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Prominent Gov’t engineer, Walter

AIETEUR NEWS

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Willis dies

Tuesday Edition July 12, 2016 - Vol. 9 No. 29

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Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Prominent Gov’t engineer, Walter Willis dies

By Jarryl Bryan Veteran Government Engineer Walter Willis, the technical mind involved in works like the Providence National Stadium and the now renamed Arthur Chung Convention Centre, passed away at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital last evening. He was 66.

Willis, who suffered a brief bout of illness, was rushed to the hospital on Saturday last, complaining

of stomach pains. He was subsequently placed on life support, where he died surrounded by family.

Willis befuddled the nation and his workplace, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, in his final hours. The Ministry yesterday released a statement announcing his death, only for it to be revealed that Willis still clung to life.

The statement, which was issued shortly after

13:00hrs, had announced “with the deepest regret”, the passing of Willis, Technical Advisor to Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson. It had stated that this came following a brief period of illness.

Sections of the media had also reported on his passing, with former Public Works Minister Robeson Benn reflecting on his time working with him. But after all the lamentations it was revealed that Willis was still

alive. According to his wife, Dolly Willis, it all started when the engineer, who was initially reluctant, was rushed to the Hospital suffering from severe chest pains. Doctors subsequently discovered that he had multiple ulcers in his

Veteran Engineer Walter Willis

Willis, during his tour with media workers on Friday at the CJIA. It was to be his final tour

Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson points out something to Willis stomach and were making attempts to flush the stomach.

Mrs. Willis related that up to Sunday her husband was able to converse but yesterday, at 10:00hrs the hospital called to inform her that Willis’ kidneys had

Pradoville Two Land Distribution case…

Let the consequences be what they may - Rohee It has been almost one year since the infamous “Pradoville Two” land distribution scheme was revealed to the nation.

Facts showed members of the former PPP/C administration and prominent citizens acquiring prime real estate at considerably low prices.

Since the APNU-AFC coalition government gained office, the State’s Assets Recovery Unit has been investigating the matter.

At a press conference last Tuesday, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic, Clement Rohee, said that if SARU believes it has a case, then the unit should take its file to Director of Public Prosecution Shalimar Ali-Hack.

Rohee who was listed as a recipient of a plot of land in

the community said, “The DPP would have to pronounce, I don’t think SARU has any authority to arrest or to prosecute anybody; they’re just a body in the Ministry of the Presidency.” The Member of Parliament added that SARU is synonymous with a “toothless poodle”.

The DPP is also on the list of beneficiaries of land in the East Coast Demerara community. When asked if he believes Ali-Hack would have an impartial stance when dealing with the matter; Rohee said that the office of the DPP has always been an independent and autonomous body.

The General Secretary is of the belief that once there is a strong case against those persons who have come to own land in the community,

then the matter should be followed to the full extent of the law. Head of SARU Dr. Clive Thomas insisted that his entity plans to continue pushing for criminal charges to be laid.

Last October, SARU had completed a report which revealed that in 2010 President Bharrat Jagdeo and his Cabinet authorized the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) to privatize state lands.

It was reported that $200M was spent to prepare the seafront estate. Certain recipients reportedly paid a meagre $1.5M for one lot.

Some of the recipients included former Public S e r v i c e M i n i s t e r, D r.

Jennifer Westford; Former Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud; former GWI

PPP/C General Secretary, Clement Rohee Head Shaik Baksh and former Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand; Andrew Bishop, a Presidential Advisor under the former administration and former Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission; former CEO of Guyana Sugar Corporation Rajendra Singh and former Head of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo.

collapsed, his vital signs were weakening and he had trouble breathing. She related that they were prepared to shut off life support.

Since his three children Christopher, Sonia, and Sandra were all overseas, a decision was taken to await their return. Kaieteur News understands that the veteran engineer subsequently registered a blood pressure and a pulse but very little brain activity up to the time he expired.

Mr. Willis was born on July 23, 1949. At one time he worked as a teacher at the t h e n We s t D e m e r a r a Government Secondary. He received his qualifications in Hydraulic Engineering on a fellowship to study in Holland.

He was employed with his Ministry for 17 years.

Upon his commencement of service on May 3, 1999, Mr. Wi l l i s s e r v e d a s t h e Technical Advisor for Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Anthony Xavier, under the Ministry of Public Works and Communication.

Mr. Willis also served as Te c h n i c a l A d v i s o r t o Minister Harry Narine Nawbatt and Minister Robeson Benn before working alongside Minister David Patterson from May 2015, in the renamed Ministry of Public Infrastructure. Outside his

p o s i t i o n a s Te c h n i c a l Advisor, Mr. Willis held several positions, including that of the Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority; Project Manager of the Solid Waste Management Programme; and Project Engineer for the Caribbean Development Bank Third Road Project (Ruimveldt to Providence).

Mr. Willis was also involved in a number of key developmental projects, including the construction of the Providence Stadium, where he served as the Project Manager. He also had experience developing Rice Mills and silos.

Up to last Friday, the day before he was admitted to the hospital, Mr. Willis led a team on a site visit to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Expansion Project.

An example to follow Commenting on his former advisor, Robeson Benn yesterday described Willis as “an example for all engineers and professionals to follow.” He said that Willis’ ability to integrate practical and technical applications in his work as a “great boon.”

“I can suggest to young engineers and professionals that he is a great example to follow,” Benn said. “The larger road projects, the airport expansion project, Amaila Falls- he did critical (Continued on page 21)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 03

Bank of America to cut ties with local - says Central banks by August Bank Governor

The Bank of America

Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga

B

ank of America, the largest correspondent bank in the United States of America dealing with local banks, will be cutting ties with several commercial banks in Guyana by the end of August.

This was confirmed by Central Bank Governor Dr. Gobind Ganga, in an interview with Kaieteur News on Sunday. Ganga indicated that the notice from the bank had come last month. However he sought to provide assurances that the fallout will be negligible.

“At this time it is just Bank of America,” Ganga

said. “(But) we expect that other banks will take up the slack. It is also happening in the Caribbean, the entire region is being affected.

Other countries would have had ties cut since last year with Bank of America.”

Ganga stressed that it was just a few commercial banks. However he declined to reveal the names of the local banks cited by Bank of Guyana. The Governor also emphasised that the Bank of America’s decision could not solely be attributed to derisking, but to other factors as well.

“There are a number of factors. One is de-risking.

They may want to deal with bigger customers or (they may have) a higher level of liquidity. It (could) also be a question of profitability.”

Back in May, Attorney General Basil Williams had expressed worry about the possibility that Guyana may suffer as a result of derisking. De-risking happens when financial institutions exit relationships with and close the accounts of clients who they deem to be

“high risk.”

For some time now, there have been moves towards de-risking with businesses, foreign embassies, nonprofit organizations and correspondent banks. This has resulted in account closures in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia.

Following the 37th Heads of Government Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting last

week in Guyana, the regional bloc had announced plans to lobby the US government against these measures.

L o w p r o f i t a b i l i t y, concerns about reputations, and increased Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism

(AML/CFT) scrutiny have all contributed to concerns about de-risking, which can further isolate a country’s financial system from the global fiscal makeup and undermine AML/CFT objectives. Guyana is still on (Continued on page 16)

Tuesday July 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

Manzoor Nadir defends Marcia Nadir DEAR EDITOR; It was very disgusting to read the above article (KN Papers of Sunday July 10 2016). Your newspaper continues to unapologetically besmirch the integrity of people and convict them by presenting one-sided and carefully concocted stories. You also use your paper to feed frenzies, to grind axes and to execute political agendas.

This arti c l e m a k e s criminal conviction a fait accompli by presenting biased, inaccurate and partial information as fact.

The article begs the question of professional ethics; of bribery by KN for information and even the question of government’s political vendetta. Just as KN did in its attack on the Hon. Joseph Harmon, it again went on its tirade with flawed article, here is a simple

example. Quoting the KN article it says “back-up hard drive on which documents are stored

by NICIL revealed that the minutes for the years 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2011 and 2012 were all created on November 2, 2015.”

Concluding that the minutes were all generated the same day. I am flabbergasted! Any ICT student would testify that backup drives, especially if the date is set to automatically update every time you back up would show the date the files were backed up.

Anand Goolsarran stated in his audit report that he got the minutes and he finished his field work in August 2015, more than three months before KN said the minutes were generated. “I concluded the field work on 31 August 2015 and submitted the draft report to the Executive

Director of NICIL who provided a response on 19 October 2015.I then finalized my report and submitted it to the Minister Finance on 26 October 2015, copied to the Chairman of NICIL’s board, the Minister within the Ministry of Finance, and the Financial Secretary” (Goolsarran’s report p.12 ttp:/ /finance.gov.gy/images/ uploads/documents/ nicil_audit_report.pdf) I thus would say no more on the contents of this article and now leave KN to wallow in its own folly. However, the article is interesting because of the KN motives for such wicked article.

From whose mouth did this information come? How did KN come by its information? Did KN buy the information in the article or created it? If it’s the police legal advisor or the investigators then there is a

Another complaint of dilapidated municipal buildings DEAR EDITOR; There is a sad lesson to be learnt regarding two children who were burnt to death in a fire last Thursday night that gutted the Children’s Drop-in Centre on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

It is a lesson that I hope the Georgetown City Council would take seriously.

The Mayor and Councilors of the City of Georgetown has several Day Care Centers, Maternal & Child Welfare Clinics and other Public Health facilities housed in very old buildings and other structures that are in such a bad condition that it places the children and other occupants in considerable danger but the officials just don’t seem to care.

Indeed the City Hall building itself where they occupy, si t i n , a n d pontificate for hours and which they consider their headquarters breaks all the provisions of the fire code.

I have cause to take my wife routinely to the Maternal &

Child Welfare Clinic and to drop my daughter to a Day Care Center and I am always concerned about the unpreparedness of these municipal facilities for fires and other disasters.

Indeed it is clear that: · The maximum occupancy of these buildings are routinely exceeded as there is often overcrowding of children at the Day Care Centers and of mothers and their babies seeking pre and post natal care. · That there is no maintenance of proper fire exits and proper exit signage (e.g., exit signs pointing to them that can function in a power failure) · The old buildings are hardly in compliance with electrical codes to prevent overheating and ignition from electrical faults or problems such as poor wire insulation or overloading wiring, conductors, or other fixtures with more electric current than they are rated for. · There is not proper placement and maintenance

of the correct type of fire extinguishers in easily accessible places. · There are no visible fire alarm systems for detection and warning of fires nor are there any sprinklers in these buildings. · I am told that there is a low level of training and awareness of occupants and users of the buildings to avoid obvious mistakes. · Rarely are fire drills conducted at municipal buildings and facilities throughout the year.

City Hall needs to realize that it has responsibility for the lives and wellbeing of hundreds of children, their parents and the municipal workers occupying these dilapidated buildings and as such they need to fix them and enhance their safety.

What is worse, they are now talking about having night care in these very unsafe buildings for which the danger would be significantly increased due to the cover of darkness.

Riley Matthews

serious breach of professional ethics by discussing client’s business with KN. Will the Commissioner of Police investigate or will the Ministry of the Presidency, the defacto head of SOCU, so order? President Granger, Vice President Ramjattan, Minister Harmon and the Commissioner of Police must be concerned about the fact that KN is supposedly quoting from the work of the investigators.

Marcia Nadir Sharma is a leading contender to fill the vacant post of Chief Executive of NICIL. She holds a LLB, has the LEC, has an LLM and is currently a PDH candidate. Having been called to the Bar over seventeen years ago, she joined PU/NICIL in 2000, I was an opposition Member of Parliament. She has served this country diligently and is an epitome of grace, professionalism and decency.

It is concerningly coincidental that this article appears a day after she had an interview for the top spot at NICIL. Is the article meant to sway decision makers away from her? You articles

will now curtail on her constitutional right to work as employment inside and outside of government Whatever the motives KN has done its damage, which no amount of apologies can fix, just ask Minister Harmon.

I have now seen a crude attempt to now speak of civil action as suggested by Justice Singh. This is now a totally different scenario with the learned justice report having the necessary qualifications.

I have said before that all of these forensic audits have a basic flaw; their authors have failed to incorporate the responses from the officials of the audited entities.

Government has a time tested mechanism, the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, where the government has a majority.

Here, the accused can face the forensic auditors and the people through their representative and the public can hear all sides.

The recommendations of the PAC would be far more potent than any Forensic auditor especially one who was never issued a practicing

certificate in Guyana.

Manzoor Nadir Editor’s note: We publish Mr. Nadir’s attack on the newspaper because we believe he has a right to be heard. It would be remiss of us not to mention that the same Nadir was a minister for over ten years with a Government that viciously attacked the private media including withdrawal of advertisements from the KN and SN, victimization of the publisher of the KN, mr. Glenn Lall, attacks on KN columnist, Freddie Kissoon for which charges have been laid, the Anil Nandlall tape. We could go on.

We ask if Mr. Nadir is in any moral position to lecture the private media. As regard to the issue of the hard drive.

We got that part of the story from the office of the Police Advisor and SOCU. Mr. Nadir is accusing us of doing what all newspaper do – report. We will ignore his attacks on the newspaper because we know the free press becomes the first target of authoritarian governments as we believe Mr. Nadir ‘s Government was

Sase Singh is a poor...

From page 04 to determine seats allocation for the 1992 and 1997 parliaments. At this stage before the election for the NCDLO seats, the PPP/C had 34 seats.

In region 1 which the PNC had won, the chairperson at the meeting held to elect the Region Parliamentary Representative through the lack of experience caused a PPP/C member to be elected thus giving the PPP/C 35 seats. No one could have predicted that the PPP/C would have been gifted the Parliamentary seat in Region 1. With the PPP/C getting the other NCDLO seat, it brought their total to 36 seats.

Mr. Singh said that one

Bagot Paul represented the WPA in Parliament. Let me say here that WPA was never represented by Mr. Bagot Paul. On examining Mr. Singh’s letter, you will see he is juggling information to satisfy the 36 seats that the PPP/ C had in 1992. In the sixth paragraph, he added one NCDLO seat to 33 seats (which is incorrect) to get 34 seats, then he juggled another NCDLO seat to get 36 seats for the PPP/C this is in contradiction to the fact that the WPA got one NCDLO seat. Mr. Singh obviously did not know how the PPP/C got to 36 seats so he decided to use the threecard device to get the result.

In closing, it is evident Mr.

Singh culled his letter using information from internet sources which carried errors, since he did not credit any source for information he used he has to be held responsible for the errors which permeated his letter.

Ali Majeed

PAGE 6

Harris drowned because there is no public swimming pool DEAR EDITOR; The news that the body of missing 19-year-old Harris Anthony Persaud, a former student of Queen’s College and a second year student currently attending the University of Guyana was found at the foreshore of the Garden of Eden, East Bank Demerara must sickened to the core every parent in Guyana, particularly those with young, bright, hardworking and ambitious children like Harris Anthony Persaud. God only knows the agony of his parents, To learn that he apparently met his demise as a consequence of going to the back of the Marriott Hotel for “a swim” when a huge wave swept him away is even more egregious. How many youths have already died in the Lamaha Canal popularly known as ‘the Blacka’, in other canals, in the creeks and the rivers?

This is happening and

will continue to happen purely and simply because of the callousness and depravity of the administration of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown who have so far refused to have a municipal pool constructed in the capital staffed with lifeguards and other safety features, to replace the Luckhoo Swimming Pool that was once available to the public.

Many if not most towns and cities in the Caribbean and around the world provide public pools which are often part of a larger leisure centre or recreational complex. The Georgetown Municipality prefers to waste hundreds of millions of dollars building ridiculous presidential parks, the cost of which could have built a modern aquatic center.

The youths of Georgetown deserve a good life and will only get a good one when the imprudent and corrupt

administrators at City Hall are removed.

Does the Government of Guyana not see the nonsense that is going on at City Hall?

Must more youths perish before the management of City Hall is shaken up? When one reads the ridiculous six point plan that was outlined by the Town Clerk, which was filled with pie in the sky ideas, one would have expected more practical, relevant and sensible ideas coming from a primary school child.

I suggest that the Council quits fooling around and gets serious about improving the services provided and the resources made available to the public. If one does not own a pool, belong to a swim club or pay to swim at a hotel in Georgetown, then he or she has to continue swimming in the ‘Blacka’ or at the seawalls, a most unsafe practice.

James Mc Onnell

Affairs of the City in the wrong hands DEAR EDITOR; The report contained in Sunday’s edition of the ‘Kaieteur News’ which reveals the deplorable working conditions at the Solid Waste Department of the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown is an appalling reminder of the i n d e c e n c y, tactlessness, and the insensitivity of the administration at City Hall.

If they can subject their own workers whom they claim to value and appreciate to such unpleasant and harsh working conditions, then one can only imagine what they would do to the citizens of Georgetown whom they hardly know or share any type of rapport with.

The photos of the outgrowth surrounding the

Tuesday July 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Lunchroom (And the Council is responsible for weeding and cleaning the City), of the rotting outer walls of the Solid Waste Department (Again the City Council is supposed to ensure that all structures in the city are safe and sound) and the cramped and squalid toilet facilities designated to employees (a clear public health violation), and the lunch room with missing boards and windows speaks clearly to the depravity of the administration who instead of providing the most minimal of environmental health and safety standards to their employees prefer to build a Presidential Park costing hundreds of millions of dollars for no good reason.

