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AIETEUR Survivor says Tuesday Edition NEWS son was going to behead her July 05, 2016 - Vol. 9 No. 28

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NICIL should probe Jagdeo’s sale of lucrative GTT shares …Govt never got a cent from New GPC shares - Goolsarran

P. 16

Guyana rolls out red carpet for Caricom leaders

CARICOM Heads of State as they listen to saxophonist Pastor Richard McDonald.

ISIS fighters Guyanese man, girlfriend from Trinidad found dead as remain Brooklyn cops eye deep-seated murder-suicide threat - T&T PM

“Junkie” altercation leaves Guyana, Suriname place border dispute one dead - suspect runs into Police Station on back burner

- commit to more trade, Corentyne River Bridge

The suspected killer

PAGE 02

ISIS fighters said to have been from Trinidad and Tobago, pictured in Syria in 2015.

Photo credit Daily Express Trinidad

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

ISIS fighters from Trinidad remain deep-seated threat - T&T PM

W

ith reports of citizens of Trinidad and T o b a g o leaving the twin-island to travel to Syria and join terrorist group Islamic State (ISIS), the Republic’s Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, is providing assurances that the security of not only his nation but the entire region is paramount on his government’s agenda.

Rowley, who is attending the Thirty Seventh Regular meeting of the conference of

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community being held in Guyana, was responding to queries about the current situation.

“It’s an undesirable that we are living with,” Rowley said, in a brief response. “(But) we are committed to National and Regional security. And we share information with our international partners to make sure that we can be aware and respond.”

Rowley noted that it remained a very serious threat. One thing that the Prime Minister stated was being done was to educate citizenry on the group, and highlight that it was not an option. “It remains a deep seated threat that we are very concerned about,” the Prime Minister said. “And we are so hoping to educate our nationals that that option has not become an option of choice for any of our citizens.”

General John Kelly, a top United States General, had expressed concern about the number of Islamic extremists who were leaving the Caribbean to join fighters in the Middle East. He had also been concerned about radicalization at home in the Caribbean.

A Turkish newspaper, Hurriyet, had reported last year that four Trinidad and Tobago nationals had been

fighting for ISIS when they were captured by Turkish security forces.

Trinidad’s Minister of National Security, Gary Griffith, when asked about Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTF’s) had stated, that measures must be taken to ensure that persons labeled as FTF’s are debarred from returning to the country.

The fact that ISIS fighters are travelling from the region and possibly returning would, however, be a regional security concern. Guyana’s own experience with terrorists has been negligible.

Back in 2014 Adnan Shukrijumah, a high level alQaeda operative with Guyanese links, was killed during a raid in Pakistan’s tribal region.

The FBI had been searching for Shukrijumah since 2003. He was thought to be the only al-Qaeda leader to have once held permanent U.S. resident status, or a green card.

Shukrijumah’s father, who died in 2004, was born in Guyana, thus, his son’s eligibility for citizenship here. Shukrijumah was named earlier in 2010 in a federal indictment as a conspirator in the case against three men accused of plotting suicide bomb attacks on New York’s subway system in 2009.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 03

NICIL should probe Jagdeo’s sale of lucrative GTT shares …Govt never got a cent from New GPC shares - Goolsarran Forensic Auditor, Anand Goolsarran, is taken aback that the Board of the National Industrial and Commercial Investment Limited (NICIL) is yet to discuss the fact that the entity has not received a cent in dividends from New GPC over the last 17 years.

Goolsarran said that NICIL should have looked into the matter as priority because there seems to be more to the story than what meets the eye.

NICIL forensic audit report, prepared by Goolsarran, highlighted, “There was no evidence that the New GPC paid any

possibility that New GPC may have decided to keep the money to reinvest.

However, that remains a supposition as NICIL is yet to contact New GPC to get an understanding as to why dividends were not being paid.

Yesterday, Goolsarran admitted that indeed a company is not obliged to pay dividends when it makes a profit, especially if funds are needed for reinvestment.

That decision has to be made by the Board of Directors of that company and ratified by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. However, he said that it is unheard of

Which investor in the world would make an investment and not receive a return on that investment for 17 years? Where is the Guyana Revenue Authority on this? dividends to the Government for its 10 percent stake in the company.”

Ninety per cent of the shares in the company belong to Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop, the best friend of former President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Chairman of NICIL’s Board of Directors, Dr. Maurice Odle, recently told Kaieteur News that NICIL is yet to discuss the matter moreover, look into trying to retrieve dividends.

He said, “Firms don’t always pay dividends even when huge profits are being made.” Dr. Odle noted the

for a company not to receive dividends over a 17- year period.

“I don’t know what representation NICIL has on the Board of the New GPC. Neither do I know whether New GPC has been holding Annual General Meetings.

However, it seems incomprehensible to me that for 17 years, the company has not declared any dividend,” said Goolsarran.

The Auditor and anticorruption advocate questioned, “Is it a case where New GPC has not turned out a profit in these years? If so, how has it been

Former President Bharrat Jagdeo

Auditor, Anand Goolsarran

NICIL Chairman, Dr. Maurice Odle

Former Director of NICIL Winston Brassington

able to survive? Which investor in the world would make an investment and not receive a return on that investment for 17 years?

Where is the Guyana Revenue Authority on this?”

Goolsarran said that there are too many questions outstanding for NICIL not to be looking into the matter.

“Another question is why did NICIL not take appropriate action to sell off its investments that are not yielding a return?”

The Auditor said that it is extremely ironic that NICIL disposed of a highly profitable investment of 20 percent of its shares in the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT), but has retained several other investments for which it has been receiving no return, including investments in the New GPC and Hand-inHand Trust.

In 2012, NICIL sold Government’s shares in GT&T for US$30M of

which the sum of US$25M was received. The balance of US$5M was to be paid within a period of two years, but that account is yet to be

settled.

In the NICIL report, Goolsarran pointed out that during the period 20022011, the Government

received $5.261B in dividends from the shares, or an average of $526.1M per annum. However, it was stated that government suffered a major loss in the disposal of the shares and that that sale was a blunder.

The Auditor said that by disposing of the shares, “the Government would have lost $1.578B, equivalent to US$7.616M, in revenue (Continued on page 9)

Dr. Westford to go on trial tomorrow City Magistrate Judy Latchman will commence the trial of Dr. Jennifer Westford and Ms. Margaret Cummings in relation to the misappropriation of over $600M from the State tomorrow in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charges allege that between August 2011 and April 2015, while being employed in the Public Service of the Government of Guyana, they stole the sum of $639,420,000 belonging to the state. They allegedly received the money by virtue of their

Dr. Jennifer Westford Ms. Margaret Cummings employment. They denied the allegations and were each released on $4.8 bail.

According to court facts, Westford of Lot 55 ‘AA’ Victoria Avenue Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

Fight between Ramotar and Tiwari continues Mr. Brian Tiwari has reacted, strongly, to a letter I had sent to the press, in which I stated that the APNU/ AFC regime handed over eight containers of steel that were imported by Surrendra Company for the Construction of the Specialty Hospital, to BK International Group, days after the 2015 General Elections.

I indicated that the PPP/ C government had paid all required charges to GRA and to the Wharf, took the containers off the Wharf and the Ministry of Health took possession of these containers.

In the meantime, the PPP/C government had moved to the Courts to sue Surrendra to recover monies paid to them after the Government terminated the contract. The intention was to execute the judgment obtained against Surrendra by levying on the containers to recover the judgment.

Mr. Tiwari claimed that we did not know what were in the containers, or their value.

That also is not true. At the request of the Office of the President, the GRA did a one hundred percent inspection

of the containers. As a result, we were assured that the value was sufficient to satisfy the judgment. These containers were removed at the instance of Mr. Tiwari.

Therefore, I maintain that millions of dollars worth in steel were virtually handed to him by his new found political friends. After I released the letter Mr. Tiwari sent to me dated March 23 2015, in which he assured me that he was a “born PPP” and still is, obliviously embarrassed, Mr. Tiwari seemed to have gone on a frenzy, throwing caution to the wind and unleashed a wild set of charges against me.

He claimed that he sent that letter to me because I threatened to stop his company from using GUYSUCO’S hangar. This is absolutely untrue. GUYSUCO granted his company permission to use that facility, not me nor the Government.

It was not my policy or that of my government to interfere with entities governed by a board of directors. He alluded to an incident where certain APNU officials travelled on a flight which the Government of Guyana had chartered. Of

Course I objected. I had every right to do so. In any event, this incident is absolutely unconnected to his letter 23rd March 2015. This incident occurred long after.

Mr. Tiwari also claimed that the PPP/C had allowed Surrendra’s representative to leave Guyana. That is another lie. The truth is that after his case was completed with Surrendra, the court discharged the injunction which prevented the representative from leaving Guyana. There is a Court Order to this effect. As a result, the representative was free to leave the Country. This had nothing to do with the government.

The fact is that the PPP/C ended this contract with Surrendra after their breach and took legal and administrative measures to recover tax payers’ money. Mr Tiwari’s actions prevented the Government from recovering these monies.

In clear Mafiosi style, Mr. Tiwari made a lot of allegations against my brother. Let me state from the outset that I am not my brother’s keeper. However, I

feel compelled to respond because, Mr. Tiwari attempts to implicate me in a number of wrong doings. As a result, I took the time to speak to my brother to ascertain these claims of Mr. Tiwari.

He informed me as follows: 1. My brother never purchased any land from GUYSUCO. No one owns any such land on his behalf.

2. My brother offered to purchase lands from GUYSUCO. He never received a response. I challenge Mr. Tiwari to produce evidence to the contrary.

3. My brother never purchased any pontoons or tugs from NICIL. 4. My brother owns a tug, which he has owned long before I became President.

5. As regards the barge, this barge was owned

by MARAD. Mr. Tiwari used this barge for years and when it became unworkable he abandoned it at Parika and left to sink.

6. My brother was awarded a contract to fetch materials for the Government, He was permitted to repair and use this same barge. This

Is Minister Triotman aware of these failures?

Dear Editor; The report of statements by the Minister for Natural Resources and the Environment, Raphael Trotman, does not make clear that the Government of Guyana awarded to companies in the Bai Shan Lin group two kinds of concession (‘New BaiShanLin owners should not expect concessions- Trotman’, Kaieteur News, 03 July 2016).

There were tax concessions under a succession of investment agreements for the duty-free import of equipment (such as trucks and excavators) and materials such as cement, paint and steel.

Quite differently there were concessions for logging licences and mining licences.

In addition, one company in the group – Bai Shan Lin International Forest Development Inc. (BIFDI) – took over illegally the longterm logging licences of at least four Guyanese companies, with the full knowledge and connivance of the Guyana Forestry Commission. These illegal acquisitions were in addition to at least one legal takeover (of Sherwood Forrest Inc, the holder of State Forest Exploratory Permit (SFEP) 01/ 2007) and the award of two further SFEPs 01/2011 and 01/ 2013. Bai Shan Lin should not have been allowed to acquire

any one of these logging operations because it would have failed any properly conducted due diligence audit, as it lacked the skills and experience demanded by the formal requirements of the GFC. It appears that the GFC did not apply its own due diligence rules, either at all or applied incorrectly.

This failure is confirmed by the inability of BIFDI to convert either SFEP into a Timber Sales Agreement longterm logging concession.

In spite of claims by Bai Shan Lin to access to financial credit of almost US$ 200 million, and in spite of the fraudulent exports of unprocessed timber logs worth tens of millions of US dollars, Bai Shan Lin allegedly sold 55 per cent of its shares to the Long Jiang Forest Industries Group, another State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) of the Government of China. There is nothing

wrong under the laws of Guyana in one company acquiring another company.

The crime is in the acquisition of the logging licences without prior written approval by the President of Guyana, according to Forest Regulation 12 (1954/1982) and condition 13 of the Timber Sales Agreements, as well as Article 16 of the Forests Act 2009 with respect to the SFEPs. There is no evidence in the public domain that any President of Guyana has given such prior written approval.

Moreover, since current President Granger embraces a green economy and good governance, and is on record as being against corruption, it is unclear why the SOE Long Jiang Forest Industries Group would be interested in acquiring Bai Shan Lin. Surely it is not simply because of the tax concessions under

the various investment agreements, super-generous though those concessions have been, as KN has repeatedly pointed out?

I wonder if Minister Trotman is fully appraised of the many technical failures and illegalities of the Bai Shan Lin group of companies, aided and abetted by the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA, the latter in respect of Customs fraud)? I wonder what due diligence checks have been carried out by the Government of Guyana on the SOE Long Jiang? I wonder if the specialists in FraudNet who may be aiding the State Assets Recovery Unit could also focus on the Bai Shan Lin group, the GFC and the GRA (‘Int’l fraud experts willing to assist Guyana with Forensic Audits – SARU Head’, KN, 04 July 2016)?

Janette Bulkan

he did for years. Eventually, MARAD offered to sell him the barge. They produced a certificate of valuation. My brother purchased at a price above that valuation.

7. A few months ago, Mr. Tiwari caused SARU to investigate this matter. I believe Mr. Tiwari wants back this barge because it is now in good condition. SARU investigated this matter and examined my brother’s documents. My brother has heard nothing since.

8. Mr. Tiwari also charged that my brother received a container of parts from a Chinese businessman.

Another lie. I was told that it is Mr. Brain Tiwari who introduced my brother to the Chinese businessman. He told me that he had ordered from this businessman a part for the steering of his tug.

The gentleman obliged and brought it in. It was housed in a box not more than five feet long and three feet wide.

That is a far cry from a forty feet container. He also informed me that in Mr. Tiwari’s presence, he enquired from the gentleman, the cost, however, this gentleman refuse to accept any payment. Mr. Tiwari conveys the impression that I have some personal vendetta against him and his company.

This is another fabrication. I have known Mr. Tiwari for many years before I became president. Why then would i suddenly develop a vendetta for him?

The truth is that when I assumed office, it was reported to me that Mr. Tiwari’s company has a long history of not meeting contractual deadlines and submitting huge variation to contracts already signed, sometimes more than the original contract value. I was unprepared to tolerate such abuse. Also, there was a long line of contractual breaches by Mr. Tiwari’s company which he was failing to deliver on. These include: 1. His company was contracted to rent the GRDB Wharf, and to develop it with an option to purchase in the end for $110 million. The rent was $10 million dollars per year. No rent was paid for 4 years. No development works were done. As a result, legal

proceedings were file by NICIL. The matter is still pending in the Court.

2. His company also miserably failed in respect to a contract to build a wharf for GPL at Vreed- En Hoop. GPL faced tremendous cost overruns and delays as a result. GPL was forced to move fuel by road instead.

This cost the company millions of dollars in additional expenses.

3. Bk International fabricated a claim that GPL destroyed Six Hundred Million dollars of heavy duty equipment which he claimed were on a piece of land at Vreed- En- Hoop, which he owned. In response GPL contended that the land was abandoned, over grown with bushes and had some pieces of old iron on it, which they dumped in the bushes nearby. In fact GPL claimed they spent two million dollars to clear the land and pieces of old iron are still in the bushes. BK International demanded six hundred million dollars in compensation and when this demand was refused they sued. The matter is still in Court.

4. BK’s management of the Hagg Bosch project was a complete disaster. They ousted Puran’s Bros from the project and took over management of the site. It was so bad that the IDB refused to fund the project if BKs continued to be the contractor.

Our government terminated the contract. BK went to court. Even this government could not help him. They eventually ejected him from the site.

5. The East Bank Road project is another was causality. I do not believe the contract is completed as yet.

6. Three contracts to drill wells for GWI were awarded to him years ago. To date none has been completed. I can go on but I think I have said enough. I hope that I have made it clear that I have no personal axe to grind with Mr. Tiwari. Mr. Tiwari has a problem with me.

It all started when I begun to demand that contractors fulfill their contractual obligation.

Donald Ramotar Former President Republic of Guyana

PAGE 6

Jagdeo’s Words are Fraudulent and Deceitful.

Dear Editor, Is Bharat Jagdeo sincere with his words about the West Berbice flood? “I am pleased with the efforts we made…but with all these efforts we made, we couldn’t stop flooding.” I am dismayed by the posturing of this Ex President who tells the present government to “Go to all flood affected areas…” See Stabroek news of June 24, 2014,” When asked what infrastructure was put in place while his party was in government, the former president made reference to Hope Canal, the construction of Mahaica/Mahaicony Road, and the installations of pumps.” Jagdeo failed to tell the reporters that his PPP government’s removal of the pumps from the black villages of West Coast Berbice, on his watch, is one of the major causes of the floods today in these villages.

Even more shocking is the fact that these pumps were sent to Cane Grove on the East Coast and the Corentyne (rumored to be Black Bush), predominantly villages of PPP constituents.

Now he acts like a savior taking the moral high-ground.

His posturing is fraudulent, dishonest, and disgraceful.

In the 1980’s and 90’s, theses pumps within half a day, and with great efficiency, removed the torrential rainwater which is the major cause of the West Berbice floods, today.

The outcry and protests of these villagers is further fueled by the past experience of protesters that compared to Bath Settlement and Bush Lot, they were the last in line to get street lights and roads fixed.

The rice, cash crops, and livestock farmers of West Berb i c e are not only victimized, but also impoverished by t h e discriminatory practices of the past government and their neglect and failure to act.

Ironically, the villages of Golden Grove, Lovely Lass, Union, Trafalgar (#28), and Tempie (GLUTT) were inundated by persistent rainfall since late April of 2016, after months of drought. The results had devastating effects on the lives of the residents, farmers, crops, and livestock. Since months of appeals to the authorities brought no action, nor relief, the residents responded with public protest on Monday, June 20, 2016.

Did the sudden swing from drought to flood expose a deeper-seated problem of these communities and the

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

respective authorities? Most definitely. To fully understand the issues, let us revisit how it unfolded and examine some obvious causes, impact, and solutions for the residents.

Historically, the synchrony of the May-June rains and high tides would transform these GLUTT villages into a South American Venice as it is the catchment area or lowest point on West Berbice between the Abary and Rosignol. The Mahaica / Mahaicony/ Abary – Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA) was launched in the mid-1970’s to alleviate the centuries of flooding by a planned network of canals, conservancy, levees, locks, spill-ware, sluices and pumps after years of scientific and feasibility studies of the hydrology, f l o r a , a n d f a una of this geographical area.

This was a brainchild of the late President Burnham who accepted the studies of the engineers and consultants, and their rationale for the seven-door sluices at De Edward by the Berbice River and smaller sluice at Profit by the Abary River. Another sluice and four(4) huge pump of eno r m o u s c a p a c i t y t o dispose of 700 cubic feet of w a ter per second were installed at # 29 Village as it was the lowest point of the catchment area between Golden Grove and Union.

This water management system was novel to West Berbice. The efficiency with which the pumps expelled heavy rainwater accumulation in the early 1980’s to the late 1990’s was astounding as the water would disappear in half a day.

Thanks to the Jagdeo government, in 1999, things fell apart with the removal of the two bigger pumps; one sent to Cane Grove and the other to the Corentyne.

The majority of residents of this community felt that the government of the day along with the MMA-ADA and National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) took this spiteful decision to penalize traditional PNC areas.

The removal of these pumps thus sabotaged an existing effective water management system.

In the face of this crisis, there are reports of a heavily silted sluice at #29 which renders it inoperable, two vandalized pumps laying silent, which needs $40m investments to rehabilitate the pumps.

