, most extensive and elaborate exhibition River Bridge types. The Berbice River Bridge I understand that the of Guyanese Literature, Guyanese writers and time writers in the Guyana Prize. Cyril Dabydeen is an outstanding example of one who submitted entries in his early career until he eventually won the Best Fiction in 2006. There are others who came to notice when they won the First Book Prize and developed considerably thereafter. Prominent examples are Berkley Semple, Brian Chan, and Maggie Harris. Still, in addition to those are new contributors to Guyanese literature who were previously totally unknown as authors and whose work gained from the exposure of winning the First Book award. Examples of these are Gokarran Sookhdeo with the novel The Silver Lining and Clive Sankardyal with Brown Curtains. Were it not for the Guyana Prize, the works of all these new and unknown writers might have remained unknown with a small readership and not enriched the reputation of Guyanese literature as they have now done.These are Guyanese writers and Guyanese literature in the international community. The cases of writers living in Guyana have already been detailed in previous letters. 3. What innovations, what new developments has the Prize created? It is to be remembered that this is a literary prize awarded to the best writing that has been produced. While the Commonwealth Foundation always seeks ways of helping to develop Commonwealth writing and the OCM Bocas has an elaborate complementary programme, none of the large leading Literary Prizes get involved in any other activities. But the Guyana Prize recognised its role as not only a rewarder of good literature but an encourager, a promoter and a developer of it in the context of Guyana and the Caribbean. It has therefore put into practice many events and activities and has planned others as substantial contributions to Guyanese and Caribbean literature, public awareness and education.These include the following.

Guyana Prize entries and winners ever assembled. 2. This has been exhibited in Guyana and at Carifesta in Haiti 2015, Barbados 2017 and at the Inter Guianas Festival in French Guiana 2014. 3. Created, with the Dept. of Culture and the National School of Drama, the annual National Poetry Slam. 4. Established and staged the National Literary Festival (to continue in 2018) 5. Revived and staged the Martin Carter Lecture Series 6. Revived and staged the Edgar Mittelholzer Lecture Series 7. Held several writers’ workshops. 8. These workshops have not been sufficient, so, with the Dept. of Culture, established the full courses in Creative Writing – Fiction, Poetry and Playwriting at the National School of Drama. 9. Has planned a Masters in Guyanese Literature for offering at the University of Guyana.Literary Prizes do not publish. They generally leave the complex and costly business of publishing to the publishers. Because of the Guyana situation, it always comes up whether the Guyana Prize should not be publishing unpublished winners, publishing works generally, and even ensuring that winning works are circulated so Guyanese can read them. Truly, that is somewhat beyond the Prize. Yet, because of its developmental role, the Prize took these things seriously.Where publishing is concerned, there was action. When the Caribbean Press was established, part of its mandate was to provide a good publishing house that would publish local writers, and many were published. Attention was then to be turned to Guyana Prize winners. But the Caribbean Press has not continued. Yours faithfully Al Creighton

DEAR EDITOR, As a kid growing up in Skeldon/Corriverton, I was among the many people of that area who dreamt of the day when there would be a bridge across the Berbice River, because crossing by ferry was a big hassle and took many hours. Today, I am pleased that this dream has become a reality. Building this bridge was a great feat. There is no question that it has brought huge relief for Berbicians and other travelers. Time is money. By cutting commuting time to and from Region 6 significantly, the bridge is worth its weight in gold. Let us give Jack his jacket. The Bharrat Jagdeo Government and the private sector deserve credit for taking up the challenge to build the bridge. It was a novel initiative based on a unique private and public sector partnership at a time when Guyana did not have the money to pay for such a project.I understand that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI) is now saying that it is almost bankrupt and wants to increase the tolls in order to do maintenance work on the bridge, cover operation costs and pay dividends to shareholders.But, from what I recall from the early talks about the bridge between private sector investors and the Jagdeo Government, the Berbice Bridge tolls were never intended to be similar to the tolls for the Demerara Harbour Bridge; they were to be comparable to the ferry rates for various vehicle

BBCI needs funds to recover its investments, pay dividends and to fulfill its responsibilities. I empathise with this; but the toll increases will be hard for the average Guyanese to pay and could very well damage the psyche of the people and cause great hardship for everyone. There is a stalemate, because this Government has taken a firm position not to approve any increases to the bridge tariffs and has also declared the intention to fulfill a campaign promise to reduce the tolls. This is a tough situation, but there is a solution.I have a suggestion: Government should buy the Berbice River Bridge. A lot of wealth is expected in Guyana from the oil industry and from other natural resources. This puts Government in an ideal position to get one or more loans and use other financial tactics to buy the bridge. I am sure that the European Union or a government from a great nation like India or China would be interested in giving a loan or grant so that our Government can buy the bridge from the private sector, in the interest of assisting Guyana’s national development.If Government buys the bridge, its operations and maintenance can then be subsidised with taxpayers’ money, just like what is being done with the Demerara Harbour Bridge, whereby Government’s input allows travellers to pay an affordable fee to cross the river. The tolls for the Berbice River Bridge can be higher than those for the Demerara Harbour Bridge and it can be subsidised by taxpayers’ money. Think about it. If Government buys it and it belongs to the Guyanese people, why can’t the people’s money be used to subsidise it to pro-

is vitally important to our country and people. I remember back in the day crossing by ferry involved all kinds of skullduggery and corruption. People who had influential friends to manipulate the system got priority in crossing. Others were inconvenienced and embarrassed. Today, travelling over the Berbice River has been reduced from three to four hours to just one to two minutes. Consider that for a moment. As one of those who suffered in those times, I view the Berbice River Bridge as a great blessing. I, along with many others who use the bridge regularly, know how much it has benefitted the county of Berbice and would like to see it kept in place and functioning well. Buying the bridge is a big step but Government can do it. Everyone will win. Travel will continue to be hassle free; Government will be praised for doing something to generate commerce and dynamise the economy; and the investors will recover their investment and earn a reasonable return. Even though I compliment the private investors and the Jagdeo administration for making the bridge a reality, I respect the fact that this is a different Government with a new vision. But I believe this Government has the interest of our people at heart, so I urge them to consider my suggestion carefully. All power, success, achievements, progress, comes from the heart and from the thoughts. I am calling on the Government to use positive thoughts, think wisely and think big to help the people of our country reach our rightful destiny of peace and prosperity. Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr.

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Wednesday July 11, 2018

Gold Board to test new mercury burning equipment this week

The new equipment at the Crown Street headquarters of GGB. The new headquarters

General Manager, Eondrene Thompson

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he Guyana Gold Board (GGB) is as suring that the highest safety measure will be taken in the burning of gold at its new facility. GGB’s new Crown Street office is currently being retrofitted to install new mercury control equipment and a laboratory that meets occupa-

tional health and safety standards for the burning of gold, General Manager, Eondrene Thompson, recently told the Department of Public Information (DPI). The equipment, which was vetted by a Pan American Health Organisation/ World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO) team, will be live tested during this week, Thompson said. The equipment is meant to extract mercury-laced air from the burning room, clean it through a two-tiered process before releasing mercury free air t h r o u g h a c h i m n e y . Thompson added the GGB will ensure stricter vigilance in ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) is used at all times

by staff and twice daily readings from the mercury control system are done. ”I am very confident that this will work because the daily checks will be in place, the equipment to ensure that if there is any emission it will give the indication and we will immediately stop burning.” The GGB has also been meeting with residents in the vicinity of the facility to personally give assurances. “I will never ever want any mercury emission to be affecting this community,” Thompson stressed. The Gold Board ceased burning gold at its Brickdam complex back in April following higher than expected mercury emissions. The site has been successfully cleaned and a PAHO/WHO team

found no threatening levels of mercury remaining. The GGB said that it is continuing to utilise the services of one of its dealers in the burning of gold until the new facility comes online. Thompson said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Labour will be evaluating and signing off on the new facility to ensure safety and other measures are met. The GGB will also be putting systems in place to ensure that clients can observe the burning of gold without being in the burning room. This is according to a recommendation by the PAHO/ WHO team, Thompson explained. Several staffers of GGB

and from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission at the Brickdam compound were sent home earlier this year after test found that had high mercury levels. The government had sus-

pended mercury burning activities, hired an overseas expert and conducted tests. It was decided also to move the GGB headquarters from Brickdam to Crown Street.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

IMF wants review of Guyana’s mining tax regime

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a call for a comprehensive review of Guyana’s mining tax regime. The Fund believes that such a review would provide a good basis for introducing a generally applicable fiscal regime for future investment for mining. In a report to the government, the IMF said that the review could have several features which can be subject to a further assessment. In this regard, the Fund said that the government could consider having artisanal gold miners subject to an escalating royalty plus service and permit fees. It said that given the prominence of artisanal gold miners in Guyana and the simplicity of the current royalty structure, a mining rent tax

should only be considered for larger more sophisticated mines. That said, the Fund opined that at higher gold prices, the government should take a greater share of the profits from all gold producers. For larger gold mines, the Fund said that the future tax regime should see the retention of a five percent royalty while replacing the escalating royalty with a mining rent tax. According to the Fund, this could allow more revenue to be earned from larger mines with a smaller negative impact on investment. The Fund said that it would be difficult to make such a large change in the current structure of mining taxation without creating disputes with foreign mining companies in possession of a mining agreement that in-

cludes a stability clause. As a result, the Fund said that the relevant legislation could be amended to clearly specify the tax and royalty treatment of all future mines. The international body stressed that existing mines with a mining agreement that includes a stability clause could be given a one-time irreversible opportunity to opt-in to the new regime. The Fund said that tariffs should be eliminated on capi-

tal goods and other business inputs for all businesses, not just those foreign-owned businesses with the ability to negotiate preferential provisions in a mining agreement. The Fund said that such a change would greatly simplify the current administrative approach of exemptions and annual Investment Development Agreements, while improving the competitive position of domestic businesses and increasing productivity and economic growth rates more generally. Further to this, the Fund said that in the case of Value Added Tax (VAT), in lieu of exemptions for for-

eign-owned businesses, the Guyana Revenue Authority should commit to processing and paying all input tax credit refunds in a timely manner. The Fund said that such a change would allow businesses to quickly clear their importations through the port of entry by paying the VAT up-front, with the confidence that refunds would be expedited. It is worth exploring the scope to design the VAT policy in ways that reduce the cash flow pressures from mining and petroleum operations (perhaps by applying a reverse charge mechanism or a deeming rule); since their exported

supplies are zero-rated there is no revenue at stake (other than ensuring there is no leakage stemming from abusing VAT exemptions). The Fund also stated that VAT registration should be made available to all mining or petroleum companies with an exploration or production license. Regardless of whether the business is currently making taxable supplies or whether all future outputs are likely to be zero-rated exports, the Fund noted that the core benefits of a VAT include the non-taxation of business inputs during the exploration and development phase.