I would like to suggest to the officials of the Labour,

Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Social Protection that they also visit the plush offices of the Mayor, Town Clerk and other favoured senior staffers where they will find stylish, expensive and the latest cutting-edge flat screen television sets installed and connected to direct satellite television, carefully selected posh office furnishings, state of the are communications e q u i p m e n t, refrigerators crammed with expensive refreshments, climate controlled environments, adequate lighting and luxurious private washroom facilities. Of course they don’t need lunch rooms as they constantly dine out with friends at opulent restaurants and hotels at the Council’s expense of course.

These people that manage the affairs of the city must be removed of and replaced by competent, trustworthy and fair minded persons.

Nadine Jerrick

Love Is Unselfish DEAR EDITOR; The word ‘Love’ I believe is the greatest of all words in the English Language. Great writers, poets, singers, film makers, philosophers based their philosophies around this simple and precious word ‘love’. When this fascinating word is traced to its root from the Greek concept it gives us the true meaning of the word ‘love’ from four Greek words: Eros, Philia,Storge and Agape. Eros has to do with sexual love between a man and woman; Philia means close friendship or brotherly love in Greek; Storge is family love, the bond among mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers; but the greatest love is what most experts called the ‘agape love’ or the God kind of love; selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, of all human beings.

This is the God kind of love Jesus spoke about in St.John’s Gospel Chapter 15:12 which are as follows: ‘‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”.

This is the type of love Gandhi, Mandela and King demonstrated to their enemies in the world. Gandhi wrote: “An eye for an eye gives the world a blind eye”.

If we can follow this profound philosophy of love we can live in a better world devoid of hate, greed and malice. What we need in Guyana is the God kind of love in our hearts that can keep the prison doors closed that will give us lasting peace even in our parliament and our own homes.

The ultimate source of all encouragement is the fact

that God is love, and He loves us and has a perfect plan for us. We live in a world full of hate, greed and human selfishness; we search for love in the person we love but discover sooner or later we still long for a deeper and inner love that only God can give to us but no human. We search for love and joy in money, sexual pleasure, drugs, rum and false friends but we sooner or later discover it’s all a mortal form of illusion. We even try psychology and all types of psychiatric treatment but found it’s of no use to us but gives us a mental break down.

We search for love in fulfilling our academic dreams by hard studies and discover that our education created more envy, strife and hatred in our lives from our evil minded contemporaries. We earn money have the most beautiful husbands and wives and soon discover our wives and husbands are unfaithful to us and they have become our mortal enemies when our beauty, fame, popularity and money have come to an end. Then we suffer in fear, rejection, and humiliation and even ended up committing suicide or mental suicide until we die slowly. Our endless perpetual search for love in this material world like Alexander the great can never be found in material things that will fade away like our dreams in the pristine beauty of the serene night.

The illustrious King Solomon the wisest and richest of all Kings if anyone was going to find purpose in “life under the sun” it would be Solomon. He had all the

wealth, power, sex, wisdom and achievements he could possibly pursue. And he went after them with relentless passion. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines yet he found life to be meaningless with all his worldly possessions.

Though King Solomon possessed a great abundance of wealth, wisdom, knowledge and divine power to rule over his people he referred to his possessions as ‘vanity ‘meaning useless in the Hebrew the state or quality of being valueless, futile, or unreal something that is worthless or useless. He penned great spiritual wisdom from the book of Ecclesiastes; he wrote it as a Preacher and a Poet who realized that all his material possession will fade away but his soul shall never die and he longs for a place with his Creator when he is gone from this world. Just like Jesus said: The Bible indicates that love is from God. In fact, the Bible says “God is love.”

Love is one of the primary characteristics of God. Likewise, God has endowed us with the capacity for love, since we are created in His image.

This capacity for love is one of the ways in which we are “created in the image of God.”The love of God in our hearts will give us the ability to love our wives, husbands, children and the human race.

No amount of wealth can replace the love of God. What we need in Guyana is God’s love the cure for all our social problems.

Rev.Gideon Cecil

Time for CARICOM to wake up DEAR EDITOR; The Caribbean and the world have discussed Brexit.

Some of our eminent thinkers have argued Britain leaving the European union is to exert control. Britain is leaving the European Union because it in their national interest.

Whether it is to control immigration, reduce the billions in dues or cumbersome bureaucracy the union was hindering their

national interest.

Britain don’t assist the Caribbean because they love us. They assist us because it is in their national interest. We are more than willing to align ourselves with them and push their international agenda. We must follow suit and push our national interest.

Is millions in aid worth billions in trade? We have not been able to get a favorable

trade deal with the EU. I suspect they still see us as a source of their prosperity.

The Caribbean must mature and act instead of react. It is time to free ourselves from mental slavery. Let’s put our national and regional interest before theirs. There are great geopolitical changes occurring with Russia, China etc. It time for Caricom to flex or become obsolete.

Brian Ellis Plummer

Tuesday July 07, 2016

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Kaieteur News

TIP Master Plan will soon be Cabinet readies to consider launched – Public Security Minister draft cybercrime legislation The fight against Trafficking in Persons will be strengthened with a TIP Master Plan which is expected to be launched soon by the Government of Guyana.

Yesterday, Vice-President and Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, said that the TIP Master Plan has been completed. He added that the document has been forwarded to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) for their input.

According to the Member of Parliament, a representative from Interpol had visited Guyana a few months ago to conduct a Needs Assessment Survey.

He said that one o f t h e issues examined was the state of TIP in rural communities. Coming out of the assessment were recommendations on how government can improve its impact within those areas to combat TIP. The 2016 TIP report had highlighted that more assistance was needed in areas outside of the capital including mining communities.

According to the report, “Resources devoted to victim protection remained inadequate; authorities did not consistently refer trafficking victims to services; and shelter and services for victims outside the capital, including in mining areas, remained non-existent.”

Public Security Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan The Public Security Minister said that the finalized Master Plan will be presented to Cabinet. According to him its implementation will require the injection of a lot of resources and huge capital expenditure.

Ramjattan said that to procure the necessary resources, he hopes that allocations can be made by the Minister of Finance within the national budget.

However, he acknowledged that the government may not be in a position at this time to spend as it would like.

Taking all this into consideration Ramjattan said that if sufficient support cannot be sourced from the government’s purse, he is prepared to approach the

international community, inclusive of Britain, Canada and the European Union.

Further he said that the Master Plan will have components directed at raising greater public awareness on TIP. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on training persons on how to identify cases of TIP and to detect suspicious behaviour by TIP victims and perpetrators.

He said that it is the government’s intention to also establish safe houses for victims within vulnerable areas.

The 2016 TIP Report was recently published by the US Department of State which showed that Guyana’s TIP ranking had moved from the “Tier 2 Watch List” level to “Tier 2”. Some other countries sharing the Tier 2 ranking with Guyana are Barbados, Brazil, Jamaican and South Africa. Guyana will move to a Tier 1 country when it has fully complied with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act’s minimum standards.

Ramjattan said that he regards the improvement in G u y a n a ’s r a n k i n g as a forward movement in combatting TIP. He said that it is something the Taskforce on Trafficking in Persons, the Ministry of Social Protection along with non-governmental organisations and other units have worked hard for.

Gov’t got value for money with forensic audits - Minister Sharma The government and people of Guyana were afforded value above what was paid for by the State, in the award of forensic audits, Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma has said. Sharma said, “We were able to get more than what we paid for from some of the auditors, especially the individuals.”

On its accession to office following the May 2015 General and Regional Elections, the APNU+AFC government commissioned 50 audits to examine statutory bodies, companies and entities in which government

has direct interest in terms of funding, to understand their operations and check their efficiency.

Sharma explained that, 40 of the audits have thus far been completed. “The audits started last year, but all weren’t started at the same time. They depended on the availability and price of the auditors. The pool was limited and we reached out to all the auditing firms with the exception of one which had no interest in working for government,” Sharma explained. Meanwhile Sharma explained that some delays in the preparation of audit

reports resulted from sloth and a lack of cooperation from many of the agencies being audited.

“In many cases because of the slothfulness of the agencies to be audited, we didn’t get the kinds of answers we were looking for because many required documents were not submitted on time. When information wasn’t provided in a timely manner many auditors just moved on causing delays and in some instances just closed off the audit without the given information,” Sharma said.

(GINA)

The cybercrime draft legislation is ready for presentation to Cabinet now that consultations and adjustments on the Bill have been completed.

Attorney General, Basil Williams, said that he will make a special appeal to Cabinet for the legislation to be sent to a select committee when it is presented in Parliament.

Once the draft legislation is cleared by Cabinet, it will be laid in Parliament.

According to a Government statement, it has been recognized that there is a need for cybercrime legislation in face of the growth of Information Communication Technology (ICT).

The draft Bill was initially presented to stakeholders at a consultation session held in

Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams March. Williams said that the bill has undergone changes following the consultation.

“As a result of that

consultation, we had to make several adjustments to the draft bill,” explained Williams.

The draft cybercrime legislation will address cyber threats such as identity theft, cyber bullying and child pornography.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has been preparing its ranks to effectively address this kind of crime with a series of training. An Assistant Superintendent and a Sergeant attended a just concluded Interpol-sponsored cybercrime training session in the Dominican Republic.

The Ministry of Legal Affairs has also been exposing its staff to cybercrime training, and the Director of Public Prosecution and Justice of Appeal attended such seminars in Brazil, Williams pointed out.

Careless supervisor loses gun, neighbour in custody One man called (Slant Eye) is now in custody following the recovery of a .32 revolver which was stolen from the R.K Security Office at 86 Amsville, Housing Scheme, No. 41, New Amsterdam, Berbice on Friday evening.

According to information one of the supervisors working on Friday evening removed the gun from the locker and left it on a desk.

She then went to make some checks.

Upon her return the gun was missing. The matter was reported and the supervisor along with a few others was taken into custody.

The police began conducting investigations and acting upon information they arrested a man living nearby.

After he was interrogated he decided to squeal.

Investigators learnt that the action of the supervisor was a routine one. Slant Eye and others observed her movements and decided to make their move on Friday.

He remains in custody and is expected to be charged soon.

PAGE 8

Tuesday July 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Guyanese authorities aided in UK’s biggest ever drug bust

The seized coke

Border Force and the Royal Navy vessels intercepting the MV Hamal last year The captain and first officer of an ocean-going tug boat have been found guilty of drug trafficking following the biggest ever UK seizure of illegal drugs.

The cocaine, with an estimated potential street value of £512 million once adulterated, was found hidden on board the Tanzanian flagged MV Hamal in April 2015.

The vessel was intercepted by the Royal Navy destroyer, HMS Somerset, and Border Force cutter HMC Valiant in the North Sea approximately 100 miles off the coast of Aberdeenshire.

They were acting on intelligence supplied by the NCA, working in co-operation with the French customs investigation service, DNRED, and the UK’s National Maritime Information Centre.

NCA officers were deployed on HMS Somerset as the MV Hamal was boarded and escorted into the Port of Aberdeen.

After the vessel arrived in port on Friday April 24, the cutter crew and specialist

Border Force deep rummage teams commenced a search, alongside NCA and Scottish Police Authority forensic teams.

Ballast tanks on the Hamal were pumped out so that search crews could gain access. As they began to drill through a metal panel inside one of the tanks, a white powder was seen on the drill bit. It tested positive for cocaine.

The panel was removed, revealing bales of cocaine concealed inside a neighbouring compartment.

The way the bales were stacked inside indicated another access point in the vessel.

Investigators began a detailed search for the main access point and in crew quarters above the compartment, underneath a medical cabinet, they found an area of floor that had been cemented over. They chipped through the cement and found a sealed metal hatch, which provided access to the tank containing the cocaine.

Border Force officers wearing specialist breathing equipment entered the tank

and over the next two days (27 and 28 April) 128 bales of cocaine were removed, each weighing approximately 25 kilos. The total weight of the cocaine taken off the MV Hamal was in excess of 3.2 tonnes.

A mobile crane removed the recovered bales from the vessel and Police Scotland then took the drugs under armed guard to a secure location.

Forensic tests revealed the cocaine had a purity of between 58 and 74 per cent. It would likely have been cut three times over before being sold, meaning it had the potential to create almost ten tonnes of adulterated street level purity cocaine, valued at around £512 million.

NCA officers detained the nine Turkish crew members who were formally questioned in Aberdeen, while investigators scoured the ship for clues as to the route of the vessel.

A deck log and engine log books stated that the MV Hamal had spent time in West Africa after leaving Turkey.

However, analysis of the (Continued on page 12)

Tuesday July 07, 2016

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Inside first; outside second You are not going to find many private sector companies which advertise externally for senior positions.

These companies understand the need to motivate their staff to pursue long-term careers in their firms and therefore they will only advertise a senior position externally if they do not have someone internally to fill it.

It is always worrying when a national tax collection agency has to advertise externally to fill internal senior positions. The Guyana Revenue Authority, by now should have had enough trained, qualified and experienced personnel to fill the position of Commissioner General.

This past week we read in the media that the Guyana Revenue Authority is readvertising for the position of Commissioner General.

Previous reports had indicated that the position was advertised and an appointment may have been imminent. Now we are learning that the position has to be re-advertised.

It remains a disappointment that for an

organization so large that a successor to Khurshid Sattaur could not have been found from within the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Perhaps, there are persons from within who can fill the shoes of Sattaur who for all his faults was a nononsense person and someone, whose record of increasing the revenues of the country makes him stand out as the most successful tax administrator Guyana has ever produced.

The new government must not assume that there are not sufficient competent persons within the GRA to fill the top position. It should by now have realized that there are professionals within the government who will work and work to the best of their ability regardless of who is in power.

When Sattaur was appointed there were no external advertisements.

There may not have even been an advertisement. The vacancy was filled from within the tax agency. It is a system that worked.

Sattaur’s predecessor was, at the time of his

Dem boys seh...

Walter let out Jagdeo wicked secret The fact that there is a Highway to Hell and only a Stairway to Heaven tells a whole story. The story says a lot about de traffic numbers in line to both places.

Dem boys seh car tekking you to Hell but only you foot can tek you to de opposite side. Walter de Wicked Willis was dem boys good, good friend. He get de ‘wicked’ added to ee name when he do a whole street in Nandy Park and lef out de section in front of he Saro Bai (Brother-in-law) all because dem two had a li’l teeth and tongue.

Dem boys expose de wickedness and Willis run to de Waterfalls paper to explain that he just give de man a li’l tickle just like how Jagdeo did tickle Freddie wid de weed in de trench.

He laugh nonstop wid dem boys. Then he go back de next day and fix de road. He did tell dem boys a secret and beg dem boys not to say anything while he alive.

Now that he gone and dem boys ain’t sure if he using a Stairway, like one of de many wha he build in de stadium or if he using one of de Highway he build because according to he own words all Guyana dem Highway lead to Hell.

Dem boys believe he walking pun de Stairway and this leading to a place wheh Jagdeo can’t even think about, much less enter.

Dem boys gun now talk de secret. Walter build all de roads in Nandy Park and Republic Park neighbourhood. He never do de street in which de Waterfalls boss man living.

When de boss man confront him bout de street ee tell de boss man, “You never hear this from me and if ever you seh it, I gun deny it. I never see you; I never talk to you.”

Then ee lean over and tell de boss man, “Jagdeo seh don’t do ee f***ing street.” And buss out a big laugh. To this day de street only getting wuss.

Dem boys hear in de morning that Walter dead. De Ministry put out a statement to that effect. De Hammer Man who he use to wuk under and others talk, how he was a good man. Only BK didn’t like him because he couldn’t get ee way wid Walter.

Then dem boys hear Walter dead again in de night. Dem boys seh ee mek he wife holla two time.

But ee still climbing de Stairway to Heaven, Dem boys believe that. Farewell Walter Willis and don’t keep no space fuh dem boys. Dem ain’t leaving fuh just now.

Talk half and pray fuh Walter, our friend Willis.

employment, a retired income tax chief. So he can be said to have come from within the tax system. But he did not last long.

There were other persons who were recruited to hold senior positions within the GRA but not many people will accept that these “outsiders” did any better than an ‘insider’ may have done.

Some of those who were recruited to senior positions within the Guyana Revenue Authority had no prior taxation experience. And it showed.

The lack of tax experience unfortunately opened these persons to the charge of being political appointees.

Most countries have one

tax agency. The Guyana Revenue Authority is the only tax collection authority in Guyana. It is a large organization. It employs hundreds of persons. It must say something about the quality of our tax administration if the longest serving Commissioner General, cannot be succeeded by someone from within the Authority.

Tax agencies should ideally be filled by tax administrators. There should be a process of competition for the job but there is no reason why that competition should not come from within.

You need persons with tax experience to fill the top positions. It is too risky to place persons who were never

career tax officials to head tax agencies.

The reason is simple.

Taxation is a specialized skill.

It cannot simply be substituted. If you have to fill a senior position within a tax agency, fill it with someone who understands and knows taxation.

The taxation department is an important department. It is important to the economy of the country. It should be filled by someone who has a recent understanding not just of the tax system in Guyana, but also on the organization which that person has to manage.

This is why it is disappointing to learn that experienced personnel are being fired and that positions

are being advertised externally.

A case can be made for such external advertising of posts if after an internal process no suitable candidate can be found.

If having looked at all the candidates for senior positions and having interview them, it is found that none of them is suitable, then by all means advertise, but do not advertise externally when there may be persons internally who can fill the void.

Police crack 21-yr-old murder case A 38-year-old miner who killed another man 21 years ago in a row over cigarettes is finally behind bars.

The Princeville, Potaro suspect was arrested recently by ranks at Mahdia and reportedly admitted to the 1995 murder of David Ramcharran, of Seven Miles, Potaro.