Two temporary pumps on

loan from GUYSUCO came only after a high powered government delegation visited the area. Meanwhile, the forensic auditors (TDA LAL & Co. and Nigel Hinds Financial Services) for both MMA-ADA and NDIA, respectively, have uncovered many irregularities including the transfer of assets between government agencies without documents or proper correspondence. In the case of NDIA, for the period 2011 – 2014, $1.8 Billion was expended on repairs, but no one from management could provide any justification for the levels of expenditure on repair works, which was done by contractors.

The central government is now required to step in to clear the channels and outfalls and repair or install new pumps.

For our people who suffered in health, inconvenience, structural damage to homes, loss of crops and livestock, it is hoped that the Civil Defence Commission is fulfilling its mandate. I also implore Regi o n a l Chairman Vickchand Ramchand to listen to the voices of all the people in Region #5 and not the voices in his head, and serve according to the oath he has sworn to.

Finally, the second and third phases of the MMAADA which was never launched, would have seen a return to the land as did grandparents. These farmers had lost capacity to source small loans from the Agricultural Bank and seed paddy from Burma, yet they persevered in cash crops and poultry.

The youths need jobs, training to match, and the conditions to grow and develop.

It is time to engage the donors to this cause. “Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

When first we practice to deceive!” Felecia Hemans from Marmion.

Max Wallerson

Quoting Naom Chomsky to expose City Hall’s corruptibility Dead Editor: There should be a forensic Audit of the Parking Meter contract with the city; first, we should take the “good deal “argument off the table. The fact that something is a “good deal’ does not mean that one should not perform due diligence. Good deals and due diligence are not mutually exclusive. Moreover a good deal does not mean it’s the best solution or that the city is receiving the best value.

Contracts should be awarded on what is determined to be the best value to the customer, In this case the city.

Editor, This deal fails the most basic of tests for procuring public goods and services.

Due Diligence: The team that went to Mexico has neither the experience nor the

technical expertise to evaluate a proposal to install Parking Meter system. No independent studies or analyses were ever conducted to determine the best solution for the city - test failed. Transparency: The Deputy Mayor was not aware of the trip to Mexico and was unaware that a contract to install parking meter in the city was fully executed.

Essentially, the city paid for the car before test-driving it, and they are apparently very proud of this decision. This is beyond incompetence - test failed Conflict of interest: The prospective contractor paid the entire travel cost of the Mayor, the Town Clerk and two other council members for the trip to Mexico. This move clearly undermines the city officials’

objectivity. How can they be impartial - test failed.

From the names being mentioned in this deal, this thing even fails the smell test.

Something is rotten in all of Denmark. . If this contract is allowed to go through, tell me on what basis would the sitting government bring charges against the PPP for past transgressions. . Would the PPP not be entitled to invoke the now famous Oscar Clarke’s defense? -”I have no apologies; I getting like Mr. Harmon”. I guess “for the powerful, crimes are those that others commit.” (Noam Chomsky). I hope the voters are watching and are observing the utter contempt with which those in power treat them.

Yvette Short

The UGGGO has been kind...

From page 4 offer. Dr. Ramsammy, after returning to Guyana, submitted a written report to then Vice Chancellor and the UG Board.

His report was based on my notes of the meeting and he sent me a copy of the report which, more than a decade later, I shared with Dr. Marlene Cox when she acted as Vice Chancellor. By then, the President of York (UG’s equivalent of the Vice Chancellor) and other senior staff, including Guyanese-born Professors Frank Birbalsingh, Rudy Grant and Percy Anderson, were no longer at York. Thus, a great opportunity was lost; · during the period when Dr. Marlene Cox was Director of Alumni Affairs (i.e. more than a decade ago) a Guyanese-born, prominent lawyer in Toronto whose relatives are well known lawyers in Guyana, agreed to fund an award of $500 (Can) annually for a period of 10 years to an outstanding law student.

Twice I sent agreements to the UG to formalize the arrangement. In following up each time, I was informed that the draft was being held up in the law faculty. Now, when-

ever I meet this lawyer he sarcastically asks “when will you hear from the UG”; · the UGGGO has been holding just over $4,000 (Can) which it wishes to use to top-up each of the 9 trust accounts in Guyana. However, the process communicated to us by the financial institution to transfer the funds to Guyana and distribute to each account is cumbersome and seems more relevant to an individual’s personal account. UG senior administrators who were contacted for assistance several months ago, have been unresponsive so far; · On March 25, 2016, I e-mailed then Vice Chancellor (acting) regarding two matters – (1) a list of the names of the 9 awardees for 2014 and 2015 (something UG agreed to do annually as per signed agreements) and (2) a report on the funds raised by the 50th Anniversary Committee from the sale of the 75 books donated by the UGGGO (a condition upon which the books were donated so we could maintain transparency and accountability with our supporters in Ontario). On May 10, 2016, I

followed up with a reminder.

To date no response has been received.

Before concluding, I would like to state that over the years I found a few senior officials at the UG to be very dedicated and exceedingly helpful. They are/were the late Mel Sankies, who in his capacity as Vice Chancellor (acting) around 1994, worked with the UGGGO to establish the first three trust accounts for the awards mentioned above; Professor Harold Lutchman during his years as Vice Chancellor and Dr. Marlene Cox during her years as Director of Alumni Affairs and later as Vice Chancellor (acting) who valued the contributions of the UGGGO and gave us great support; and Ms. Yvonne Stephenson, former Head Librarian and her successor Ms Gwyneth George who never failed to acknowledge, and doing so promptly, any contribution we made to the library.

At this time, I wish Professor Griffith and the Education Resource Ambassadors every success in their efforts to improve the UG. Harry Hergash

GRA Chairman says negative...

From page 4 goals of sustainable development through the provision of appropriate tax services and measures. · The fifth objective is to ensure that the dedicated and industrious staff members of the GRA are able to work in suitable and acceptable conditions of safety, comfort and satisfaction and that they are justly rewarded.

The Board understands that

if those needs were not fully met, then achieving all other objectives was at risk.

All of the aforementioned issues were identified and discussed at the Retreat in February of this year while leadership was in place.

Also, the organization has begun to develop new metrics to measure performance and to address issues of corruption, particularly in the area of Customs. Further,

GRA has already moved to extend the life of a”Tender Compliance Certificate” from three (3) months to six (6) months so that people could concentrate on running their businesses and becoming more competitive.

GRA is actively examining other compliance issues to lighten further the administrative burden of taxpayers, particularly businesses. As such, GRA is not groping in

the dark for a direction or methods to bring desired relief to taxpayers and the organization as your editorial implies.

It is my hope that this letter provides readers with balance to the opinions expressed in the identified editorial.

Rawle F. Lucas Chairman, Governing Board of Guyana Revenue Authority

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Way paved for Bid Protest Guyana, Suriname places Committee to start work border dispute on back burner

Government has published the names of members of its Bids Protest Committee, paving the way for the body to be formally established now.

According to the Official Gazette of June 16, the Chairperson will be a nominee from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The other members are Archibald Clifton, a former senior manager of Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT); Ewart Adams, an insurance official; and Colin Sawh, a security company official.

On June 17, Minister of State and Cabinet Secretary, Joseph Harmon, disclosed that approval has been granted for the special body to be established to hear complaints from aggrieved bidders and other stakeholders.

The three-man body had been one of the requirements laid out in the public procurement regulations, explained Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

The approval for a Bid Protest Committee will come at a time when there have been delays for more than a decade and a half now for the establishment of, and appointment of members to the Public Procurement Commission (PPC), which is

Minister Joseph Harmon in limbo. There have been growing complaints of wrongdoings in the awards of contracts with little recourse for aggrieved bidders.

According to Minister Harmon, there have been concerns about the transparency of public contracts in the face of the delayed Public Procurement Commission.

The Bid Protest Committee has come out of recommendations from Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan.

“This Bid Protest Committee is one of the requirements laid out in the regulations for public procurement,” Harmon had

told reporters.

He said that the protest committee will deal with “alleged breaches of the Public Procurement Act by procuring entities”.

Meanwhile, the PPC, when established, will monitor how state agencies, ministries and regional councils procure goods and services and ensure that the processes are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

The PPC was supposed to investigate complaints and irregularities and initiate investigations.

The five-member PPC was supposed to be nominated by the Public Accounts Committee and supported by two-thirds of the members of the National Assembly.

A March deadline had been announced by Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee, Irfaan Ali, for the establishment of Public Procurement Commission.

During his budget presentation earlier this year, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, said that the Government is seeking to fasttrack the process for establishing the Public Procurement Commission, which will be pro-active in enacting a Code of Conduct for Ministers of Government and Parliamentarians.

Caricom countries in extractive industries must look to diversify- Bouterse President Desi Bouterse

With the Heads of Government of 14 other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries paying rapt attention, President of Suriname Desi Bouterse, issued a dire warning to the bloc of the need to evolve into an economic powerhouse, truly able to face global challenges.

Bouterse was addressing the opening of the ThirtySeventh regular conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which Guyana is hosting on behalf of Dominica. The opening ceremony unfolded at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) yesterday.

One of the President’s entreaties was for the CARICOM countries involved in the extractive industries, to take urgent steps to come together in order to iron out how best to diversify their industries and link service sectors.

Bouterse said that those involved in these sectors are confronted by the reality of a global economic slowdown and low market prices, including for oil. However, the Head of State made it clear that CARICOM members must remain resolute.

“Decreasing oil prices (and slumps in other commodity prices) have

created challenges for all of us in the wider Caribbean.

Concentrating on the diversification of our economies is one of the challenges we face as CARICOM states.”

Suggesting that CARICOM must also seek to engage experts in these consultations, Bouterse pointed to the downturn in the amount of tourists traveling to the Caribbean as one issue that must be addressed.

He also observed the vested interest the United States of America (USA) had in assisting the region in (Continued on page 8)

- commits to more trade, Corentyne River bridge

President David Granger and President Desi Bouterse during Friday’s visit Guyana and Suriname remain committed to building a bridge across the two countries with the issue raised during a one-day visit

by President David Granger on Friday.

Suriname’s De Ware Tijd newspaper reported also that a simmering border issue between the two countries is not a priority.

Rather, the governments are looking at ways to increase trade and travel.

While Government has not yet updated Guyana on the visit, according to the Surinamese newspaper, the two leaders during a press conference on Friday in Nickerie, said that they want to capitalize on the economic potential of the two neighbours.

There are thousands of Guyanese living in Suriname with significant trade conducted through the Corentyne border area.

Surinamese nationals, like

Guyanese, have been moving freely through the border area, via boats and a ferry that operates across the Corentyne River.

A few years ago, talks started between the two countries for a bridge across the Corentyne River.

Guyana has already earmarked an area in the Moleson Creek, Corentyne area where the bridge would land.

A road was earmarked to be built to that area.

Suriname had promised to find financing for the bridge.

However, a simmering border issue has been threatening time and again. It has to do with an area called the “New River Triangle” which is controlled by Guyana since the 60’s, but claimed by the neighbouring country.

According to President Desi Bouterse, the border dispute is over 80 years old

and therefore “cannot be resolved within 80 minutes.”

Rather, it was stressed, the two countries are looking for ways to ensure that the legacy of the Netherlands and Britain does not jeopardize the future of Suriname and Guyana.

“We know it is a problem, but we are convinced that there are possibilities to address the border issue without considering the river as something that separates us, but rather be seen as something that unites us,” Granger said.

That is why he is in favour of a bridge over the Corentyne River, allowing passengers and goods between the two countries to be facilitated, with it being used for the benefit of both countries.

There should be a legal solution on the border issue, the newspaper quoted Granger as saying.

PAGE 8

Guyana has no AML/CFT Authority says Nandlall Guyana has no Anti Money Laundering/ Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Authority in place. This is according to former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall who stated that there is no Management Committee of the Financial Intelligence Unit and no Financial Intelligent Unit in place.

Nandlall made this disclosure in relation to reports made by Attorney General Basil Williams that Guyana was “cleared to exit Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) regimes” at a meeting of the Financial Action Task Force in Korea.

“These bodies exist on paper only. I am, therefore, amazed that the FATF has been led to believe that Guyana has a “fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit. Who is responsible for such misinformation?” asked Nandlall. He added that this can cause immeasurable international damage to Guyana. The Attorney General, Nandlall said, was quick to point out that the coalition Government inherited certain AML/CFT deficiencies from the previous administration.

However, Nandlall made it clear that while the APNU/ AFC coalition was in opposition it voted down requisite Bills in the tenth parliament, twice. This aggravated those deficiencies. This, he pointed out, resulted in Guyana being placed into the review process of CFATF and FATF. The opposition Member of Parliament said that he will reveal this “important fact” every time Williams attempts to hide it.

Nandlall explained that FATF issues a public statement summarizing important decisions it has

Eight now in custody for murder of Mahaica trucker - vehicle impounded

Attorney General, Basil Williams

Opposition MP, Anil Nandlall

made in respect of each country that is under its review process after every meeting. He stated that he has carefully examined FATF’s public statement in respect to Guyana. He noted that nowhere in that statement is it posited, either expressly or by implication, that Guyana was “cleared to exit FATF and CFATF regimes”. In fact, nothing contained in that statement lends itself to such an interpretation, Nandlall asserted.

The MP is of the view that the most perplexing part of the statement reads as follow, “Guyana has substantially addressed its action plan at a technical level, including … (4) Establishing a fully operational and effectively functioning Financial Intelligence Unit.”

The MP said that it is common knowledge that by virtue of the AMLCFT (Amendment) Act 2015, Act No.1 of 2015, the Coalition Government effectively abolished the existing Financial Intelligence Unit and installed in its place a large bureaucratic superstructure. He said that the structure includes, a 20member body known as the AMLCFT Authority, 10 of whom are to be appointed by the National Assembly by a

simple majority upon the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, after that committee has consulted with relevant organizations.

It also includes a Committee of Management of the Financial Intelligence Unit which consists of the Director, the Deputy Director and Managers. Both the Director and the Deputy Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit are appointed by the National Assembly by a simple majority on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments. And the Financial Intelligence Unit which consists of the Director, Deputy Director, Managers, an Attorney- at-Law and an Accountant, both of whom are appointed by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments and other staff. According to Nandlall, the National Assembly has made none of the aforementioned appointments.

The Parliamentary Committee on Appointments has appointed neither an Attorney-at- Law nor an Accountant.

He added that he is amazed that the FATF has been led to believe that Guyana has a “fully operational and effectively functioning Financi a l I n t e l l i g e n c e Unit.”

Caricom countries in extractive...

From page 7 curbing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and money laundering. The Caribbean has been labeled as a tax haven and accused of lax tax regimes and avenues for money laundering and terrorism financing. CARICOM has defended its record, stating that there is no evidence to prove this. At their Inter-

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

sessional meeting in Belize, Heads “emphasized that Member States have complied with all global regulatory standards, including those established by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the Global Forum, and have been scrutinized in every detail by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) other multilateral institutions”.

They deemed the action by the correspondent banks, “as an economic assault” tantamount to an economic blockade against CARICOM Member States. But CARICOM, using the power of the collective, had appointed a high level advocacy group, led by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gastown Browne, to represent the interests of the Region in addressing the issue, including approaches to the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation and the United States Government. CARICOM is one of the longest surviving integration movements among developing countries, with the original Treaty of Chaguaramas signed on July 4, 1973.

Five brothers from Chelsea Park, Mahaica, are among eight people now in custody for the murder of 31year-old trucker Jadesh Dass, who was gunned down in 2012 on a roadway after he was lured from his home.

The detained brothers include a sibling whose wife was allegedly having an affair with Dass, and another brother who allegedly paid an Albouystown man, known as ‘Buddy,’ $500,000 to execute Dass over the affair.

Police have also detained the alleged gunman’s sister, known as ‘Mala’.

It was she who reportedly suggested to one of the brothers that her sibling carry out the murder.

Police are set to seek legal advice on the case this week.

Relatives of the slain

Jadesh Dass truck driver had long contended that the same detained brothers and some of their associates had plotted Dass’s murder over his affair with the wife of one of the brothers.

There are reports that some of the suspects have

been having an attack of conscience and that at least one of them had repeatedly divulged details about the murder while under the influence.

The detained gunman has reportedly told investigators that he was given a $200,000 ‘down-payment’, and collected a further $300,000 after the ‘job’ was done.

In the early hours of April 17, 2012, the gunman and other plotters parked a truck on Mahaica New Road.

Leaving the hazard light on, the men pretended that the vehicle had broken down.

On his way to Soesdyke, Jadesh Dass, who was employed by one of the suspects, spotted the ‘broken down’ vehicle and stopped to help.

When he exited the truck, the hired gunman shot him in the head and the killers dumped his body on the parapet of the Mahaica New Road.

Court documents explain BK Int’l and Surendra deal Court documents have surfaced over the alleged $800M steel deal between India-based Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited and BK International Incorporated, headed by businessman Brian Tiwarie.

The issue surrounds eight containers of steel that the Ramotar administration took possession of after Surendra Engineering was dropped from the project.

The matter came to the fore after former President Donald Ramotar, said that the coalition administration needs to explain why some $800M in steel and other equipment earmarked for the Specialty Hospital project went solely to Brian Tiwarie.

But according to the documents, the court had directed that eight containers, including its content, be levied to partially satisfy a judgment in the sum totaling over $180 million with interest on the said sum, at the rate of six per cent per annum from July 23, 2014, until fully paid, together with costs fixed in the sum of $450,000 by Surendra. According to Tiwarie’s statement of claim on March 3, 2014 at Georgetown, he (Tiwarie) and the defendant, Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited, entered into a written agreement for the supply and driving of 2000 pieces of 65foot long greenheart piles at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, by the Plaintiff.

The agreed sum for executing the contract by the Plaintiff was $673,978,328.

Bk International’s Brian Tiwarie However on June 30, 2014 the Plaintiff, through his Attorney-at-Law, wrote to the defendant requesting payment of the sums due, but Surendra failed or refused to do so. Tiwarie claimed payment of the sum of $180.1 million being money due by the defendant to him for the supply of piles and services rendered plus costs in the sum of $450,000.00.

This newspaper has since seen the documents which indicate that the Court had granted judgement against the India-based company in 2014. The judgement was handed down by Justice Rishi Persaud in the Commercial Court of Georgetown Supreme Court.

The order stated that eight containers, including their content, be levied to partially satisfy a judgment in the sum totaling over S180 million with interest on the said sum at the rate of six per cent per

annum from July 23, 2014 until fully paid together with costs fixed in the sum of $450,000

by Surendra.

The Court had restrained Brijen Parikh of Surendra Engineering Corporation Limited from leaving or attempting to leave the jurisdiction pending the hearing and determination of the action.

Tiwarie had expressed fear that when Brijen Parikh, the head of Surendra left the jurisdiction, he would not return to Guyana.

“To date the said Brijen Parikh has not contacted the Plaintiff (Tiwarie) to discuss the payment of money due to the Plaintiff.” The document outlined that the Plaintiff lost a considerable sum of money since the defendant “has no assets in Guyana of which I am aware.”

The businessman was therefore advised by his Attorney-at-Law that the defendant (Surendra Engineering) lodges with the Registrar of the Supreme Court the sum of $180.1M as security, to satisfy any judgment that the Court may order or pay to the Plaintiff the sum claimed.