JURY EMPANELLED

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12-member mixed jury was yester day empanelled to decide on the evidence in the trial of Sudesh Rambhajue who is charged with attempting to murder Latchman Narine Persaud. Rambhajue, who had no legal representation appeared before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Georgetown. Particulars of the first charge against him alleged that on September 18, 2015, he unlawfully wounded Persaud, with intent to murder him. Additionally, Prosecutors Tiffiny Lyken, Seeta Bishundial and Narissa Leander pre-

sented an alternate indictment against Rambhajue. That charge alleged that on the same day, he wounded Persaud with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, or to maim, disable or disfigure him. Both offences occurred in the County of Demerara. Rambhajue pleaded not guilty to both charges. Justice Reynolds granted him until next week Monday to retain a lawyer. His trial is also expected to commence then. The attempted murder accused is out on bail.

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any Guyanese are today living in fear. There is nothing that they can do to reduce or remove this fear. Citizens are afraid of venturing outdoors in the evening because of the threat of banditry. They are afraid of becoming yet another victim of Guyana’s raging crime wave. Going out is a game of lottery. You do not know whether you will be the next victim of crime. People therefore are going out less because even places, which used to be safe are no longer safe. A few nights ago, a doctor and another person went to a reunion event in the city. An event, which should have been a happy one, was turned into a nightmare for two persons. When they were returning to their vehicle, they were attacked and robbed. This happened at an

event attended by hundreds of persons and which had police security. So if the bandits are so brazen to rob persons at such an event, how can any citizen feel safe venturing to attend public events? How more unsafe can Guyana become when bandits can pounce of persons returning to their vehicles from a well-attended event? No wonder nightclubs and bars are complaining about a decline in patronage. People are afraid of going out. They are afraid of being robbed and mugged. The danger is not just to your person. A letter writer wrote a letter about a relative of his going to the fish-market at Meadow Bank recently only to return to a vandalized vehicle. Moreover, this was in broad daylight. Therefore, you are being robbed even at the market.

People are afraid to go to the bank lest they be followed and robbed of their money. When persons leave their home to go to the market, shop or to work, they are not sure when they return home whether everything will be intact. They do not know who is watching their movements and preparing to break-in and to deprive them of their hardearned possessions. It is therefore not safe to go out and it is not safe to leave your home. But the danger is not just outdoors. People do not feel safe even at home. The situation has become so bad that persons are even afraid of sitting in the yards. They lock themselves indoors because they are afraid of bandits invading their yards and forcing access into their homes. The partly decomposed

DEM BOYS SEH

He own people plucking Granger tail feather

Drugs is always big business. Cocaine is de biggest. Then dem got ganja second. Pharmaceuticals third. Jagdeo had Babbie Ramroop and he is a doctor. Dem do de gods wid drugs. Dem bring in and fix dem own price. Dem boys remember three weeks before elections, Jagdeo give Babbie US$12 million drug contract. De money land in he lap. Things change; David come on board. He seh he gon change things around in Guyana. De man stick to he word. He change Dr Ramroop to tek in Dr Hardat. Dem boys ain’t certain he know dat while one is a genuine doctor, de odda one is a quack doctor. He go to medical school in India to study

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

and he never finish. David did swing things so Dacta Hardat getting all de drug contracts. Only last year, he sell de GPHC couple Panadol and three dozen Whizz. Dat is one of de things dat mek him qualify to get de $366 million contract. Dis same quack dacta Hardat give David a $3 million play park in Victory Valley, Linden, last year. Dem boys believe dis play a big role in dat drug contract. Dem boys seh if $3 million play park can land you a $300 million contract, dem boys got a lot of $3 million park to give David. Dem boys also want to know wha happen to de investigation wid Simona. De Crime Chief promise a speedy investigation and de whole

country waiting. Murder charge does solve more quick dat dis. A family kill anodda one day before yesterday and all of dem pass through court yesterday. Twenty-four hours didn’t pass. Simona is a case of threatening AND bareface liadness. De police even got surveillance camera to see wha happen. Yet two week now de police can’t come up wid anything. Dem boys seh everybody waiting to see wha gon come out of dis thing. Granger getting pluck. He own people pulling out all he tail feathers. Talk half and remind David is he bare tail gon lef expose.

bodies of a father and a son were recently discovered murdered in their home. They were supposed to be safe in their homes but they were not. They were killed in their ‘castle’. The state has failed to provide an environment of security. While the authorities are boasting about a decline in certain types of crime, there needs to be an assessment of the impact of the crime in people’s sense of freedom

and how threatened they feel. There is hardly a day which goes by in which someone is not killed. There is not a day which goes by in which someone is not robbed. Guyanese do not feel safe. There are no longer any safe places in Guyana. Homes are not safe, the roads are not safe; going out is not safe. Even when you are dead, you are not safe. There are tomb raiders operating in Guyana. They

are robbing even the dead.The dilemma facing Guyanese is therefore where to find safety. If you are not safe inside or outside of the home, then exactly where are you safe?

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Wednesday July 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Aren’t you scared to know what “per capita” is? I don’t think if Jaws turned up on the Sheriff Street seawall it would scare Guyanese as much as the thought of a professor explaining to the citizens of

this world what the economic methodology of “per capita” means. When you tell Guyanese about the social factors at work in their country and

employ the framework of per capita, then Guyana is perhaps the most negative and frightening country in the world. Let’s describe this land of

horrors for you using the per capita approach. But first, let’s define per capita and give a hypothetical example. It has a simple delineation. It is dividing something in a country by the number of people that country has. Let us say Enmore has a million people and Leonora has two million people. If five road deaths occur each week in Enmore and the same in Leonora then they do not have the same fatality rates. You must factor into the equation that Leonora has double the population of Enmore yet has the same road fatalities. It means that of the two villages, Enmore has a higher death rate because you have to divide the five into one million in Enmore and divide the five into two million in Leonora. That is what it meant by per capita. I don’t know if it has changed but Guyana was the suicide capital of the world about two years ago because of the number of suicides here given our small population. We have two factors that are wonderful positives in our favour in Guyana. Per capita, we have more barrels of oil than all other countries. Remember we are under 800,000. Per capita, we are also one of the most under populated territories on Planet Earth. When you look at the number of citizens in Greece, Ireland, Holland, the UK, Barbados, Trinidad and you look at their square miles then compare them to Guyana, we are almost an empty land. Now let us isolate the horrible negatives in Guyana

and apply the per capita method. But a caveat is in order before we proceed. When you are applying the per capita argument to Guyana, you must factor into the equation, the age demographics. Here is why. Guyana’s population in 2018 is listed as 782,225. But please remember the NIS and the GRA do not serve 782,225 souls. Of that number, a huge percentage is children under 16. This percentage does not interface with the NIS, the character clearance department of the police force, the vehicle fitness certificate section of the police force, the commercial banks etc. Children do not pay NIS. Children do not drive vehicles. Children under sixteen cannot have a bank accountant in their own names. What that means is that the NIS, the GRA, UG, the commercial banks and other places are serving a clientele whose numbers are small. How then can you explain such sick announcements as the following – Lands and Survey says it has a backlog of 30,000 applicants and the Ministry of Housing is calling in persons for processing beginning with 1999 applicants. How do you explain as a prominent Christian clergyman complained in the letter pages of this newspaper last week, that UG took two months to reply to him? How do you explain that when you make a telephone call to the Bank of Nova Scotia and there is no response? A recorded voice comes on and

Frederick Kissoon request that you leave a name and number and you will be contacted within three working says? How many customers a small bank like this has that you have to wait for three days as a customer before you are tended to? Space is quickly filling up so let’s do the per capita thing. Member of Parliament, Michael Carrington told me that the figure he got from the prison service is 444 inmates serving time for conviction of marijuana. Per capita that is one of the highest in the world. Guyana per capita must have one of the highest, if not the highest rate of neonatal deaths among countries. The figure is 119 between June 2017 and June 2018. That is staggering man! In 2016, road fatalities were 126. In 2017, it was 104. We are just halfway into 2018 and it was 51 in June. That number has increased since July began. Remember these are deaths. The number of non-fatal accidents may be the highest in the world. I don’t have the figures for incest, wife murders, rape, child molestation, divorces, homicides, robberies etc. However, this I know – Guyana’s image is a horrible one.