In his statement, the suspect said he went to ‘the landing’ that day, and he bought two cartons of cigarettes. He then met Ramcharran and another man.

He said that they began to consume vodka and water.

While they were drinking,

Ramcharran collected the miner’s cigarettes. Around 22.00 hrs, the three men went to Ramcharran’s house at Seven Miles, Potaro, and while there, the suspect asked for his cigarettes.

He alleged that Ramcharran responded by cursing him and also threatened him with a cutlass.

The miner said that he fled and Ramcharran and the other man pursued him using a flashlight in their search.

He claimed that Ramcharran eventually caught up with him, and he was forced to stab Ramcharran, who had tried to

chop him.

The suspect said that he returned to Princeville, where he disposed of the knife in the Potaro River.

He then headed to the back-dam to work, and later learned that Ramcharran had died.

But the suspect got into trouble last Saturday when he stabbed his own brother. He

was arrested and taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where a villager informed the police that the suspect was also wanted for Ramcharran’s murder.

Police said that a woman who had witnessed Ramcharran’s murder also gave police a statement.

The miner is likely to be charged shortly.

PAGE 10

Tuesday July 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Laurie Lewis told President Jagan who killed Monica Reece I met Laurie Lewis in 1975 at the University of Guyana.

From 1975 until he died in August 2012, we remained on very friendly terms. I saw him in a wheelchair at the Georgetown Public Hospital and we had our usual, witty conversation. He died two days later.

Knowing someone from 1975 to 2012 gives you sufficient time to assess the substance of that person’s character. Laurie Lewis will remain one of the most controversial personalities this country produced. His life story is mired in dangerous and unappealing details of which I will not deny even though I believe deep down in my heart, I have a superficial fondness for him.

I do not think he ever refused me a favour.

From 1975, until he left public office, I could have asked Laurie for a favour. But Laurie was a shrewd, Machiavellian operator.

I would never ask for a concession that would compromise my morality because Laurie would use that against you. This was where he was brilliant. This was the lesson he internalized from his association with President Forbes Burnham.

I don’t doubt for a moment

Cheddi Jagan

Monica Reece

Laurie Lewis

that Laurie was part of the body of knowledge surrounding the Walter Rodney murder. I knew Laurie had a massive amount of intelligence data on people, data he threatened to use against them in order to succeed in the pursuit of his desires, and he did succeed. I will come to his blackmail of President Jagan and the Monica Reece scandal below.

I would have loved to get my hand on some of those documents so twice I broached the matter with his wife. One evening at the wake of the mother-in-law of Dr. Mark Kirton, at Mark’s home,

(Laurie hadn’t died as yet but was retired) and recently in the Promenade Gardens at the funeral service of the father of Andaiye, Dr. Frank Williams. Mrs. Lewis said that Laurie left no documents at his home.

The second highest concession I ever wrested from him was a gun licence for a businessman who was entitled to it.

The biggest favour I secured from him was on my return to UG in 1977 after I was expelled for refusing to do National Service.

I agreed to do National Service and Laurie facilitated

me by having me work with him in his National Service office at Broad and Charles Street, Charlestown.

This is what drove me to like Laurie. He knew I was antiBurnham and antigovernment and he could have sent me to a National Service camp deep in the interior.

Every time I pass that junction I gaze at that building which has become the Child Care and Protection Agency and I would remember Laurie.

For more on my relation with Laurie Lewis in previous columns, see the following; “Laurie Lewis and I at the

Garden Café,” KN, July 24, 2008 and “The Laurie Lewis Interview,” KN, November 22, 2008.

I now come to Monica Reece. I knew Laurie was very fond of me and I could ask sensitive things though I know he was an intelligence officer of the highest caliber and you don’t get information easily from such minds.

I was leaving the compound at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital (I wrote about this encounter before), and I saw Laurie on the entrance steps. He looked tired, sick and resigned. He was waiting for his car.

We talked and I suggested the name of the person who we in the media think killed Monica Reece. I suspect Laurie knew he was not going to last long and he agreed.

I knew he was fond of me all these decades and I could take the chance.

He told me I will never quote him because he will never give me the name. Then he gave me a series of easily matched clues that when put together, you can easily discern the name.

For obvious reason, I can say no more although as recent as three days ago, I shared that information with

Frederick Kissoon Michael Jordan of this newspaper.

I asked Laurie why he didn’t charge the man. The response was easily predictable – the evidence to stick was not there. I didn’t believe Laurie but I was courteous not to express my feeling.

Laurie Lewis was compromised and that fact dented whatever was left of his credibility.

President Cheddi Jagan could not have pressured Laurie because Laurie had damaging information on Jagan.

This explains why Jagan, as told to me by Khemraj Ramjattan on our way down from Berbice a few years ago, and his wife Janet, literally despised Khemraj after Khemraj at a Central Committee meeting in 1995 at Freedom House called for Laurie’s dismissal.

Tuesday July 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

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PAGE 12

Tuesday July 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Teixeira returns to House with GFC Board launches probe into 2012 fire cover-up modified ‘Dr. Rodney’ motion BaiShanLin’s The Board of Directors Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Gail Teixeira, has made good on her promise to return to the National Assembly with a motion seeking to ensure that the APNU+ AFC government honours the recommendations contained in the Dr. Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) report. The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic representative had tabled a motion that resolved to have the government lay the report in the National Assembly. However, the motion was satisfied one day before the sitting. Hours after the report was laid, Teixeira submitted an amendment.

The amendment was to have the report sent to a Parliamentary Special Select Committee for further examination. However, the Speaker told Teixeira that her motion cannot be debated. He said that according to his understanding of the Standing Orders, an amendment can only be offered after the question is put to pass the motion. But

Opposition MP, Gail Teixeira Teixeira maintained that her amendment was in order.

She said that examination of the report a n d its recommendation will help ensure that history is not repeated. “We can only make sure it never happens again by looking at the recommendations to better the GDF and police,” said Teixeira. The Speaker thanked Teixeira for her submission but stuck to his guns and advised Teixeira to formulate a new Motion. The politician “promised” to soon return to the House with another

motion. Based on an Order Paper released yesterday, Teixeira’s new Motion will be debated at the next sitting of the National Assembly slated for July, 18. The new motion has three whereas clauses and two resolve clauses.

In her whereas clauses, Teixeira pointed out that the COI report was handed over to the APNU +AFC government since February 10. She noted that the government laid the report in the National Assembly on May 12 and that the COI report presented “Critical Findings and Summary on Gregory Smith” and 11 significant recommendations.

Should the motion become successful, Teixeira seeks to have the National Assembly adopt the report and its findings. Further, she wants the House to call on the Government to take measures to implement the recommendations therein, in order to ensure that the democratic architecture of the state is preserved and strengthened.

for the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has launched a probe following a shocking report Sunday in Kaieteur News that the regulator may have had a hand in covering up a massive fire in the Berbice area.

That 2012 fire that destroyed an area of over 900 hectares of forest at Haimorakabra, is being described as one of the largest known one in logging areas.

However, both the company, Haimorakabra Logging Company Inc.,

GFC Commissioner, James Singh

BaiShanLin’s local boss, Chu Hongbo

owned by BaiShanLin International Forest Development Inc., and the

Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) appeared to have (Continued on page 23)

Guyanese authorities aided in...

From page 8 ship’s navigation system showed that, even though the AIS navigational beacon was turned off, GPS had continued to monitor movements on a laptop computer.

This proved that the ship had sailed from Tenerife on March 8, 2015 and travelled across the Atlantic, arriving in Georgetown, Guyana, on March 21. It left five days later and, significantly, paused its journey for around 12 to 15 hours around two days after leaving port. This is where investigators believe the drugs were loaded on.

Following the seizure NCA international liaison officers worked with the Guyanese authorities to trace the location of the vessel whilst it was in Guyana as well as obtaining details regarding individuals associated with it.

Mobile phone evidence placed a number of the crew in the Georgetown area of Guyana, contradicting the log books.

Officers also recovered a coded satellite phone email message from the vessel,

containing a series of numbers. When checked against a key found in a notebook on board this corresponded with coordinates for a location in the North Sea, north of the Dutch/German border, where investigators believe the drugs would have been offloaded.

Following a 12-week trial at the High Court in Glasgow, ship captain Mumin Sahin and first mate, Emin Ozmen, were found guilty of two counts of drug trafficking. They will be sentenced on 12 August. The charges against four crew members were not proven.

Three others had been acquitted earlier in the proceedings.

Freed were Mustafa Guven, Kayacan Dalgakiran, Umit Colakel and Ibrahim Dag, all from Istanbul.

NCA senior investigating officer John McGowan said: “This seizure was unprecedented in scale, the biggest ever class A haul in the UK, and we believe the biggest ever maritime seizure of cocaine in Europe.

“While we suspect that the end destination for this load would have initially been mainland Europe, there is no doubt given the size of the seizure that a good percentage would have ended up being sold in the UK and fuelling further

criminality.

“Our investigation has been truly international and we have relied on support of law enforcement colleagues across the globe, including France, Turkey, Guyana and Tanzania.

“I would like to pay tribute to the assistance we have received from the Royal Navy, Border Force, Police Scotland, the SPA and the Crown Office in making this seizure and putting those responsible before the courts.”

Tony McMullin, Regional Director, Border Force North Region said: “The skill and expertise of Border Force search teams are worldleading and this was one of the most intricate concealments we’ve ever encountered.

Once discovered, it took nearly three days for the team to remove all the cocaine bales from Hamal demonstrating the scale of the operation and the ability and dedication of our officers.

“We work closely with law enforcement colleagues in the UK and around the world to protect the security of our border. By preventing drug trafficking and putting those responsible behind bars, we are also protecting our communities from the harm these drugs could have caused.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 13

Drop-in-Centre blaze…

Dead boys’ relatives surface, but none wants surviving siblings Days after two young brothers were burnt to death in a fire at the Children’s Drop-in-Centre on Hadfield Street, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) is having a hard time trying to relocate the remaining siblings with their family members.

been relocated to the agency’s care centre in Sophia. There they are receiving help (counseling) from professionals at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Director of the CCPA, Ann Greene when contacted yesterday, said that the date for the funeral has

“They never offered these children food but they showing up, thinking money sharing out” - says CCPA official A source at the agency disclosed, yesterday, that after Antonio George, four, and his brother, Joshua George, six, died, there are people coming forward, claiming to be the children’s relatives.

However, the source said when the children were alive and needed the basic necessities, these “family members” were nowhere around to assist.

“Suddenly, all kind of families coming out of the woodwork; some of whom we have never seen before. When the officer asked one of them where these children were living, he didn’t know. But they feel money sharing so they coming,” the official opined.

She explained that they have been trying to place the three remaining siblings with family members but no one is willing to keep them.

“When we ask them to keep the children, one said they going UG and another one has to take care of a sick father. They didn’t even know how many children this woman has,” the official noted.

Kaieteur News understands that CCPA is willing to place the children in their foster care programme and give the money to whoever takes care of them but no family members have accepted the offer.

At present, the three siblings and 26 other children who were housed at the Drop-In-Centre have

not been determined as yet.

She explained that officials from CCPA and the Ministry of Social Protection are currently working with the family.

Meanwhile, Fire Chief, Marlon Gentle has confirmed that the fire which resulted in the death of two brothers was electrical in origin.

While the blaze started in the upper flat of the two-storey building, the Fire Chief could not pinpoint the exact point.

The remains of six-year-old Joshua George and Antonio

The children were removed from a section in the lower flat of this property. The upstairs is divided into two apartments while the downstairs is also divided into two apartments. The children were living in one of the apartments with their parents.

The aftermath of the blaze George, four, were found among the debris shortly after fire fighters were called to extinguish a blaze around 12:05 hrs on Friday.

The Social Services Assistant, Sharon Jones, who was on duty that day said around 12:05 hrs on Friday, while sitting next to a door

in the top flat of the property, she heard strange sounds coming from the wire on the wall. ”I look at the (Continued on page 20)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday July 12, 2016

BK gets $900M in steel for Alleged visa $180M court judgment scammer freed

T

he questionable acquisition by BK International o f e i g h t containers of steel, worth hundreds of millions of dollars from Government, is refusing to go away.

Former President Donald Ramotar and his now ex-Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, yesterday continued to insist that all was not right with a transaction last year that saw the steel given to the contractor mere weeks after the May 11, 2015 General Elections. One of the biggest issues at hand is the value of the steel.

According to Ramotar, a valuation of the contents of the containers early last year had placed the value around $900M. BK claimed that it received the eight containers of steel based on a court judgment which was executed in July last year.

That judgment came after BK sued Indian c o n t r a c t o r, S u r e n d r a Engineering Company Limited (SECL), for work on the troubled Specialty Hospital at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara. BK was claiming $180M in a lawsuit filed in mid-2014.

Bk’s boss, Brian Tiwarie

Former AG, Anil Nandlall

How the company received the $900M worth in steel when its judgment was for $180M is what is raising questions.

BK is claiming it had a judgment. Why all eight containers were handed over is what remains baffling and the government remaining quiet on the issue.

According to Nandlall yesterday, in late 2014, Government sacked Surendra from the hospital project after that company failed to meet deadlines, among other things.

A lawsuit was filed by Government claiming around $900M.

Earlier the same year, BK sued Surendra for outstanding monies for work done. The claims were for $180M plus interests and costs.

In early 2015, months before the May elections, eight containers of steel for Surendra arrived in Guyana.

The Ramotar government immediately took possession of the steel, paying the Customs charges.

It was placed in the custody of the Ministry of Health.

Both the former President and Nandlall made it clear it was the intention to levy on containers.

However, in July last

Former President, Donald Ramotar year, BK managed to acquire court orders to execute judgment on the containers.

With a Court Marshal, the steel was handed over to BK. Ramotar and BK’s boss, Brian Tiwarie, had exchanged a number of scathing public letters on the issue.

The case would be a hard one to swallow for citizens who have seen their taxpayers lose to poorly supervised projects without much action taken to recover the precious tax dollars spent. Surendra had hurriedly left the jurisdiction last year with not much assets left behind for Government to seize.

Sunken dredge in the Mazaruni River to be removed in two days After a picture of a sunken river dredge appeared in the Kaieteur News on Monday last, the Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, Simona Broomes, facilitated a meeting with top officials of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) yesterday to find a remedy to the situation.

It was at the meeting that it was revealed that the dredge bearing licence number SD 3398, belonging to Crown Mining, had sunk over a month ago near the Piereemap Falls, Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni/Mazaruni).

That sunken dredge will be removed within two days.

This was according to the Minister after she received word from the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison, yesterday morning.

The dredge is currently a hindrance and a hazard to vessels traversing the area. Present at the meeting yesterday were the Director of MARAD, Claudette Rogers and Senior Officer, Michael Tennant.

Minister Broomes stated that the vessel could have cost the lives of people traversing the area frequently.

The prosecution’s failure to file statements in a fraud matter resulted in the charge being dismissed against an alleged visa scammer by Magistrate Judy Latchman yesterday, in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The man, Dhanraj Raghubir, 27, of 26 Gordon Street, Kitty Georgetown was accused of forging a US Embassy appointment letter and also uttering a document that he purported to be issued by the US Embassy, knowing same to be false.

When the matter came up yesterday, an Attorney for Raghubir asked for the case to be dismissed citing the fact that he never received statements in the matter.

The Attorney said that Police Prosecutor Kerry Bostwick was given several adjournments to serve the defence with statements and had failed to do so. Magistrate Latchman had set yesterday as peremptory date.

Raghubir had been under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown after persons alleged that he had scammed them and collected a total of $1M from them on

FREED: Dhanraj Raghubir the pretext that he would be able to acquire a US visa, e i t h e r a v i s i t o r ’s o r permanent, for them.

Police had searched his business place Creative Concepts located at Garnett Street, Newtown, Kitty where three passports belonging to the alleged victims were found.

Earlier this year, police issued a wanted bulletin for Raghubir in relation to investigation into several counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

He currently has several pending matters of a similar nature before the courts.

Teen remanded for illegal gun, ammo REMANDED: Andrew Budhu

The sunken dredge in the Mazaruni River.

A

However, she was happy that the matter was revealed in the press so that it can be addressed.

The Minister added that safety and compliance is one that the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment is focusing on and reiterated that the government is also looking at the synergy across various Ministries. “The GGMC (Guyana Geology and Mines Commission)

through the Ministry of Natural Resources is one of the areas that we need to pay attention to. We don’t need to have situations out there lead us but we have to take the leading role.

“There are rules and laws that one has to comply with,” the Minister stated.

Tennant stated that he only learnt of the situation after reading the (Continued on page 19)

19-year-old contract worker was yesterday remanded to prison on a charge of illegal gun and ammunition possession. He made an appearance before Magistrate Annette Singh in a City Court.

Andrew Budhu of Enterprise Garden, East Coast Demerara pleaded not guilty to the allegation which stated that on July 8, at Wellington Street, Georgetown, he had a 9mm Taurus Pistol in his possession when he was not the holder of a firearm licence.

It was further alleged that on the same day at the said place he had five live rounds of 9mm ammunition in his possession without being the holder of a licence. Budhu also denied this charge. Police Prosecutor, Corporal Adunni Inniss did not relate any facts of the matter to the court.

She indicated that the defendant has no antecedents.

Magistrate Singh remanded the unrepresented man to prison and instructed him to return to court on August 3, for trial.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 15

Concrete roadway returns to G/town

The concrete road

Crane chopping spree ‘Tarzan’ charged with murder

Suresh Ganesh being escorted out of the courthouse

Murdered: Vanessa Persaud and her son Joel Ganesh Suresh Ganesh aka “Battery” and “Tarzan”, 27, appeared before Magistrate Clive Nurse at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

He was remanded for the murder of his reputed wife and their two–year–old son at their Lot 57, Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD) home on July 1. His next court appearance is slated for August 29.