The court contended that the Plaintiff, Tiwarie, is the owner of both movable and immovable properties valued in excess of hundreds of millions of dollars and does have the ability to pay damages if so ordered to do, in case the defendant should have sustained loss by reason of the Orders now sought being granted.

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Caricom must be democratized to allow countries to exit the integration movement The regional integration movement has lost its historical referent point.

Caricom has always been a flawed imitation of the European Economic Community later known as the European Union.

When the European Community decided at the end of the Cold War to expand its membership and to form a Union in response to fears of American economic hegemony, the regional leaders became very anxious about their future.

The region which had long survived in preferential trade relations with Europe became fearful of being overrun by the mega blocs in Europe and the one developing in North America.

The Caribbean leaders summoned an emergency summit and arising out of this commissioned an expert

group to recommend the way forward.

The report of that expert group, entitled Time for Action, recommended a community of sovereign states. It was another way of saying to the region’s leaders to continue in the same formation but to widen relations with other parts of the Caribbean.

The threat posed by huge economic mega blocs such as NAFTA pushed the Caribbean to create the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. The Single Market is in place. The single economy is on pause because of the same reason that the British people voted out of the European Union.

The Caribbean Single Market and Economy is patterned after the European Union which whether you like it or not is the most

successful integration model in the world. But it is a model which has a weakness in that free movement presents challenges for the more developed economies.

Free movement - be it for goods, services or people has presented problems for the Caribbean. If a referendum were held today, the people of the Caribbean would vote against integration just like the British did.

There are forces which are pushing for the establishment of a Task Force to study the implications of Brexit. There is no need for this to be done.

The region’s leaders must instead ask themselves whether this model of integration that we have signed on to is suited to the Caribbean. The Federation collapsed not only because of the arithmetic that one from

Dem boys seh...

Jagdeo sell out Guyana birthright When people sit down and think about de stupidness that use to go on all dem can do is shake dem head. Every year de government use to get US$4 million from de shares in GTT. Jagdeo sit down and think that he must sell dem share.

Now that dem boys sit down and think it got to be that is either he wanted spite people or he wanted a small piece. De man sell dem shares that was bringing in money.

But he had some shares that he could a sell. Dem was de shares in he padnah company—New GPC. Dem shares never produce one cent but Jagdeo refuse to sell dem. Then dem boys sit down and think again; dem think bout how much money that Permanent Secretary had. Wha de man had in he bank account is nearly half of wha GTT worth.

Jagdeo did already sell out almost a quarter so is only a shall lef fuh GTT. That is how things was in de country.

Everybody had money. Now dem

complaining how money dry up. Money got to dry up when people clamp down.

A lot of wickedness use to go on but old people know that once you set out to do wickedness you got to expect wickedness.

Tek LuCrass.

He walk in de office and knock off people lef, right and centre.

De wickedness in him, he seh is not he, is de board. De people on de Board seh that dem never had any meeting fuh mek such a decision. One of dem seh he get a phone all telling him about de change. Another one seh since de meeting to knock off C fuh Satar dem never had any other meeting.

Thing fuh cry some people does laugh.

LuCrass test de water and he know that when he act nobody can find fault. Jagdeo try to seh that he use race but dem boys see how he promote a woman to de post just under de chair wheh C fuh Satar use to sit. But he still wicked.

Talk half and see how Jagdeo get quiet.

10 equals zero. It collapsed because it was an agency of the Empire intended to create a Caribbean Crown Colony.

Federation was an imposition by Great Britain to ease its administrative woes. Instead of trying to administer fifteen or more islands and the mainland state of Guyana, Britain sold the leaders of the Caribbean the idea that Federation was the route to freedom.

It was, in fact, a strategy

by Britain to reduce the cost and resources of administering so many colonies in the Caribbean.

Jagan opposed it because he saw its mendicant nature.

Federation required, for him, Independence. Otherwise it would become a regionwide Crown Colony administrative unit.

Federation failed but Carifta has worked. Carifta was an attempt to create a regional free trade area. It has worked successfully. It has led to a Common Market.

It is true that some countries have benefitted more than others. Those who benefitted would have done so anyway because of the strength of their economies relative to others. Trinidad had a strong economy and free trade area or not would have enjoyed greater trade benefits.

That is the unwritten law of economic integration under the European model: the strong benefit more than the weak.

Instead of moving towards a single economy, the region’s leaders should have poured more effort into

improving the single market so that it could have become a stronger free trade area.

A single economy is too ambitious for the Caribbean.

The Caribbean needs to improve its single economy so as to make it work for all States and not just the stronger states. This is the challenge facing Caricom.

By the time the European Union expanded, Britain was a weakened force within Europe. The influence has shifted eastwards. British industries were always going to suffer as a result of an expanded EU because Britain was no longer the power that it was in the past.

Free movement simply pushed the British people to decide that it was not worth staying in the Union.

Britain has decided by a slim majority to exit the European Union. They can if they wish to rejoin at a later date. The people of the Caribbean have no such option. The difference between the European Union and Caricom is that the former

is more democratic. Caricom is not democratic. Caricom is an attempt to copy a liberal integration model but without democracy in its operations.

The people of the Caribbean have no say in what happens in Caricom. The decision as to the design and future of Caricom are made by the leaders and not by the people or by their elected representative in the r e g i o n ’s national assemblies. This is what makes Brexit far more superior to the cries that are going to be made this week in Guyana for the region’s leaders to strengthen the integration movement. Those cries have nothing to do with the people.

If Caricom is a community of sovereign states, then each member should have a right to decide whether to stay in or get out.

NICIL should probe ...

From page 3 during the period 2012-2014.”

Further, it was pointed out that the purchaser of the shares, Datang Telecom Technology and Industry Group would therefore recover the cost of the investment in less than 12 years by way of dividends, while at the same time retaining the investment.

The APNU+AFC government has been complaining that its predecessor—the

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C)—left the public purse almost empty. New GPC is a profitable company.

During the reign of the PPP/C government, approximately 80 percent of Government contracts for the procurement of drugs used to be handed to New GPC. Accumulated dividends for government’s 10 percent shares in New GPC may run into the billions.

PAGE 10

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Guyana: Symphony of cruelty, misery and nihilism The letter pages of the Kaieteur News and Stabroek News are not for the fainthearted. Those pages are an opera of mind-piercing tragedies that call into question the viability of this nation. The ubiquitous misery of this country can be found in those pages and in every instance, the hopeless, helpless victim is a poor person, mostly a father that has left a family behind and that family disintegrates into the nihilistic wild and barren wilderness of a land named Guyana One of the Kaieteur News’ journalists, Romila Boodram showed me a hand-written letter about the plight of a sixty-one-year-old father. My immediate reaction was to ask Romila to type it so it can be published. It was published in the KN. It is a sad story.

After eighteen years of service, illness befell this man; he was laid off and there was no compensation.

For those who read the letter pages of the newspaper, this is just another correspondence of the misery of the poor.

The cynical mind will

point to hundreds of letters like that. The victims are simply destroyed and so are their families This columnist knows of at least ten male heads of the household who died on the job; in some instances a pittance was given. In other circumstances, nothing was offered. In these ten cases, all the employers were familyowned type of business, four of which are families that actually possess billions, (not hundreds of millions but billions) of dollars. In all of the ten cases I know, each man had a wife and children.

In all the ten examples cited here, the eldest child of one of the dead men was fourteen. All the other children were below the age of thirteen.

Do the people of this country know that an employee lost all four limbs on the job, and I think the case for employer’s compensation is still in court?

This man may never live to collect a cent because such types of litigation normally take about fifteen years to conclude. Incidentally, do you know the Jagdeo libel

writ against me and this newspaper which begun in 2011 is nowhere on the horizon of conclusion.

I think the court is waiting on either Jagdeo, the owner of Kaieteur News or me to die before it can resume.

I know about a poor employee who drowned in the Abary Creek while performing his tasks and his family got a pittance from one of the wealthiest families in this country. There are seven disadvantages the surviving families face. First, in many instances these horrible family-owned companies would tell the wife they are not paying and she can take the matter to court.

This becomes an impossibility because legal fees are a deterrent.

Secondly, Guyana does not have the kind of lawyers that would undertake a probono case for these families.

Thirdly, the legal aid clinic does not take on these kinds of litigation. Fourthly, assuming that they get a humane lawyer or legal aid comes to their rescue, the hearing will not conclude before fifteen years.

Govt to study aviation impact on country’s economy Government is moving to launch a study of the impact of the aviation industry on the country’s economy.

Government is moving to carry out a study on the air transport sector to determine its economic impact.

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News, invited Expressions of Interest for the consultancy services for study to determine the impact of air transport on the country’s economy.

The invitation explained that the Government of Guyana is looking to conduct a study that will assist industry stakeholders and decision makers to better understand the aviation sector in Guyana.

The main scope of the study is to entail an

exploration of the aviation sector’s core economic contribution to the Guyana economy.

It should cover the impact to the Gross Domestic Product and employment within Guyana, arising both as a result of the aviation sector’s own activities (the direct impact) and as a result of the consequential expenditure impacts for the other part of the economy.

Staffers of GCAA will also be trained on the methodology and procedures of the study.

The bids will close on July 12.

The aviation industry, especially local charter operations, has been seeing

an explosive growth in recent years, especially with developments in the mining and forestry sectors.

With the Ogle airport now an international one, the impact of aviation have become a critical link.

There are flights now to Suriname and Brazil; LIAT now lands at Ogle.

There are several flights daily to the Hinterland airstrips, including to Kaieteur Falls, Lethem, Mahdia and Ekereku.

It has spinoffs like taxi services, increase in aviation fuel demand, more security jobs and a demand for impro v e d a i r s t r i p s , i n especially the hinterland area.

When waiting for those fifteen years to pass by, the family has to get money to survive. How do they live?

Fifthly, there is no governmental agency that could be bothered with these crippled families. The Labour Department from Independence right up to July 2016 is a pathetic waste of time. Sixthly, Guyana does not have a functioning Human Rights Commission.

The human rights body, Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) is nothing but a broken down car that has outlived its purpose. Finally, the political parties in opposition or government will not be moved to act because they have

always been in the pocket of these rich family owned businesses.

It is a public secret that these families patronize these political outfits even outside of the campaign season. Anyone following the acidic quarrel between former President Donald Ramotar and the super-rich man, Brian Tiwarie will clearly see how governments will be paralyzed to act against their benefactors if an employer dies on the job. This columnist has had several complaints of industrial violations against Tiwarie. I wish both Tiwarie and Ramotar can just disappear and spare the Guyanese people the poison they are

Frederick Kissoon spitting out at each other. My opinion is that this country can do without these two men. This is a depraved land where the rich can do whatever they want to their employees even kill them (I know of two such cases) and they will not even get a telephone call from the police or relevant Ministry. Guyana is requiem for the dead.

Remuneration negotiation...

GTU, Ministry agree to complete process by August - or other course of action could follow The Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) have agreed to bring to an end the ongoing negotiation for a new teachers’ remuneration package by August. This development was vocalised

by GTU President Mr. Mark Lyte, who told this publication that a since a timeframe, within which the negotiations should have been concluded, was not stipulated at the start, constant delays on the part of the Ministry, warranted this being put in place.

“This was kind of bad, on our part. We should have held them, from the inception, to a specific timeline. But we have now set a timeline for on or before August for the completion of negotiations and they have agreed to that,” said Lyte.

However, if the Ministry fails to adhere to this agreement, the GTU President intimated, “We will have to take another course of action.” He, however, stopped short of translating “another course of action,” but went on to stress that “they (Ministry) should be able to keep their word.”

When asked if the Union is prepared to rally its members for protest action, Lyte would only say, “That will be a last resort but I am sure that our members will not be opposed to that.” He continued, “I am frustrated by the constant delays...and the teachers are frustrated too. Each time there is an added delay it looks as though we are not doing anything. But behind the scenes we are there for so many meetings and we are

GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte hoping to get through with this soon,” added Lyte.

He said that delaying the process should not have even been an issue since, “Teachers are said to be so important. They are saying one thing on one hand and then on the other hand they are not acting out what they say...this is creating some distrust.” According to Lyte, while the governing administration seems to have good intention for workers within the public sector, “My opinion is that they don’t act fast enough to help these workers to believe that what they are saying is what they mean. They undoubtedly have good intention in their discussion but the action part of it is not forthcoming.”

“Workers are upbeat when they hear them speak but there are so many bottlenecks,” said Lyte. He said that while Government has approved things such as the debunching money, two months later and teachers are still waiting for a payout. “The teachers are becoming more and more agitated and restless;

questions are being asked...and this delay in the negotiations is not helping the situation,” the GTU President argued.

The Union, according to him, was hopeful that the negotiations could have concluded earlier but the Ministry insisted that this wasn’t possible and therefore August was accepted.

Although the Union had presented its proposal to the Ministry since the latter part of last year negotiations reportedly only commenced this year. Lyte disclosed that thus far the two sides have agreed on policy issues but, according to him, “The meat of the thing is the salary.”

The Union has asked for a 40 per cent increase across the board for teachers this year, 45 per cent next year, 50 per cent in 2018, 50 per cent in 2019 and 50 per cent in 2020 for all categories of teachers.

In order to help along the salary negotiations, Lyte said that the Union had asked the Ministry to invite a representative from the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Finance too. This, he noted, was to ensure that the results of negotiations are not only acceptable but workable at all of the necessary levels.

Negotiations, according to Lyte, have been stalled since recent protest action at the Brickdam Secondary School. Teachers at the school engaged in industrial action to highlight the deplorable conditions.

Lyte disclosed that on the very day of the protest, the financial aspect of the negotiations was supposed to have commenced.

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Guyana leads CARICOM states in agri produce supply Guyana scored the highest in consistency of supply of agriculture produce, excellent market locations and market hours, in a recent study that assessed market adequacy for fresh agriculture produce in Barbados, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago.

The study was part of a broader Intra-ACP Agriculture Policy Programme (APP) Caribbean Action funded by the 10th European Development Fund. It was designed to enhance regional and interregional capabilities of the agricultural sectors, in eradicating poverty in the Caribbean and Pacific regions.

It is also intended to increase the capability of Regional Agricultural Development Organizations in the Caribbean and Pacific regions, to address the development needs of smallholder agriculture. The

coordinating agencies are the Caribbean Agriculture Research Development Institute (CARDI), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

The CARICOM Secretariat is leading the development of agriculture policy and providing technical support to agencies and industry groups to strengthen regional mechanisms and platforms for coordinating implementation of regional policies and strategies, to address the constraints to agriculture development. It is also assisting Ministries of Agriculture to develop national and commoditybased agriculture policies and plans in alignment with regional policies.

CARDI is leading applied farm and food processing research and innovation that involves promoting and facilitating access of small

producers to validated traditional knowledge, and innovative and climate responsive farming practices.

The critical elements related to enterprise development and market linkages are being led by IICA. This agency is working to strengthen the capacity of national and regional producer groups to engage with financial services providers for enterprise development. IICA is also coordinating the implementation of value-added processes, product development and market opportunities.

The study in which Guyana scored the highest was led by Agriculture Consultant, Dr. Lennox Sealy.

He identified 20 key indicators of an ‘ideal’ fresh produce market that included an active group of wholesalers who purchase farmers’ goods in bulk quantities.

His study also examined convenient collection points,

37th Heads of Govt meeting…

Guyana co-hosting evidence of continued commitment to Caricom - Min. Greenidge With Guyana co-hosting the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), this shows the government’s continued commitment to being involved in the integration process.

This is according to Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Carl Greenidge, who sat down for an interview with the CARICOM Secretariat ahead of the 37th Heads of Government Meeting from July 4 to July 6 in Georgetown, Guyana.

The Conference of Heads of Government is the supreme organ of the Caribbean Community which provides policy direction. In addition, it is the final authority for the conclusion of Treaties on behalf of the Community and for entering into relationships between the Community and International Organisations and States. While Guyana is co-hosting with the CARICOM Secretariat, the meeting will be chaired by the Prime Minister of Dominica.

This is the second time Guyana will host a Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government outside of the six-monthly rotation schedule of the chairmanship. The first was in 1995 when Dominica, as is the case this year, was unable to host the Meeting.

Guyana’s commitment to CARICOM, Minister Greenidge said, was also manifested in the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR, in which it is the only CARICOM Member State). He noted that instead

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carl Greenidge of promoting Guyana’s needs, priorities and preferences, the opportunity was seized to inform the grouping of CARICOM’s main concerns. “That is part of the process of deepening our role in CARICOM. To the extent that we can participate in all these meetings and field stronger technical teams, we will be able to represent the Region more effectively,” he said. Minister Greenidge said that the Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government was being held “at a time when the Region finds itself in some turmoil or on the periphery of significant change.”

He pointed out that the most significant challenge was the crisis in Venezuela, and the Community’s response to it. It was therefore important, he noted, that CARICOM Heads discuss this issue against the background of “what is appropriate, what are the rules, what are the obligations.”

Minister Greenidge also touched briefly on the critical importance

of the United Kingdom (UK) referendum on its membership in the European Union (EU) to CARICOM. Mr. Greenidge posited that the outcome threatened a degree of uncertainty, if not destabilisation in the trade and political relationships between the Region and its European partners.

Noting that the EU and its European Development Fund (EDF) was the major source of concessionary grant financing for the Region, Minister Greenidge said what was decided about the future of the relations between the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) grouping and the EU would be very critical.

The ACP, he pointed out, was an important body. It was the only group that had a standing relationship with the North, with whom it negotiated periodically on a range of important issues.

Between negotiations, there was a standing platform for addressing the difficulties that arose from implementing what was being negotiated.

Minister Greenidge signalled Guyana’s interest in advancing discussions on the future of the grouping of ACP, based on an offer made

by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the ACP Eminent Persons Group to brief CARICOM Heads on this issue. “We are going to make sure that the Heads take advantage of that offer, so that when they arrive at a position, it will be as fully informed as possible,” Mr. Greenidge said.

suitably located markets, an organised market information system, trading based on grades and standards, conveniently located packing and cooling facilities available for fresh produce, and physical conditions in the market that are conducive and safe.

With a maximum score of 100 for each country, Barbados scored 33.3 percent; Grenada, 33.8; Guyana, 44.0; St. Kitts and Nevis, 31.5; and Trinidad and Tobago, 24.5. Dr. Sealy’s report noted that with the result revealing an average of 30.5, it was evident that there are many opportunities for improvement in market adequacy for fresh produce in the Caribbean.

A wide overview of the report showed that markets in Guyana are in the greatest need of physical upgrade.

However, the country scored

the highest because of its consistency of supply, excellent market locations and market hours.

Though Trinidad and Tobago has an active group of wholesalers that supply bulk quantities for the market, they scored the lowest because the reliability of the supply is not consistent.

The investigation found that one of the inherent difficulties in the current market system in the Region was insufficient packing, sorting and cooling facilities, critical in preserving the quality and standard of naturally perishable agricultural commodities.

Each of these factors, the study found, can lead to “post-harvest food losses” which affect many things including the food supply, commodity prices and income for producers.

In this context, recommendations were put forward for the identification of all regional non-trade barriers; an assessment of each and the creation of a framework to eliminate identified barriers facing agricultural products.

The study also recommended a harmonised approach to regional import procedures that facilitated movement of agricultural products within the Region; the building of national market facilities to avoid problems related to spontaneous markets; and the establishment of a regional registry for a CARICOM transportation corridor which includes basic data of cost, availability, reliability and protocols for importers, exporters, brokers, shipping agents, shipping lines and aircraft operators.