Wednesday July 18, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Educators being prepped to implement ambitious TVET plan A total of 50 technical educators have been carefully selected by the Ministry of Education with a view to preparing them to fasttrack a crucial Technical, Vocational Education and Training [TVET] strategic plan for the nation. The educators are currently engaged in a fiveday TVET Leadership workshop at the Lake Mainstay Resort. This move comes at a time when measures are apace to transform the TVET in Guyana. According to Chief Education Officer, Mr. Marcel Hutson, at the start of the workshop Monday, TVET is the driving engine of any society that is going to be productive and effective.

As he addressed those in attendance, Hutson underscored that TVET should be on the front burner even as he stressed the importance of such a forum in helping to ensure that TVET takes its rightful place in the society. “I do not want us to look at this as just another gathering...This workshop must not be another session where we come and listen to people and we leave the session without being impacted in a positive way,” said Hutson who shared his expectation that those in attendance will be able to impact those they lead. As he amplified the need for fruitful participation, Hutson shared his expectation that “we must see

real change and by extension you will effect real transformation in the system. We need you, Guyana needs you at this point in time; we are on the brink of greatness but we cannot breakthrough unless we have people who are committed and dedicated to a particular plan and purpose.” The Leadership Retreat, which is being held under the theme: “Promoting operation excellence through the development of nextgeneration leaders in TVET to boost National Competitiveness”, is one that is intended to make ready the cadre of technical educators to be a part of a leadership pool for each Post-Secondary TVET institution for the next 15 years.

These persons will be will expected to: practise new and innovative leadership tactics when managing the schools so as to improve job performance needed for a green economy; collaborate with the TVET Council to establish a mechanism to enhance communication flow which will improve policy implementation in all the Post Secondary TVET institutions; orchestrate stimulating discussions about Education Management to share experiences, challenges and debate possible solutions with respect to educational policies; standardise a system that can be used to monitor the quality management of the Post secondary TVET institutions and enhance planning so that leaders can foster staff

The gathering of educators at the ongoing TVET Leadership Retreat.

upward mobility, curriculum development and industrial partnership. TVET in Guyana, according to Assistance Chief Education Officer [Technical], Mr. Patrick Onwuzirike, has moved from a time when equipment were lacking and professionals were ill-qualified for the task at hand. The current state of affairs, he asserted. Though “Guyana is poised for a transformed economy and the development of the requisite local human capacity rest squarely on TVET,” Onwuzirike said. He outlined that the development of the technical skills needed to drive industries and commerce have been identified as the main number factor responsible

CEO Marcel Hutson for the Chinese recent economic development. “This has also been the case for all the developed nations,” added the ACEO. He shared his belief that the leaders in attendance will help to bring to fruition the ambitious TVET plans for Guyana. The education sector currently has in place a strategic technical plan dubbed TVET Vision 2020, which has been in place for a number of years but has not been implemented for the lack of capable personnel. “We have identified you, 50 leaders who will ensure the implementation of that Vision beyond 2020,” said Onwuzirike as he added too, “When that Vision...was formalised, oil was not yet discovered.” He noted that it is imperative that “the oil and gas sector, the sectors associated with a green economy, must be factored into the TVET agenda moving forward.”

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Conservation Int’l vows independence despite its source of funding C o n s e r v a t i o n International (CI) yesterday said that it is no “watchdog group”; distancing itself from any responsibility to speak out whenever a company acts in violation of certain standards of environmental responsibility. Yesterday, this newspaper published an article that highlighted how CI operates around the world. The piece noted that CI has been accused of being essentially a PR agency for huge corporate companies. According to articles written by several reputable outlets, CI just helps the

biggest corporate culprits of environmental disasters to “improve their Image.” In addition, this newspaper highlighted the fact that while there has been much talk about the several weaknesses in ExxonMobil’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); and the absence of a public detailed oil spill response plan, CI has been silent. Not a word was spoken about these and other ills. https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2018/07/17/conservation-intlis-funded-by-worlds-largestpolluters/. Yesterday CI responded,

“As a science-based organization dedicated to saving nature for the benefit of people everywhere, Conservation International works with organizations, governments, communities and, yes, corporations all over the globe. We are not a “watchdog” group. “We are dedicated to

providing on-the-ground solutions, and the results speak for themselves: Conservation International has supported 1,200 protected areas across 77 countries, protecting more than 601 million hectares of land and sea. “In Guyana, Conservation International has worked with people in over 50

communities to help protect nearly 3 million acres of indigenous lands while improving local livelihoods. In addition, we have assisted successive governments in revising policies and legislation on Guyana’s protected areas, tourism and the extractive sector to ensure that they align with conservation centered

MAN WOUNDS SISTER-IN-LAW Gold miner, Lawrence Benjamin, 24, of Barima/Waini, appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court, yesterday, charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on his sister-in-law, Alina Gouveia. The incident occurred at Barima Cargo, North West District. He pleaded not guilty to the charge. Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield said that Gouveia is still a patient at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Benjamin was denied bail. The case will continue on August 6.

Remanded for Assault: Lawrence Benjamin

development.” Further, CI said, “Without question, our global economy and the products it provides create many of the challenges facing our environment today. For any organization dedicated to sustainability, that means we must work with corporations to help them avoid - and where not possible, mitigate and offset environmental impacts from those activities.” The environmental agency said that in Guyana, through a grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation, it is investing in three of Guyana’s highest-priority conservation areas and helping train a new generation of leaders dedicated to the country’s sustainable development. CI said, “Organizations like Conservation International, along with Government, the private sector, and civil society must work together to secure Guyana’s future through investing in its natural heritage and addressing its human capital deficit. “Wherever we work, we will, without reservation, continue to be an independent organization, working on behalf of the environment and the wellbeing of people everywhere.”

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Toshaos to access passport, birth registration services at NTC Indigenous village leaders attending the 12th Annual National Toshaos Council Conference will be able to access passport application and birth registration services at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, starting yesterday. On Monday evening, Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, engaged the 212 toshaos, who highlighted the difficulties in accessing critical services offered by the Central Immigration Passport Office and the General Registrar’s Office (GRO). Chairman of the Aranaputa Valley Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) in Region Nine, Adon Jacobus, enquired whether the Central Immigration Passport Office and the General Registrar’s Office could make their staff available at the conference for the remainder of the week. According to Jacobus, this would allow the indigenous leaders to capitalise on those services while in Georgetown. Minister Felix assured that he would not “allow this opportunity to go.” He committed to dispatching staff from the GRO and Passport Office to the Conference Centre by midday today. Minister Felix also used the opportunity to stress the importance of birth registration, and the need for village leaders to play a more

Minister of Citizenship, Winston Felix active role in ensuring persons are registered at birth. On the issue of late registration, Minister Felix explained that his department has embarked on a massive education programme in the hinterland regions (One, Seven, Eight and Nine), where the bulk of the ‘nonregistration’ lies. The department has persons responsible for recording births at those locations. Russian Dorrick, Toshao of Yupukari, North Rupununi (Region Nine), disclosed that since 2015, 56 residents of Yupukari and satellite villages have been without birth certificates, although the relevant documents were submitted. Minister Felix, who was supported by the Deputy Registrar-General Louis Crawford, promised to have the GRO look into the matter.

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

EXXONMOBIL MOVES AHEAD WITH PLANS FOR MAJOR OFFICE COMPLEX US oil giant, ExxonMobil, is moving ahead with plans to construct a two-building office here. The company has kick started the process by advertising online and in the daily

newspapers. It is making Requests for Information (RFI). The oil operator said that the RFI is geared at gathering information on the market for

contractors who can provide all of the following services: construction of two buildings for 250 seats; an outdoor pavilion; paving; landscaping; fill and storm drainage; site utilities; plumbing utilities; and electrical works. ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), said it will provide the designs and blueprints of the buildings. The RFI, according to the advertisement, will only be used to gather information which the EEPGL will use to select qualified suppliers for a future bid. In late January, Kaieteur News had exposed how the oil giant had plans of developing 10 acres of land under the control of Ogle Airport Inc (OAI), the company that operates the Eugene F. Correia International Airport. This publication also exposed how OAI was ready to sublease the land to ExxonMobil. The only stall was the approval that had to come from Lands and Surveys. Since that time, it appears however that this approval was given. But there was no announcement in this regard. ExxonMobil has been given prompt and favourable response from OAI but there are local aircraft operators who are not even given respect by the OAI, much less lands. This newspaper learnt of one small operator who has two aircrafts. The young pilot and entrepreneur applied for a simple 100 square feet with the intended purpose of building a hanger. His application

was not even acknowledged by OAI. “It is like we are aliens in our own country.” The applicant’s request for 100 square feet is equivalent to 0.00229568 acre. ExxonMobil’s application was for 10 acres which is equal to 435,600 square feet. Ogle International Airport, recently renamed Eugene F. Correia International Airport, is not owned by the Government of Guyana. Ogle International Airport is owned by the Private Sector Company OAI, by virtue of a lease issued by the Lands and Survey Department for 441 acres. The land lease to OAI is bound by specific conditions agreed to between the government and OAI. The lease secured by OAI International Airport Company specifies that it must first cater to the needs of those in the aviation sector. Yet, locals in the aviation industry are being bypassed; “Our small applications have been ignored but the great ExxonMobil has been able to secure over 10 acres.” The Lease Agreement provides for the Airport to be “developed and operated as a public aviation facility in accordance with the Civil Aviation Laws of Guyana and compliant with all other applicable laws, statute, regulations and international agreements that pertain to the operations of an international airport, including those promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and other international bodies having jurisdiction.”