The unrepresented man who was dressed in orange looked despondent. He was not required to plead to the two counts of murder which alleged that he murdered 34-year-old Vanessa Persaud and their two-year-old son, Joel Ganesh.

Emotions ran high in the court as Vanessa Persaud’s mother shouted when Ganesh was being escorted out of the courtroom, “Ya is a murderer and a lowlife junkie…. My daughter was murdered all because of love.

“She kept telling me ‘mommy this boy need help and I’m going to help him’ and this is what she got in return.”

Ganesh reportedly went into a drugfuelled craze and hacked his reputed wife and child to death after hearing rumors of Persaud having an affair with a man who reportedly sells marijuana.

The man then reportedly turned his cutlass on his mother, Jennifer Monplaisir and chopped her repeatedly almost severing her right hand.

The crazed man then made his way to Pouderoyen where he reportedly attacked a resident and was shot by the police whilst resisting arrest.

T

CL Guyana Inc. recently reconstructed a section of roadway along Princes Street between Water and Lombard Streets using short slab concrete technology. GNIC and Toolsie Persaud Ltd provided some financial assistance. A ceremony to officially open the roadway was held on July 7, last.

Mayor of Georgetown, Mrs. Patricia Chase-Green, cut the ribbon to symbolically open the road.

Concrete roads have lower life cycle costs, lower maintenance costs and are more durable. From a safety point of view, they reflect in the night and provide more friction.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said that when TCL approached the Ministry last year with its proposal to

rehabilitate this section of road, the Ministry officials were pleasantly surprised.

“It is not often that private companies approach the Ministry to undertake such a project, so naturally, we were willing to lend a helping hand.”

This partnership is also monumental for its use of modern approaches and technology.

The history of the rigid pavement construction has proven to be successful. “In this case we witness the success once again. In Guyana, we can see rigid pavement construction in communities such as South and North Ruimveldt and in some of the private housing communities.”

While the initial cost of rigid pavement is slightly higher than flexible pavement, the benefits certainly outweigh the cost.

Kaieteur News

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Tuesday July 12, 2016

Ruling on Constitutional Motion halts start of Dr. Westford trial

A

Constitutional Motion filed in the High Court by lawyers for Dr. Jennifer Westford and Margaret Cummings prevented a City Magistrate from commencing a trial in relation to the eight state vehicles for which they forged documents and attempted to transfer to persons.

When the matter was called yesterday, Attorney Dexter Todd informed the court that he had filed a Constitutional Motion in the High Court before Chief J u s t i c e ( A G ) Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards. In light of this, the Attorney requested that the matter be adjourned for him to report on the High Court proceedings.

Todd also presented a copy of the Constitutional Motion to Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

When questioned about the details of the motion, Todd declined to disclose

and explained that the Constitutional Motion prevents the Magistrate from starting the trial until a decision is made on the Motion by the Chief Justice.

He said that he is waiting on the CJ to set a fixture date.

P o l i c e P r o s e c u t o r, Corporal Bharat Mangru was however ready to proceed with trial and had three witnesses present.

These were former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Hydar Ally, Police Sergeant Frank and Assistant Superintendent of Police Simeon Reid.

Magistrate Azore adjourned the matter until August 8, for reports.

Last August, the former Minister was placed on a total of $800,000 bail after she pleaded not guilty to the charges which alleged that between July 17, 2014 and June 23, 2015, she attempted to transfer eight state vehicles to four persons.

Westford’s former Chief

Attorney Dexter Todd and Dr. Jennifer Westford

Margaret Cummings

Personnel Officer, Margaret Cummings, was also slapped with four counts of forgery.

Cummings also pleaded not guilty to four charges which alleged that she forged documents for the purchase of the eight motor vehicles.

She has been released on a total of $1.2M bail.

In June, 2015 Minister of State Joseph Harmon, had

told the media that it was brought to his attention that some documents were sent to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), purportedly signed by Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, Hydar Ally. This was done under Ally’s letterhead, but signed by someone else. “He had no knowledge of this

transaction,” Minister Harmon had stressed.

It was Ally who directed Harmon to the discrepancy in the paperwork forwarded to GRA for the transfer of eight vehicles. In light of the overwhelming evidence, the vehicles were returned to the government.

Earlier this year the Magistrate had overruled a submission citing “executive abuse” made by Senior Counsel Neil Boston and signaled her readiness to proceed with a trial.

This was after Boston had contended that the institution of criminal charges against the former Minister and Cummings breaches an amnesty promise made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon.

Boston had stated that

Harmon had promised that once the vehicles were returned no prosecution will take place. Boston had said that all the vehicles were returned to Office of the President and in spite of the amnesty, his clients were still charged.

The lawyer had made this claim while addressing the court on why court proceedings against his clients should not go forward. However, the Magistrate ruled that the statement made by Harmon was ambiguous. She stated that the court is not sure if what the Minister said amounts to an amnesty or pardon. Magistrate Azore had told the court that she is not sure why the defence is stating that an amnesty was granted.

Bank of America to...

From page 3 the watch list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is the international body that monitors countries with weak legislation and systems in place and have the potential to be money laundering and tax havens.

Guyana has not yet satisfied all of the recommendations made by FATF. During the time of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in Government, the passage of laws such as the AML/CFT Bill were held up in the National Assembly, further weakening Guyana’s cause.

However, under the new government, FATF has consistently given Guyana positive reviews. A high level team comprising FATF/International Coordinating Review Group (FATF/ICRG) Co-Chairs will be in Guyana come September, to conduct on site inspections of several of Guyana’s institutions in order to verify Guyana’s progress and its readiness to come off its watch list.

Williams had revealed that the institutions to be visited would include the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU), the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), the Bank of Guyana, Guyana Securities Council (GSC), money transfer agencies and the commercial banks.

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 17

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Two rising stars of Devonshire Castle

The two standouts - Angelita Chattergoon (left) and Tyhecia Moore - pose with their hardware

By Dennis Nichols The rustic village of Devonshire Castle on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two is one of the less prominent hamlets in Guyana. Not too long ago it gained unwelcome publicity due to allegations of criminal activities perpetrated on

vulnerable women there.

Today however, the village is basking in the success of two of its youngest residents, Angelita Chattergoon and Tyhecia Moore who turned in outstanding performances at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment examination.

Angelita’s 545 marks and

Tyhecia’s 520 won them spots at top secondary schools in the country. They also found themselves well placed among the region’s top ten finishers.

They share much in common. Apart from their academic success, both are 11 years old, pleasantly candid, and very good friends.

They are both prefects attending Hampton Court Primary School which is actually located in Devonshire Castle.

Kaieteur News had a chance to speak briefly with these young ladies, their Grade Six teacher, and the headmaster, last Friday after the school’s 18th Graduation and Prize Giving Exercise.

After they had received dozens of trophies and prizes (including a bicycle for Angelita) they were understandably excited, but composed enough to speak about their achievements and their goals. There were more similarities. Both had study schedules set up by their parents, which included burning the midnight oil, often in the wee hours of the morning. Both emphasized their Christian upbringing, and each expressed her desire to become a lawyer.

They were grateful for the efforts and encouragement received from their parents and the school’s teachers, particularly their sixth grade teacher ‘Sir’ Prameshwar Deonarine. The latter in turn attributed the students’ successes to the efforts of all the teachers and the institution’s headmaster, Latchman Chateram.

Deonarine said it was a remarkable achievement for the school, noting that the expectation of good results was there, but he had not anticipated such an excellent performance. Chateram noted that there was a marked increase in the percentage passes for Category A schools, which include top institutions in Georgetown from 45% to 72 %.

The girls’ academic achievements were suitably balanced by their humility.

Reflecting on a bit of advice given during the charge to the graduates earlier about ‘being yourself’ Angelita acknowledged that, “We should not pretend to be anyone we aren’t just trying to impress somebody; we should always act as we do at

s c h o o l ” . Ty h e c i a , i n acknowledging the charge to be ‘good ambassadors of Hampton Court Primary School’ added, “We should look out for others and help others. When you see they are failing, you help them, contribute to whatever is going on in school and always be positive.”

The two top performers observed that since a lot of good news doesn’t come out of Devonshire Castle, they are pleased to be playing their part in putting the village ‘on the map’.

Angelita said she felt this way especially after neighbours and villagers congratulated her on her achievement, while Tyhecia observed that she always felt that the children of the village had potential, although she admits that some of them don’t use it.

And their advice to the younger crop coming out from Grade Five later this year; “Be brave, be bold, never be afraid of the examination, but be confident in yourselves. And always have faith in God; He will never let you down.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Kitty Stabbing...

Suspect planned to murder ex-lover Uttanpad Sewnaraine aka “Umesh” or “Padi”, a Kitty route bus driver, reportedly planned to murder his estranged lover 29-year-old Selina Ramotar.

The man lay in wait for his intended victim at her 65 David Street, Kitty residence.

He allegedly pounced on her as she was returning home from buying dinner and stabbed her over 10 times with a small “skinning knife”.

According to sources, when police ranks arrested him, they asked him if he knew that what he had just done was attempted murder.

Sewnaraine reportedly said that it was murder, that he came to murder her (Ramotar). Kaieteur News was told that the man kept saying that he did what he had to do and would “rot in jail now”.

Ramotar is stable at a private city hospital, and when this newspaper visited the hospital, her sister told Kaieteur News that after her sister decided to break off their relationship the man became obsessed and would stalk her almost on a daily basis. She continued that her

PAGE 19

Selina Ramotar sustained over 10 stab wounds

Sunken dredge in the Mazaruni River...

The bloodstained yard where Ramotar was stabbed sister even made reports to the police station after being threatened, but would relent afterwards.

She said that he would show up at Ramotar ’s workplace, at her home and even when she was on family outings. Reliable sources speaking to this newspaper said that Ramotar and Sewnaraine’s nine-year-old daughter would even tell her teacher of the threats that Sewnaraine would make to her mother.

After Saturday night’s

attack, Ramotar was left with severe injuries. She sustained a gaping wound on her left arm and as a result the nerves were damaged.

This newspaper understands that she has lost the use of her left hand but doctors are trying to fix it.

Ramotar’s sibling noted that her sister was moving on with her life since Sewnaraine is married and has three children with his wife. She even said that her sister had told Sewnaraine that he would have to choose

between his wife and her (Ramotar) or she would break things off.

Eyewitnesses at the scene, speaking under condition of anonymity, said that Sewnaraine’s bus had a number of plastic restraints and what appeared to be a wooden club. One neighbour said that after the incident o n e o f S e w n a r a i n e ’s relatives came and collected the vehicle. This led some persons to surmise that Sewnaraine was planning to abduct Selina Ramotar.

From page 14 newspaper yesterday morning. He continued that he immediately tried to make contact with MARAD’s “point person” to get a feedback. All his calls went unanswered, he said. Meanwhile, assurances were given by the Minister and the Director that there will be more collaborative efforts between the two entities. For almost a decade now MARAD was seeking co-operation and a semblance of order with GGMC. The Director stated that they are working assiduously to remedy this situation. MARAD is looking for more collaboration with other stakeholders to make a joint effort in ensuring that Guyana’s waterways are safe while at the same time, ensuring that all vessels are licensed, and fit to operate among other things that fall within MARAD’s mandate.

“Because of our limited capacity we have to rely on, or work with, or in collaboration with Coast Guard and the Marine Police more so now that we have GGMC on board which we are truly happy for this collaborative effort...”

Rogers stated.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Top Linden NGSA performers get bicycles The Bicycles component of the three Bs programme moved to Linden, with 20 students who topped Region Ten at the last NGSA examinations being recipients.

The top students are those who were awarded places at Queen’s College, Bishops’ High, St Stanislaus College and St. Rose’s High School.

Recipients were Erenilda De Souza, Jahiem Joseph, Teanna Croal, Tyrell Davis, Antwan Michael, Danica Wilson, Emily McKenzie, Carl Bovell, Stephanna Wilson, Zabeda Rodrigues, Esan Marciano, Mark Bentick, Zalika Menthis, Karstal McLean, Akelo Bentick, Shemroy Dainty, A r t o n Ta f a r e s , I s a i a h Crawford, Chelsea Crawford, Malika Grant and Raheem Rogers. Altogether 21 students should have received the bicycles.

Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland pledged to donate the additional bicycle to that student, who fortunately was

not on hand for the presentation.

Minister of Social Cohesion Amna Ally, who represented first lady Sandra Granger, travelled to the m i n i n g To w n f o r t h e presentation. The event was held at the Region Ten Education Department.

It was attended by Regional Officials including Chairman of Region Ten, Rennis Morian, Education Officials, students, teachers and a few parents. The initiative was applauded by all.

The three Bs programme is an initiative of President David Granger. Since its commencement hundreds of school children across Guyana have benefitted.

In some communities boats were presented, others buses and in some both buses and bicycles.

The President committed on his last birthday, to ensuring that Guyana’s children receive equal access to Education, through free transportation to and

from school.

He had earlier noted that it was the challenges faced by many students across Guyana in getting to school, that prompted him to seek ways to alleviate those hardships.

Upon presenting the first boat to Linden earlier this year, the President had alluded to the high rate of school dropouts, across the country, noting that every month some 400 children drop out of school, some never to return again, because their parents could not afford transportation costs.

He had noted that part of the solution to the problem is to provide transportation for those children.

A few weeks ago, a thirty seater school bus was presented by the President to the children of the Coomacka, Maria Elizabeth, Old England and Nottinghamshire communities.

(Enid Joaquin)

Dead boys’ relatives surface...

From page 13 wire and saw blue flames coming out of the wire box and it running up the wall. I panicked and grabbed the girl who was next to me and called out for Hinds.

The girls started to panic and scream and tug at me,” Jones revealed. She added that she gave one of the girls the keys to open the door while she started to wake and to assist the other girls. ”There was a baby I had and I rest her down. Then I realized I didn’t pick up this baby so I run around the other side and I saw the little boy, Antonio, coming to me from the other end,” the house mother pointed out.

She said at that point, objects started to fall from the top so she had to duck under a bed and grab the baby with one arm then collect four-year-old Antonio with the other arm.”Same time, Hinds (co-worker) and one of the boys come and started to work

(extinguish the blaze).

By time I got to the door, I didn’t even realize the little boy (Antonio) wasn’t in my hands anymore. Sir (Hinds) tried his best (to save the little boy),” Jones recounted. It is believed that four-year-old George loosed Jones’ hands and went back to look for his older brother.

Kaieteur News was told that the two brothers along with three other siblings were taken into the Drop-in Centre around 05:30 hrs last Wednesday after Social Workers responded to a call of neglect and maltreatment.

Medical examinations done at the Diamond Hospital confirmed that the five siblings were indeed victims of neglect and maltreatment.

They were temporarily placed at the Home until further investigations could have been done.

The Bicycles

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Venezuela to seize KimberlyClark factory as production ends CARACAS, Venezuela — (AP) Venezuela’s government said yesterday that it will seize a factory belonging to Kimberly-Clark Corp. after the U.S. personal care giant said it was no longer possible to manufacture in this crisiswracked South American nation.

Labour Minister Owaldo Vera said the socialist government was taking the action at the request of the 971 workers who have occupied the factory that the company decided to shutter in central Aragua state.

Kimberley-Clark announced on Saturday that it was suspending production in Venezuela because of a lack of primary materials, currency trouble and soaring inflation.

The company made a number of hard-to-find staples in Venezuela such as diapers and face tissues.

“Kimberly-Clark will continue producing for all of the Venezuelans,” Vera said in a televised statement from the factory surrounded by workers chanting pro-government slogans.

President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government accused KimberlyClark of failing to properly notify the government of its plans.

T h e I r v i n g , Te x a s based company said Monday that it acted appropriately in suspending operations.

“If the Venezuelan government takes control of Kimberly-Clark facilities

and operations, it will be responsible for the wellbeing of the workers and the physical assets, equipment and machinery in the facilities going forward,” the company said in a statement.

Kimberly-Clark joins Bridgestone, General Mills, Procter & Gamble and other multinational corporations in scaling back operations in Venezuela amid its economic crisis.

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana p assport application.

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

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

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

Call: 647-1773/660-5257 Register now for summer courses in cosmetology and nails between 2nd -25th August – Cost $15,000 Call Abby:619-7603

LAND FOR SALE Gold & Diamond mining land for rent in the Ekereku Puruni & Siparuni area. Call: 668-3100

Are you looking for a babysitter or someone to do light chores? Then call: 6467368 Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigrant Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496; 662-6045

Shiba Kaleko Rain ForestResort: school children f o r N a t u r e To u r i s m experience @ Rockstone, 45mins from Linden. Call: 618-4499

FOR SALE

2010 IST -$2.6M, 2011 BLUEBIRD -$2.7M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.6M, 2009 AXIO -$2.4M, 2009 BELTA -2.4M. CALL: 617-2891

Corner property in Grove, 1 block from Main Road- Flat House, price negotiable. Call: 1905-626-2572

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

MIX BREED PUPS –CALL: 615-0146

1 Black CRV, 2004 model, PNN series, female driven & in good condition. Interested person call: 624-1614, 225-0884

High value transported land and 2 bedrooms newly built house, Greater Diamond E.B.D -$16M negotiable. Call: 265-4338

Toyota Runx, AT212, AT192, AT170, L-Touring Wagon, Raum, new model Tacoma, Nissan pickup, Honda Capa.