PAGE 12

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

CPA employs efforts to return children to biological families Child care specialists have often opined that children are best served in healthy family settings. An ideal echoed by Director of the Childcare and Protection Agency, (CPA) Ann Greene, even as efforts and mechanisms towards removing children from the various institutions within the system are being adopted.

According to Greene, such efforts have resulted in a notable decline in the number of children currently in State Care.

In a recently publicized letter, Greene had outlined the reduction in the number of children in the three institutions namely the Dropin-Center, Mahaica Children’s

- Shows decline in numbers due to new deinstitutionalization programme.

Home and the Sophia Care Center. The population is now at approximately 165 children compared to last year when the facilities housed over 200 children.

The CPA head noted that the reduction is directly linked to the fact that the Agency has been adopting the mechanisms aimed at returning children to their home environment.

Ms. Greene explained that the CPA has been working with both parents and the children to have them (the children) deinstitutionalised by providing counseling and

follow up support after a child or children spends some time in State Care.

“Children are better served in families. Therefore the Childcare and Protection Agency has been looking at methods of making children‘s time in State agencies as short as possible through the deinstitutionalization programme.”

Greene said that in addition to the reduction of the children in the state care centers, due to the renewed effort of reunification of children to biological families, the CPA has been working

towards advancing its foster care programme.

“The policy of the agency is the promotion of family based care and institutional care as a last resort. If there is an alternative other than admission to an institution, that option will be taken since children are better served in a family.”

She said that the agency has been appealing to persons to come and register to be foster parents. There is a screening process and initial training followed by ongoing training and support to ensure the children’s

continued wellbeing.

At present the CPA has 199 registered foster parents and 200 children in the foster care programme.

Ms. Greene explained that the programme is supported by the CPA; each foster parent is paid $18,000 per month for each child in addition to receiving follow up assistance from the agency.

At the beginning of 2016, the CPA had reported that the total number of children in residential care was approximately 700.

The number of child

CPA Director Ann Greene residential care institutions in the country stands at 23.

Twenty of these are privately owned and managed.

Trafficking in Persons Report 2016…

Govt. partnership in rescuing TIP victims inadequate – GWMO …insufficient State financing remains a challenge

The Guyana Women Miners’ Organisation has said that it remains willing to assist any administration or agency to combat Trafficking in Persons.

However, President of GWMO, Urica Primus, has said that there continues to be a lack of collaboration between her entity and the Ministry of Social Protection.

Yesterday, when Primus was contacted to comment on Guyana’s improved TIP ranking, she said that partnering with the Ministry of Social Protection has proven to be a major challenge in the area of victim rescue. She said, “There has not been a change in atmosphere when it comes to partnership.

We have written to the Minister of Social Protection, to partner on rescues; to this we haven’t received any response.”

The 2016 TIP report had noted that women and children in Guyana are still subjected to sex trafficking in mining communities in the interior and urban areas.

The report stated, “While both sex trafficking and forced labour occur in interior mining communities, limited Government presence in the country’s interior renders the full extent of trafficking unknown.”

Despite this setback, Primus assured that her organisation will continue to utilize all of its resources to continue to fight against Trafficking in Persons.

“With the strength and experience of our Trafficking Unit and the support of

agencies with similar objectives, we will continue to push for what’s in the best interest of the victims and to create a safer world for women.”

The GWMO is of the belief that women’s issues continue to receive a cold shoulder.

Despite these shortcomings, Primus said that her organisation will not be hindered from continuing to push for what is in the best interest of the victims and to create a safer world for women.

The TIP Safe Home was established through collaboration with a religious group and support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, among numerous other local and international agencies and companies and members of staff.

The Home provides a safe place for victims. There they can improve their skills and pursue academic ambitions.

Funding Following this publication’s exchange with Primus, the GWMO issued a statement to the press which went further to highlight its dismay with the Ministry’s attitude towards offering funding.

The statement disclosed that the Ministry seems not to have the money to fight trafficking and as a result, there is an unfortunate deficit of funds to carry out emergency response exercises. It was stated in the 2016 report that the government had given $600,000 to an NGO-run (Continued on page 23)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

President Bachelet arrives for the Caricom summit

C h i l e ’s P r e s i d e n t , Michelle Bachelet, arrived in Guyana, yesterday as the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) opened in Georgetown.

President Bachelet along with her delegation of approximately 70 persons was received at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

by Guyana’s Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo Prime Minister Nagamootoo described Chile as a country of “great democracy” and one from which Guyana can learn. “It

is one of the fastest growing economies concentrating more on manufacturing and processing,” Nagamootoo noted. He said that the visit by the Chilean Head of State signals greater collaboration and cooperation between Chile and CARICOM. “For the Caribbean we have to move away from this monoculture economy to scientific revolution, and Chile has been developing in that direction,” Nagamootoo noted.

Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for hosting her and her delegation, President Bachelet shared a few light

moments before departing the airport lounge.

She is expected to meet with CARICOM Heads of Government today during their 37th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Though she was not at the official opening ceremony of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference, CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, did say that President Bachelet is expected to participate in bilateral talks with member

PAGE 13

Chile’s President arrives in Guyana for meetings with CARICOM Heads states. Guyana and other CARICOM countries have over the years shared cordial relations with Chile. An invitation to President Bachelet to attend the Heads of Government conference is aimed at strengthening ties with the South American country.

Bachelet’s predecessor, Sebastián Piñera, had attended a previous CARICOM Heads of Government conference in Grenada.

“The Community over the past years has made a conscious effort to build relations with our partners in our hemisphere. It is not at the expense of our traditional partners by any stretch of the imagination, but Chile has been a partner to all of our c o u n t r i e s b i l a t e r a l l y, ” LaRocque said in his address at the opening of the CARICOM Conference.

Noting that Chile is very strong in areas of disasterrelated matters and can be helpful in providing scholarships and facilitating capacity-building programmes, La Rocque

said issues of the hemisphere will be discussed with President Bachelet.

The CARICOM-Chile Joint Commission was established in 1996. The aim of the Joint Commission is to forge closer ties between CARICOM member states and the Republic of Chile in trade, economic, scientific, technical and cultural areas.

There was also the signing of an Agreement on Scientific and Technical Co-operation between both parties. The inaugural meeting was held in Santiago de Chile in June 2003.

Following a nine year hiatus, the second meeting of the CARICOM-Chile Joint Commission took place in 2012. (GINA)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday July 05, 2016

“Junkie” altercation leaves one dead

- suspect runs into Police Station A fight between two drug addicts yesterday morning left one man lying dead on Lombard Street. The two men who would usually do odd jobs for vendors, reportedly got into an argument around 7:10hrs.

According to an eyewitness, the suspect, a 26-year-old male, whose name is yet to be released by the police, threw a banana peel at the victim, 46-yearold Dexter Arthur aka “Stevie”, and a brief scuffle ensued.

The fight was parted but it did not end there. The now dead Arthur reportedly picked up two “scale” weights to throw at his assailant but was eventually calmed down by a fellow “smoke-man” who would also do errands around the market.

The “smoke-man” speaking to this publication declined to give his name but said that he was a friend of the deceased. He stated that mere seconds after Arthur was calmed down, the suspect armed himself with a

The deceased, Steven Dexter Arthur lying in a pool of blood long knife used for cutting plantain bunches and attacked Arthur.

He stabbed Arthur in the stomach and the victim collapsed; as the victim fell he hit his head on the pavement.

An eyewitness who spoke under condition of

anonymity told this newspaper that after Arthur collapsed, the suspect hid behind a nearby truck. The witness said that he and other bystanders decided to make a citizens’ arrest.

He continued that as they attempted to apprehend the suspect, he ran away. The

The murder accused being taken to the GPHC for treatment

group subsequently chased him down but the suspect made it to the Brickdam Police Station where he was arrested.

When Kaieteur News arrived on the scene, Arthur was lying in a pool of blood and his head was covered with a piece of cloth. The man has a twin brother and is one of three siblings all of whom are drug addicts, would frequent the Stabroek Market area.

Arthur hails from Middle Road, Pouderoyen West Coast Demerara while the murder suspect’s last known address is Lot 924 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara.

A police source said that the suspect sustained a cut in his hand and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for treatment.

This has been the fourth murder over the weekend as G u y a n a ’s m u r d e r r a t e continues to climb in 2016.

The twin brother of Arthur sitting in shock at the scene of the crime

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 15

NAC gets support to improve its operation T

he National Accreditation Council (NAC) is actively engaged in the evaluation of 54 tertiary and post-secondary institutions of which 34 are private. These institutions, according to Mr. Archibald Clifton, an NAC Board Member, are currently at different levels of registration or reregistration.

NAC, Clifton said, is tasked with holding various meetings, monitoring visits, quality enhancement support of institutions, among others. But there are inadequacies in the operation of the NAC. Speaking at a recent stakeholders’ forum at the National Centre for Educational Resource Development, Clifton acknowledged this state of affairs. The workshop is one designed to help improve the efficiency of NAC. In order to achieve this goal, Clifton spoke of some critical milestones that have been approved by the Council for this year. He highlighted the need for staff training, with particular focus on technical officers in quality assurance as the opportunity arises, efforts are made to improve the efficiency of services through increased monitoring; the offering of programme approval and

accreditation services.

As part of its improvement efforts, Clifton said that NAC will be seeking to have at least three of 17 government institutions registered while simultaneously embarking on a public relations campaign to inform the public and important stakeholders of the existence of the Council’s services.

Clifton observed that there is need for consumers of the private education sector to be more informed about the systems the Ministry of Education has in place to protect them from exploitation. In this regard the electronic and print media will be used to disseminate information, he noted.

But the stakeholders’ forum was intended to serve as a lead up to the wider campaign. In fact it was designed to solicit comments and suggestions, particularly in the areas of confirming, regulations, accreditation, equivalency and recognition and the foreign awarding and transnational bodies and institutions from stakeholders in attendance.

But according to Clifton, “I would like my colleagues of the Council and the (NAC) Secretariat to know that meeting the milestone of these deliverables will require the effective and

efficient use of all the resources under our control as well as the cooperation of all stakeholders to maximise t h e o rg a n i s a t i o n ’s productivity.”

The operation of the NAC is one governed by legislation. The NAC Act Number 12 of 2014 is an Act to provide for the establishment of a body vested with the power to grant recognition awards, obtained in Guyana and elsewhere, to determine the equivalence of all awards for the purpose of establishing acceptable standards within the Caribbean Community.

It was established by Article Two of the Revised Treaty of Chagauramas, and includes the Community Single Market and Economy established by provision of that treaty, for the purposes connected to and enacted by the Guyana Parliament.

Moreover, the body has the statutory responsibility to impose fees, recover fess, apply restrictions and prohibitions, establish procedures and appeals, spell out what constitutes an offence and, with the approval of the Minister of Education, make regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of the Act. The NAC as a body corporate comprises 11 Board members, including a Chairman and Director who is the ex officio member.

GRA still in consultation on CRG registration plates Government will soon sign a contract with the company that will be supplying it with Cooperative Republic of Guyana (CRG) registration plates. These will be only for state-owned vehicles.

At his most recent post Cabinet press briefing, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, indicated that no deal has been signed as yet.

He said that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has had four to five consultation sessions with various interested companies, and yet another company has signaled intention to provide the plates.

Harmon said that GRA will meet with that company soon.

“When that is completed they will make a selection as to who is going forward with it.

We are at that stage now where we are close

to the point of selecting a contractor for the job,” said Harmon.

The announcement of CRG registration plates was made since last year.

Harmon said that the delay in getting this on stream is the desire of government to have wide consultations so that the company with the best ideas may be utilized.

“There was this question of single sourcing being a major issue in the previous administration. We did not want to shut anybody out. So companies are coming forward and we are listening. Some of them (companies) have actually made very impressive proposals on the number plates and the linkage with our Smart City programme,” said Harmon. Harmon noted, (Continued on page 23)

NAC Board Member, Mr. Archibald Clifton According to Clifton, “The Board is supported by a motivated Secretariat which is under-staffed at the moment but most importantly, demonstrates strong team momentum, enthusiasm and pride.”

NAC is currently gaining support to upgrade its regulatory framework to

address the current inadequacies which have prevented the Council from effectively performing.

Plans are also apace for the development of a pricing structure for NAC’s services which will improve the service delivery capacity and sustainability of the Council.

An improved NAC is

expected to be in place ahead of the expected hosting of the 13 Annual Conference of Caribbean Area Network for Quality Assurance and Tertiary Education.

The hosting of the conference, according to Clifton, will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. th

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Tuesday July 05, 2016

37th Heads of Government Meeting...

CARICOM must expedite its efforts to promote a good life – St. Lucia PM tells Heads

Prime Minister Andrew Holness arrives at the National Cultural Centre The newly elected Prime Minster of St. Lucia, Allen Chastanet, last evening at the opening of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s 37th Heads of Government Conference held at the National Culture Centre in Georgetown, Guyana, urged other heads to expedite a move to provide a better life for the people of the Caribbean.

The Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to meeting with members to discuss how measures can be initiated to further strengthen regional integration.

He believes that members do not make enough time to meet with each other outside of conferences.

“We need to listen more

and bond with each other.

Maybe then we can be able to find win-win solutions that will benefit the region.”

He said.

He continued that CARICOM must deliver on a better way of life and the excuse that progress in hampered by consensus is no longer convincing or acceptable. He stated that is why the people are questioning their relevance.

He made reference to Britain’s Exit (BREXIT) which he says brings regional integration into focus. “People are once again asking, ‘What is in it for me and my country?’”

He also question why are Heads of Government so “afraid to do more” with an organisation which has demonstrated time and time

again that it can “punch over their weight in the international arena.” He also stated that the community has made a commitment to the people of the region, and the people must feel the tangible benefits of those commitments.

“On behalf of the previous Prime Ministers of St. Lucia, he reaffirmed a commitment to the effective and efficient Caribbean Community.”

He also spoke of impoverishment which needs to be seriously addressed.

Chastanet stated that one more day a citizen is impoverished, it is one more day that CARICOM heads fail in that mandate to provide a better life to its people. Chastanet was

President David Granger motions to veteran Journalist Enrico Woolford, with him is Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes

President David Granger, with his first lady Sandra Granger, as they lead the CARICOM Heads of State off stage among several Heads of G o v er n men t in clu d in g Desir’e Delano Bouterse, the President of Suriname; K e i t h R o w l e y, P r i m e Minister of Trinidad and Tobago; Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Andrew Holness, the Prime Minster of St. Lucia; and Roosevelt Skerrit, the Prime

Minister of Dominica and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. Other participating Heads of Government were: David Granger, President of Guyana; Gaston A. Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Perry G. Christie, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas;

Freundel Stuart, the Prime Minster of Barbados; Michael Chastanet, Prime Minister of Belize; Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada;; Jocelerme Privert, the New Interim President of Haiti; Donaldson Romeo, Premier of Montserrat; and Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Frendel Stuart in conversation with local businessman Captain Gerry Gouveia

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 17

CARICOM’s Heads of Gov’t honour the late Patrick Manning H

e a d s o f Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) last evening paid tribute to a fallen comrade and visionary, the former Prime Minister of Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Patrick Manning.

This was done as the 15 Heads of Government and representatives of five Associate Members, congregated at the National Cultural Centre, Homestretch and Mandela Avenues, Georgetown, for the opening of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)’s 37th Regular Heads of Government meeting.

The three-day event is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday.

Wi t h S e c u r i t y a n d Economics high on the Agenda, the Heads will discuss, over this period, possible solutions to some of the challenges; threats being faced by member-states and the Community in General.

L a s t e v e n i n g ’s proceedings saw attendance from several local Government Ministers and Ministerial Operatives from the visiting states; members of the Diplomatic Corps; Members of the Private Sector and other Special Invitees.

The occasion which was scheduled to be held in Dominica this year was cancelled due to that country’s inability to host it.

The island had been struck by a national disaster.

It is still in recovery-mode after tropical storm Erika struck late last year.

The event was then moved to the Cooperative Republic of Guyana which at this time is celebrating 50 years of becoming an independent nation.

The evening’s proceedings kicked off with the rendition of the National Anthems of Guyana and Dominica respectively by the Members of the Guyana Police Force Band.

A moment of silence was observed in honour of the former Prime Minister of Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o , Patrick Manning, who passed away on Saturday last.

He passed away in his hometown of San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago just one day after being diagnosed with cancer.

Secretary-General of CARICOM, Irwin

LaRocque just as the ceremony was about to get underway, stated that a moment of silence should be observed to show respect to a man that has contributed much to his country and to the Community.

He continued that Manning, a true visionary, had worked tirelessly for his country and for the Caribbean Community. He was a member of the Conference of Heads of Government for almost a decade and a half before retiring from active politics last year.

According to the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves during his statement, the late Patrick Manning was one of the true champions of CARICOM. He continued that the former Prime Minister believed in integration and was genuinely committed to it.

His contribution to our Community stemmed from his conviction that integration was the best response to the challenges faced by our Region of small states.

His initiatives included the establishment of the Petroleum Fund which allowed Member States to benefit from Trinidad and Tobago’s oil revenue, Gonsalves added.

Patrick Manning, according to CARICOM, led the way in addressing the dangers highlighted by the Region’s experts that NonCommunicable Diseases (NCDs) posed to the Community and was host to the groundbreaking Special Summit of CARICOM Heads of Government on NCDs. As Lead Prime Minister for Security in the CARICOM quasi-cabinet, Manning engineered the formation of the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and S e c u r i t y .

I t s recommendations broadened the scope of cooperation within the Community in that area resulting in Security Cooperation being adopted as the fourth pillar of the community’s integration movement.

In myriad other ways, his calm and deliberate interventions enhanced the tone of discussions at the level of the Conference of Heads of Government.

The Prime Minister of

Dominica and the Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Roosevelt Skerrit, told the gathering yesterday that Dominica will be observing two days of national mourning.

“The Caribbean Community extends its deepest sympathies to his wife Hazel, their children and other members of the Manning family as well as to the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Their loss is our loss. May his soul rest in peace.”

CARICOM stated.

The late former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Patrick Manning.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Best Village tragedy…

Survivor says son was going -“He say me finding man to behead herfor he wife so he ga kill me”

Killer: Suresh Ganesh

Murdered: Vanessa and her two-year-old son

By Romila Boodram A woman, whose right arm was almost severed last Friday when her son went berserk and killed his wife and son, is counting her blessings that doctors have managed to save her limb.

Her son also chopped her in the process.

Jennifer Monplaisir was rushed to the hospital with her right arm hanging and three fingers on her left hand almost severed. She also sustained multiple chop wounds to her back and both arms. She is the only

survivor of last Friday’s attack.

The woman is now thankful that doctors were able to save her arm and fingers. Both of her hands are in cast.

When this newspaper visited her at the hospital yesterday, she said, “Meh deh in nuff pain and meh can’t really move, move.”

Around 04:00 hrs last Friday, 27-year-old Suresh Ganesh went berserk and slaughtered his partner, Vanessa Sookram, 34, and two-year-old son Joel Ganesh. He chopped his

mother multiple times, almost severing her right arm and fingers.

The killer, still carrying the murder weapon, fled from the residence to Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, where he attacked a resident, but was shot while attempting to chop a policeman.