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

28 years jail for youth who killed man during break-in Twenty two-year-old Ryan Jones was jailed yesterday for 28 years, after he pleaded guilty to a manslaughter charge during his appearance before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Georgetown. Jones, also known as, Rayon Jones, was initially charged with the murder of 24-year-old mechanic Purand Baljit, who was killed on June 9, 2016, during a robbery at his Madewini, Timehri home. The murder accused opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter after seeking advice from his Attorney-atlaw Maxwell McKay. According to State Prosecutor Mandel Moore, on the night of June 9, 2016, Jones broke into the dwelling house of Baljit, via a window, which was left opened. He stole items. Baljit who was sleeping was awakened and confronted Jones, who stabbed him 10 times with a knife.The injured man was rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead on arrival.According to the prosecutor, Jones, formerly of Fourth Avenue, Bartica, was captured a few days later

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Campbellville double murder.... Man charged with killing Pandit, son

From left: JAILED: Ryan Jones and Purand Baljit while on the Georgetown seawalls by then Police Detective Derwin Eastman. Jones was in the company of a female companion. The prosecutor told the court that Jones gave police a detailed caution statement admitting to the crime. He even took police to an abandoned house where the murder weapon was recovered.While there, police ranks also found Baljit’s laptop and cellular phone. It was revealed by Justice Kissoon that Jones sold the items valued hundreds of

thousands of dollars for $5,000.During a plea of mitigation, Attorney-at-law, Maxwell McKay told the court that apart from being charged for escaping from police custody, his client was never charged with any other offence. The lawyer highlighted that his client took the first opportunity to plead guilty to the crime, and prevented the court from having to conduct a trial.When given a chance to speak, Jones stated, “I feel like I have no life. In life, you (Continued on page 28)

Charged: Orlando Douglas

A

30-year-old man who is accused of the gruesome killing of a Pandit and his son was yesterday charged and remanded to prison after he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Orlando Douglas, of Campbellville, who appeared to be calm throughout the court proceeding, was slapped with two counts of murder. The first allegation stated that between July 7 and July 10 at Craig Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, he murdered Deonarine Liliah, a Pandit, during the course of a robbery. It was further alleged that during the same period, he murdered Gopaul Liliah, the Pandit’s son, during the course of a robbery. Douglas was not required to plead to the charges after they were read to him by the Magistrate. Attorney-at-law Melvin Duke claimed that his client was held for two consecutive 72 hours without being allowed a lawyer. The lawyer went on to tell the court that his client was never linked to the murders. On the day in question, he

Deonarine Liliah and his son Gopaul Liliah.

was merely at the scene watching the undertakers remove the bodies. Duke further stressed that police officers picked out his client from the crowd and told him he ‘look like a suspect’, and arrested him. Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield who prosecuted the matter told the court that Douglas was arrested at the crime scene after police were able to track one of the phones that belonged to the deceased. The stolen phone was found in his possession. The prosecutor went on to tell the court that while in custody, Douglas gave police a caution statement admitting to the offence. He was also placed on an identification parade and he was pointed out by someone who saw him entering the home. The Chief Magistrate after listening to the prosecutor remanded the defendant to prison. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on July 31. Deonarine Liliah, a 61year-old Pandit and businessman, and his 28-year old-son Gopaul Liliah were found dead last week, in their Lot 25 Craig Street, Campbellville home with multiple stabs wounds about

their bodies. The father and son were discovered after a tenant who live downstairs made a report at the Kitty Police Station after neighbours complained about a stench coming from the upper flat of the home. Police arrived at the scene and found Deonarine Liliah lying on his back in the living room. He was clad in white long pants and his face was covered with a multi-coloured top. Police have also detained a businessman who is believed to have hired the defendant to kill Deonarine Liliah and his son to avoid repaying a US $40,000 debt. Investigators say that after butchering of the father and son, the killers conducted an unsuccessful search for a document that the mastermind had signed regarding the money that he owed. Their actions were reportedly recorded by hidden CCTV cameras in the house.An autopsy revealed that the victims had been stabbed 66 times.Police reportedly recovered CCTV footage, which showed an unidentified male jumping the western fence and entering the home, through the northern front door.

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Bartica woman with ganja galore Thirty-one year old, Ayana Campbell, a domestic worker of lot 64 Patentia Housing Scheme, West Bank Demerara, yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan. Campbell pleaded not guilty to the charge of possession of 1169 grams of cannabis. Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield, stated that on July 13, the defendant was a passenger of a speedboat that had just landed Bartica. He said that police officers had received information from a source that indicated Campbell’s wrongdoings. On her arrival, she was identified by constables who escorted her to Bartica Police Station. Campbell had in her hand a Torginol paint bucket. The bucket was searched in

REMANDED: Ayana Campbell her presence and found to contain 1169 grams of cannabis. The Magistrate denied Campbell’s application for bail. The case will continue on August 2.

Appeal Court orders new trial for man on Death Row The Court of Appeal has handed down a decision overturning the conviction and sentence of murder accused, Gowkarran Ramdyal. In 2011, the accused was sentenced to death by hanging for murder. However, last Wednesday, after hearing an appeal, the Court ordered a new High Court trial for the man who is described as mentally ill by his attorney. As such, the trial is expected to come in this sitting of the Demerara Criminal Assizes. The court essentially upheld submissions of Attorney Adrian Thompson had earlier argued that in the High Court, the judge failed to consider his client‘s mental condition and whether he was fit to stand trial. In 2011, Ramdyal called “Silence”, 25, of Queenstown, Corriverton, was found guilty of killing his father. Justice Dawn Gregory sentenced Ramdyal to death. According to the facts of the case, Ramdyal who lived with his father, mother and younger brother was accused of killing his father, 51- yearold Bhowan Ramdyal, on January 16, 2008. The senior Ramdyal was allegedly beaten with an iron bar about his body at their home after a misunderstanding with his son on the October 10, 2007, over money. Gowkarran Ramdyal had asked his father for $100, which the senior Ramdyal had refused to give him, telling his son that he should seek a job. An argument then developed during which the accused picked up an iron bar and beat his father. He then picked up a pipe and continued the beating,

Gowkarran Ramdyal before walking out of the yard with the pipe in his hand. The injured man was picked up and rushed to the Skeldon Hospital, then to the New Amsterdam Hospital before being transferred to the country’s main medical institution in the city. The elder Ramdyal was discharged from hospital a month later and stayed at his niece’s home for a while before returning to the Skeldon Hospital, after suffering a relapse. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries. Prior to his conviction, Ramdyal’s state-appointed attorney, in summation, told the court about the discrepancies in the witnesses’ testimonies, pointing to evidence given by the mother and son of the accused, concerning the different times they saw the accused beating his father. The attorney also mentioned some discrepancies in the testimonies of the doctor. But State Prosecutor Dionne McCammon in her presentation noted that even if the witnesses’ evidence was not enough, the accused can be convicted on circumstantial evidence.

Kaieteur News

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

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Experience Cook/ Housekeeper, Parika/Bushy Park #693-0636 for details.

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

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

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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

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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 1 Salesgirl preferably from East Bank Demerara. Call# 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 Wanted land to buy in Parfaite Harmonie, Uitvlugt or East Bank. Tel# 642-1252 Wanted persons to assemble bicycle, apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb Street, Bourda.

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Wednesday July 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 656-0087, E M A I L: P R O _ A U T O R E N TAL @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

EDUCATION 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

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 Porters/Salesmen, apply in person with application to ARK Enterprise/The Container House. 17 Lombard Street, Werk-En-Rust. 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 LAND FOR SALE Zeelugt - $2.3M Tushen $1.5M. Tel# 697-6311

Regional sugar production still going despite drought — SAC Jamaica — The Sugar Association of the Caribbean (SAC) says that despite being affected by drought conditions it is optimistic that production of the current sugar crop will be completed by the end of July 2018. SAC, in a release today said drought conditions were having an adverse impact on the majority of regional sugar producers, however all Caribbean countries under the association managed to produce for the month of May. The SAC said it made the observation from the month’s production figures. The association said during May all Caribbean sugar producers were in production with Belize topping the list with 23,628 tonnes followed by Guyana with 15,178 tonnes, Jamaica with 10,198 tonnes and Barbados 5,673 tonnes. The year to date sugar production up to the end of May 2018 stood at 337,116 tonnes, Of that figure Guyana (134,008 tonnes) leads the way followed by Belize (126,647 tonnes), Jamaica (68,714 tonnes) and Barbados (7,747 tonnes). “Up to the end of May 2018, for the current crop our regional producers have exported just over 192,000 metric tonnes, with the majority going to the European Union followed by the United States and CARICOM. The focus on exports remains strong,” said Chairman of the SAC, Karl James. The SAC comprises the Barbados Agricultural Management Company, Belize Sugar Industries Limited, Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc and the Sugar Manufacturing Corporation of Jamaica Limited. LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M. Farm $4M. Herstelling 2nd bridge corner lot $4M. Uitvlugt $2.5M. Providence $5M. Call 604-6724 Tuschen house corner lot $6M $1.5. Crane Scheme house $5M. Parfaite Harmonie $3.5M. Diamond front $4M. Call 666-2326

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

GPF trainees cleans up Suddie Hospital surrounding Trainees from the Guyana Police Force Richard Fiakal Training College gave a fine display yesterday as they went about cleaning the environs of the Suddie Public Hospital, Essequibo. Yesterday 29 police recruits along with Assistant Superintendent and two constables, engaged in cleaning and enhancement works around the Suddie Public Hospital. Their work caught the attention of not only residents, but also the Regional Chairman of Region Two, Davenand Ramdatt. Ramdatt who spoke on behalf of the Regional Democratic Council extended his appreciation to the recruits. The Chairman said that at present the RDC is making a dedicated effort to enhance infrastructural works and sanitation at the region’s leading health institution. The support received from the police training centre, he noted, is timely. The RDC will develop a programme to enhance the environs of not only the Suddie Public Hospital but other government buildings.