Call: 644-5096; 697-1453

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

AT192, 212, Allion, Premio, Hilux Surf, BRR, RZ & Pitbull, Pajero Junior, Spacio: Cash / terms- Call:680-3154

2 Storey house, 5 bedrooms semi-furnished, 65 Palmyra Village, East Canje Berbice, price negotiable. Call: 6706688; 621-2066

2005 F350 Ford Pick-up truck, extra cabs, 4X4 diesel, in excellent condition, 4 inch, liftkit, 35 inch tyres. Call:610-5370 1 L-Touring Wagon (yellow) for sale $750,000 negotiable.

Call: 614-5962

3 TON CANTER ENCLOSE AND OPEN BACK WITH 4D ENGINE, PRICE -$3.6M, NEVER REGISTERED – CALL: 617-2891 TO LET Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824; 233-5560 Newly renovated 3 bedrooms house in safe and healthy environments-Call: 677-6638; 622-6512 One three bedrooms house for rent @ Crane Housing Scheme -$50,000 monthly.

Call: 614-5962 One furnished room -$40,000 and one bedroom furnished apartment -$60,000 monthly.

Call: 665-7474; 612-3152 2 Bedrooms apartment $50,000 monthly @ 29 Howes Street. Contact Petboy on the above address.

Southe’s Upholstery Cleaners & Car Wash: all your team cleaning needs; car seats, chair sets and carpets.

Call: 216-0722; 672-4824 US and Canadian Visa application Services @ Cybertron, Parika, Bollywood Building. Call: 260-4850; 6493073 TOURS

PROPERTY FOR SALE

SALE! SALE! 2010 IST $2.4M, 2009 NOAH -$2.5M, ARUIS-$2.5M-CALL:617-2891

Narine’s Trucking Service for sand, loam, stone etc.

Delivery-Call: 641-2477 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 Guytec Repairs Services & Spares to washing machines, pressure washer, dryer, stoves, refrigerator, treadmill, vacuum, etc –Call: 680-2377

VEHICLE FOR SALE

We buy & sell vehicles for cash, also parts available & 30 seater buses; Extra Cab pickups; 2006 Tacoma- Call: 680-3154

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

Tuesday July 07, 2016

Kaieteur News

Property @ Block 8 Mon Repos E.C.D, newly built 3 bedrooms concrete house $14.7M negotiable. Call: 6544312; 657-5330 Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

ACCOMMDATION Harmony Inn: clean, comfortable & affordable apartments/rooms, long & short term – Call: 668-0306; 218-1400; 694-7817

CAR RENTAL

CAR RENTAL

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS& SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 643-5122, 6560087 , EMAIL: PRO_ AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO. COM

DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM

Wing’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up rental- Call: 690-6494

Aidan’s Car & 4WD Vigo pick up, cheapest rate, low security- Call: 698-7807

Rambutan seedlings plants $2,000 per plant. Call: 621-4778 German Shepherd puppies, 1 adult German Shepherd, 2 adult Rottweiler. Call: 2202277; 220-8904; 629-1471 One 6 base music set with QSC amps, RCF speakers.

Call: 622-0503; 689-9932 30’ Feet, aluminum jet boat, complete with all spares & accessories (financing available). Call: 668-3130

1-Two bedrooms house in Diamond New Scheme, on main road. Call: 697-9140; 6803813; 216-0578

Property for sale @ North Road Queenstown, bond in Eccles also 1 Toyota Fortuna for sale. Call: 226-9177 & 666-3303

40X32 House @ Anna Catherina, W.C.D –Call: 6462341; 225-7164

57 Acres of land at Soesdyke , ideal for shopping centre and housing development, also power tools.Call:2654180; 613-9554

Zeelugt-(2)storey concrete building, Good Hope(2)storey concrete building.

Tel:231-9690,231-9693 call between 8:00hrs-16:00hrs (Mon-Fri).

Parfaite Harmony-(2) storey building. Tuschen - 2-storey building. Tel:231-9690,2319693 call between 8:00hrs16:00hrs (Mon-Fri).

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

One shed boat with a 200HP Yamaha Engine and turn system, Parika –Supenaam route. Call: 680-5539

Property for sale @ lot 32 Princess Street, Werk-enRust. Call: 621-8767 Fully furnished transported commercial/residential property @ 249 Buzz-BeeDam, Craig, E.B.D; also 3 Canter trucks -$240M negotiable. Call: 652-0519/ 628-6847

Toyota Hiace (pitbull) bus 2008- $1.5M, down payment $100,000 monthly. Call: 6093650; 226-8953 1-Two Piece wall divider in good condition -$15,000 – Call: 665-4944 40 KVA generator, cement mixer, air compressor, tyre machine, bobcat. Call: 6940535

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 1 complete 3 storey building for rent at 68 Pike St. Kitty Call: 615-8176 1-2-4 Bedrooms new house to rent @ West Coast Demerara–Call immediately 276-0818 3-Two bedrooms apartments for rent, serious enquires only-Call: 654-4110

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 Summer Classes: Phonics, Reading, Language, Mathematics, Art & Craft & fun day (4-12yrs) July 18thAugust 12th @ Roxanne Burnham Gardens-Tel:2182076; 619-4355 Poor Grades or need reinforcement in modern language and mathematics then call: 671-2066/ 669-0525 IAE (Private Secondary School) register for full time (forms1-5) CXC 2017, classes for adults and repeaters. Call: 683-5742 Register now! Computerize Accounting -$30,000, Graphics Program -$30,000, PC repairs @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop.

Call: 264-3057 Computer Diploma 9 Courses$35,000 -register now @ Micrographics, Vreed-en-Hoop.

Call: 264-3057 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 Diploma in Computers 9 Courses -$30,000 @ Cybertron Parika, Bollywood Building –Call: 260-4850

1-210 Hydraulics excavator, good condition, any reasonable offer accepted.

Call: 610-0515; 216-1390 German Shepherd Pups. Call: 619-6086; 699-7077 VACANCY Professional cosmetologist at Natural Beauty Salon & Spa, 110 Grove, Market Street E.B.D– Call: 652-5800

3 Bedrooms house in Tucville, asking price $15M, needs repairs. Call: 645-6498 FOR RENT

EDUCATIONAL

VACANCY 1 Female Accounts clerk, with passes in English & Maths.

Apply in person @ Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling Stabroek.

Experienced bar and shop worker for Ekereku Bottom (Interior), between ages 18yrs30yrs –Call: 231-0363 One Trainee A.C, Refrigerator, Technician – Call: 231-0655 Exist for one house helper, three days per week, age 35 yrs & older. Call: 617-9883

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.

Contact: 695-9880 Salesman, must have experience and a valid truck licence. contact 624-0092 or info@fernandesgy.com Driver /Porters @ Telles Steel & Hardware. Call: 226-6771; 231-3265 Continue page 23

Tuesday July 07, 2016

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

NBS wrongful dismissal lawsuit…

Director further grilled about dismissal of former CEO Director of the New Building Society Limited, (NBS), Seepaul Narine, was once again confronted with further questions relating to the circumstances which led to the dismissal of Maurice Arjoon, former Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the financial institution.

The former CEO had sued NBS for wrongful termination of contract and for withholding of his pension. His case has been ongoing for five years.

The matter is continuing before Justice Brassington Reynolds at the High Court in Georgetown.

A t t o r n e y - a t – L a w, (S.C) Edward Luckhoo is providing representation for Arjoon while Senior Counsel Ashton Chase is representing the defendant, NBS in the trial.

Further cross-examined b y L u c k h o o y e s t e r d a y, Narine provided the court with certain information on the events that led to the termination of Arjoon’s contract.

The Attorney asked Narine whether he knew if the NBS Board expressed a n y c o n f i d e n c e i n M r.

Arjoon as CEO prior to his dismissal. The witness said that he could not recall.

He, none-the-less agreed that information contained in the minutes of the meeting, presented to the court, amounted to the Board expressing confidence in Arjoon.

Narine, who is also the General Secretary of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU), was then asked about the investigations into the procedure employed to withdraw monies from the account, for which Arjoon was accused of fraudulently removing $69 million.

“After the Board became aware of the problems emanating from the withdrawal, did the Board consider (whether) the system they had in place had been adequate?” Luckhoo asked “Yes,” replied Narine.

“At the time, did the Board feel that it was necessary to put in place additional systems?”

Luckhoo further questioned.

“No,” the NBS Director responded. Narine was also quizzed on the evidence Mr. Rajaram gave on behalf of

Former CEO of NBS Maurice Arjoon

NBS Director Seepaul Narine

NBS. “In this court, I had asked Mr. Rajaram and he admitted and stated to the Magistrate that the withdrawal was legitimate and all proper procedures had been followed.”

“Are you aware that Mr. Ra j a r a m h a d t o l d t h e Magistrate that?” the Attorney inquired.

In response the witness admitted that he knew that Rajaram gave evidence but he was not aware what Rajaram told the court.

Additionally, Narine a

trustee of the pension fund at the Society was questioned about Arjoon’s pension benefits. He told the court that Arjoon had written to the Board about his pension but they never replied.

In 2011, Arjoon of 1-2 La Fleur Road, Eccles filed a lawsuit against NBS noting that he was on the verge of retiring when the charges were instituted and he was dismissed from NBS, losing his pension and other benefits.

The former CEO had

also claimed that he was framed after he refused to illegally endorse the lending of $2B, in 2006.

A recent report by the Ombudsman had outlined that Arjoon’s decision to only lend an amount in k e e p i n g w i t h G u y a n a ’s financial laws, apparently angered former President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who allegedly threatened to deal with the CEO. The former (CEO) along with Kissoon Baldeo, 38, of 86 Zeeburg, West Coast Demerara (Assistant Mortgage Manager of NBS), and Kent Vincent of 1247 Canje Pheasant Lane, South Ruimveldt (Operations Manager), had been accused of conspiracy to defraud the NBS of $69M. The withdrawal of the sum was made from an account in the name of Bibi Khan. The matter was later dismissed after the main witnesses in the trial stopped attending court.

Shortly after the dismissal of the charges against him, Arjoon filed proceedings in the High Court. The matter, which had been protracted for five years, has been adjourned to July 28.

GFC Board launches probe into BaiShanLin’s ...

From page 12 covered up the matter; the country only learning about it from a leaked report.

The report cites GFC investigators as finding no evidence that the Chinese company made any reports of the fire or that it was even in the records of the Commission.

Yesterday, Chairman of GFC’s Board, Jocelyn Dow, said that an immediate probe was launched following that story on Sunday.

“We have asked for the relevant minutes of the previous Board to see what was decided and what remedies, if any, were suggested. We will have to determine whether these remedies were carried out and whether these were in fact adequate.” The Chairperson said that she has requested a copy of the report also.

“We will have to form an opinion and have the Board’s technical and other committees also examine the matter. The report was noted by us and we will, as we go along, keep you and the Guyana public updated,” Dow said. The fire which was discovered by forestry inspectors during a routine inspection in May 2013, was from all indications never officially reported by BaiShanLin. From all indications it occurred at least

six months before.

The fire investigation and the absence of evidence that the company was even penalized would continue to not only raise questions about the operations at the GFC as regulator, but also highlight the amount of influence this one investor has in the country.

BaiShanLin is under fire after widespread criticisms of its activities here, spanning logging, gold mining, housing, ship building and river transportation. It ran into financial problems after spreading itself thin, expanding in the different sectors. It owes the government and local businesses hundreds of millions of dollars.

It has been granted billions of dollars in tax breaks and duty free concessions.

The forest fire destroyed an area of around 906 hectares at the Haimorakabra Logging Company Inc., Upper Berbice River area, Region Ten. The fire burned an area equivalent to 10,000 large house lots.

According to the report leaked to Kaieteur News, in May 2013 GFC’s Forest Monitoring Division carried out a routine audit of the concession which had been approved for Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) and Wood Cutting Lease (WCL).

Whether the fire was

GFC’s Chairman, Jocelyn Dow deliberately set or accidental was not determined but GFC inspectors were convinced that a fire of that magnitude should “have been reported as soon as it had occurred or was noticed or at the earliest possible time with all the necessary actions taken to reduce damage.”

The report was sent to Keith Austin, an Assistant Commissioner of Forests of the Legality Monitoring and Extension Unit and copied to Commissioner James Singh.

Copies were sent to other officials.

According to the report, the GFC team used Global Positioning System (GPS), interviews with staffers and others, maps, and the company’s and GFC’s

records to aid in the investigations.

However, the investigations faced difficulties from language barriers as BaiShanLin’s officers had little understanding of English.

The team also had limited time to conduct a proper assessment of the fire areas.

A major worry was the absence of reports on the fire.

“No written report was made by the company to GFC or no records were available at GFC about the forest fire.”

As a matter of fact, it appeared there was reluctance by BaiShanLin’s officials to assist the GFC’s team to participate in the entire exercise all day.

From dated overhead shots taken of the area, investigators concluded that the fire would have occurred between September 8 and November 26, 2012, or at least six months before the visit by the GFC team.

Shockingly, there was little evidence of the fire being reported and nobody took blame, including GFC officials who are stationed onsite.

“Questions were asked and internal records sought/ checked for any report on the forest fire, but none was made available, maybe, because none was ever made in writing in the first place. Forest Officer, Mr. Eron Bourne

claimed he would have made a verbal report in late November or early December 2013 to Mr. Ganram Manoo ACF Large Concession Management Unit then, about the forest fire after we had asked the question. Mr. G. Manoo - ACF informed us he never received any report verbal or otherwise from Forest Officer Mr. E. Bourne.”

According to the report, the team was particularly alarmed at the extent of the forest fire and whether it was accidental or deliberate.

“If it was deliberate, was it done to hide or conceal facts or incriminating evidence and other major breaches of the Forest Act Chapter 67:01…contractual/ procedural breaches etc?”

The report, in its conclusions, made it clear that someone must be held accountable for the massive forest fire within Haimorakabra Logging Co. Inc. concession TSA # 01/11.

“A fire that extensive must have been reported in writing immediately to all relevant stakeholders.”

The investigators recommended that the company be made to pay compensation. The report highlighted procedural breaches and noted that there are penalties for deliberately causing forest fires and failure to assist in fighting them.

From page 22

WANTED EXPERIENCED CHINESE CHEFTO LIVEAND WORK IN THE BVI, ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED. CALL: 6149522; (1)284-496-7797 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Experienced waitress 1830yrs -$70,000 monthly, boarding & lodging free. Call: 610-5043 Night Manager, Security, DJ, waitresses, bartenders, 1 experienced secretary between ages 18-25, must have CXC –Call: 668-8332; 638-5303 Female domestic worker to work in Trinidad. age 21 to 40 years. Call 1868- 268- 5177 Experienced male salesperson must be able to multitask, communicate well & have computer skills @ KeyFood Trading McDoom.

Sales representatives wanted, must have valid driver’s licence -Call: 6093650 Experienced bartender, live in/live out waitress, cooks & bouncers needed @ Eden Bar & Lounge, Garden of Eden-Call: 652-0074 Jet & Marack men to work in the interior. Call between 8:30am-4:30pm: 694-2310 One skilled Lathe operator/ welder, one driver/mechanic, live in preferably, high rates.

Call: 227-1830

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Bandits shoot bar owner, flee with cash and jewellery Two bandits escaped with over $500,000 in cash and jewellery after shooting a Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara bar owner in the leg at around 18.45 hrs yesterday.

Prakash Seegobin, 51, the owner of Percy’s Express Bar, was shot by one of the robbers after he had handed over a quantity of cash to the men, who had cornered him near the bar.

His 27-year-old daughter, Tulsiedai Seegobin, was struck in the head, and relieved of her jewellery.

The robbers also carted off a laptop computer during the approximately 15-minute ordeal, which was recorded on CCTV cameras on the premises.

According to reports, the Seegobin family and two customers were in the bar when two masked men, barged into the Lot 4 Bella Dam, Pouderoyen premises. One had a handgun while his accomplice had a knife.

Tulsiedai Seegobin said

Prakash Seegobin she was on the inner stairs leading from the upper flat to the bar when the robbers entered. She said the robber with the gun struck her on the head and arm, relieved her of two wedding rings, a gold band and a chain.

“He beat me and tell me to say where the money was,” she recalled. It was then that her father, who was in the kitchen, came to the bar.

She said that the gunman pushed her father to the floor and ordered him to hand over his money. Mr. Seegobin gave the robber about $500,000, and it was then that the bandit shot her father in the left leg.

The robbers then dragged father and daughter to the upper flat, and pushed them into a room. The daughter said that her husband was also in the bedroom, and the bandits relieved him of a laptop computer and other valuables.

The bandits also ransacked another room before fleeing on foot.

Neighbours took the wounded bar owner to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was treated before being transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.

Commonwealth jumps to CARICOM’s assistance in de-risking crisis (Jamaica Gleaner) The Commonwealth, a global organisation of mostly exBritish colonies, has pledged to support the advocacy of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) against large banks in Europe and the United States ending relationships with local financial institutions without considering the consequences for the regional economies.

The pledge of support from Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland came days after CARICOM leaders at a summit last week said their economies faced an “existential threat” with the ending of correspondent banking relationships (CBRs).

Correspondent banking involves banks in much larger countries, typically based in North America or Europe, facilitating transactions for local banks that do not offer certain services.

But the big banks are ending the relationships as part of their efforts to conform to international regulations and to safeguard their reputations against allegations of facilitating financial crimes.

Scotland, speaking last Friday during a town hall at the regional headquarters of

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

the University of the West Indies in St Andrew, said her organisation was prepared to help the countries of the region, which, because of the high dependence on inflows such as remittances and foreign direct investment, could see their economies derailed, with poverty and unemployment increased.