Recalling what transpired on that morning, Monplaisir said that she heard her son crying out for hunger so she went over to his shack which is located at the back of her Lot 57 Best Squatting Area, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home to ask if he wanted bread.

“Me tell he that me na got food but he can get bread and he said he want it so meh went back home and collected the bread,” she

stressed.

She recalled when she walked over back to her son’s home to take the bread, she noticed that he had a cutlass in his hand but thought nothing of it at the time since, “Me na expect he woulda chop me up.”

Fighting to hold back tears, Monplaisir said when she handed her son the bread, he held onto her hand and chopped her. With her right arm hanging, the woman ran for her life and managed to reach her home and locked the door.

“Meh husband, small son and meh cousin went upstairs and when them see me in blood, them want know who chop me so fast.

Them lock the door and li’l time after, we walk to go out and get a taxi,” the woman

Hospitalized: Jennifer Monplaisir recounted.

Trying not to make noise, the trio along with the injured woman managed to get to the front gate before noticing Ganesh running behind them with a cutlass.

“Them (her husband, son and cousin) run and left me and he (Ganesh) start chop me again and I start hollering and my boss who lives couple houses away, come out and that’s how me get save or he would have chopped off me neck and killed me right there,” the 49-year-old woman said.

She added that she was then rescued by neighbours and taken to the hospital to seek medical attention.

“When meh reach to the hospital, me hear that he

killed the li’l boy and Vanessa, too,” she said.

When asked what could have been the motive behind the killing, Monplaisir said that her son heard that his wife was having an affair and blamed her (Monplaisir) for it. “He was out to get me because he say that me finding man for his wife, but that is not true. That morning, like he bin smoke up cocaine,” the woman stressed.

She said that she can never forgive her son for what he has done. “I can’t forgive him, I don’t want a murder man for a son.”

Today, Ganesh will be taken for psychiatric evaluation before charges are laid.

Commander of “F” Division presents sports gear to Kurupukari Primary School

T

Commander of “F” Division Ravindradat Budhram hands over the gear to students and teachers of Kurupukari Primary School

he Commander of “F”, Division Ravindradat Budhram, recently presented sports gear to the students and teachers of Kurupukari Primary school in the Upper DemeraraBerbice Region.

This is part of an initiative by the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to encourage Guyanese youths to be more involved in sports and to develop healthy lifestyles as well as to form closer police-community relations.

The GPF has been active in the social crime prevention initiative that is aimed at reducing crime among youths across Guyana.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 19

Flooding has Trafalgar residents seeing red

F

looding in No. 28 (Trafalgar) Village, West Coast Berbice, Region Five has residents calling on the authorities to urgently address what they have been calling an on and off situation.

According to residents, the last

incidence of flooding has left water on the land for the past few days. They stated that pumps were present for approximately two weeks when the waters were especially high but now that these pumps are no longer there, they are feeling the effects and are

calling on the authorities to pay urgent attention to their cries.

Last month, when the flooding was at its highest throughout Region Five, the Mahaica/Mahaicony/ Abary Agricultural Development Association intervened.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Guyanese man, girlfriend found dead as Brooklyn cops eye murder-suicide

Neighbors and family gather outside as police investigate the double fatal shooting.

(New York Daily News photo)

(New York Daily News) - A father of four and his 23year-old girlfriend were found shot to death in a Brooklyn home Sunday

Cops found Elizabeth Thompkins and Christopher Pickering in their Central Avenue home after a relative of the victims discovered the bloody scene, police said.

(New York Daily News)

afternoon, in what police are investigating as a murdersuicide. Police believe Christopher Pickering, 37, blasted Elizabeth Thompkins

in the head in their Central Avenue home near Hancock Street in Bushwick, and then turned the gun on himself.

When a relative arrived

home to find the bloody scene at about 5 p.m., a 9mm. handgun was resting on Pickering’s chest, police said. Neighbours described

the two as a quiet, seemingly happy couple. Pickering had three sons - one of them newborn - and a daughter, and worked at a wastemanagement company.

“He loved those kids so much. That’s really what I remember about him. He was always with them,” said one neighbour, who didn’t give her name. “I just don’t think he could have done something like this. It does not even seem real.”

Another neighbour, who

identified herself as Latoya, said she rarely saw Thompkins, but she was typically quiet.

“You never heard them yelling and screaming. This is unbelievable,” Latoya said. “I can’t remember the last time I saw her, but she was very quiet like him. I never really spoke with her, it was mostly (Chris) who would say hi.” Pickering is said to be from Guyana, migrating to the US, a number of years ago.

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Monsanto, Microsoft to invest in agricultural technology in Brazil U.S. biotech company Monsanto Co and Microsoft Corp announced yesterday a partnership to invest in agricultural technology startups in Brazil.

Monsanto will join a Brazilian investment fund with u p t o 3 0 0 m i l l i o n reais ($92 million), managed by Microsoft, evaluating ideas for new digital tools to be applied

to agricultural production in the co u n t r y, e x e c u t i v e s said.

Selected ideas will receive initial funding of up to 1.5 million reais ($459,000) for early development. Project owners will have the option to pay back the investment after three years or convert the money into equity. “We want to foster new

startups in the agricultural sector.

There is a vast area for research and development,�

Rodrigo Santos, head of Monsanto in Latin America, told reporters on the sidelines of the Global Agribusiness Forum (GAF 2016).

Technology company Qualcomm is also investing in the fund.

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

SERVICES

SALON

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

- Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc.

- Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000.

Call: 647-1773/660-5257

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application.

Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535.

Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603

INNOVATIVEMARKETING& PUBLISHINGINC–TEL:6004212: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Repairs at low cost: Fridges, air- conditioners, washing machines, TVs, microwaves, freezers- Call:6294946 or 225-4822 RAMDASS VISA APPLICATION & immigration services, room A-4, Maraj Building, Georgetown. Call Samantha: 227-0295; 615-9295 US and Canadian Visa application Services @ Cybertron, Parika, Bollywood Building. Call: 260-4850; 649-3073

EDUCATIONAL Diploma in Computers 9 Courses -$30,000 @ Cybertron Parika, Bollywood Building –Call: 260-4850

LEARN TO DRIVE Soman, Son & Outar Driving School at Maraj BuildingTel: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

VEHICLE FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

FOR SALE

FOR RENT

One 4 wheel drive, automatic, extra cab, Toyota Hilux, GSS series. Call: 614-0107; 6928923 One Hilux Tiger 4X4 for sale, 5L engine, stick gear, diesel, 15 inch mag, roof rack & back covering. Call: 692-9577; 2292379

Property at Lot 35 Middle Street McDoom, EBD. Call: 226-0539/ 629-8842

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

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2010 IST -$2.6M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.6M, 2009 AXIO -$2.4M, 2009 BELTA -2.4M. CALL: 617-2891 One Silver Premio excellent condition, PRR 3854 -$1.7M negotiable. Call: 682-4742 Toyota Alteeza, HID, Body Kit, ADR rims -$1.850M- Call: 652-5668; 672-1900 1 Black CRV, 2004 model, PNN series, female driven & in good condition. Interested person call: 624-1614, 225-0884

EDUCATIONAL Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 18thAugust 12th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Electronic Course. Starting 9th August. Hands-on training repairing all types of TVs, etc. Call: 226-6551; 225-0391 Phonics, reading, spelling classes for slow learners etc for summer classes, special private tutoring available.

Call:675-4379 Register now! Computerize Accounting -$30,000, Graphics Program -$30,000, PC repairs @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Computer Diploma 9 Courses- $35,000 -register now @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop. Call: 2643057 Summer computer classes for kids, register now @ Micrographics, Vreed-enHoop. Call: 264-3057 Summer Computer Classes for kids ages 5-14 @ CybertronParika, Bollywood building. Call: 260-4850; 649-3073

CAR RENTAL

CAR RENTAL

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

Bus for sale, IRZ EFI, BPP series. Call: 615-2999 Carmax Auto Spares: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Mercedes Benz. 10% Discount on all in store purchase!-Call: 658-4466/ 220-8265 Timber Jack 450B Log skidder, excellent condition, parts for 720 Nissan Pickup.

Call Richard: 609-7675; 6741705 Long base canter -$2M, Short base canter -$1M, RZ minibus -$1M, 212 Car -$1M, Galant-$800,000. Call: 6046724 Toyota Runx, AT212, AT192, AT170, L-Touring Wagon, Raum, new model Tacoma, Nissan pickup, Honda Capa.

Call: 644-5096; 697-1453

LAND FOR SALE Land located at Nouvelle Flanders West Coast Demerara.

Call: 662-0187; 674-4929 New Road V/Hoop -$27M, $17M, Tuschen-$2.5M, $6.5M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, $1.2M, $1.6M, Eccles, Zeeburg, Providence- Call: 604-6724 Land in La Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M, $1.4M, Tuschen (front) $3.5M with house, water & light -Phase 2$1.2M. Call: 642-1252

Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572 Brand new 2 storey concrete building in 5th Avenue, Diamond, E.B.D, all modern amenities–Reduced Price.

Call: 662-9335; 612-3244 2 Storey 5 bedroom (2 selfcontained) wooden & concrete, with concrete fence, garage (space for 6 vehicles). Call: 614-0107; 6928923 High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338 Property located @ Waller’s Delight W.C.D- Call: 6620187; 674-4929 Large 4 bedrooms concrete house for sale at Ruimzeight Garden, W.C.D, residential area. Call:269-0189; 268-3214 Business property @ 21-24 Main & Magdalen Street New Amsterdam Berbice.

Call: 233-0091; 683-9031 3 Houses for sale in Kuru Kururu –Call: 664-2576

Zeelugt well fenced, water & light -$2M, Uitvlugt -$2.2M 50X105,(1) -2 Storey newly built concrete building -$26M Tuschen-Call: 642-1252 One shed boat with a 200HP Yamaha Engine and turn system, Parika –Supenaam route. Call: 680-5539 1 Honda Jet Ski, Aquatrax R12-Low Hours, Garage Kept 1.5m Neg- Contact#661-9096 1 Lincoln Ranger Welder, Briggs & Stratton Gas Engine, 2 Cummins L10 855 Engine- Contact# 661-9096

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Furnished luxury 2 & 3 bedrooms apartment for rentCall: 665-3505 1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast Demerara–Call immediately 276-0818 Semi-furnished self contained apartments @ Diamond E.B.D –Call: 6167617

Yamaha Outboard Motors, Foreign Used 250hp, 200hp, 150hp, 50hp, 100hp & 115hp 4-Stroke- Contact#661-9096 1 Wooden, deep sea fishing boat, complete with seine, engine, GPS, etc. Call: 6562496; 672-0014

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VACANCY Experienced teachers needed for students ages 8-10years/ 11-14yrs for summer & all round. Call: 690-9378 VACANCY Control Room Assistants and Visiting Officers. Massy Security (Guyana) Inc. Lot 0 Ruimveldt, Georgetown.Tel: 225-5573/6 Popular East Coast Gas Station (Non-Pareil) Day/ Night: pump attendants, sales clerk & office assistant.

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Property for sale at lot 32 Princess Street, Wortmanville, GeorgetownCall: 621-8767 Transported property in Regent Street between Wellington & Camp. Call: 6251514

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Two family house at Lot 32 Ann’s Grove Housing Scheme E.C.D -$20M negotiable- Call: 623-5423

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TO LET Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 WANTED Female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 One experienced hire car driver. Call Mrs. Z. Khan: 6888660 or 226-7948

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WANTED Hallow Blocks maker- Call: 233-2767 (Continued on page 23)

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Effective intelligence system needed to manage crime and prisoners- Prison COI Given its findings, the Commission of Inquiry, (COI) into the Camp Street Prison disturbance has compiled a series of recommendations towards the effective management of the prison population.

Prison gangs and availability of weapons were listed among the root causes of riots within the prisons.

Director of Prisons, Carl Graham, had testified that prison wardens are constantly separating the men in an effort to break up gangs and avert conflict.

He explained that jail gangs are difficult to separate since followers are very supportive and loyal to their individual ring leaders.

Graham said the ring leaders often have followers

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

in the other sections of the prison as well, are very influential or would have a reputation known to others due to their lifestyle prior to the period of incarceration.

The ring leaders are often separated from the remainder of the population but it is also difficult because the prison accommodation is limited.

As such the COI proposed that the penal system must be supported integrally by the Guyana Police Force, (GPF) and Guyana Defence Force, (GDF) Intelligence Units.

The document outlined that high profile prisoners and prisoners with very long sentences must be strategically separated from the general population.

The recommendations

came after a COI was established following the death of 17 inmates of the Capital A of the Camp Street Prison; the men were burnt to death inside the cell during a riot. President David Granger had appointed retired Judge James Patterson, Merle Mendonca and retired Director of Prisons, Dale Erskine, as Commissioners to investigate, examine and report on the causes, circumstances and conditions that led to the disturbances on the morning of March 3, 2016. According to the rules of procedure, the Commission was expected to render its report, findings and recommendations to the Minister of Public Security.

At the handing over of the report Justice Patterson had

noted that concerns were specifically raised about the issue of overcrowding at the Camp Street prison.

Justice Patterson said that the government would need to urgently address the problem.

The retired judicial officer also noted that the administration should pay more attention to reformation services offered to inmates.

“When they come out they must be able to earn something. To alleviate the crowding aspect, we would want it to be considered as urgent, the improvement of physical and social facilities.

We were concerned about the overcrowding and that concern is immediate. We want it done like yesterday,” Patterson asserted.

Dr. Westford...

From page 3 employed as Minister of Public Service from 2001-2015, while her co-accused was the principal personnel officer of the Ministry. Cummings of Lot 709 Section A Diamond, EBD was also in charge of the Ministry’s accounts department.

It was discovered that on 24 occasions Westford signed memoranda amounting to $639,420,000 and sent them to the Office of the President for approval. Approval was granted and cheques were prepared and encashed by the Bank of Guyana. The monies were requested to carry out various activities throughout the 10 Administrative Regions. However, personnel from the various Regions were contacted and denied ever receiving the cash. Investigations were carried out but the monies were never recovered. In addition, the former Minister of Public Service and her

former personal assistant Margaret Cummings were charged last August for allegedly attempting to transfer eight state vehicles and forging documents for the purchase of the vehicles. They pleaded not guilty to the allegation. Westford is currently facing four charges of attempted larceny in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. She was released on a total of $800,000 bail. The charges allege that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons. Margaret Cummings was also slapped with four counts of forgery. Cummings is alleged to have forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles.

She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail. These matters will go on trial from July 11.

Flooding causes distress on Essequibo Coast Residents residing in Land of Plenty, Columbia and Affiance on the Essequibo Coast are maintaining that unless repairs are effected to the defective koker door at Land of Plenty, on the Essequibo Coast flooding in those areas would always be a serious issue. For over a week now residences in those areas have been flooded and the defective koker door still needs replacing. Residents said they are not sure why the contractor who has built a new

sluice door to replace the old one has not replaced the door to date. Somewattie Persaud, a resident of Land of Plenty who owns a printery and an Indian store, said that water has been on her land for over a week now. The businesswoman said that since May, residents in her area and in surrounding areas have been affected by continuous flooding every time it rains. “Every time it rains we are flooded; we never used to get so much water but due to the defective sluice

door at Land of Plenty we are not getting no draft.” Persaud however stressed that while the issue is a serious, the problem of flooding can be corrected once the broken koker door is repaired.

Persaud said that every time it rains her only anxiety is that her shop and house would be flooded out if the water rises.

Another resident, Devika Persaud, said that since May of this year she has been experiencing continuous flooding and complaints

made to members of the Anna Regina Town Council have been met with complacency.

“Who really looking after Region Two and what is the Government paying these executives for?”

Persaud said that she is fed up running to the Town Council which she believes is partially responsible for the maintenance of the cleaning of trenches and surrounding areas in the region. Persaud said that whenever it rains, the water from the back lands

would flow into the residential areas and lodge there for a longer period due to the defective sluice door. Persaud believes that all of the clogged up channels in the region need clearing to avoid flooding which can be contained.

Meanwhile, the Nursery school in Land of Plenty which has been under water for months now has forced the teachers and pupils to relocate to another building at Reliance.

(Yannason Duncan).

Red carpet rolled out for Caricom Heads Guyana rolled out the red carpet today for the Heads of State and Government attending the 37th Regular meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reflecting legendary Guyanese hospitality, the conference officially opened in Guyana at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) with the arrivals of Presidents and Prime Ministers of CARICOM countries, the CARICOM Secretary General, Ministers, Ambassadors and other invited guests.

The arrival of the guests showed true integration, with the Secretary General, Heads of State from the Greater and the Lesser

Antilles, the Windward and Leeward Islands, and the South, arriving together with the Ministers, Ambassadors and other invited guests.

Stately attired and flanked by their entourage, they were greeted on the steps of the NCC and ushered into the centre; beneath their feet, the plush red carpet, above their heads, a ceremonial lance arch, courtesy of more than a dozen members of the Tactical Service Unit of the Guyana Police Force.

They walked into the theatre room, accompanied by the rich rhythm of steel pan music performed by the National Steel Orchestra of Guyana.

And as the clock struck

17:00 hours, the CARICOM Secretary General led the top representatives of the 13 CARICOM nations to the main stage of the NCC to sit in front of their respective nation’s flag.

A moment of silence to acknowledge the late Patrick Manning, a former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who died two-days ago and ‘a true champion of regional integration’ was observed.

Appreciations for Guyana and Dominica, the co-hosts of the 37th Conference and the official welcome and congratulations for the new and re-elected CARICOM Heads, was the first order of business for Secretary General, Irwin La

GRA still in consultation...

From page 15 “Apart from the plates themselves there is a security dimension. We want to make sure all ties in. So that is going to come on soon.”

In July last year, Cabinet had approved the use of the CRG registration plates for State-owned vehicles. It also gave its no objection for the issuance of these registration plates to be a centralised sys-

tem. The plates will carry special security features to stymie the use of falsely registered plates and enable easier tracking and identification. It is intended that all vehicles to be purchased for use by the State and State agencies will be fitted with the CRG registration plates.

Many developed countries have been moving in that direction, some issuing plates

of different colours every other year. Instead of buying a road service licence, vehicle owners are required to purchase the plates. The new initiative is part of the process of enhancing security. It is no secret that criminals have been capitalizing on the many sign artists available throughout the country for false number plates for their getaway vehicles.

Rocque who welcomed all to the three-day conference.

La Rocque, later gave way to short speeches from the President of Suriname Desi Bouterese and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Keith Rowley.

They were followed by the Prime Ministers of Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and the Dominica

Republic; the central theme, a reaffirmation of their country’s commitment to face with a collective stance, new and emerging challenges that face the region, including climate change, regional security and any offspin of ‘Brexit’ in addition to a call for making the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) stronger. (GINA)

Govt. partnership in...

From page 12 shelter for trafficking victims.

GWMO clarified that this is not completely true. It noted that the money was received from the government but was not allocated for a specific purpose. The organisation added that the government did not add to the shelter’s services in any way. In fact, the amount though appreciated would not be sufficient to cover one month of the facility’s expenses.

The GWMO criticized the government for ignoring the recommendations made by the US Department of State to increase funding to NGOs that are combatting TIP. A subvention was sought by the organisation prior to

the last budget and according to the organisation, it has not received a response to date.

As it relates to acquiring information on the correct procedure when applying for a subvention, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry has not responded.