The trainees who voluntarily cleaned the hospital’s surroundings yesterday.

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Chief Justice stays magistrates’ court proceedings against Dr. Singh, Brassington

Chief Justice Roxane George has ordered Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan to put a hold on criminal proceedings against Former Minister of Finance,Dr. Ashni Singh and former head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL), Winston Brassington. Both were slapped with a second set of charges for ‘Misconduct in Public Office.’ The order was made yesterday by the Chief Justice, who ordered that all criminal proceedings in the lower courts be halted until

the High Court determines the legality and validity of the criminal charges. Lawyers for the men in a Fixed Date Application (FDA) are challenging the legality and validity of the charges on several grounds.Brassington and Singh were charged with ‘Misconduct in Public Office’ after being accused of wrongdoing in the Sanata Textiles deal with Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop and Dr. Randy Singh, who are close friends

of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The new charge against the duo states that Dr. Ashni Singh, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, a company owned by the Government of Guyana; and Brassington, being and performing duties as the Chief Executive of NICIL, a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between October 26, 2010 and December 20, 2010 at Lot 126 Barrack Street, Kingston,

Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase, acted recklessly when they sold to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc, Sanata Texiles Complex, with building and erections thereon, that is to say, Parcel 4702, Part of Plantation Ruimveldt, situated on the East Bank Demerara, being 18.871 acres, being $697,864,800.00 plus VAT, knowing that the said property was valued at the sum of $1,042,403,500.00, and was therefore being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued, thereby creating a breach of their duties”. The men are still to answer to this charge. On the first occasion that the charges were brought in court, both Dr. Singh and Brassington were a no show. On the second occasion, June 28, when the matter was called, Brassington was the only one in court. In May, Justice Franklin Holder granted a similar order in relation to two charges of ‘Misconduct in Public Office’

brought against the two former high ranking government officials. Those charges are in relation to Government lands which were sold way below the market value. According to the first charge, Dr. Singh as Minister of Finance, and Brassington as the Chief Executive of NICIL on May 14, 2011 at Lot 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, sold a tract of land being a portion 10.002 acres of Plantation Turkeyen, East Coast of Demerara, property of the State of Guyana for the sum of $185,037,000, without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. The other charge stated that Dr. Singh and Brassington on December 30, 2008 at Lot 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase without due diligence, sold to Scady Business Corporation, a 4.7 acres tract portion of Plantation Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, for $150M

knowing that the said property was valued at $340M by Rodrigues Architects Associate, a competent valuation officer. The last allegation against the two stated that Dr. Ashni Singh and Brassington on December 28, 2009 at 126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase, acted recklessly when they sold to National Hardware Guyana Limited, a tract of land at Plantation Liliendaal, Pattensen and Turkeyen, situated on the East Coast of Demerara, being 103 acres, being property of the State of Guyana for the sum of $598,659,398 (VAT exclusive) without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. The men were each placed on bail on $6 million in relation to these three charges. Attorneys-at-Law Anil Nandlall, Stanley Moore, Mark Waldron, Ronald BurchSmith and Sase Gunraj are among the batter of lawyer representing the men.

Health Minister’s statement on HDM Inc contract award

T

he Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence wishes to set the record straight on the mischievous, salacious and inaccurate reports in some sections of the media with regard to an August 2017 contract for the supply of Emergency Pharmaceutical Supplies for Regional and Clinic Services. The facts on the matter are clear and set out that all the relevant procedures were properly followed by the Ministry of Public Health. • In April 2017, six companies responded to the request for the supply of Emergency Pharmaceutical Supplies for Regional and Clinic Services. The six companies were: 1. Ansa McAl Limited; 2. Caribbean Medical Supplies; 3. Global Healthcare Supplies; 4. International Pharmaceutical Agency; 5. HDM Labs Inc.; 6. Meditron Inc. • The National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) recommended that no award be made as all bidders failed to meet the evaluation criteria at the preliminary stage. • The Ministry of Public Health then sought permission from NPTAB for Restrictive Tendering. NPTAB granted permission. • All six companies were then asked, by letter, to resubmit bids. Only one company (HDM Labs Inc) responded. • NPTAB then recommended that the contract be awarded having completed its evaluation report. • A memo was submitted to Cabinet to this effect on August 29, 2017. Cabinet noted the recommendation of NPTAB. The contract was awarded on August 31, 2017, with all the relevant and applicable procedures having been duly and properly followed. Minister Lawrence will provide further and complete details in the National Assembly on this matter on Thursday, July 19 but takes note of the curious timing of this non-story, almost an entire year after the con-

Health Minister, Volda Lawrence tract was awarded and, importantly, when a certain critical political decision is imminent. Minister Lawrence trusts that this issue is not part of what would be a sinister campaign to influence this decision.

28 years jail for ... From page 16 have to speak the truth and the truth will set you free. I am so sorry for how things happened. I am begging you (the judge) for a chance to go back into society. I have one life to live and one judgment to face.” In arriving at a sentence for Jones, Justice Kissoon started at a base of 25 years. He made deductions after considering Jones’s early guilty plea, the time he spent on remand pending trial, among other things. The Judge ended up at a sentence of 14 years and five months. To this total, the judge added 13 years and seven months after considering the aggravating factors and the brutality of the crime. Jones stands no possibility of being released on parole.

Court allows appeal for separate murder convictions In separate hearings, last week, the Court of Appeal converted murder convictions to manslaughter for two men on death row and substituted the death penalty with jail terms. The two men, Lennox Syfox and Ramesh Sahadeo, were sentenced to death in July 2010 and February, 2013 respectively. The men are now sentenced to serve 30 years and 20 years in jail for manslaughter. The sentences were imposed by Justices Roxane George and Brassington Reynolds. At the High Court, Syfox’s Attorney, Senior Counsel Bernard De Santos pointed to the length of time his client spent awaiting his trial. The lawyer stated that the trial took place some five years after the incident. He said that clearly it’s an infraction on his client’s behalf because his constitutional rights were not upheld. “In Article 144, which states that everyone should be allowed to a hearing within a reasonable time…was definitely infringed on,” said De Santos.De Santos had noted that he was “very surprised” at his client’s conviction and sentence and promised to appeal the case. Syfox was found guilty of murdering his reputed wife, Roslyn Rodney, and also injuring his eight-month-old daughter Annalisa. The relationship between the two bore two children. A number of witnesses were called at the High Court trial. They included eyewitness, Pauline Rodney, the mother of the dead woman. Syfox fathered two children with Rodney. In the mother’s evidence, Pauline Rodney said she was at home at Lot 14 Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, when Syfox who had a relationship with her daughter invaded the home. The woman stated that

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Lennox Syfox

Ramesh Sahadeo

Syfox began stabbing her daughter repeatedly with a silver knife. “He plunged the knife into her…pushing it from side to side, plus he dragged it down her neck,” Rodney had explained to the jury. Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh, who performed the post mortem, gave the cause of death as perforation of blood vessels and the lung.Meanwhile, in 2013 Ramesh Sahadeo, called Bobo, was found guilty of the September 20, 2009 murder fellow villager Darshanan Ramanan, known Tato. On September 20, 2009, during the afternoon hours, Vishal Dayaram called ‘Texas’, saw Darshanan Ramanan, seated on a concrete structure at Third Street, Middle Dam, Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice. Dayaram, who was armed with a cutlass, had earlier retraced his steps from the backlands, when he saw and stopped to speak with Ramanan.Minutes later, he departed and came in contact with the fellow villagers, and the accused, who asked to borrow his cutlass, which was used to inflict an injury to the neck of the now dead victim. “The wounded man was taken to the Fort Wellington Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. A subsequent autopsy

report revealed that death was due to shock and haemorrhage and incised wound to the neck” In his unsworn statement however, Sahadeo had stated that he was innocent of the charge.Recalling the events of September 20, 2009, he said that while walking towards North Pole Street in Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice, he saw ‘Texas’ and ‘Tato’ standing on the street. As he attempted to stand next to them, his hand jammed ‘Tato’, and as a result, the latter said ‘he nah want none leper man, no sick man, jam he’. “I asked whether a simple issue as that should be laughed at, and he turned and slapped me. Questioned why the assault was made on my person, Tato started to curse me, before saying if I wanted something more, he can give it to me.“He thereafter pelted a brick at me, prior to removing a short cutlass from his waist and coming towards me, resulting in a scuffle between us. As we fought on the ground, Texas said ‘Chop he! Chop he!’ I got away from him, and ran home. I reported to my mother what had happened. She had promised to go with me to the station. “However, the police kept me in custody before instituting a murder charge against me.”