“The Commonwealth is here to help and support and to be an advocate for the small and vulnerable countries,” she said.

The Commonwealth is made up of 52 members, of which 31 members are small states.

‘UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES’ Scotland reiterated that countries are being affected because of the “unintended consequences” of banks’ actions to de-risk to save their reputations.

She also said discussions have been opened with leaders in the global financial system “I’ve spoken to Christine Lagarde (managing director of the International Monetary Fund), the World Bank, the United Nations, and others about the unintended consequences of the rules that have been implemented to stop money

la u n d e r i n g , ” she added.

“So what has happened is that by virtue of the banks deciding that they do not wish to continue to provide succour for the money lenders who have been looked on by many as money launderers w h e t h e r t h a t ’s r i g h t o r wrong - it’s the risk.”

But she is agreeing with regional leaders that banks cannot simply end relationships where a country’s development could be significantly compromised.

CARICOM leaders at their Guyana meeting argued that they have been compliant with international financial regulations and should not be punished.

They also said the issue should have the input of political leaders of countries where the large banks are hosted, given the developmental impacts for affected countries.

CARICOM has announced that it will be hosting a global conference on the issue later this year.

Despite discussions with the US State Department and Treasury, the leaders say they will be engaging a US-based lobby to help in advocating to Wall Street and Washington.

Nobody wants CEO position at Central Housing

PS Emil McGarrell It appears that no one wants the hot seat position at the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA).

That body will be without a substantive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) when th e c u r r e n t o n e , Myrna Pitt, goes off this week after signaling her intentions not to pursue a renewal of her contract.

That contract had expired a few weeks ago.

Pitt had been with CH&PA over a decade but together with top officers of the authority has been facing severe pressure for a number of multi-million dollar projects.

Don’t want that job: Denise King-Tudor

Myrna Pitt Outgoing CEO, Myrna Pitt

Last month, she submitted her letter of resignation.

According to officials of the Ministry of Communities, earlier this month, the CH&PA Board, at a special meeting approved for Pitt’s deputy, Denise King-Tudor, to take over the position from Wednesday, July 13.

However, King-Tudor on Friday last declined the position. As deputy, she would have performed duties of the CEO in the past.

Today, as a last resort, a recommendation by

CH&PA’s Human Resources Department to have the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communities, Emil McGarrell, perform the duties of the CEO, is likely to be considered during a Board meeting.

That department wants the matter to be treated urgently because of the critical importance of the presence of a CEO. CH&PA is under pressure also as there are more than 20,000 applications for house lots and turn-key homes on file.

North Korea says will treat U.S. detainees under ‘wartime law’ (Reuters) - North Korea said yesterday it had told the United States it will cut the only channel of communication between them, at the United Nations in New York, after Washington blacklisted leader Kim Jong Un last week for human rights abuses.

All matters related to the United States, including the handling of U.S. citizens detained by Pyongyang, will be conducted under its “wartime law,” its official KCNA news agency said.

The move was the latest escalation of tension with the isolated country, which earlier yesterday threatened a “physical response” after the United States and South Korea said they would deploy the THAAD missile defence system in South Korea.

“As the United States will not accept our demand for the immediate withdrawal

of the sanctions measure, we will be taking corresponding actions in steps,” KCNA said.

“As the first step, we have notified that the New York contact channel that has been the only existing channel of contact will be completely severed,” it said.

“The Republic will handle all matters arising between us and the United States from now on under our wartime laws, and the matters of Americans detained are no exception to this.”

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby declined to comment specifically on the North Korean statement but said such rhetoric “obviously is not doing anything to ease tensions.”

Two Americans are currently known to be detained in North Korea. Otto Warmbier, a University of Virginia student, was sentenced in March to 15 years of hard

labour for trying to steal an item with a propaganda slogan and Korean-American Kim Dong Chul is serving a 10-year sentence for espionage, according to North Korean state media.

Kirby repeated a call for North Korea to release the Americans from “improper and unjust detention” and stressed the need for it to adhere to its Vienna Convention commitment to allow consular access.

North Korea has previously indicated that wartime laws would mean detainees will not be released on humanitarian grounds.

This could delay release of the Americans, giving North Korea one of its last bits of leverage in negotiations with the United States, said T. Kumar, Amnesty International USA’s international advocacy director.

Prominent Gov’t engineer...

From page 2 work there.”

Benn described this as just some of the work which Willis played a part in. He noted that the engineer gave critical advice for the construction of numerous roads, wharves and other infrastructure.

“He was always ready to

come out, travel and get his hands dirty, any hour of the day or night,” Benn added.

“His sudden passing is a great loss to his family and to the engineering fraternity.”

In its release, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure had also stated that “Mr. Willis will be remembered by all as a dedicated worker who

went above and beyond to ensure the proper execution of all projects under his remit.

“He was always willing to offer advice and worked meticulously. He was also fondly known to all as a stickler for protocol and could be seen traversing even the hallways of the Ministry with a safety vest on.”

PAGE 26

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Cameron to quit tomorrow; South Sudan leaders order Theresa May to be new British PM ceasefire as civil war fears grow

LONDON (AP) — A political era ended yesterday — unexpectedly and without an election — as Prime Minister David Cameron said he will step down in two days in favour of Theresa May, a senior member of his Cabinet who will become Britain’s second female leader.

Cameron announced his resignation last month because he backed the losing side in a referendum for Britain to leave the European Union. So did May — but infighting, bad timing and cold feet among leaders of the victorious “leave” campaign means that she will have the task of leading a divided country out of the EU. The latest chapter in the political turmoil spawned by the EU vote moved with breathtaking speed.

Yesterday morning, there were two candidates to lead the governing Conservative Party. At noon, Andrea Leadsom stepped down, making May leader-in-waiting.

By late afternoon, Cameron had announced that May would be moving into 10 Downing Street within 48 hours.

“We will have a new prime minister in that building behind me by Wednesday evening,” Cameron said in a brief statement outside the leader’s official London residence.

Cameron, who has governed since May 2010, said he would offer his resignation to Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace tomorrow after attending a final session of Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons. The monarch will then invite May — as leader of a party with a majority in Parliament — to lead a new government.

Speaking outside Parliament surrounded by Conservative colleagues, May said she was “honoured and humbled” to have been chosen the party’s new leader.

May campaigned tepidly to remain in the EU, but sought to reassure those who voted “leave” that she would respect their decision. She said there would be no attempt to avoid a British exit from the bloc.

“Brexit means Brexit, and we’re going to make a success of it,” she said, promising to deliver “a strong, new positive vision for the future of our country.”

May’s sudden victory came when Leadsom, the energy minister, stepped down

Theresa May will become Britain’s prime minister tomorrow (Reuters photo) from the Conservative leadership race after a weekend furor over comments in which she appeared to say being a mother gave her an advantage over May, who has no children.

Only a week after she announced she was running, Leadsom said she had concluded she lacked “sufficient support” among legislators to be leader. She said “the interests of our country are best served by the immediate appointment of a strong and well-supported prime minister.”

Cameron’s resignation announcement the day after the June 23 referendum triggered the Tory leadership race. The most prominent contenders to replace him — including “leave” campaign leaders Boris Johnson and Michael Gove — withdrew or were eliminated from contention one by one amid allegations of treachery and scheming.

Conservative lawmakers narrowed the field from five contenders to just Leadsom and May. Some 150,000 party members were due to choose between them in the coming weeks, with the result to be announced in September.

But with Leadsom’s withdrawal, the party announced that May would be the new leader “with immediate effect.”

May, 59, is one of the most experienced ministers in Cameron’s Cabinet, serving for six years in the notoriously difficult job of home secretary, akin to the interior minister’s post in other countries. She has a reputation for solid, unflashy competence and for prevailing over her rivals. Former Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke was caught on microphone last week telling a colleague, “Theresa’s a bloody difficult woman — but you and I worked for Marga-

ret Thatcher.”

The comparison with Thatcher, the “Iron Lady” who governed from 1979 to 1990 and refashioned Britain in line with her free-market ideology, appeals to many Tories.

Leadsom’s decision to quit came after the weekend uproar over her comments about the role of motherhood in politics. She at first defended, then apologized for, an interview in which she said that being a mother “means you have a very real stake in the future of our country.”

Before her announcement, Leadsom apologized to May, telling the Daily Telegraph newspaper that she believed having children has “no bearing on the ability to be PM.” Leadsom’s rivals said both her comments on motherhood and her subsequent flip-flopping showed she lacked the experience under pressure required to be prime minister. Her allies accused May supporters of trying to undermine Leadsom.

May’s honeymoon may be short-lived. She faces the possibly insurmountable challenge of negotiating a new relationship with the EU that can satisfy Brexit-supporting Britons, disappointed “remain” voters and the 27 remaining members of the bloc. She will have to balance access to the EU’s single market, which the economy has come to rely on, with immigration controls that the “leave” campaign promised.

South Sudanese policemen and soldiers are seen along a street following renewed fighting in South Sudan’s capital Juba. (Reuters/Stringer) (Reuters) - South Sudan’s president and vice president ordered their rival forces to cease hostilities yesterday after days of fighting threatened to plunge the nation back into civil war and bring further instability to an impoverished region of Africa.

Fighting erupted four days ago in the capital Juba between loyalists of President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, the former rebel leader who became vice president under a deal to end a two-year civil war.

The violence, which has killed hundreds of people, broke out as the world’s newest nation prepared to mark five years of independence from Sudan on July 9.

Presidential spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said Kiir and Machar had spoken by phone yesterday, a day which saw tanks and helicopters involved in some of the fiercest clashes yet.

“All the commanders of

(Kiir’s) forces are directed to cease any hostility and abide by the order and control their forces,” Ateny told Reuters.

“President Salva Kiir is determined to carry on his partnership with Riek Machar.”

Machar responded by ordering his troops to stand down. “The president has declared a unilateral ceasefire, I want to reciprocate the declaration of unilateral ceasefire,” he told the independent Eye Radio.

However much is not clear about the latest violence in Juba, including what the objective of either side has been and how much control Kiir and Machar have over their forces The fighting has raised fears of a return to the civil war that erupted in late 2013 and broadly ran along ethnic lines, pitting Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, against Machar, a Nuer.

The conflict killed thousands of people, forced more than 2.5 million people from

Opposition warns of explosion of microcephaly cases in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – The main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) yesterday warned of a number of babies being born here with microcephaly as a result of the present number of cases of the mosquito-borne Zika virus in the country.

PNP spokesman on health, Horace Dalley, said the Andrew Holness government of failing to state its plan for the testing of women who do not fit the case profile and a policy to deal with the “looming” cases of microcephaly, a rare neurological condition in children.

He said the “lack of support for the upgraded virology lab,” which he claimed has left pregnant women “untested and worried that their babies are likely to be born with microcephaly”.

PNP spokesman on health, Horace Dalley (Gleaner photo) Dalley said that the testing of these pregnant women is woefully inadequate and charged that all pregnant women need to be tested for the virus.

“Of the over 200 cases of pregnant women suspected

with Zika, only five test results have been returned, the release said. Women are only being tested for the Zika virus when they fit the case profile. What about those pregnant women who have no symptoms, and those who are tested late?”

Dalley, a former health minister estimated that by September, pregnant women who may have contracted the Zika virus will start having babies with microcephaly, adding that “there are no antenatal systems in place to address these newborns”.

“We cannot predict how many of the over 200 cases or even the non- symptomatic pregnant women will unfortunately have microcephaly babies! The opposition maintains action is needed now,” he said in the statement.

their homes and left almost half the population of 11 million people struggling to find food. Oil production, by far the biggest source of government revenue, has plummeted.

A new flare-up risks driving yet more people to refugee camps in neighboring nations and further destabilizing a region in the center of Africa already plagued by myriad woes.

Central African Republic is riven by conflict, the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is contending with a patchwork of militias and rebels groups, and Burundi is embroiled in a violent political crisis.

The U.N. Security Council on Sunday demanded Kiir and Machar rein in their forces and end the fighting. The U.N. mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, expressed its “outrage” after its bases in Juba were caught in the cross-fire between the two sides and two Chinese peacekeepers were killed.

WRANGLING Kiir and Machar have long been rivals, both in politics and on the battlefield. The civil war that broke out in 2013 came a few months after Kiir sacked Machar as his deputy.

Fighting has often erupted outside Juba since the two men signed a peace deal in August last year. But this was the first time it had flared in Juba since Machar finally returned in April after months of wrangling about terms of the pact.

Experts say the failure to swiftly implement key elements of the deal, such as integrating and demobilizing their forces, has allowed tension to fester and risked igniting a new conflict.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon yesterday urged the Security Council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, sanction leaders and commanders who blocked the implementation of a peace deal and fortify the UNMISS mission.

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

PAGE 27

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Tuesday July 12, 2016

Kaieteur News

Rebels attack government lines in Syria’s Aleppo after supply road cut

People inspect the damage at a site after it was hit by shelling carried out by rebels at Syrian government-held areas of Aleppo, Syria, yesterday.

(SANA/Handout via Reuters) (Reuters) - Rebels attacked Syrian government positions in the historic center of Aleppo yesterday in response to an offensive that cut a road leading into the opposition-held sector of the city, monitors and insurgents said.

The shelling of government-held neighborhoods and intense street fighting came days after the advance by the government side towards the Castello Road.

Rebels have relied on the road for supply runs and access to Aleppo through much of Syria’s civil war, and its severing effectively put opposition-held areas where some 250,000 people live under siege.

Residents contacted in the city said prices of fresh vegetables, bread and fuel had on average almost doubled in the past week with no new supplies coming into Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and commercial hub before the war.

Aleppo has been a major battleground in the conflict, now in its sixth year. Fighting there escalated after U.N.brokered peace talks and a ceasefire unraveled earlier this year.

The Syrian military said it would extend a nationwide ceasefire for another 72 hours from Tuesday, state media reported on Monday. The Syrian army and the Russian military, which backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, have periodically this month announced these temporary truces but continued to step up their military campaigns in major battlefields.

Aleppo’s capture would be a strategic prize for Assad’s government, which controls the major population centers in western Syria apart from

rebel-held districts of Aleppo, and the far northern city of Idlib. Rebels hold pockets of territory elsewhere in western Syria.

Kurdish forces prevail in vast swathes along the nearby Turkish border, and Islamic State militants dominate territory in the east closer to the border with Iraq.

Early on Monday more than 300 shells fired by rebels hit western, government-held neighborhoods of Aleppo, killing five people and wounding dozens more, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. State television said eight people had been killed and that the bombardments had brought down buildings.

The assault was “a response to the (government) attempts to advance”, Zakaria Malahifji of the Aleppobased Fastaqim rebel group told Reuters.

He said insurgents had already made gains, and that much of the fighting was taking place in Aleppo’s ancient Old City, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site now largely in ruins.

A witness reported fierce close-range clashes near the historic citadel where rebels killed at least 20 army troops when they blew up a tunnel they dug underneath a government post, according to the monitor.

MORE GOVERNMENT AIR STRIKES A Syrian state TV correspondent said there had been heavy fighting since the morning, and that the army had seen off attacking rebels, killing many.

Syrian warplanes bombarded rebel districts of Aleppo, the British-based Observatory said, with at least

10 civilians killed in a strike on Hay al Maqam. A proDamascus TV channel said Russian warplanes, backing the government, were bombing areas north of the city, near the Castello Road.

Jets believed to be Russian or Syrian also rocketed a fuel market in a town in the northwestern province of Idlib, killing at least 10 people and injuring scores, according to a local rescue worker near the site.

An air strike hit a local field hospital in the town of Ahsem in Idlib province, killing three people, including a child, an international charity and an aid worker said.

A statement from the Jabha Shamiya rebel group dated Sunday said the government advance near Castello Road came with the support of “allies of various nationalities, with Russian air cover and with firepower of an unprecedented intensity”.

Assad is supported by Moscow, which launched air strikes in September, as well as Iranian troops and Lebanese Shi’ite Hezbollah fighters.

Hezbollah has said it sees Aleppo as the most important battle in Syria, equating it with the defense of the capital Damascus, and hundreds of its men have died in the conflict.

Assad’s allies say they are battling the al Qaedalinked Nusra Front in Aleppo.

But groups fighting under the banner of the Westernbacked Free Syrian Army (FSA) say they control the rebel-held part of the city.

Nusra Front said it had launched an attack in central Aleppo and made advances towards a market in a government-held area.

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

NSC Annual Vacation swimming...

Ramdin sanctioned by WICB over Twitter rant ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Discarded West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin has been penalized by the West Indies Cricket Board for his Twitter rant last week announcing his sacking from the Test squad.

The WICB said Monday the Trinidadian’s actions had been in contravention of their policy and had moved to impose sanctions on the player.

“Denesh Ramdin had expressed dissatisfaction with his non-selection on the Test squad for the upcoming series against India on social media last week, following dialogue with the Chairman of Selectors,” the WICB said

in a statement.

“This was in breach of the WICB policy and the terms of his retainer contract. As a consequence, Ramdin has since been sanctioned.”

The release did not state the nature of the sanction.

Last Tuesday, the 31-yearold Ramdin took to Twitter to inform followers he would not be taking part in the four-Test series against India starting later this month.

Ramdin claimed he had been told by new chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, that his batting average was not good enough.

“Last 2 innings over 60 vs Australia down under but not

good enough to play anymore,” one of Ramdin’s tweets said.

A former West Indies Test captain, Ramdin averages 25 from 74 Tests with four hundreds, the last coming 2-1/2 years ago against New Zealand in Hamilton.