The organisation noted that the lack of funding had prevented it from acting on a report it received last Friday.

A citizen had pleaded for the group to return to the mining area to rescue victims and arrest the alleged trafficker.

It had attempted to partner with a government agency to provide transportation which is expensive to the area, but received no response either.

From page page 22 22 From

WANTED 1 Male to cook in the Backdam-Call: 678-0565 Security guard to work in Georgetown –Call: 227-1717 Person to work at bar (night shift). Call: 223-4778 1 Live in hotel domestic. Call: 225-9211 One truck driver/tractor driver with valid license, apply in person at Alabama Trading.

Male and female to work in the interior as shop attendants, between ages 2530. Call: 661-5992; 661-8673 Night Manager, Security, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 General domestic age 25yrs to 45yrs old, from East Bank Area. Call: 629-9450 Two experienced bar girls attractive salary. Interested persons call: 601-1479 1 Driver for East Bank area – Call: 233-2745

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Suicide bombers hit Anti-EU champion Farage quits after Brexit vote three Saudi cities

Muslim worshippers gather after a suicide bomber detonated a device near the security headquarters of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, yesterday. (Reuters/Handout) (Reuters) - Suicide bombers struck three cities across Saudi Arabia yesterday, in an apparently coordinated campaign of attacks as Saudis prepared to break their fast on the penultimate day of the holy month of Ramadan.

The explosions targeting U.S. diplomats, Shi’ite worshippers and a security headquarters at a mosque in the holy city of Medina follow days of mass killings claimed by the Islamic State group, in Turkey, Bangladesh and Iraq.

The attacks all seem to have been timed to coincide with the approach of Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that celebrates the end of the fast.

A Saudi security official said an attacker parked a car near the U.S. consulate in Jeddah before detonating the device. The official said the government was checking the reports of blasts in Qatif and Medina.

In the only one of the three attacks that appeared to have caused many casualties, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb near the security headquarters of the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, the second-holiest site in Islam.

Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television said an initial death toll from the Medina blast in-

cluded three suicide bombers and two security forces officers.

A video sent to Reuters by a witness to the aftermath of the Medina bombing showed a large blaze among parked cars in the fading evening light, with a sound of sirens in the background.

A picture sent to Reuters showed a burnt and bleeding man lying on a stretcher in a hospital.

Other pictures circulating on social media showed dark smoke billowing from flames near the Mosque of the Prophet, originally built in the 7th century by the Prophet Muhammad, who is buried there along with his first two successors.

In Qatif, an eastern city that is home to many members of the Shi’ite minority, at least one and possibly two explosions struck near a Shi’ite mosque.

Witnesses described body parts, apparently of a suicide bomber, in the aftermath.

A resident of the city reached by telephone said there were believed to be no casualties there apart from the attacker, as worshippers had already gone home to break their fasts. Civil defense forces were cleaning up the

area and police were investigating, the resident said.

A video circulating on social media and purporting to show the aftermath of a Qatif blast showed an agitated crowd on a street, with a fire raging near a building, and a bloody body part lying on the ground. Reuters could not immediately verify the video.Hours earlier a suicide bomber was killed and two people were wounded in a blast near the U.S. consulate in the kingdom’s second city Jeddah.

The Jeddah blast was the first bombing in years to attempt to target foreigners in the kingdom. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Islamic State has carried out a series of bombing and shooting attacks in Saudi Arabia since mid-2014 that have killed scores of people, mostly members of the Shi’ite Muslim minority and security services.

Police and groups of local volunteers increased security near mosques in Qatif after suicide bombings hit mosques in Shi’ite areas last year, killing dozens. Another suicide blast at a mosque used by security forces also killed 15 a year ago.

(Reuters) - The leader of the insurgent right-wing UK Independence Party said on Monday he was stepping down after realising his ambition to win a vote for Britain to leave the EU, the latest twist in a dramatic reshaping of the nation’s politics.

The departure of brash former commodities trader Nigel Farage would sideline one of the most outspoken and effective anti-EU campaigners from the debate about how to sever Britain’s ties with the other 27 countries in the bloc.

But it could also give his UKIP party - which under Britain’s winner-takes-all election system won just one seat in parliament last year despite capturing 12.6 percent of the vote - an opportunity to select a less polarising figure and take on the mainstream in a radically altered political environment.

The June 23 ‘Brexit’ vote to leave the EU has thrown both the two main political parties into disarray, with the ruling Conservatives seeking a replacement for Prime Minister David Cameron and lawmakers from the main opposition Labour Party voting to withdraw confidence in leader Jeremy Corbyn.

“I have never been, and I have never wanted to be, a career politician. My aim in being in politics was to get Britain out of the European Union,” said Farage, who remains a UKIP member of the European Parliament.

“During the referendum campaign, I said ‘I want my country back’. What I’m saying today, is, ‘I want my life back,’ and it begins right now.”

With Corbyn so far refusing to step down, Labour lawmaker Angela Eagle said she had the necessary support to trigger a leadership challenge and resolve the “impasse” crippling the party. Corbyn issued a video appealing for unity.

The acrimonious leadership battles in the main political parties have added to uncertainty at a time when Britain is embarking on its biggest constitutional change since the dissolution of its empire in the decades after World War Two. Global markets have been hit by uncertainty over the impact of Brexit on trade and investment, and concerns that Britain’s departure could prompt other EU members to consider following suit.

George Osborne, the finance minister, has aban-

doned his target of balancing the budget within four years and floated the idea on Sunday of a quick cut in the rate of corporation tax to less than 15 percent from 20 percent to show that Britain was still “open for business”. Labour accused him of trying to turn the country into an offshore tax haven.

Osborne told parliament he would meet the heads of major banks on Tuesday for discussions on Brexit.

“We are not today - although we remain vigilant talking about a banking crisis, despite a very significant adjustment in financial markets,” he said.

The pound has recovered only slightly from a 31-year low, and the FTSE 100 share index fell 0.8 percent on Monday, although it has bounced 3 percent since the referendum.

A WOMAN PM? Theresa May, a Conservative party stalwart who has run the law-and-order portfolio in the cabinet for six years, is the favourite to succeed Cameron despite having campaigned to remain in the EU. According to bookmakers, her strongest rival is Andrea Leadsom, 53, a junior minister who was unknown to most Britons before the referendum campaign but was widely judged to have mounted an effective case for ‘Leave’ in an eve-of-vote televised debate seen by millions.

If the betting odds are correct, Britain is on course to get its first woman prime minister since Margaret Thatcher left office in 1990.

Leadsom, setting out her leadership credentials on Monday, said talks over Britain’s departure from the EU should be as short as possible to avoid prolonged uncertainty.

She offered reassurance to EU nationals currently living in Britain: “I commit today to guaranteeing the rights of our EU friends who’ve already come here to live and work. We must give them certainty. There is no way they will be bargaining chips in our negotiations.”

But immigration minister James Brokenshire said the United Kingdom should make

no such guarantee unless it received reciprocal assurances about the rights of expatriate Britons.

DIVORCE PROCESS Despite the 52 percent referendum vote, Britain has not yet invoked Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty to begin the formal process of breaking away. While all the candidates to succeed Cameron say there is no going back, some anti-Brexit politicians say it is still not a foregone conclusion.

Law firm Mishcon de Reya said on Monday it had started legal action to demand the government win approval from parliament before triggering the divorce process. Most of the 650 members of the House of Commons opposed Brexit before the vote.

“The outcome of the Referendum itself is not legally binding and for the current or future Prime Minister to invoke Article 50 without the approval of Parliament is unlawful,” Kasra Nouroozi, a partner at Mishcon de Reya, said in a statement.

Former defence minister Liam Fox, a pro-Brexit figure and an outsider in the leadership contest, said Britain should activate article 50 before the end of the year, and he did not believe any parliament vote was needed.

He said the free movement of people across Europe - a core principle of the EU but a major concern for many Britons - should not be on the table in negotiations about a trade deal with the EU after Brexit.

“It is quite clear that the public rejected the concept of free movement, and that the price of including such free movement as part of a trade deal would be regarded as a betrayal by the British people,” Fox said.

The other leadership contenders are work and pensions minister Stephen Crabb and justice minister Michael Gove, a Leave campaigner who caused high political drama last week by turning against his ally, former London mayor Boris Johnson, and driving him from the race.

PAGE 26

Maduro lifts power rationing in Venezuela (BBC) Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced the lifting of the power rationing that has been in place for two months.

From 25 April much of the country had its power cut off for four hours a day.

The measure was put in place after a drought caused the Guri dam, which produces almost two-thirds of the country’s electricity, to reach critically low levels.

The power cuts came amidst an economic crisis and severe food shortages.

Mr Maduro said that when he ordered the power cuts in April, Venezuela had been “six days away from a collapse, we were facing having to turn off almost the entire country”.

“Today we can say that Guri [hydroelectric dam] has recovered and we’re in a po-

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro sition where we can resume normal service,” he announced in a speech to supporters in Caracas.

The cuts caused widespread anger among Venezuelans already struggling with food shortages.

The government said the power shortage was down to a severe drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon which caused the level of the Guri dam to drop to a record low.

But critics blamed the authorities, saying they had failed to invest in Venezuela’s electricity system and to make it less reliant on hydroelectric power.

As part of its efforts to conserve energy, the government ordered civil servants to work only two days a week.

President Maduro also asked women to refrain from using hair dryers and otherwise “wasting” energy.

The power cuts caused problems especially in hot regions of Venezuela where residents struggled to keep their food cool as fridges were turned off.

ECLAC wants continued development assistance to middle-income C’bean countries SANTIAGO, Chile (CMC) – The Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Bárcena, says middleincome countries in the region should continue receiving official development assistance (ODA) to be able to make progress on closing the gaps that persist in diverse areas.

In addressing the Latin America and Caribbean Dialogue on Development Cooperation here, Bárcena said development levels should be evaluated using a comprehensive approach and not solely on the basis of per capita income.

In a presentation on the role of cooperation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, Bárcena said that 28 of the region’s 33 countries are considered to be middle income according to their per capita income levels.

She, however, said “notable disparities remain with regard to other development variables, both among nations and within each of them.”

“It is not possible to equate a country’s income level with its development level, which implies evaluating other gaps,” said Bárcena, alluding to differences in terms of poverty and inequality, investment and savings, infrastructure,

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Alicia Bárcena productivity and innovation, education, health and social security, financing and taxation, gender equality and environmental sustainability, among others.

She said there’s the possibility that the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s (OECD) Development Assistance Committee will graduate some regional countries in 2017— meaning that it will remove several them the list of ODA recipients. Among them will be Antigua and Barbuda, Chile and Uruguay.

But Bárcena lamented that “there is not a single classification or uniform criteria for evaluating development needs,” adding that the per capita income level of a country does not reflect its capacity to save, to mobilize domestic resources, or to access ex-

ternal capital markets and other sources of financing to promote development.

She said the size of the economies, their structural characteristics and the external scenario that they face, are some of the factors that have an impact on all of those elements.

Bárcena said that is the case with the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Caribbean, stating that they need additional support to confront the damage caused by extreme natural phenomena, “one of the causes of their high indebtedness.”

In this regard, ECLAC has proposed that part of the Caribbean’s debt be relieved “to create a resilience fund that enables them to finance actions for mitigating and adapting to climate change.”

Bárcena said that, as ODA flows have decreased, the region has begun depending on private flows to a greater extent.

In fact, she said foreign direct investment (FDI) and remittances constitute the bulk of external financing (52 percent and 26 percent of the total, respectively).

At the same time, Bárcena said the illicit financial flows estimated to have left the region between 2003 and 2012 grew to US$320 billion dollars a year, which was double the level of remittances and 16 times bigger than ODA.

Major int’l credit rating agency places Bahamas on review for downgrade NEW YORK, (CMC) – A major international credit rating agency here has placed the Baa2 bond and issuer ratings of the government of the Bahamas on review for downgrade On Friday, Moody’s Investors Service said the decision was prompted by the continuing rise in risks to the Bahamas’ medium-term economic prospects and its fiscal strength, “notwithstanding the government’s ongoing fiscal consolidation program.

“The review will allow Moody’s to assess the likelihood that economic growth prospects will improve, debt metrics will stabilize and government policy will effectively address its macroeconomic and fiscal challenges,” said Moody’s, adding that the review action indicates that the rating is likely to move down, and that the change could be by one notch or more.

Moody’s said it expects to complete the review within two months.

“The first driver for the review is to allow Moody’s to assess to the likelihood that the decline in the Bahamas’ economic strength will be reversed over the medium term.”

According to the latest national accounts report published by the Bahamas’ Department of Statistics in June 2016, the Bahamian economy grew on average 1.2 percent in 2010-13 and then output contracted in both 2014 and 2015 by 1.1 percent on average.

This contrasts with previous assessments published in 2014 and 2015, when the gross domestic product (GDP) had been estimated to have grown on a consistent basis, Moody’s noted.

It said the Bahamas’ worsened economic performance is characterized by “persistently high levels of unemployment, stagnant credit to the private sector and declining investment, in part explained by the indefinite opening of the Baha Mar mega resort.”

Additionally, structural constraints related to the energy sector and labor market negatively impact costs for the tourism sector, which accounts both directly and indirectly for about 50 percent of GDP, Moody’s said.

Given that these conditions are likely to persist in 2016 and 2017, Moody’s said it is unlikely that the Baha-

mas will return to its potential growth rate of about 1.5 percent in the short-term.

During the review, Moody’s said it will assess the volatility in GDP estimates reported in recent years.

The ratings agency will also examine the government’s plans to put forward growth-supporting reforms, including the upcoming National Development Plan and a mortgage relief plan, to boost economic performance past 2017.

Moody’s said its review will also look at the Bahamas’ level of competitiveness relative to other similar economies to gauge the effect this has on its economic strength.

The agency said the second driver of the review is to allow it to assess whether the Bahamas’ debt ratios are likely to stabilize.

The Bahamas’ government debt/GDP ratio has continued to rise since Moody’s downgraded the sovereign’s ratings to Baa2 and stabilized the outlook to an estimated 65.2 percent of GDP by the end of 2015/16 from 60.2 percent in 2013/14.

“Although the government has been able to reduce its fiscal deficit by introducing a value-added tax in January 2015, debt accumulation has persisted, weakening the Bahamas’ fiscal strength relative to Baa-rated peers, Moody’s said.

At low (-), the Bahamas’ fiscal strength is the lowest in the Baa rating category.

During the review, Moody’s said it will examine the macroeconomic and fiscal conditions that would support the stabilization of the

government’s debt metrics.

It will also assess the government’s plans to rein in expenditures over the medium-term and what, if any, additional revenue measures may be implemented to further support the fiscal consolidation efforts.

The third driver of the review is to allow Moody’s to assess the government’s policy credibility and effectiveness in response to the ongoing macroeconomic and fiscal challenges.

The agency will also examine fiscal performance in recent years relative to budget targets, and the effectiveness of fiscal measures introduced to support deficit reduction efforts.

Moody’s said it will also look at banking sector regulation given the persistent high level of non-performing loans, as well as the Bahamas’ anti-money laundering/ counter-terrorism financing framework in the context of heightened scrutiny of offshore centers and de-risking in correspondent banking.

Moody’s said it could downgrade the rating if the review were to conclude that government policy and strategy is unlikely to lead to a stabilization in the debt trajectory over the next two years.

“Evidence of further shocks to growth that would make further fiscal adjustment more difficult would also be credit negative, it said. “More generally, indications that the slowdown in growth will be even deeper and more protracted than currently expected would be negative for the rating.”

Tuesday July 05, 2016

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PAGE 28

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Kaieteur News

Dominica Govt. facing lawsuit for deportation of Jamaican entertainer in 2014 ROSEAU, Dominica, (CMC) – The government is facing legal action for the deportation of controversial Jamaican artiste Tommy Lee Sparta and his entourage in 2014.

The son of former Prime Minister Rosie Douglas says he is preparing to sue the government for what he describes as the illegal arrest, detention, and deportation of the Leroy Russell, who is also known as Tommy Lee Sparta.

According to Cabral Douglas, who organized the concert, Tommy Lee was scheduled to perform at a concert in February 2014 based on the relevant free movement provisions outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the action taken by the government in deporting the artiste, was in breach of the Treaty signed by Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states.

“Just because Dominica is one of the smaller countries in CARICOM does not excuse the small mindedness demonstrated by the leadership of that country…if anyone can be accused to practicing evil, it’s certainly not Tommy Lee but rather the leadership of Dominica as evidenced by the barbaric, vindictive and inhumane treatment of innocent skilled CARICOM nationals contracted to work in Dominica,” Douglas said.

He stated that the cancellation of the event led him claiming monetary damages , this is in addition to the damages claims made on behalf of the Jamaican claimants, which have been channeled through the office of the Attorney General in Jamaica for various breaches under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas .

“How can Dominica hypocritically advocate for free movement in its capacity as chair of CARICOM on the one hand, whilst arbitrarily

Tommy Lee

detaining, deporting and humiliating skilled CARICOM nationals contracted to work in Dominica on the other?”

Douglas questioned, as Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit takes on the chair of the regional bloc effective July 1.

“This is an affront to the spirit of regional integration.”

In 2015, the Government of Dominica announced a desire for an “amicable” negotiated settlement in the matter.

However, subsequent to this announcement, Douglas’ legal team led by Jamaican attorney Bert Samuels was invited to submit proof of claims as required by the negotiation process, which has been ongoing.

Douglas stated that after spending significant time preparing, substantiating and submitting these claims, it now appears that the Government of Dominica has unilaterally reneged on their commitment to have the matter settled out of court.

He added that a letter from the Chambers of the Attorney General here, dated May 18, 2016, said the government does not accept any liability or responsibility for any of the claims.

“I think the refusal of the Skerrit administration to honour its Treaty obligations as it pertains to the free movement of skilled community nationals not only poses a grave danger to the economic interests Dominican individuals and corporate entities

seeking to contract with skilled CARICOM nationals but it also undermines the credibility of CARICOM itself, and Dominica’s position as Chair responsible for the implementation of free movement within its quasi-cabinet,” Douglas argued.

“I suspect that Roosevelt Skerrit, a man that has already declared to Dominicans locally that no law/no constitution can stop him is now promoting the same lawlessness within CARICOM. If his objective is to isolate Dominica as a backward police state with no regards for human rights, free movement and free enterprise then he should be man enough withdraw from CARICOM, suspend the constitution and declare martial law in Dominica,” he said.

Douglas has since appointed a Trinidad-based Senior Counsel to lead the litigation phase of matter.

“As long as the rule of law still exists within CARICOM, I will be seeking special leave to appear before the CCJ to enforce my rights and the rights of CARICOM nationals under relevant provisions of the (Treaty of Chaguaramas) as I remain committed to the principles of regional integration, human rights and free enterprise which are the foundations of economic development in Dominica and the Caribbean region, as intended by the framers of the treat.”

In February 2014, Tommy Lee, was scheduled to perform at a concert however, organizations, such as the Dominica Association of Evangelical Churches denounced the artiste’s appearance saying his music glorifies Satan and promotes lawlessness and violence.

On his arrival in Dominica, Tommy Lee, 26, and his entourage was denied entry, detained and deported the following day.

The government of Dominica said its action was based in the interest of public safety.