$400M N/A hotel opens doors (From page 21) to optimize its true potential". He added that with the oil and gas sector set to take shape, "I am quite certain that a huge number of human resources will enter into the country and will look to have services, which the ‘Leisure Inn’ presents". Apart from the most modern rooms with prices ranging from $18,000 per room to a three room suite at a price of $30,000, the building cocoons an exquisite restaurant called 'Keuken', the Dutch word for 'cuisine' and set to cater for an array of delicacies, most of them that are not offered at the local eateries or hotels. The cafe/restaurant will also operate 24 hrs a day, the proprietress, Kesha Phillips noted that too often persons who are out and about late at nights are left with very little, if not, no option at all when finding something to eat, "The food criteria was something that we looked at whenever we come to Berbice. I am a late person; I travel late and when you get to New Amsterdam, there is nothing but Chinese food

most of the time. We therefore wanted to do something different, hence the push to have the restaurant running for 24 hrs with a variety of dishes." The head chef is Surinamese and has been cooking professionally for over 20 years. He said he is looking forward to tantalizing the patrons’ taste buds with his delicious meals. Phillips also stated that quality customer service is of utmost importance to the Leisure Inn team and making the hotel convenient for the differently abled persons was a critical aspect of business, she opined, "all hotels should be able to accommodate disabled persons that is why we have the wheelchair ramps and the elevator. You see it doesn't matter how an investor tries, if workers don't give good service, it will always bring your service down".The building holds three-rental spaces, a sports bar on the fifth floor and the much anticipated 'Club Privilege' to open in six weeks. There is also a conference room and a boardroom.

Woman, three others charged with Robbery and killing of Westminster phone card vendor Four persons, including a 25-year-old woman and two men accused of committing an armed robbery several weeks ago, were charged yesterday with the shooting to death of phone card vendor Ron Mansfield at Westminster, West Bank Demerara. They appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court, and were all remanded. They are Shomar ‘Pope Pi’

Singh, 21 of 61 D’Urban S t r e e t , Wo r t m a n v i l l e ; Alexander La Cruz, 25, of 179 Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD; Mark ‘Biggs’ Welch, 25, of 2743 Recht-door-zee, WBD and Naiomi Bentick, 25, of 893 Westminster, WBD. Mansfield was shot shortly before 21:00 hours on June 19, last. His wife had indicated that she was watching television when she heard a gunshot. She looked outside and saw her husband’s motorcycle ly-

ing on the road. The woman said that the shooter grabbed the haversack her husband was carrying. The haversack contained phone cards that Mansfield was selling, along with some cash.According to police, two of the suspects will also be charged for an armed robbery committed on a businessman at Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, several weeks ago. Investigators said the two were positively identified as the perpetrators.

Bus runs over man on Carifesta Avenue

An unidentified man was run over by a minibus BWW The mini bus that ran over the 4632 on the Carifesta Avenue unidentified man crushing his head. around 03:30 hrs on Tuesday morning. When this publication visited the scene, the 48year-old driver of the bus, who is from Cove and John, East Coast Demerara, told this publication that he was heading to the market, where he vends, when his bus felt like it had run over something.He stopped to see what he had ran over, only to find a man lying on the road, seemingly dead. The scene was a gruesome one, since the victim’s body was stretched across the road, and brain tissue could be seen on the roadway.The police said that “they are seeking the public’s assistance in the identification of a male of East Indian ancestry whose head was reportedly run over by a minibus this morning about 04:00hrs on Carifesta Avenue; the body is presently at the Lyken’s The body being Funeral Home.” The 48-year-old driver of removed from Cove and John ECD, who the scene. passed a breathalyzer test, is in custody assisting with the investigation. The vehicle is lodged pending investigation.”

Company was only one that tendered; ... (From page 3) criteria. Adams explained, also, that when a tender is advertised, the bids are open publicly by NPTAB. NPTAB then send those tender documents to the evaluation committee, which peruses it and ensures that the criteria are met. A recommendation is then made to the NPTAB, which has to green light the award before it goes to Cabinet. All the procedures, from reengaging the

suppliers to NPTAB, to going back to Cabinet were followed, the PS insisted. The issue of drug supplies to Governmentowned hospitals has been a bitter one in recent years with accusations that under the previous PPP/C administration the contract awards were fixed that only certain companies could have been approved. The contracts at one time were worth up to $5B annually..(See related story on page 28)

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Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton team edge Vibert... Berbice Cricket From page 38 team had defeated Gregory ‘PT’ Stewart’s side 2-1, while Barton’s X1 trounced Clyde ‘Oiler’ Watson’s combination, 7-2. There was also a youth component to the day’s proceedings which saw the Under-15 A and B teams battling to a 1-1 stalemate, while guest team, Sophia, prevailed by a 2-1 margin over Pele’s U-15s. Michael Hunter was declared the Most Valuable Player of the senior tournament, while Tyresse Payne copped the Golden Boot trophy for scoring the most goals. Trophies were presented to the top four senior teams as well as the junior teams. The Guyana Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Dion Inniss, Banks DIH’s Mortimer Stewart, Earl

O’Neil both former national players, Barton and Butts assisted with the presentation of trophies and medals to the players. On hand to share the moments with the players were Pele Football Club Alumni Corporation Directors, the USA based of Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton and Dennis Ivor Carrington as well as Vibert ‘Durdy’ Butts and a number of other long time members who reminisced on the good days of the club, noting that they will endeavour to bring back those days. Both Barton and Carrington expressed thankfulness to the organiser, Prince ‘Socks’ Johnson, the players (past & present) and the fans for making the day a delightful one. They reminded that focus would continue to be on empowering the youths

with a view of ensuring that they are given the opportunity to be the best they can be on and off the field of play. A number of youths are currently enrolled as part of the Pele FC Alumni Scholarship Awards Programme which sees the student/athletes receiving a monthly stipend towards assisting them with their educational pursuits.The Pele FC Alumni has also partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and has inked a fiveyear contract as sponsor of the first time ever Intra Association Under-15 league in memory of Pele’s first President, Frank Watson. This U-15 league follows on the heal of the National Milling Company of Guyana (NAMILCO) which also inked a similar five-year deal for the Under-17 level.

Wednesday July 18, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A new opportunity could come your way today. It might seem like a dream come true, the chance you've been waiting for, but you'll still want to think about it a bit. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) New communications equipment may make whatever work you do that much easier to do, Taurus. You might have some doubts about your ability to use it, but don't worry. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A long-term friendship could suddenly develop into something more now, Gemini. You could see this person in a new light and realize that this is a very attractive human being. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Too much is on your mind right now, and so you could have trouble sleeping. When you do manage to drop off, you could experience bizarre dreams. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Some enlightening conversations could occur today with a partner, Leo, possibly romantic, possibly career-related. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Hard work on a particular enterprise for too long a time could finally lead to an increase in income. Creativity or innovation could be involved. Don't be surprised if you find yourself on the receiving end of compliments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You tend to be adventurous at the calmest of times. Today you could be feeling especially daring. You might be tempted to make some radical changes in your life, particularly where your profession is concerned. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You tend to be rather intuitive, but today your psychic abilities could seem more focused than usual. You're better able to tune in to thoughts, feelings, and events. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today your mind is apt to be turning to discussions of money. Conversations, perhaps job related, social encounters with friends, could turn to the subject of new income opportunities CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) New opportunities, perhaps involving writing or speaking, could appear on the horizon along with the current planetary energy. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Letters, phone calls, or emails from afar could put you in touch with new, interesting people. These people could well bring some fascinating ideas your way PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The current aspects encourage cultivating your spirituality. However advanced you are on your spiritual journey, there are revelations, awakenings, and new experiences waiting.

Board... From page 37 effort to make the process transparent, fair and as broad based as possible. The West Berbice Selection Committee would be headed by David Black and include Glenroy Fordyce, Javed Saywack, Shabeer Baksh and Dhanraj Ganesh. Successful former Cricket Coach Albert Smith would head the Selection Committee for Lower Corentyne/ New Amsterdam Franchise and would be supported by Julian Moore, Balram Samaroo, Tremayne Smartt and Michael Newland. Collis Butts would head the process to select the Upper Corentyne Team with Orvin Mangru, Leslie Solomon, Lakeram Latchman and Junior Blair. The Berbice Cricket Board has also named a list of persons who should be considered for appointment as Managers and Coaches. They a r e Wi n s t o n S m i t h , Balram Samaroo, Andre Percival, Tremayne Smartt, Albert Smith, David Black, Qwesi M a l t a y, Lateram Latchman, Neil Rudder, Ameer Rahaman, David Black, Philbert Wilburg and Michael Newland. The Executives of the Berbice Board stated that they expect all efforts would be made to make sure that the selection of the three teams and their officials would be done in a transparent way. The Berbice Cricket Board and all of its First Division Teams expect that the organisers of the Tournament make every effort to respect the elected officials of Berbice Cricket.