He has struggled with the bat in his last 11 Tests over a 12-month period, averaging just 22 but showed signs of form in his last two innings on the tour of Australia, scoring 59 in Melbourne last December and 62 in Sydney last January.

Ramdin is currently representing Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.

Tuesday July 12, 2016 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Spiritual and metaphysical concepts may seem murky to you today, Aries. Ideas that friends accept as matters of course might feel strange.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) A strange, bothersome feeling could plague you today, Taurus, as if you can't remember something you need to do. Don't drive yourself crazy over this.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Is a romantic partner having trouble communicating with family, Gemini? If so, be prepared to hear about it today. Be a good listener.

Your understanding and objectivity will be greatly appreciated.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Listen carefully when you receive instructions today, Cancer. Your mind may not be as sharp as usual. If you aren't careful, you could get on the wrong track and end up having to start all over again.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) A heightened sense of idealized romance could hit you today, Leo. If you aren't currently involved, beware!

That wonderful new person you've just met may have a well-hidden side.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Something you feel you desperately need right now is missing, Virgo, and it's very well hidden. You may search the house for it and

drive yourself crazy in the process.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Don't listen to gossip today, Libra. Any rumors that are spreading are likely to be based on false assumptions and totally outside the realm of reality.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A luxury you've been craving could seem very tempting today, Scorpio. Make sure you're really ready, willing, and able to spend the money to get it.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Emotional turmoil may overwhelm your usual objectivity and good sense today, Sagittarius. Family problems could weigh on your mind, as communication between you and family members may be lacking.

CAPRI (Dec.22–Jan.19) Your imagination should fly high today, Capricorn.

Whether you're into writing, music, or dance, make the most of your creative inspiration.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Doubts about a friend may plague you today, Aquarius.

Did this person borrow money? Promise to do you a favor? Can you depend on this person? The best way to judge is by their track record.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Confusion might get in the way of anything you hope to accomplish today, Pisces. You may feel like you're walking around in a daze, uncertain of your actions.

(From page 30) throughout Guyana.

Parents were told that since they are three sessions daily being at 09:00hrs so ensuring that their children arrive on time is very important.

It was also disclosed that after the four weeks about 30

children will be certified. The 6 to10 age-group will be taught to swim at the Colgrain Pool, while the 11 to 16s will be at the Aquatic Centre on the East Coast of Demerara.

The ceremony was opened with a prayer from Chairperson Ms Odessa De Barus, while

Harry led the reciting of the National pledge before giving the Opening remarks.

Administrative Assistant Desiree Cummings provided an outline of the programme before the first session commenced.

(Sean Devers)

Challenges abound but GFF...

(From page 28) won 2-0.

Forde also pointed to the systematic approach where the Suriname friendly was used as preparation for the Caribbean Football Union/ Scotia Bank Caribbean Cup (CFU/SBCC) tournament, the match with the Canadian National team and the successful staging of the Congress.

The CFU/SBCC tournament is now in its 3rd round and the local team is grouped with Jamaica and Suriname. Mr. Forde also lauded the efforts of his executives who collectively organized the last Congress on May 28 last. “Those activities put a strain on our coffers since the GFF picked up the payroll for almost every one of those functions,” explained Forde.

While he admitted that indeed local players are in dire need of international exposure Mr. Forde revealed that the cost is prohibitive, just around $5M per match, thus necessitating corporate intervention. He singled out the efforts of officials of the Guyana Olympics Association (GOA) for a timely donation in excess of $500,000 towards the liquidation of expenses for the Lady Jags progression.

Mr. Forde said that amidst the many financial and other challenges GFF executives were still able to rebuild the Golden Jags which he referred to as the ‘Flagship Brand.’

“The Golden Jags is our flagship brand and necessitates careful attention since it attracts the bulk of corporate support which in turn can augment our youth development programmes,” explained Forde.

He further said that the emphasis placed on the senior national team is by no way at the expense of that placed on the development of the nursery and other young ball weavers. “Instead, such ploys serve to encourage the corporate community to partner with us in shaping the product even as we focus on youth development,” said Forde. He said that their efforts have been successful following the intervention of the CEO of the National Milling Company (NAMILCO), Bert Sukhai. The latter individual has committed some $30 million dollars over a five years period towards a developmental programme of U17

players. This gesture coupled with the Scotia Bank Youth Academy Training Centers, to be established countrywide, paves the way for an exciting culmination for youth football.

Amidst these revelations, Forde said that this initiative has been further extended to the schools and his executives are currently engaging officials of the Ministry of Education and a committee has been established to oversee the implementation of the programme.

Mr. Forde is adamant that “The GFF’s ultimate objective is the development of the game.” Consequently, he assures that every decision made is done with an overarching desire to see the sport progress to the benefit of all of the stakeholders.

Quizzed on his plans to charter the sport Forde replied, “FIFA has agreed to substantially increase the grant and we expect the disbursement for the first quarter very soon.” He said that the receipt of the grant will

enable him to address outstanding liabilities to the extent of bringing a semblance of equilibrium to the Federation’s finances.

Nevertheless, despite the increased FIFA grant, Forde remains adamant that much more ought to be done towards the development of the local footballers. He remains firm that government and corporate intervention must be a part of the mix if his staff is to realize the general objective and if the GFF can truly boast of progression.

Quizzed on the challenges associated with the job Forde replied, “My sleeping hours has been drastically reduced to 4-5 hours a night and I literally slave seven days a week addressing football business. I have given up every aspect of my social life but realize it is for the good of the game.

I am confident that this is only for a short period while I get a firm feel of the situation and I am sure that things will resort to some normalcy soon.”

Kaieteur News

PAGE 30

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Digicel Schools Football Championship

Annai claw back to down St. Ignatius on penalties to remain #1 in Region 9

Annai’s custodian Neil Allicock saves St. Ignatius’ David Coates shot during kicks from the penalty mark.

By Franklin Wilson in Lethem They played like true champions despite finding themselves trailing from early in the piece against a determined opponent but in the end, the spirit and fight of what champions are made of prevailed and took them over the line.

It was a fitting climax to the Region 9 segment of the Digicel Schools Football Championship yesterday afternoon at the St. Ignatius ground, Lethem when defending Regional champions Annai Secondary School fought their way back from behind to nail a determined St. Ignatius Secondary on kicks from the

penalty mark after a 1-1 regulation time scoreline and advance to the national playoffs.

The crowd was fantastic from start to finish and while it was the St. Ignatius home ground, the majority of the fans were backing Annai.

It was the host school which took the lead very early in the clash when their most potent forward and their strongest player, David Coates capitalized on an early defensive lapse from Annai to hit home in the 5th minute past goalkeeper Neil Allicock.

But thereafter it was Annai which dominated most of the play as they set up shop in St. Ignatius’ half, however, their potency in the

final third was miserable as a plethora of opportunities went wide of the mark.

St. Ignatius’ custodian Kenford Robinson was visibly limping early in the match but Annai failed to capitalize as they sprayed shots all over the place except to goal.

The early chance Annai gave up with their main defender, Neston Browne out of position almost came back to haunt them.

Browne played much more disciplined as was very effective in marking out danger man Coates for the remainder of the match despite a few anxious moments when St. Ignatius threatened in the second half; one time back to back

Part of the huge crowd which witnessed the Region 9 final of the DSFC yesterday at the St. Ignatius Community ground, Lethem. clearances in the six yards box was required to keep them from increasing the score.

But most of the possession was being controlled by Annai; the crowd never gave up on them and kept urging them on.

Many of the women in the stand kept demanding that they needed a goal and they need it now.

With 10 minutes remaining to full time, Annai finally got what they were fighting for all along, the elusive equalizer.

An excellent pass into the area found the hungry N a i r o n Wi l l i a m s w h o gratefully accepted and made no mistake when he hammered his shot past

Kenford Robinson to wild celebrations from his teammates and fans in the stand and around the ground.

One could have felt the tension being released with Williams’ goal.

It was all that Annai wanted since they knew that from thereon in with St. Ignatius being deflated, they held the upper hand and were more mentally fortified to take care of business, and so it turned out.

Kicks from the penalty mark were the next option after the final whistle was sounded with the score tied at 1-1.

After their Captain Sherral Daniels missed their first kick, Annai sunk the next three shots and that was

good enough to take them to victory as they retained the number one spot as the best in Region 9.

St. Ignatius scored with their first and third kicks but missed the 2nd, 4th and 5th kicks. It was disappointment for them but joy for the winners.

Both teams received medals and trophies compliments of Digicel as reward for their hard work.

Additionally, the champions were presented with a complete set of spanking new uniforms by Digicel’s Althea Pollard, while another Digicel r e p r e s e n t a t i v e , Ta l i s a Damon assisted with the distribution of medals to both teams.

WICB Regional Women’s Super50

Guyana suffer another wash out game as T&T maintain lead Guyana, for third time in a row, suffered another washed out match without a ball being bowled when their scheduled third round clash against Barbados was abandoned at Lunch at the Enmore ground due to wet areas to Eastern sections of the ground after intermittent rain yesterday morning.

All three matches yesterday were washed out without a ball being bowled as rain on Guyana’s coast wrecked havoc with at the Everest ground in the Georgetown and Enterprise and Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara.

Guyana collected three points, one each from their three washed out games while Barbados moved to six points after their second round win against Jamaica to remain in second position

behind Trinidad &Tobago who leads the points table with seven points and two abandoned games.

T&T had beaten Barbados to collect a bonus point.

Like Guyana, the Windwards and Leewards are on three points from three washed out games. Jamaica on two points from three games, sit at the bottom of the points table.

Tomorrow Guyana face debutants Leeward Islands at Everest, Barbados battle the Windwards at Enterprise and Jamaica oppose T&T at Enmore. All matches are scheduled to commence at 09:30hrs.

According to the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), Bourda, DCC and Eve Leary in the City and Wales in West Demerara were earmarked as match venues for the 50-

The ground staff removes water from the covers at Enmore yesterday.

over tournament but were unavailable due to waterlogged conditions because of unseasonal rain here. The Providence Stadium is being used for CPL matches.

The GCB official added

that no plans were made to acquire the GDF ground in Georgetown or the Alboin and Blairmount grounds in Berbice.

Former West Indies pacer Colin Stuart, TDO of the GCB told Kaieteur

Sports that no venue changes were planned and checks at the venues late yesterday after he was optimistic that if there is sunshine today and tomorrow, play was likely in the fourth and penultimate round tomorrow.

The t20 Tournament is scheduled to commence on July 21 after the 50-over final is played on July 17 at Everest.

All of the t20 games are scheduled for Providence.

(Sean Devers)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 31

NEW AMSTERDAM TOP KARATE INSTRUCTOR AWARDED 6TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

The participants and officials assemble at the recently grading session at the YMCA. 9th Dan Shuseki Shihan Frank Woon-A-Tai, Founder of the International Karate Daigaku, awarded Mr. Clinton Orville Moriah of the New Amsterdam Shotokan karate Dojo 6th Dan Black Belt at the YMCA Thomas Lands on Sunday 10th July, 2016 last.

He was assisted by his w i f e a n d I K D Vi c e –Chairperson 8th Dan Shihan Maureen Woon-ATai, IKD Secretary 7th Dan Shihan Bernice Hughes, 6th Dan Sensei Janice Pike, 6th Dan Amir Khouri & 4th Dan Sensei Roger Peroune.

94 students of the Association do Shotokan Karate-Guyana dojo’s Georgetown, New Amsterdam, Albion, Blairmont, Land of Canaan, Canal #1& Linden were graded by Shuseki Shihan Woon-a-tai.

The results are as follows: 6TH DAN PROMOTION: C L I N T O N O RV I L L E MORIAH - NEW AMSTERDAM 2ND DAN PROMOTIONS: TREVON MILLER YMCA 2. MAHADEO RAMOTAR - GFK 1st DAN PROMOTIONS: KEYAH BARKER - YMCA

Guyana beat Leewards by 44 runs as Regional U17 bowls off Guyana got off their Regional U17 campaign on a positive note after defeating the Leeward Islands by 44 runs yesterday.

Guyana managed 92 for 9 batting first after the game was reduced to 26 overs at Inshan Ali Park.

Sachin Singh made 22, Joshua Persaud 19 and Ashmead Nedd 14.Bowling for Leewards Elroy Francis had 4- 11 and Euri Smith 1-7.

Leewards were skittled for 48 in 21 overs in reply.

Joshua Grant made 14 as man-of-the-match Bhaskar Yadram grabbed 4-7 in 3.4 overs including a hat-trick while Kevin Sinclair, Nedd and Kevlon Anderson had one each.

At National Cricket Centre, Barbados beat Jamaica by 40 runs. Batting first, Barbados got to 191-7 off 45 overs, taking first strike while Jamaica responded with 155 all out.

(Player of the match Joshua Aaron Bishop of Barbados).

At Gilbert Park, host

2. AARON PERSAUD YMCA 3. ETHON PERSAUD LAND of CANAAN 4. MAHENDRA SINGH YMCA 5. JOSHUA SEEDHARIE YMCA 6. ETON WHYTE - YMCA 7. JALEN CHANCELLOR YMCA O U T S TA N D I N G K Y U GRADES PROMOTIONS: 10 KYU TO 8 KYU:-EMILY S A N TA N A , J E R E M Y JAISINGH, IJAY SRIRAM, K E Y S H AW N G R A N T, HANNAH JAGNARAYAN &RASHAD TROTMAN. 10 KYUTO 7 KYU:-XIRAN HUANG, JEMUEL D A S I LVA , J O L E I G H SIMPSON, MARISH BAKSH, CECIL DASILVA & ANGELO HARRIS. 10 KYU TO 6 KYU:-

SHEMAR PARKINSON. 10 KYU TO 5 KYU:BEVON JORDAN. 8 K Y U TO 6 K Y U : ROMELL OGRASEIN, JOEL KELLMAN, MARIA B A K S H & P R AT U S H DEOKINANDAN. 7 K Y U TO 5 K Y U : NARREN PERSAUD. 6 K Y U TO 4 K Y U : K R I S T I N E R A M K I S S O O N , C H R I S T O P H E R RAMKISSOON & MICHAEL WEBSTER. 5 K Y U TO 3 K Y U : ORLANDO GIDDINGS & ANDRU RAMBARRAN. TOTAL KYU GRADES PROMOTIONS 13 students to Yellow belt (8kyu) 14 students to Orange Belt (7kyu) 25 students to Green Belt

(6kyu) 09 students to Blue Belt (5kyu) 04 students to Purple Belt (4kyu) 06 students to Brown Belt (3kyu) 03 students to Brown Belt (2kyu) 09 students to Brown Belt (1kyu) 11 students to DAN’S (Black Belt) Shihan Maureen Woona - Ta i p r e s e n t e d t h e successful Dan students of the 10th April, 2016 with their instruments of Dan ranks.

Congratulations to all the students who worked hard to become successful, under the instructions and guidance of Instructors: Amir Khouri & Roger Peroune (YMCA), Clinton

Moriah (New Amsterdam), Hazrat Ali (Albion & Blairm o n t ) , L a u r e n c e Lowe (GKF), Parmeshwar Persaud (Land of Canaan), Mahadeo Ramotar (GFK), Nathalie Gibson (Linden).

Shuseki Shihan WoonA-Tai will be holding special Brown &Black Belts and Instructors training session on We d n e s d a y J u l y 1 3 t h (GKC) & Thurs day July 14th (YMCA), 2016 from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

These training seminars are to prepare Black Belts for their Instructors Certification Examinations.

Special thanks go out to all the visiting instructors from Canada, do enjoy the warm Hospitality of our Country.

Seamer Taylor quits Test cricket ahead of India series

Bhaskar Yadram Tr i n i d a d a n d To b a g o overcame Windward Islands by 78 runs. Trinidad and Tobago took first knock and scored 171-9 off 50 overs, while Windward Islands made 93 all out in 27.3 overs in reply.

(Player of the match Justyn Gangoo of Trinidad and Tobago)

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor has abruptly called time on his Test career, just days before the start of the upcoming series against India.

The 32-year-old, who has played 46 Tests, informed the West Indies Cricket Board he would no longer be available for selection in the longer format of the game.

However, Taylor has indicated his desire to continue playing One-Day Internationals and Twenty20s.

“Right-arm fast bowler, Jerome Taylor, will not be available for the upcoming Test Series against India, following his formal notification to retire from that format of the game,” a short statement from the WICB said Monday.

“The 32-year old has h o w ever indicated his

availability for the shorter formats.”

Ta y l o r h a s h a d a chequered career, taking 130 Test wickets at an average of 34, with four five-wicket hauls. Perhaps his finest hour came back in 2009 on England’s tour of the Caribbean when he produced a magnificent five-wicket haul to bundle out the tourists for 51 in their second innings of the first Test at Sabina Park, to secure West Indies an astonishing innings victory. The Windies went on to clinch the five-match series 1-0.

Taylor ’s career was marred by a five-year break due to lack of fitness and injury, and he only returned to West Indies colours two years ago for New Zealand’s threeTest tour of the Caribbean.

Since then, he has been a feature of the Test side. He

took 11 wickets in two Tests against England last year in the Caribbean when West Indies drew the three-match series 1-1, and followed up with eight wickets in the two Tests against Australia.

He had a bruising campaign on the return tour Down Under late last year

when he managed just two wickets in 46 overs in the three-Test series which West Indies lost 2-0.

Taylor has been good enough to score a Test hundred, hitting a delightful 106 off 107 balls against New Zealand in Dunedin eight years ago.