Tuesday July 05, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Roger that! Federer stays on track at Wimbledon LONDON (Reuters) As the green tarpaulin covers were pulled back from Wimbledon’s grass courts on Monday morning, and strawhatted stewards prepared to police the snaking queues, a growing number of informed observers were contemplating a July 4 fairytale.

Burly Californian Steve Johnson is the real deal, they said. Roger Federer is there for the taking; he’s “undercooked”, past his best. Johnson, on the other hand, has won eight straight grasscourt games, including his first title, in Nottingham.

This had all the makings of an Independence Day upset at the All England Club.

Oh, how soon we dismiss our champions.

Federer, a player so great and so rare he rewrites history books one way or another most times he steps on court these days, clearly pays no heed.

On a blustery Centre Court he conceded 10 games in dispatching the danger man 6-2 6-3 7-5 to reach his 14th Wimbledon quarter-final – a professional era record he now shares with Jimmy Connors.

Whatever some experts say, a clinical straight sets victory kept Federer on track to become the only man to win eight Wimbledon singles crowns.

So while Andy Murraysupporting Brits have been rubbing their hands with glee following Novak Djokovic’s

shock third-round defeat, the biggest beneficiary of the Serb’s removal may be Federer, who is yet to lose a set at Wimbledon this year.

“I hope I can win Wimbledon one more time,” Federer told reporters, a quizzical smile on his face, amused that anyone might for a nano-second think otherwise.

NO WASHED-UP CHAMP For sure there remains a little rust on the Swiss maestro’s forehand – more than a few were rifled long on Monday – but there can be few things on any sporting stage more elegant than the sight of Federer stretching high and sweeping a backhand down over the net, his wrist rolling to send the

Tuesday July 05, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You have to feel free to come and go as you please to achieve happiness. Proceed with caution if operating equipment or vehicles. Don't do something silly just to get back at your mate.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) If boredom has set in, find new and unique directions that offer interesting friendships. You can make personal changes that will enhance your appearance and bring about greater social activity.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Go over their important documents and take the time to suggest alternatives. Just be yourself. Things have been moving so quickly that you need to do something physical to release your tension.

CANCER (June 22-July 22) If you go shopping, only take what you can afford to part with. Don't hesitate to sign up for creative courses or physical fitness programs.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Enjoy a quiet dinner for two and discuss some of the plans you have for the future. Be careful not to come on too strongly.

Don't make large purchases or investments.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Think before you act if you wish to avoid friction. Problems with fire, gas, or oil may cause disruptions and annoyances.

SAGIT. (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can make major gains professionally by completing projects on time. Opportunities to meet new lovers will come through pleasure trips or social events.

CAPRI .(Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Don't let your emotions interfere with your efficiency.

Don't let your jealous imagination play games with you.

You'll find you're detail oriented today.

LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Focus on your own domestic problems. You may not be as well received in group endeavors if you try to force your will on others. Opportunities will come through long term investments.

AQUAR. (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You will be relentless when it comes to getting yourself back into shape. Romance is quite possible if you are willing to approach someone who interests you. You can help other people with their financial problems by setting up a budget for them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Get involved in sports events that will benefit your physical appearance. Expect some flak. Opportunities to make financial gains will develop through your connections with other people.

PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Believe in yourself and so will those who count. Be careful; your ideas are good but make sure that you're realistic and start off on solid ground. Don't jump as quickly as you usually do.

ball spinning and biting into the Wimbledon turf.

If pushed, I dare say Johnson would agree, once he absorbs the defeat, as fundamentally one-sided as the others Federer meted out in week one here.

Johnson should not take the result to heart, for Centre Court at Wimbledon is no Nottingham.

And Federer is no washed up champion.

True, this is the first time in 16 years that he arrives at Wimbledon without a title to his name so far this year. In this respect alone, Johnson had the edge over him.

But in every other regard this was a mismatch which would not have been permitted in a more physical sport.

“I’m happy about my game... I’ve been able to rise to the occasion and play a really good match,” 34-yearold Federer said.

Next up is ninth seed Marin Cilic, the Croatian who memorably dismantled Federer on his way to the 2014 U.S. Open crown - to date his sole grand slam title.

Again, there seem to be no shortage of pundits ready to predict the end of the road for third-seeded Federer.

“I’m looking forward to a

tough one here,” he simply smiles. “Right now I am enjoying everything about Wimbledon.”

Not quite everything.

While other players have visited West End shows, concerts and the nightlife London offers, Federer has been following the Euro 2016 soccer tournament, playing with his kids and, unsurprisingly, watching tennis.

“My friends, my family, everybody around me did all the Beyonce, Matilda, all the stuff I wanted to do... But right now I have other goals than doing that stuff.”

Bahamas maul BVI, T&T...

(From page 30) attitude reminded some of Stephen Curry, the Golden State Warriors point Guard.

Persaud exhibited dribbling and finishing skill both from outside the area and from under the basket and had scored 30 of T&T’s 44 points at the halfway stage.

But the problem for Persaud and the T&T team was that he was a one-man army with only Christopher Nottingham (11 points and 8 rebounds) offering any real support for Persaud, who was beginning to tire, doing most of work on his own while Aruba played as team.

The third period saw Aruba doing a remarkable job marking the crafty but tired Persaud who was criticised for at times playing selfishly.

But when he passed the ball to the others they consistently failed to complete the job.

So well was Persaud neutralized that he only managed two points in the entire third stanza which ended with the score on 50 all.

Things got progressively

Soesdyke...

(From page 27) Khan and Peter Richmond saw their shots being kept out, before Ernest Mc Lean slotted home from the edge of the area to take his team into the next round.

In the second encounter, West Demerara beat Vreeden-Hoop 4-2. Ezan David handed Vreed-en-Hoop the lead in the 9th minute before Jeiel Johnson equalised in the 15th.

Compton Connelly restored Vreed-en-Hoop advantage in the 21, but Johnson netted in the 53rd and 65th while Glenroy Duncan scored in the 68th to seal victory for West Demerara.

worse for the team from Carnival country as Persaud, on tired legs could only manage another two points to end with 34 points and 9 rebounds and only four points in the second half. However, he became the highest individual scorer in the tournament up to yesterday by overtaking Jamaica’s Sherveny Williams’32 against Suriname.

The unified Arubans, led by exuberant Waterdal, upped the tempo and were the more aggressive of the teams during to last quarter to limit T&T to nine points in the final period as the game ended 77-59.

Aruba got 27 points in the closing stanza as five of their played reached double figure scores while only two Trinis reached double figures, with the next best effort being four points.

Waterdal (24 and 6 rebounds), Kenneth Maduro (15), Geraldo Bryson (13) and Nazir Milton and Rusheed Heemstadt with 12 each registered double scores for Aruba who were beaten by Guyana on opening night.

This was T&T’s first match and the competition was scheduled to continue last evening.

(Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Tuesday July 05, 2016

McKinnon wins El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup Shoot

Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones and Mr. Pavasky Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading in centre surrounded by GSSF Members at the Second Anniversary at the El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup 2016.

The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation ( G . S . S . F . ) i n commemoration of its 2nd Anniversary, on Saturday 25th June, 2016, successfully hosted another Steel Challenge Shooting Association Tier 1 Match which was exclusively sponsored by El Dorado Trading. El Dorado Trading, the Licensed Gold Dealers of Lot 136 Young Street, Kingston, Georgetown has

given their unfaltering support to the G.S.S.F. and this year it is no different.

Managing Director, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan, has kindly accepted the Federation’s offer to sponsor this Match annually.

The steel challenge shooting competition is held to commemorate the anniversary of the GSSF, with the first being fired off in June 2015. In that year, Ryan McKinnon emerged

victorious and walked away from the Range hoisting the El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup along with his first prize.

He returned to the Yarrowcabra ranges to put up a successful defence of his title and etch his name on the Cup again.

The three stage match consisted of sanctioned S.C.S.A. stages, namely Five to Go, Accelerator, and Pendulum.

Hero Caribbean Premier League 2016...

Amazon Warriors return to defend home territory The Guyana Amazon Warriors returned to these shores on Sunday to begin their phase of home matches in the 2016 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The two-time runners have produced some scintillating performances from their first two matches; firstly, clinging on to thrilling four-wicket win over hosts St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots last Thursday then stunning defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders on Saturday with a six-wicketwin in the twin island Republic.

Head Coach of the team, Roger Harper, in speaking to media operatives at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) explained that the victories are extremely satisfying and is seeking to use the home matches as a chance to solidify their position on the points table.

Harper said, “I think everyone is happy with the results that we had over the last two games and the way the team has performed but we know it’s only the first

two games, there is still a lot of way to go in the competition, so we not getting carried away, we are coming home and looking to control our position at home”.

The coach is in firm belief that the team synergy, in addition to some senior players making telling contributions at the required time is the reason behind their success.

“I think everyone is e n j o y i n g e a c h o t h e r ’s company, the team spirit is very high; as far as performances are concerned, it’s not about what the team looks like on paper, it’s about how the guys perform on the park and I think a lot of senior guys are putting their hands up and trying to lead from the front, so that is very good for the team”, Harper posited.

Quizzed on how much the surface at the National Stadium, Providence will boost their chances of continuing on the winning path, the former West Indies all-rounder explained that the experiences from the pre-

tournament camp should aid the team but it is about replicating those performances in the middle.

The Head Coach said, “We had a camp here, we [are] trying to make sure we get used to our conditions home here but we still have to go out and do it on the park”.

The Warriors’ first test will be the Jamaica Tallawahs on July 7 from 19:00h then they tackle the Patriots on July 9 from 12:00h.

The highly anticipated clash against the Knight Riders will bowl-off at 19:00h on July 10, after which they play their final home match against the St. Lucia Zouks on July 12 from 19:00h.

Tickets for the matches are currently on sale at the new CPL Office at 238 Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown (old TVG building).

The cost per ticket is the same as last year with $4000 for the Red and Green Stands, $3000 for Orange Stand and $2000 for the Grass Mound.

With safety and efficiency in mind, the match administrators placed the shooters into two squads, thereby shooting two separate stages simultaneously, before finally converging on the stage Pendulum.

In every stage competitors were required to shoot five steel targets, positioned at various angles and distances, one of which is designated as a “Stop plate” which is shot last.

Registering a hit on the stop plate stops the time.

The total time it takes to hit all five plates is used for the score (your time is your score.) Any misses add 3 penalties seconds to the time per miss.

The best 4 out of 5 strings make up the total time per stage and ultimately the shooter with lowest time (score) wins.

Shooters competed in two divisions, namely Limited and Wildcat, which saw the use of 9mm and .32 pistols respectively.

The main attraction of

this particular match was that competitors who were shooting full power handguns (Limited Division).

As such this saw a drop in the number of shooters registered for the Wildcat Division.

Scoring was done using a digital timer which records times according to when a shot is fired.

Present was Director of Sport, Mr. Christopher Jones, who presented Trophies to the winners in the Wildcat Division: Mr. Jagmohan Bassoo who took 1st place and Mr. Roberto Hochand 2nd. Mr. Pavaski Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading then presented the beautiful trophies for the Limited Division.

First up was Mr. Rajiv Latchana who placed 3rd with a total time of 96.19 seconds chasing GSSF President Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, who secured 2nd place with a time of 94.96 seconds. Mr. Ryan McKinnon, once again earned the top spot shooting

a total time of 69.34 seconds in this Match.

Mr. Pavaski Jagmohan t h e n e x p r e s s e d congratulatory remarks to all the prize winners before presenting the now two-time winner of the El Dorado Steel Challenge Cup with this Challenge Cup. The Guyana Sport Shooting Federation wishes to once again thank the Chief of Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Phillips, GDF Colonel Doodnauth, GPF Commissioner Persaud, GPF Asst. Commissioner Ramnarine, GPF Commander Hicken, GPF OC TSU Superintendent Dehnert, GPF Corporal Dunn and the ranks of the GPF Armoury and TSU. The Federation also expresses sincere thanks to Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan of El Dorado Trading for the usual kind support for sport shooting in Guyana.

Information can be found on the GSSF website www.GuyanaSportShooting .com.

Tickets will not be sold at Stadium for Guyana Leg of HERO CPL 2016 CPL Guyana wishes to advise the public that tickets for the Guyana games of Hero CPL 2016 will not be on sale at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.

Ticket sales will continue on a daily basis at the Ticketing Office at Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown and at distributors in Berbice and Essequibo.

All tickets purchased online can be uplifted at the Ticketing Office.

The Ticketing Office times of operation:

Week days - 9:00 a.m.

–5:00 p.m.

Sundays 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Telephone numbers are 231-2035 and 225-6017.

Mr. Omar Khan, Team Operations Manager is urging cricket fans to purchase their tickets early to avoid disappointment.

The Guyana Amazon Warriors fresh from two victories in their opening matches will continue their campaign at home starting on Thursday against the Jamaica Tallawahs at the Guyana National Stadium

starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Warriors will square off with St. Kitts/Nevis Patriots on Saturday at 12:00 noon and will face off with the Trinbago Knight Riders on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. before closing off their home series against St. Lucia Zouks on July 12th at 7:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, patrons are advised to occupy the seats and stands assigned on their tickets.

Ticket holders for the mound are also advised that they would not be allowed into the stands.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 31

Alphonso celebrates birthday with game winning put-back for Guyana Jordan Alphonso celebrated his 14th birthday yesterday with a strong finish at the rim off an inbound pass with 2.2 seconds left in their opening game against Aruba in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships.

Alphonso gave Guyana a 60-58 win at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in a game they should have easily put away. Guyana had a miserable night at the charity strip, shooting 12 out of 32 free-throw attempts for 37.5 percent from the line.

Alphonso missed nine free-throws for 3 of 12, while Andrew Johnson missed six for 2 of eight, combining for a total of 15 missed free shots. Akeem Crandon was 1 of 5 from the line, which underscored a nervous offensive start to Guyana’s CBC U16 campaign.

Alphonso finished with double-double 17 points and13 rebounds with Kevon Wiggins adding 16 points and 16 rebounds for a double as well and Crandon nine points and 10 rebounds.

Guyana’s performance was backed by a boisterous crowd.

With 11.1s left on the clock, Alphonso missed two free-throws that would have put away the game without

the drama that unfolded at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, but Aruba’s Geraldo Bryson had different thoughts.

Bryson sank 1 of 2 freethrows to tie the game at 58 before Alphonso’s eventual heroics. Leonardo Winterdal finished with 19 points and Nasir Milton 10 points for Aruba.

Guyana went on a 12-4 run to open the game with a smoothly flowing offence that got the approval of those in attendance. Excellent rebounding and a confident approach were visible for the first five minutes of the game.

Guyana held on to a 1713 first quarter lead, but it was obvious that their early chemistry had disappeared as constant turnovers stagnated their offense with shot clock violations and last seconds heave to beat the clock became regular features.

Aruba’s stellar full court press defence and traps forced Guyana into some bad passes, which handed them easy transition points. The visitors’ strong second quarter was punctuated with a game-tying three-point jumper to end the first half 30-30.

The third quarter for both teams was a struggle with

defence playing a major part of the period that saw neither teams scoring in double digits for the quarter.

Guyana, nevertheless, went into the final period with a 39-36 lead.

The fourth quarter started with both teams trading threes, but it was Guyana’s courage to show grit in the end that got them one step closer to the CBC U16 title.

Meanwhile, in other results, Bahamas downed Antigua 109-71 with D. Bridgewater scoring 16 points for Bahamas and D. Thompson 14 points. S. Hunter ended with 12 points.

J. Cornish, D. Jennings and C. Johnson had 11 points apiece while M. Cartwright had 10 points.

A. Greer led the Antiguans in the loss with 20 points while L. Weeks had 19 points. E. Joseph also contributed 14 points.

Barbados came back from a 15-point fourth quarter deficit to top the British Virgin Islands (BVI) 64-61 in the second game of the Championship.

Zachary Moore top scored for Barbados with 13 points while Rasheed Maynard scored seven of his 10 points in the fourth.

Makaari Jones had 12 points and Kiserian Adams 11

Guyanese guard, Zion Gray (right) tries to evade Aruban centre, Kenneth Maduro (#15) on the baseline Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. points and 12 rebounds in the win.

Scoring for BVI came from Elain O’Neal with 15 points and Kiandre Clarke with 10 points.

Jamaica pulled off an 8067 come-from-behind overtime win.

Sheveron Williams dropped a game

high 32 points to go along with 23 rebounds while Jalen Menzies put on a show with crossovers that threw down his defenders.

Menzies finished with 28 points while Jabari Cunningham had 10 points in the win.

Keatan Weibolt top

scored for Suriname with 14 points while Chevaro Kioppenburg was unstoppable in the low post with 13 points.

The CBC U16 Championships continues throughout this week at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

Soesdyke overcome Covent Garden

Kennard Memorial Turf Club Post Emancipation Day Race Meet

Early preparations underway The event is scheduled for Sunday 23 August, more than 6 weeks away, yet officials of the Kennard M e m o r i a l Tu r f C l u b (KMTC) have commenced the arduous task of putting the modalities in place for the Kennard Memorial Turf Club Post Emancipation Day Race Meet scheduled for their Bush Lot Farm, Corentyne location on that day.

The organizers have always put together programmes that have titillated the appetites of turfites and the impending meet has been arranged to satisfy those expectations so horse race lovers are assured of the high quality events of which they have grown accustomed.

In all, there will be 6 exciting races with the D1&lower being the feature attraction. In this race, racehorses will compete over a distance of one mile

with the winner riding away with $700,000 and second place finisher half that amount. The third and fourth places receive $175,000 and $87,000 respectively.

There are two races over 6 furlongs; the J1 & lower and the H & Lower. The winner for the first race will be $160,000 richer with the second place carting off half of that. The horse finishing 3rd will collect $40,000, while the 4th place finisher wins $20,000.

The winner of the second race will go home with $240,000 with the second place finisher carting off $120,000. The 3rd and 4th places receive $60,000 and $30,000 respectively.

Otherwise, there will be the K& Lower event over 5 furlongs, the race between the 2 years old over 5 furlongs and the L category event also over 5 furlongs.

Indeed, big money is at stake and the competition is

expected to be sizzling hot.

Meanwhile, turfites have been assured of intense action especially since jockeys would be competing under improved track conditions. Another plus is that a stable of well-bred animals will be on show.

Further, organizers wish to remind horse owners that the event is being conducted under the aegis of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority (GHRA) and that all of the rules would be applied. The registration period ends Sunday August 14 and late entries will not be entertained. Horse owners can register their animals by contacting Justice Cecil Kennard (226-1399, 2254818, or 623-7609), Niketa Ross (662-4668) or Roopnarine Matadial aka Shine (325-3192). Horse owners are asked to have their animals examined by the vet by 11:00hrs on race day.

Tyrone Khan (left) of Soesdyke fights for possession against a Covent Garden defender.

By Zaheer Mohamed Soesdyke Secondary came from a goal down to beat Covent Garden Secondary 3-2 when the East Bank Demerara leg of the Digicel National Schools football tournament continued yesterday at Leonora.

Covent Garden took the lead as Jamassi Benjamin headed home a corner from Ronaldo Simmons in the 19th minute.

Soesdyke had an opportunity to draw level but Shannon Samnauth fired a weak shot which was

easily kept out by the opposition goalkeeper following a buildup in front of goal. However, forward Tyrone Khan leveled the score in the 27th minute with a fine strike after gaining possession outside the area.