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Muscle champions pays courtesy call on sponsor, Jamie McDonald of Fitness Express

Jamie Mc Donald is flanked by Mr. Guyana Kerwyn Clarke (left) and Mr. Physique, Emmerson Campbelle. Fitness Express athletes, Kerwin Clarke and Emmerson Campbell were lauded by the CEO of the entity, Jamie McDonald for winning the Mr. Guyana Bodybuilding and Physique titles at the just concluded Guyana Amateur Body Building & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) Senior

Championships held on Sunday night last. McDonald, a long standing supporter of the strength sports, was pleased with the performances of the two standout musclemen. With the backing of the leading local supplement and gym equipment supplier, Clarke,

now a five-time Mr. Guyana champion and Campbell, a three-time Mr. Physique winner, will now focus their attention representing Guyana next week in Mexico. The pair along with other members of the national team will be competing at the annual CAC Bodybuilding and

Name Gym Category Marlon Bennett Fitness 53 Masters Lindie Sharpe Universal Barbel “ Andel Cameron Fit Gym “ Clint Duke Total Fitness “ Donald Lindley “ “ “ Bertrand Fitzpatrick Muscle Pro “ Chartam Nagassar Fitness 53 Bantamweight 1st Jamal Tinnie Lifestyle Fitness “ “ Donald Lindley Total Fitness “ “ Marlon Bennett Fitness 53 Lightweight Eybo Orford Space “ “ Dario Ramsammy Buddy’s “ “ Leon Benjamin Poonai’s Pharmacy “ “ Caerus Cipriani Life Gym Welterweight Chandani Khan Fitness Paradise Ms Bikini Angelica Barroncas Space “ “ Digiula De Souza Space “ “ Emmerson Campbelle Fitness 53 Mr. Physique 1st Yannick Grimes Space “ “ Caerus Cipriani Life Gym “ “ Chetram Nagassar Fitness 53 “ “ Kerwyn Clarke Space Light Middleweight Lindie Sharpe Universal Barbel “ “ Carlos Petterson Home Gym Heavyweight Andel Cameron Fit Gym “ “ Clint Duke Total Fitness “ “ Julio Sinclair Space “ “ Tremel King Space “ “ Nolan Smith Life Gym “ “ Kerwyn Clarke Space Mr. Guyana 2018

Fitness Championships in Mexico City.Clarke won gold at the last edition, while Campbell earned a silver medal. Both athletes thanked McDonald for his continued

investment in them and the sport at large whilst promising to do their best on the international stage. All the athletes who competed at this year’s senior na-

Placing 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

tionals were presented with Fitness Express Hampers for their efforts. Following are the full results of the 2018 Senior National Championships:

Wednesday July 18, 2018

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Morris century leads Barbados to CWI Regional U-17 title 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 went into the fifth and final round game of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Regional U17 50-over tournament leading the point standings on 19.2 and a win would have guaranteed them their maiden title at this level since their closest rival Barbados were on 14.2. However, they looked a completely different team from their previous games and went down to Barbados by six wickets, who lifted the title yesterday. Sachin Singh and Navindra Persaud handed Guyana a solid start with an opening stand of 55 after they decided to bat on a decent pitch at the National Cricket Centre in Couva. Singh drove Matthew Forde for boundaries before thumping Ramon Simmonds down the ground and through mid-on for consecutive fours and rotated the

strike well. Singh then took another boundary off Amari Goodridge to bring up Guyana’s fifty in the 10th over. However, after seemingly well set for a big score, Singh attempted a big shot off Forde but got a leading edge to third-man to depart for 32 with five fours off 47 balls. Seon Glasgow was then bowled by Nicholas Austin for seven, while Navindra Persaud who hit a solitary boundary off Jayden Leacock was caught at mid-off off the said bowler for 19 before Andre Seepersaud was needlessly run out for five leaving the score at 94-4. Barbados spinners maintained a decent line and Guyana’s run rate slowed considerably, however Dwain Dick dumped Austin over long-off for six to bring up his team hundred; while Guyana first fifty came in 10 overs, their second took 20. Yeudistir Persaud’s poor run of form continued as he was bowled by Austin for 12, playing back to good length ball before Nigel Deodat lofted Jayden Hoyte to cover to depart for two as they both failed to put a price on their wicket.

Antonio Morris picks up runs enroute to his century. Dick took a couple off Austin through the off-side and looked solid as he continued to rotate the strike well, but threw his wicket away by lofting Hoyte to longon when on 20 leaving his team on 130-7. Sheldon Charles played across a straight ball from Ramon Simmonds and was bowled for nine before Leon Swamy, who hit two fours, was

caught on the long-off boundary off Simmonds for 16. The last pair of Silvan Williams and Niran Bissu added 24 to see Guyana to 181-9, their highest score in the tournament. Williams made 13 not out and Bissu 12 not out as Austin claimed 2-22, Hoyte 224 and Simmonds 2-42. Guyana entrusted the new ball with Williams and offspinner Dick instead of opt-

ing for Charles who bowled well in earlier games and Barbados openers Rashawn Worrell and Seth Agard put on 23 before Nigel Deodat struck in quick succession-he had Worrell caught for 13 before uprooting the stumps of Shamar Forde without scoring as Barbados were reduced to 24-2. With the exception of Deodat, Guyana’s bowling struggled with their line as Agard struck Seepersaud to the cover boundary before he was caught at long-on off Deodat for 21 with the score on 49 in the 13th over. Guyana’s fielding was below par, leaking runs that could have been saved in crucial stages as Antonio Morris and Rivaldo Clarke added 33 for the fourth wicket before their stand was broken when Glasgow had Clarke caught at the wicket for 16. Morris and Forde steadied the chase nicely with level-headed batting; the pair rotated the strike well and dispatched the bad balls with little hiccups. While Guyana spinners continued to be wayward as in complete contrast to their previous three games, they didn’t even try a

fast bowler in an effort to break the partnership and the duo capitalised nicely. It was only until the game had already drifted away, medium pacer Swamy was introduced. The right-handed Morris batted fluently and reached his second consecutive half century off 52 balls. Morris and Forde continued to frustrate their opponents who looked a completely different unit from their previous games. As Morris was approaching his century, he opened his shoulders and smashed Dick for a six and two fours before repeating the same off Glasgow. Morris, who survived a difficult chance off Glasgow earlier, blossomed nicely as he batted with maturity and played some decent shots on both sides of the pitch. He reached his century with a six that sealed the title for Barbados; he ended unbeaten on 101 off 81 balls and counted six fours and four sixes, while Forde finished on 23 not out as Barbados ended on 184-4 in 35.5 overs. Deodat claimed 3-25 and Glasgow 126 for Guyana who finished third.

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Minister Norton to give feature address at MSC Academy - Girls are encouraged to register

Minister Dr. George Norton Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. George Norton will deliver the feature address at the opening of the 2018 Malteenoes Cricket Academy on July 23 at the Club’s venue on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands. Director of Sports Christopher Jones has provided two National Sports Commission (NSC) Coaches to work along with the Academy Head Coach, National U-17 Coach Orin Bailey and his assistant Darien Best, who is Coach of the School of the Nations in the Sir Garfield Sobers Schools cricket tournament in Barbados. The two week Academy runs from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs with an hour’s break for Lunch from noon when Lunch will be provided. Classroom work will be done during the mornings while outdoor sessions will be conducted in the afternoons. Qualified facilitators, including Guyana’s Cricket Commentator Reds Perriera, will conduct sessions on several topics which include the laws and history, what cricket means to Caribbean people,

scoring, doing interviews, table manners and etiquette along with other topics. The Academy caters for participants between the ages of 6-18 which will be divided into two groups; U-13s and 13-18. Registration fee is $3,000 and can be picked up at Malteenoes. Girls are being encouraged to join and three overseas friends of club have combined to fund 18 under privileged children who can’t afford to pay to join and parents and guardians are urged to take up this opportunity. The Academy has produced Te s t players Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ryan Ramdass and female Windies player Indomattie Goordial and has been supported by the business community and friends of the club with their contributions. Malteenoes thanks everyone for their support and the club’s aim is to instil discipline and cricket and life skills to the young participants. Registration forms are still available at the club but only the first 120 students will be accepted.

Wednesday July 18, 2018

One change made to Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Emancipation Meet One change has been made to the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club Emancipation Horserace Meet at Bush Lot Corentyne on Sunday July 29 with the fifth race on the programme, the Guyana Bred 3-year-old Open over 7 furlongs being for only Guyana Bred racehorses. Turfites and Horse owners are reminded that Entries close this Sunday July 22 and that no late entries will be accepted.Seven races will be held with the races being run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority with the club reserving the right to cancel, reframe or reduce the prize money after consulting with the owners if less than five horse have been entered for any event. Horse owners must pay at least $5,000 for each horse at the point of entry. If not paid the horse’s name would not appear on the official programme and will not be permitted to run. Five Horses to start before the third prize is paid and seven horses to start before the 4th prize will be paid, while if only four horses start the prize money will be reduced by 25% and if only three horses start the prize money

will be reduced by 40%. The main event is the E1 & Lower 7furlongs gallop with an attractive winner’s purse of $600,000. Contact can be made with Nikita Ross on telephone 6624668, Isaac Dallo 325-3274, 689-0623, Ivan Dipnarine 3310316, Justice Cecil Kennard 623-7609, 225-4818, Fazil Habibulla 657-7010, Dennis DeRoop 640-6396 and Compton Sancho 602-1567. Provisional Schedule: 1: L-Non Winner-5 FURS 1st prize $120, 000, 2nd prize $60,000, 3rd $30,000, 4th $15,000 2: H 1 & Lower- 5 FURS 1st $300,000, 2nd $ 150,000, 3rd $75,000, 4th $38,000 3: 2 yrs Guyana Bred, 5 FURS, 1st $200,000, 2nd $100,000, 3rd $50,000, 4th $25,000 4: L Open-5FURS, 1st $140,000, 2nd $70,000, 3rd $35,000, 4th $ 17,500 5: Guyana Bred 3yrs Open, 7FUR, 1st $250,000, 2nd $125,000, 3rd $63,000, 4th $31,000, 6: E1 & Lower, 7FURS, 1st $600,000, 2nd $300,000, 3rd $150,000, 4th75, 000 7: J3 & Lower, 5FURS, 1st $160,000, 2nd $80,000, 3rd $40,000, 4th $20,000

Berbice Cricket Board names Selection Committees for Sub-Association The Executive of the Berbice Cricket Board met on Thursday last for their monthly meeting and among the topics discussed was the restarting of the 2018 Cricket Season, Cricket Academy 2018, upcoming visit of the Legendary Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira and selection of teams for the upcoming Franchise League Tournament. At a recent meeting with stakeholders of Berbice Cricket, great concerns were expressed by First Division Clubs about the selection of teams for the Guyana Cricket Board Franchise Three-days and One-day Cricket Tournaments. Clubs expressed great disappointment with the way how the teams were selected, with several outstanding players being bypassed in favour of others close to the people selecting the teams. Teams for the Upper Corentyne, Lower Corentyne/New Amsterdam and West Berbice Franchise were done mostly by one individual selected by the organisers. Clubs like