Tallawahs and Tridents CPL fixture abandoned due to rain Rain had the final say in the Caribbean Premier League T20 fixture between the Jamaica Tallawahs and Barbados Tridents last night at the Kensington Oval.

The game was reduced to 12 overs after a lengthy delay and the Tallawahs were 116-2 off 10 overs, batting first.

Chris Gayle and Chadwick Walton added 47 for the opening stand before Walton was caught of Shoaib Malik for 25 with five fours. Gayle provided some entertainment, hitting two fours and five sixes in an unbeaten 47 off 20 balls. Kumar Sangakkara made 25 before he was bowled by Ravi Rampaul while Rovman Powell was not out on six when the rain came forcing the teams to share the points (one each). Rampaul had 1-25 and Malik 1-31.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Challenges abound but GFF President, confident of advancement of the sport

By Michael Benjamin A mere 8 months ago Wayne Forde was the President of the Fruta Conquerors Football Club (FCFC) with lofty dreams of propelling young footballers in the Tucville area and its environs to great acclaim.

It was around that time when the Normalization Committee, established by FIFA to regularize the sport locally, was on the verge of completing its work and the

(local) football fraternity was preparing for the polls.

Forde accepted a nomination for the prestigious post of President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) under t h e ‘ Te a m I n t e g r i t y ’ banner, competing against h i s m ost ardent rival, eminent Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes, who led Team Unity.

Forde held his ground and eventually prevailed by a 12-10 margin.

Now, months later, Forde contemplates on the challenges faced and his chartered path for the sport that has endured more than its fair share of administrative and other adversities.

“Those seeking to voice adverse opinions must firstly remember that my executives had just transitioned out of the Normalization Committee and we were picking up from where those officials left

off,” explained Forde. He said that despite the challenge of limited funding his group successfully ran off several tournaments including the Stag Elite League, the Genesis and then finally, the Champions of Champions spectacle which Slingerz won. Local footballers also played the Canadian Olympic team but despite losing 5-2, Forde believes that the local players garnered valuable experience for the future.

“Outside of the league we also focused on the distaff group and managed to facilitate the funding for the Lady Jags Olympics Qualifier,” Forde proudly exhorted.

Football administration is a trying task and Forde admitted that his executives had to make strong decisions even against the odds. He said that just after the Golden Jaguars had exited the World Cup Qualifiers they huddled and

Wayne Forde collectively agreed to reactivate the team which led to the match against Suriname in late February which the local ball weavers (Continued on page 25)

GBFF National C/Ships

Clarke retains Mr. Guyana crown, Abrahim, Bacchus, Campbell, Ganpat excel

Zallim Bacchus displays his accolades. (Zaheer Mohamed photo).

By Zaheer Mohamed Kerwin Clarke of Buddy’s Gym successfully defended his Mr. Guyana title when the Guyana Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation staged its 2016 championships on Sunday night at the National Cultural Centre.

The main event of the evening handed the judges their most arduous task after the respective category winners competed for right to be labeled Mr. Guyana.

When the athletes took to the stage they provided the fans

with much entertainment who cheered on their favourite bodybuilders throughout.

The athletes did well in displaying their well toned, chiseled and shredded bodies, and as it came down to homestretch the fans were heard shouting for Clarke and had their desire when the final result was announced.

Clarke though had to be on top of his game to be crowned champion with athletes such as Eustace Abraham and Zallim Bacchus competing.

The battle of the

Male Guest Poser Stevenson Allen.

(Zaheer Mohamed photo)

heavyweights was saw Abraham of Total Fitness gym prevailing over Julio Sinclair of Space Gym and Rhon Loncke of Fitness 53 respectively.

Abraham outclassed his rivals with mass, definition and shape.

Rasleigh Bentick of Fitness Paradise won the lightweight crown while Bertrand Bacchus took the Bantamweight title. The Flyweight segment was a tough call with Zallim Bacchus of Taj Mahal gym and Anil Persaud of Fitness 53 leading the duel.

Bacchus’ upper body was well sculpted as well as his thighs and claves, and this gave him the nod.

The Welterweight division saw some fierce battle among Sylvester Andrews, Jermaine Bacchus and Jamal Inniss, but Andrews of Fitness 53 did fine in displaying his well-developed body and took the title; Bacchus of the said gym placed second and Jamal Inniss of Fitness Paradise finished third.

Clarke grabbed the Light middleweight crown ahead of Godfrey Stoby of Fitness 53, while Zallim Bacchus

Miss Bikini Kavita Ganpat collects her prize from Jamie Mc Donald of Fitness Express.

(Zaheer Mohamed (photo)

won the U21 segment; Jamal Inniss of Fitness Paradise came second.

The Miss Bikini was taken by Kavita Ganpat of Tag Mahal, while Juanita Pluck of Buddy’s took the runner up spot. Pluck tasted success by winning the Miss Body Fitness.

Bertrand Fitzpatrick of Muscle Pro took the masters title, while Mulchand Alves of interline Fitness placed second.

The Men’s Physique went to Emmerson Campbell of Fitness 53, Stefan Grimes of Body Max

was second and Coerus Cipriani third. Female guest poser was Domini Allen of Barbados, while three-time CAC gold medalist Stevenson Allen of Barbados appeared as the male guest poser.

Both provided awesome entertainment for the fans.

The event was sponsored

by Fitness Express, Naline Hair Salon and Spa, J. Salon and Spa, New India Assurance, Status Hotel, Hand-in-Hand Fire and Life Insurance, Healing and Water Spa Princess Hotel and Chakara M as s age Studio.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 33

Meet Guyana’s CBC U16 Female Youth Basketball Team Guyana’s female team will open their campaign in Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall today. The Female competition will conclude the Championships on Saturday night.

Name: Annalesa Barker Age: 16 years old School: New Amsterdam Multilateral

Name: Saffiya Greene Age: 15 years old School: Berbice High School

Name: Daniela King Age: 16 years old School: Plaisance Secondary School

Name: Kesann Charles Age: 14 years old School: Bishops’ High School

Name: Jayla Jones Age: 15 years old School: Bishops’ High

Name: Onika Rogers Age: 16 years old School: Kwakwani Secondary School

Name: Demelza Nicholas Age: 16 years old School: President’s College

Name: Annalisa Barclay Age: 14 years old School: President’s College

Name: Jada Mohan Age: 14 years old School: Marian Academy

Name: Georgianna Vyphuis Age: 15 years old School: Marian Academy

Name: Kellian Sauers Age: 14 years old School: Marian Academy

Name: Jahrier Young Age: 14 years old School: Marian Academy

Macey helmet-trick hands Vergenoegen Region 3 title, Soesdyke are East Bank Champs

Region Three Champs Vergenoegen Secondary School.

The victorious Soesdyke team.

Chris Macey scored a helmet-trick to hand Vergenoegen of East Bank Essequibo Region Three title, while Soesdyke were crowned East Bank Demerara champions when the Digicel National Schools Football tournament continued yesterday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.

Ve r g e n o e g e n w e r e

clearly the better team as they dominated possession from the opening minute o n w a r d s , a n d We s t Demerara found it difficult to match them.

Macey put the winners ahead in the 7th minute as his shot from 25 yards out gave the goalkeeper little chance.

He then doubled the lead three minutes later with a s i m i l a r e f f o r t . We s t

Demerara showed determination and Ryan Nelson pulled one back in the 15th before Ronaldo Macey netted in the 33rd for Ve r g e n o e g e n . W h i l e Vergenoegen gave their opponents some torrid time upfront, they at times left much space in their defence and Jielel Jansen slotted home in the 37th as West Demerara went to the

interval trailing by one.

Vergenoegen played like true champions after the break and Jermaine Cumberbatch put them further ahead in the 59th.

West Demerara hardly threatened in this session but Ve r g e n o e g e n f o r w a r d Macey showed some brilliance. He reached his hat-trick with a fine goal in the 81st minute before

scoring his fourth seven minutes later to hand his team a well deserved victory.

Soesdyke beat Camille’s Institute 3-1 to win the East Bank Demerara trophy.

Tyrone Khan’s rich form in the tournament showed as he netted the opening goal for Soesdyke in the 17th minute with a fine solo effort handing his team a 1-0 lead at half time.

Soesdyke continued to dominate after the break and C h a d u l i u m Wi l l i a m s increased the lead one minute into the second half with a shot from inside the area. Camille’s Institute won a penalty and Isaiah Sam converted in the 75th minute before Soesdyke’s Peter Richmond headed home in the 80th to complete the scoring.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 34

Tuesday July 12, 2016

Trophy Stall sponsors MVP Bolt headlines Jamaica’s Trophies for CBC C/ships 63-member Rio team

Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF) President, Nigel Hinds (right) receives the trophies from Trophy Stall Proprietor, Ramesh Sunich.

The Trophy Stall of Bourda Market has sponsored the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Trophies for both male and female competitions of the

Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Under-16 Championships that is currently underway at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Guyana; the contest

will conclude on Saturday.

Recently GABF President, Nigel Hinds received the trophies from Trophy Stall Proprietor, Ramesh Sunich.

KINGSTON (Reuters) Sprint king Usain Bolt was named to the Jamaican Olympic team in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m races despite an injury that kept him from qualifying at trials, the Jamaican Olympic Association said on Monday.

The six-time Olympic gold medalist was forced to withdraw from his country’s trials earlier this month with a hamstring injury but was allowed on Jamaica’s team headed to the Rio Summer Games after applying for a medical exemption.

The inclusion of the world record holder in both the 100m and 200m on the Rio-bound Jamaican team came a day after Bolt posted a photograph from Germany of himself back in training.

Unlike in the United States, where the first three finishers in the trials win Olympic berths, Jamaica’s selection policy allows medical exemptions.

Bolt a n d O l y m p i c 110m hurdles bronze Winner Usain Bolt of Jamaica upset after his quarter final 100m race Jamaica National Trials. medalist Hansle (REUTERS/GILBERT BELLAMY /FILE PHOTO) Parchment were among four athletes named to the Administrative Association.

Aug. Olympic team after Jamaica’s delegation of 5-21 Rio Olympics also receiving medical e x e m p t i o n s f r o m t h e 63 athletes across three includes one gymnast, two J a m a i c a A t h l e t i c s sporting disciplines for the swimmers and one diver.

NSC Annual Vacation swimming programme launched Attracts biggest turnout ever

Attendees at the event NSC Rep Ivan Persaud makes a point at the opening of swimming programme yesterday.

The Ministry of Education Department of Culture, Youth & Sports/ National Sports Commission’s (NSC) annual August Vacation Swimming programme was launched yesterday morning at the Colgrain Pool in Camp Street and attracted the biggest turn out ever with close to 300 children being

registered for the four week programme.

Ivan Persaud, Chairman of the NSC, represented Director of Sports Christopher Jones who was unavoidable absent and told the large gathering of children and parents that in the past they had to beg for children to be sent to the programme.

“Regardless if you are sending them here because you want somewhere to leave them or that you are really interested in them learning swim, it does not matter and I thank you for sending them here. This is the biggest group we have ever registered,” Persaud said.

“Guyana is the land of

many waters and everyday people travel from Vreed-inHoop to Georgetown by boat to go to work or school and most of them can’t swim. So learning to swim is a life skill that could actually save your life and prepare you to represent your country in swimming,” Persaud added.

Persaud, the President of the Guyana Amateur

Swimming Association (GASA), noted that the Goodwill Games are held once a year in five age group categories.

“We can’t find five little boys and Girls to swim in the under-8s. That’s shameful!” exclaimed Persaud.

He informed that according to a WHO report, over 400,000 children in the

world die by drowning every year, adding that this programme is organised to help prevent that and produce National swimmers.

G e r v y C . H a r r y, Administrative Officer from t h e S p o r t s M i n i s t r y, explained that systems are in place from next year to have these programmes (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday July 12, 2016

PAGE 35

Kcaysha Medas-King romps to USA Region 1 honours Kcaysha MedasKing has done it again, repeating her performance of the past few weeks, this time she was at the United States Region 1 Junior Olympics in Albany.

Region 1 is made up of New York, Long Island, Maine, Connecticut, New E n g l a n d a n d Adirondack.

Kcaysha once again proved that she is one of the best 9-10 girls’ athletes in Region 1.

She stormed to victory in the 100m, 200m and 400m events last

weekend in Albany.

According to her father Andy, who has been a major supporter of his daughter, ‘The meet had its ups and downs with the weather having the better part of it, causing the times to be slow.

It was very cold with thunderstorms causing the officials to put the meet on hold for about an hour.’ Once the weather gave the athletes and officials a break, it was back to business as Kcaysha had to run the 100m finals then 30 minutes

later, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the day, run a blistering 400m in the cold weather to come out on top.

After placing second in the preliminaries of the 100m, Medas-King did not disappoint, winning the 100m ahead of Abigail Charles and Amela Gullap according to results from the USATF website under the heading: 2016 USATF Region 1 Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships.

Onto the 200m,

Medas-King won her heat and the final to add gold number 2 to her tally, beating Ashley Lee and Abigail Charles in that order.

Kcaysha then went onto replicating her previous performances in the 400m where she ran ahead of Abigail Charles and Alissa Graham respectively to claim gold number 3.

Kcaysha will now turn to the nationals where she would be vying to see who is the fastest 9-10 girl in the USA. This feat would begin on the 27th of

Kcaysha Medas-King (centre) on the podium after victory in one of her three races at the USATF Region1 championships in Albany last weekend.

July in Sacramento California and would be

broadcast live on the usatf.tv

Uncapped Chase named to face India, Holder is Skipper Three Guyanese included ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Barbadian batsman Roston Chase has been called up to Test duty but selectors have confirmed the axing of wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin and have also overlooked left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican.

The right-handed Chase, who scored heavily for Barbados Pride in the regional first class this year, was the only uncapped player named in the 12-man squad announced for the upcoming four-Test series against India starting July 21.

As expected, all-rounder

Jason Holder will lead the side which includes veteran Marlon Samuel and vicecaptain and opener Kraigg Brathwaite.

Chase, meanwhile, forced his way into the selection frame when he amassed 710 runs at an average of 59, to be fourth highest run-getter in the recent first class campaign.

He was just one of four players to pass the 700-run mark.

The 24-year-old also got the attention of selectors last year when he pummeled attractive half-centuries in either innings of the three-

day President’s XI game against the touring Australians.

Ramdin, who announced his sacking in a Twitter rant last week, has made way for 24-year-old Barbadian gloveman Shane Dowrich, who played two Tests against the Aussies last year June.

He scored a half-century on debut at Windsor Park in Roseau.

Warrican, meanwhile, who took a six-wicket match haul on debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo last October has been dropped while fast bowler Jerome

Moruca Region 1 Digicel Schools’ Football playoff

Hosororo, Santa Rosa, Mabaruma record early wins Play in the Moruca Region 1 Digicel Schools Football playoff got underway over the weekend at that venue with several teams inking their names on winner’s row.

On Saturday Hosororo came from behind to beat Waramuri 4-2 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 1-1.

Gustavo Peters gave Wa r a m u r i t h e l e a d after 35 minutes.

Raphael Hernandez responded in the 80th for Hosororo.

On Sunday in a double header, host Santa Rosa cruised to an easy 4-0 win over Kamwatta with Rahul Archer netting treble in the 32, 41 and 70, while

Dwayne Robeiro added the other in the 80th.

In the first encounter, Mabaruma defeated Wauna also by a 4-0 margin.

The goals scorers were Ronnie Perez 32nd, D a n i e l Ly n c h 4 8 t h , Junior Willis 79th and Lenardo Emanuel 85th.

Play in the tournament continued yesterday.

Right-hander Roston Chase … the only uncapped player named in the squad.

Leon Johnson Taylor has abruptly retired from Test cricket.

The WICB announced Monday that the Jamaican had informed he would not longer be available for selection in the game’s longest form.

Leon Johnson, inexplicably out of favour for the last year-and-a-half, has been recalled following a first class campaign where he plundered 807 runs at an average of 57 with two hundreds, to be the leading run-scorer.

The left-hander has played four Tests and averages nearly 40.

Selectors have kept faith with Rajendra Chandrika who averages 14 from three

Tests. His first four Test innings contained three ‘ducks’ but he redeemed himself with a half-century in Melbourne last December.

New chairman of selectors, Courtney Browne, said going forward selection would depend on consistency and guided by “statistical analysis”.

“The selection panel is looking to create a competitive environment where players are fully accountable for their performances while meeting the standards consistently in each of the three formats of the game,” Browne said.

“The methodology of selection will be further enhanced by the increased use of statistical analysis

along with fitness standards.

The players will be monitored closely for all regional and international competitions.”

The first Test bowls off at the Vivian Richards Cricket Ground and continues with Tests at Sabina Park from July 30 to August 3; at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Ground from August 9-13 and at Queen’s Park Oval from August 18-22.

SQUAD – Jason Holder (captain), Kraigg Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Jermaine Blackwood, Carlos Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Rajendra Chandrika, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Leon Johnson, Marlon Samuels.

t r o Sp

Tallawahs and Tridents CPL fixture abandoned due to rain Digicel Schools Football Championship

Annai claw back to down St. Ignatius on penalties to remain #1 in Region 9

Digicel’s Althea Pollard hands over the champion’s trophy to Annai’s Captain Sherral Daniels in the presence of his fellow teammates and other Digicel officials.

GBFF National C/Ships

Clarke retains Mr. Guyana crown, Abrahim, Bacchus, Campbell, Ganpat excel

The respective winners display their lats as they hunt the Mr. Guyana crown. Champion Kerwin Clarke is second from left, while Eustace Abrahim is at far left. (Zaheer Mohamed photo).

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