Soesdyke increased their pace fairly and created a few wonderful scoring chances but couldn’t finish while Covent Garden’s Simmons had a header saved just before half time.

Soesdyke made a buildup, but lost possession after midfielder Shaquanne Sam opted to play the ball back to the defenders

instead of sending it forward, and Covent Garden striker Delroy Alves made use of the opportunity; after taking control he eluded two defenders before finding the back of the net from just outside the area to give his team the lead in the 53rd.

Nevertheless Soesdyke continued to attack and twelve minutes later they found the equaliser through Tyrone Khan who sent his shot into an empty net from inside the 18-yard box.

Both teams tried desperately for another goal and Soesdyke’s Tyrone (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday July 05, 2016

GRFU holds GOA Olympic day activities

Action among the men in the GRFU programme for Olympic Day activities in the National Park.

The ladies battle in wet conditions during the GRFU Olympic Day programme.

The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) held a successful day of activities in collaboration with the GOA Olympic Day activities on June 26th at the National Park Rugby field. A series of

games were organised with U/19 Fifteens squad taking on the Senior National reserves under wet and slippery conditions. The senior reserves prevailed against a vastly improved

and hard tackling U/19 Squad 19 – 6.

The ladies then took to the field to play a best of three set of sevens rugby with the results being 2 - 1 in favor of Team Red.

The ladies certainly did not allow the wet conditions to deter them from showing the brand of rugby that made them three time Caribbean champions. The U/19 men’s team is scheduled to depart

Horses prepare for $22M, 2016 Jubilee Guyana Cup Horserace meet With over a month left before race day horses have begun preparing for the 10th edition of the Golden Jubilee Guyana Cup Horserace meet. The event, which is organized by the Jumbo Jet Business entity and the Port Mourant Turf Club, is slated for the 14th August 2016 at th e P o r t Tu r f C lu b , Corentyne Berbice.

The Guyana Cup has a whopping $22M in cash, trophies and other incentives up for grabs in the eight race meet. According to the organisers more incentives are expected to be added as race day gets closer and with so much on offer a number of top horses from all of the major stables have indicated their interest in participating.

Even with the inclement weather still around horses have begun training and are using every available space to get in some early preparatory works.

A number of sponsors including Banks DIH Limited, Trophy Stall, BM Soat Auto Sales, Jameel Bar and entertainment Lounge, the Muneshwar Store and the Hyper Malt beverage company have indicated an interest in being a part of the day’s activity.

The feature event is for horses classified “A” and lower for a staggering $4M prize money and the Guyana Cup Trophy from a total

Release the Beast, which has won its last three races in impressive fashion, has begun preparations and will be one to beat.

package of $8M over 1600M. Second place gets $2M, third takes $1M and fourth $500,000. the Co-feature 1600M event for 3yrs old horses, bred and born in Guyana and the West Indies, will see the winner taking home a handy $2M and trophy.

The Two year old event is for West Indies Bred horses and the winner gets $1M and trophy over 1000M. There is also a $1M reward and trophy for the horse winning the E class and lower 1300M event.

The G3 and lower 1300M gallop has a winning tag of $700,000 and trophy.

The H and lower 1400M race has a winning pocket of $500,000 and trophy.

The animals classified J and K and lower will race for $350,000 and trophy over 1100M. The L class 1000M race has a winning purse of $250,000 and trophy.

A number of incentives have been announced with the winning horses in the A class, the three year old event and the two year old races collecting an extra $500,000, $400,000 and $200,000

bonuses respectively.

The jockeys riding the respective animals in those events will all ride away with an extra $50,000 bonus.

The top Jockey along with the runner up, the top stable and champion trainer will all be presented with trophies and other incentives compliments of the organizers and Trophy Stall.

The coordinator is Nasrudeen (Jumbo Jet) Mohamed Jnr. Bugle time is 12:00 hrs.

(Samuel Whyte)

this coming Thursday, even as they await the result of an appeal for two of their key players who were denied visas. Hopefully it will be reviewed favorably.

The ladies have

commenced training towards a top two place finish in this year’s RAN Sevens championships billed for November 12th and 13th in Trinidad and Tobago.

Serena powers into Wimbledon quarter-finals LONDON (Reuters) Serena Williams overpowered Russian 13th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach the last eight at Wimbledon on Monday, keeping her bid to equal Steffi Graf’s professionalera record of grand slam titles on track.

Russian Kuznetsova, herself a double grand slam winner and three-times Wimbledon quarter-finalist, beat Williams on a hardcourt at the Miami Open in March.

But on a slippery Centre Court the six-times Wimbledon champion was too hot to handle, and she booked her place in the next round in one hour 16 minutes, reeling off the last eight games in a 7-5 6-0 win.

The world number one next faces another Russian, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

Williams began the match as if late for an Independence Day appointment, serving a succession of aces and then hitting a brace of groundstroke winners, one off each wing, to break her opponent in the fourth game.

Kuznetsova fought her way back, varying her pace by mixing in slices and drop shots on a surface on which both players at times struggled to keep their footing.

She broke in the fifth game on her fifth break point, and again to lead 5-4

USA’s Serena Williams celebrates winning her match against Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova.

(REUTERS/ANDREW COULDRIDGE) when a backhand crosscourt winner left the American sprawled on the turf.

But the Russian failed to serve out the set and, with drizzle threatening, both players complaining about the slippery conditions and even a ballboy losing his footing, the match was suspended at 5-5 for the roof to be closed.

When play resumed, Williams won the next two games, taking the set when Kuznetsova netted a backhand service return drilled right at her feet — and taking the second set without conceding another game.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 33

Culpepper, Duke lead Charity to Region two title

Members of the victorious Charity Secondary School team with their accolades.

By Zaheer Mohamed in Essequibo John Culpepper scored twice while Gavin Duke netted once to give Charity their 6th successive title when the Region two leg of the Digicel National Schools’ football tournament concluded on Sunday at the New Opportunity Corps ground on the Essequibo Coast.

Both teams showed promise as the game got off to an exciting start on the heavy outfield, and Wakapoa’s Deylon Jaikaran wasted a golden opportunity to give his team the lead as

early as in the 2ndminute.

Wi t h o n l y g o a l k e e p e r Leeland Smith to beat from inside the area, Jaikaran opted to pass the ball to one of his team mates instead of making an attempt to score and Charity without hesitation played their way out of trouble.

Culpepper then handed Charity the lead in the 25th minute, finding the back of the net from inside the area.

Wakapoa created several chances thereafter, but couldn’t finish as they went to the break with a goal down.

Charity dominated possession after the interval

and midfielder De Andre Thomas saw his free kick being kept out by Wakapoa goalkeeper Ron Allen.

But Culpepper netted his double in the 62ndminute to extend Charity lead. The striker had little trouble in beating Allen from inside the area after he was fed by winger Gavin Duke.

Charity continued to dominate and could have had another, but Delano Charles sent his shot wide of goal after beating two defenders inside the 18-yard box.

Duke gave his opponents some hiccups with his speed; he made an excellent run

down the left flank before crossing to Arnold Wells whose shot was blocked by Allen who pulled off a fine save moments later from Charles inside the 6-yard box.

Wakapoa made several raids at goal and almost pulled one back, but Nixon Cornelius angled shot hit the cross bar after coming of the fingers of goalkeeper Smith.

That was the closest Wakapoa came to scoring in the second half.

Duke then made his way into the area and beat Allen with a low shot from the side of the box to hand his team a 3-0 advantage.

John Culpepper (right) fights for possession against Wakapoa’s Kevin Richards.

Cavendish edges Greipel to win Tour stage three ANGERS, FRANCE (Reuters) Mark Cavendish joined France great Bernard Hinault in second place of the all-time list of Tour de France stage winners when he pipped Andre Greipel on Monday for his second victory in this year’s race.

The Briton, riding for the Dimension Data team, beat German Greipel by less than a tyre’s length to snatch his 28th career Tour win at the end of a 223.5-km ride from Granville.

Belgian Eddy Merckx, like Hinault a five-times Tour winner, still tops the list of stage wins with 34.

World champion Slovakian Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) retained the overall leader’s yellow jersey after taking fourth place to stay in the hunt for a sixth green jersey for the points classification.

“It was a long day, I’m happy

Team Dimension Data rider Mark Cavendish of Britain (R) cycles to win on finish line in the Tour de France 223,5-km (139 miles) Stage 3 from Granville to Angers, France. (REUTERS/JEAN-PAUL PELISSIER)

we did not suffer any crash today,” said Sagan, whose team mate Alberto Contador, one of the

favourites for the title who fell twice in the opening two stages, enjoyed a quiet day in the saddle.

“I’m in one piece, that’s nice.”

Sagan leads France’s Julian Alaphilippe (Etixx-Quick Step) and Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Movistar) by eight and 10 seconds respectively with defending champion Chris Froome (Team Sky) of Britain in fifth place, 14 seconds off the pace.

Armindo Fonseca (FortuneoVital Concept) was the first attacker of the day and he built an 11-minute lead over a peloton that rode at snail’s pace.

He was later joined by fellow Frenchman Thomas Vockler (Direct Energie), but their effort was doomed and the peloton, led by Marcel Kittel’s Etixx-Quick Step’s team, launched its effort.

German Kittel, however, was unable to sustain the pace in the final straight, a slightly uphill 30metre dash to the line.

Frenchman Bryan Coquard

(Direct Energie) was third.

Cavendish, who looked beaten with 50 metres left after Greipel’s second acceleration, threw his bike well to add to his victory in the opening stage on Saturday.

“I’ve won by more, I’ve won by less,” said Cavendish, the most successful sprinter in Tour history.

“Normally, I know when I won or I lose. When I crossed the line, I kind of knew I got it today but anything can happen,” he added.

“I knew I had to come from behind. I wanted to be behind Greipel to launch my sprint. He took me by surprise but I’m happy I did it. My team mates were phenomenal.”

Tuesday’s fourth stage, the longest of this year’s Tour with 237.5km from Saumur to Limoges, will give another chance for the sprinters to shine before the race hits the mountains.

PAGE 34

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

Monsanto, Microsoft to invest in agricultural technology in Brazil

Digicel Schools Football Championships

Ann’s Grove to face Buxton Youth Developers in Zone Final A new Zone champion in the East Coast leg of the Digicel National Schools Football Championships would be crowned next week w h e n A n n ’s G r o v e Secondary face off with Buxton Youth Developers in the Zone final.

A n n ’s G r o v e , disqualified last year, have endeavored not to make any detrimental administrative blunders this year and dug deep to sink last year’s winners of the Zone, Annandale Secondary which they beat on sudden death kicks from the penalty mark at the BV ground in fading light last evening.

B u x t o n Yo u t h Developers made their passage to this stage by virtue of a 1-0 win over Buxton Secondary, Tyreeh Cummings netting the winner in the 28th minute.

The match of the day was the main attraction between Annandale and Ann’s Grove, the latter taking the lead on 12 minutes when Karlos Cole hammered his shot past Annandale’s goalkeeper, Kenduce Cooper.

Tyreeh Cummings - Buxton Youth Developers Ann’s Grove looked the hungrier of the two sides in the early exchanges as the former zone champions took quite some time to get into their stride. Conditions were soggy but it did not deter either side from showcasing their skills.

The 80 minute clash saw Annandale coming to life towards the end of the first half when they fired in back to back goals in a two minute burst. Troni Semple was the player who took on Ann’s Grove by blasting all their goals but his efforts came to naught in the end.

Semple netted in the 37th and 39th minute to hand Annandale the lead, lifting

Ann’s Grove Secondary after downing Annandale in the East Coast semi final their confidence in the process at the half way mark.

Annandale was a much more aggressive unit in the second half as they took the fight to Ann’s Grove.

But it was Ann’s Grove who would strike first again in the half when Shemar McPherson tucked in the equalizer in the 48th minute.

Not to be outdone and

determined to keep ahead of proceedings, Annandale retook the lead two minutes later (50th) thanks to Semple who completed his hat-trick.

Annandale for some reason felt that they had it covered and relaxed for a few minutes rather than keep on the aggressive path which brought them results.

It was Ann’s Grove

which turned up the heat and were duly rewarded in the 66th minute with a cracking goal from Kevin Williams that drew them level once again.

The remaining minutes failed to produce anymore goals which required kicks from the penalty mark to decide the winner.

Kicks also produced a

ding dong exchange as both sides missed three times whilst scoring twice in the first five taken.

It was now down to sudden kicks, while Annandale floored theirs, Ann’s Grove scored to win a grueling encounter to set up a clash with Buxton Youth Developers with the Zone Champions title at stake.

Bahamas maul BVI, T&T loose to Aruba despite Persaud’s class CBC U-16 Championships

Played before virtually empty stands at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH), day two of the afternoon session of the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships saw Bahamas mauling the British Virgin Islands (BVI) 101-40 and Aruba getting past Trinidad & Tobago 7759 despite a game high 34 points from Canadian Samaroo Persaud.

Matches began after the National Anthem of the respective teams were played and at the end of the first quarter BVI had managed just eight points while Bahamas, arguably the best team in the tournament, registered 20.

BVI started with a 2-3 zone defence formation to block inside penetration, while Bahamas looked to deny ‘long shots’ from BVI as both teams played fast paced Basketball.

Bahamas forged ahead

Canadian born Samaroo Persaud fires a dagger from beyond the arch for a game and Tournament high 34 points for T&T in a losing cause against Aruba. (Sean Devers photo)

and dominated proceedings with several turn overs while BVI, who lost to Barbados on Sunday, missed many chances to put points on the spanking new scoreboard which read Bahamas 48, BVI 17 and the lead for the Bahamians was already 31 at

the half way stage of a onesided contest.

The third stanza continued in similar fashion and BVI were only allowed six points as Bahamas pilled on the pressure as the final quarter commenced with the score 79-23.

The 10 minutes scoring in double digits in a period for the first time as K’mol Walters sunk a three-pointer, another shot from ‘downtown’ with under two minutes saw BIV register their 17th point in the final quarter but it was too little

too late.

Bahamas, scored 109 points in their win on opening day against Antigua, were led to a second successive three digit score.

They were led by 17 points and 9 rebounds from Michael Lawright, 14 each

from Samuel Hunter and Rica Bridgewater and 13 from Micheal Williams, who netted two three-pointers.

Kenrick Burrows was next best with 8 points and 8 rebounds.

Wa l t e r s a n d L a y n e Donaldson, who hit a couple of three-pointers, both scored 10 points for the BVI. The second game was more competitive and by the end of the opening quarter T&T were enjoying a slim 6point lead over Aruba with the score on 20-14.

The 14-year-old Persaud, born in Canada to a Trini father and Guyanese mother was already displaying excellent ball weaving skills.

Leonardo Waterdal sunk in a pair of three-pointers and looked really promising for Aruba to end an evenly fought period with T&T l e a d i n g 4 4 - 3 6 . Yo u n g Persaud, who attends school in Canada, looks extremely talented and his confident (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 05, 2016

PAGE 35

5th Annual Baker’s Memorial Cycling Classic

Geron Williams scripts another characteristic win; Hicks is junior winner

By Franklin Wilson Reigning National Senior Road Race champion Geron Williams recorded another quality win when he went one step better than last year to ink his name as the champion of the 5th annual Baker’s Memorial Cycling Classic which was contested in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden and the Linden S o e s d y k e H i g h w a y, yesterday.

Organised by the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycle Club (LBFCC) and sponsored exclusively by the Baker’s Family, yesterday’s race attracted a top class field of the best riders in Guyana who all wanted to cash in on the top prize of $50,000 plus.

Williams, who one week ago had to ride a strategic race as the lone Continental Cycle Club rider, again had to be tactical in his maneuvers in order to outsprint 2015 National Road Race Champion, Hamza Eastman (Team Coco’s); he completed the 60-mile race which took in some hills along with flat

Category winners Geron Williams (4th right), Andrew Hicks (right), Byonka Barker (stooping left) and Ronaldo Narine (2nd right) along with other prize recipients pose with two of the Baker’s siblings Daniel and Eileen (both seated) following yesterday’s presentation of prizes. Missing if veteran winner, Warren Mc Kay. terrain in 2 Hours 25 Minutes 07 Seconds.

Paul De Nobrega, Shaquelle Agard, Orville

Hinds and Jamal John completed the top six who were all rewarded with cash prizes. The top six rode a

commanding race having separated themselves from the pack on the second of three laps at Bamia Hill on

Heavy rain forces cancellation of Region 10 final to today A photo of the waterlogged Wisburg Secondary School ground yesterday.

The final of the Region 10 Zone of the Digicel Schools Football Championship had to be rescheduled to today after persistent rain forced its cancellation following an

inspection by the match official yesterday, at the Wisburg Secondary School ground in Linden.

According to the officials, the waterlogged ground was unplayable so a

d e c i s i o n a f t e r consultation with the sponsor was made to play the game today.

The two schools, defending champion Christianburg / Wismar and

Kwakwani Secondary will battle for a place in the playoffs and this matchup promises to be a sizzler judging from the earlier performances of both teams.

the Linden Soesdyke Highway, each constituting 20 miles.

The race pedaled off in front the Baker’s residence before proceeding into the Bauxite Mining Town and then out to the highway, turning back at the Moblissa Hill.

Andrew Hicks ruled the roost in the junior category winning in 2 Hours 30 Minutes 37 Seconds. 2016 Road Race champ Andrew Cornelius had to settle for the runner-up spot with Jornel Ye a r w o o d , t h i r d .

Ronaldo Narine was the lone juvenile competitor to finish the race while top female cyclist was Byonka Barker who won from Olesh McPherson.

Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay was the leading veteran as he stopped the clock in their one lap contest at 49 Minutes 05 Seconds. Ian ‘Deaf Boy’ Jackson was 2nd with Jaikarran Sukhai 3rd.

The top three LBFCC cyclists in the race were also rewarded for their efforts, Shaquille Agard, Jornel Yearwood and Sylvio Inniss.

The Baker ’s family expressed thanks to the principals involved in making the event a success whilst informing that the event would be held every year in memory of the late Baker parents, Joseph and

Adelaide of Linden.

Three of the Baker’s siblings were former cyclists; Brentnol, Lindon and Colin who would have won various national titles during the 1970s and 80s.

Lindon and Brentnol went on to represent Guyana.

The family informed that their dad would have been 100 years-old in 2017 were he still alive and they are planning to have a huge event next year but it would be held on the first weekend of April.

Commenting on the race, Williams said that he was more familiar with the terrain this year as opposed to last year when Michael Anthony prevailed having also won in a sprint home. ”This year I came out and I knew where I was going to sprint from, I did so and executed perfectly to take the win. The race was pretty good; it wasn’t overly difficult today because an early break went and the race was pretty controlled for a while so I was able to start the race and be able to find a good rhythm before it got pretty hard.

By the time the race first break came back and the moves went, we were able to go after them and shut it down and establish the winning break and that was good.”

t r o Sp Alphonso celebrates birthday with game winning put-back for Guyana

Guyana’s Kevon Wiggins (right) puts a jumper on the glass Sunday night at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in their CBC U16 showdown against Aruba.

5th Annual Baker’s Memorial Cycling Classic

Geron Williams scripts another characteristic win; Hicks is junior winner

The top six pictured on the penultimate lap as they approach the Linden Soesdyke Highway for the Moblissa Hill turn back point. (Franklin Wilson photo) Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210