Blairmont, Police, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club and Upper Corentyne were left in the cold about team selection, while players were disciplined without any fair process. Players also bitterly complained about not receiving their full financial stipends after the completion of the Franchise.Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster at the Stakeholders Meeting committed his Administration to correcting the unwanted situation while warning stakeholders that the Tournaments were not organised by the Berbice Cricket Board but rather the Guyana Cricket Board. The Berbice Cricket Board, he stated would equally represent every Club, Official and Player in Berbice inspite of race, creed, gender or the location in which they reside. The appointment of the Selection Committees is part of the Berbice Cricket Board’s (Continued on page 33)

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday July 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil schools’ football tournament

South win battle of Ruimveldt; Chase cruise into final East Ruimveldt received a sound 9-1 thrashing from South Ruimveldt yesterday afternoon at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on CARIFESTA Avenue to book the final spot in the girls’ final of the ExxonMobil under-14 schools’ football tournament. Amanda Mackenzie and Annalisa Redman both netted hat-tricks during the victory while Latesha Sunderland bagged a brace and Angel Denny got on the score sheet with her lone goal which was scored in the 19th minute of the game for South. Tamara Mendonca had given East Ruimveldt some hope of a victory after she fired her team ahead with the opening goal in the 12th minute but everything went downhill from there as South then scored nine unanswered goals after to secure their spot in the final where they will play Charlestown Secondary. In the boys’ semifinal, Chase Academic Foundation overcame the stern test of Buxton Youth Developers by defeating them 3-1, earning their place in the final against North Ruimveldt Secondary in the process.

Chase Academic Foundation scorers, from left Jaleel Alendar, Leivin Mullin and Brandon Solomon. Jaleel Alendar placed Chase ahead early in the fifth minute before Tyrice Dennis held his nerve to expertly chip Chase’s defence and goalkeeper a minute later to equalise the score. Leivin Mullin then demonstrated some brilliant skill to cut in from the left wing, beating two defenders before sending a rifle of a rightfooted shot across the goal and into the back of the net for the winners to assume the lead for the second time in the match. Brandon Solomon was

determined not to be left off the score sheet and his 34th minute goal gave Chase some cushion as Buxton were going all out on attack; looking for an equaliser which they never found. Since both teams had a total of 12 players that are currently encamped with the national under-15 squad, the boys’ semifinal matchup would’ve been more fitting of a final. The boys’ and girls’ finals along with the respective third place playoffs will be completed this Saturday.

Pele FC 47th Anniversary Fun-Day Tourney

Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton team edge Vibert ‘Durdy’ Butts to emerge victors

The Champions! Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton Team Captain receiving the #1 trophy from GFF Exco Member Dion Inniss in the presence of teammates. Also in pic at right are Dennis Ivor Carrington and left, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton and Vibert ‘Durdy’ Butts. On a mission to continue empowering youths, Pele Football Club Alumni Corporation and its local beneficiary, Pele Football Club (PFC) on Saturday last hosted the PFCs 47th anniversary with a successful fun-day competition at the GFC Ground, Bourda.

Emerging as the champions of the senior knock-out competition was Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton’s team which edged Vibert ‘Durdy’ Butts’ side in the final, an exciting five goal thriller, 3-2. In the build up to the final, Butts’ (Continued on page 33)

Kaieteur News

Wednesday July 18, 2018

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Elite League to benefit from capacity building initiatives - As President Forde wraps up successful trip to Brazil

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he Guyana F o o t b a l l Federation (GFF) Elite League will benefit from significant capacity building partnerships as a direct result of a three-day visit by President Wayne Forde to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 6 – 8, where he met with the respective Presidents of Vasco da Gama and Botafogo FR football clubs. This initiative will see the introduction of an elite referees’ programme, a player exchange programme, and the recruitment of a Coach Instructor to build capacity among the elite coaches and coaches across the country. “Over the couple of weeks, we will be formalizing some relationships that will see an elite referees programme being introduced, which is a key programme I’d like to commence,” said Forde following his trip. The programme will see referees’

President Forde meets Botofago FC’s President Nelson Mufarrei during his visit to Brazil. courses being offered for both males and females, exchange programmes, and l o c a l m a t c h o ff i c i a l s ’ exposure to professional football in Brazil. “We will also see a player exchange programme; we are looking at bringing

players at the developmental / transitional level in some of the professional clubs and maybe some of the lower divisions to play within the Elite League and taking some of our U20 players to the Brazilian clubs. I’m trying to get as many as 30

Meeting with CR Vasco da \Gama Mr. Alexandre Campello.

U20 players into Brazil. The goal is to get around thirty U20 Guyanese players playing in Brazil first and foremost, and secondly bringing good Brazilian talent and professionalism into the training and playing set up of the Elite League.”

Additionally, Forde said coach education and development is a key pillar of the GFF, which will also be prioritized: “The GFF will be hiring a Brazilian Coaching Education Instructor to work with the Coaches within the Elite

League, in particular and other Coaches around the country.”Apart from these concrete measures, Forde also discussed other developmental opportunities with the Presidents of the two leading football clubs in Brazil

Kaieteur News

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Wednesday July 18, 2018

Another successful GTA, Olympic Day championship held

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he Guyana Ta e k w o n d o Association (GTA) on Saturday last ran off the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) sponsored Olympic Day Taekwondo Championship in observance of Olympic Day 2018. The competition’s main focus was in the Kyorugi division and it was also used to unearth emerging talent among the young athletes which is the focus of the GTA. Action kicked off with Arvinda Comacho and Ricardo Ramlall battling it out in the Group ‘A’ and resulted in Comacho

clinching the first place ahead of Ramlall. The action continued in Group ‘B’ with Tejindra Ramcharran taking the gold medal. Tejindra Ramcharran, displayed a great deal of ring command and fighting technique over his other opponents. The silver in this division went to Matthew Khan who also put up a good fight against his opponents; Akeem Fowler copped bronze medal ahead of Omario Darlington. In Group ‘C’, some of the younger players battled it out for supremacy; N a t h a n Va n d e r h y d e n ,

The students display their silverware in the presence of Coaches, Instructors and Organisers following the presentation. Vivek Bassoo (both of whom are off-springs of taekwondo students), Emma Mandall, the lone female and Keshan Chhangurall. Nathan Vanderhyden opened against Emma Mandall with Vanderhyden quickly displaying superiority over his opponent which carried him to victory. Then it was over to Vivek Bassoo who took on Keshan Changur with both fighters seeking to outscore each other with their tiny legs, but it was Vivek who won got the decision over Keshan. The action then switched to Mandall and Changur in the third/fourth place match. This fight soon concluded with Changur taking third place. H o w e v e r, t h e a c t i o n reached another level when Va n d e r h y d e n t o o k o n Bassoo for the first place. The clash was described by the Coaches and Instructors, as ‘age old rivalry’. Both fighters did not relent but Vanderhyden soon stole the show by clinching the fight, leaving Bassoo with the silver medal; the two little athletes gave the spectators a grand show. In Group ‘D’, the tiny

tots battled it out with Tyler Goring taking the first place, followed by Shibraj Jacob in second and Kailan Wong (who is also the off spring of a taekwondo student) in third place. Wong, who stands just about 2 feet tall, even though she took third place, stole the hearts of many of the spectators. Group ‘E’ saw the Seepersaud siblings, Arianna and Kalyse, Jamal Smith and Christopher Goring facing off. In this division the female displayed dominance with Arianna Seepersaud beating off both of her male opponents to land the first place, while Jamal Smith took second followed by Christopher Goring and Kalyse Seepersaud, third and fourth. Arianna Seepersaud noted that she won the first place for her younger sister and her. The show however, was not quite completed as two of the senior fighters, Wayne Forde and Stefan Wong, took to the ring for a friendly demo match. They both displayed an array of superior kicks, much to the delight and satisfaction of the audience. In the end, the audience was asked to vote for a winner

and Wong received the majority decision. This competition was successfully coordinated by Coach La Toya Herbert who said it was a day of fun working with the athletes, judges and coaches. Herbert conveyed thanks to all the instructors who came out and offered support, while special gratitude was extended to the Guyana Olympic Association, Coach/Master Ramjeet Ramphal, Coach/Master Roy Bacchus, Coaches Alim Azimullah, Trevor Bassoo, Kawall Ramkiran; Senior Black Belt students Wayne Forde and S t e f a n Wo n g ; J u n i o r Coaches Shenique Bourne and Khemchandra Randy Ali; Students Randy Deochand, Kevic Lall and Ms. Kayshree Persaud whose efforts combined to make the event a successful one. Meanwhile, the public is being reminded that the G u y a n a Ta e k w o n d o Association training facility is located in Woolford Avenue upstairs of the Guyana Teacher’s Union. Classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 17:00 to 19:00hrs. For further details, contact can be made with Ms. La Toya Herbert on 670-2615.

Wednesday July 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

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rt o p S

Morris century leads Barbados to CWI Regional U-17 title P. 35

Guyana finished third.

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ExxonMobil schools’ football tournament

South win battle of Ruimveldt; Chase cruise into final

South’s Latesha Sutherland about to rifle home one of her two goals during her team’s 9-1 thrashing of East Ruimveldt yesterday. 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.