Guyana needs a time for healing DEAR EDITOR, What Guyana desperately needs is a time for healing and the APNU+AFC government in its third year of government is in a position to facilitate this. I would like to share with the Coalition Government, experience we have gained over two decades of “groundings” with Guyanese of all walks of life in the major Administrative Centers during our Unity Walks and the distribution of over ten thousand post cards of the National Unity Monument. Most Guyanese are unaware that the unification of the Guyanese Nation is founded on our common historical experience and the appreciation of our diverse culture. Being Familiar with our history is one thing but being able to put it into the right perspective as Walter Rodney did is another which describes the unique Guyanese experience in the “Humanization of the Guyanese Landscape” the role of Social Forces, Race and
Class. It is quite regrettable that Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Walter’s closest comrade, as Minister of Education did not introduce Walter Rodney’s writings for children into the Primary School curriculum and his more advanced works of early Guyanese history to Secondary Schools. Dr. Walter Rodney’s writings could have set the foundation for our unsound Educational system. Most esteemed writers and intellectuals regard Walter’s scholarly works as beyond genius. On June 13, 2018, we once again observe the Death Anniversary of Dr. Walter Rodney, who during his short lifetime, had made an indelible contribution to the ideal of a united Guyanese Nation. Tragic as it was, it still offers the opportunity for Guyanese to come together, for the warring politicians to bury their war axes. Walter Rodney’s party, the WPA, and its leadership have displayed political maturity unseen in Guyanese
politics in making possible the APNU. It was a decisive break with the politics of the old but its actions would be misinterpreted if the major Coalition in the APNU the PNC remains ensnared by its past. Based therefore on our “groundings”, I would recommend to the Coalition Government that June 13th 2018 be declared “Walter Rodney Memorial Day”. It would be an Auspicious day for the Guyanese Nation, a day in which younger generations are introduced to the life and illustrious works of this great Son Of Our Soil, Teacher, Historian, Freedom fighter, Father, Friend, Brother and late Husband of Patricia Rodney. On June 13, there will be the Observation of Walter Rodney Memorial day on the Square of the Revolution from 9am to 1pm, all are invited. Yours Respectfully, Desmond Alli ( (General Secretary of The Guyana United Artists G.U.A)
The remigrant versus the die-hard ... From page 4 surprise a “Higher Up” in the very same Public Service. Correct me if I am wrong, but shouldn’t those who have endured decline, mediocrity and victimization be given first preference now that the “tide is rising fast”? Mind you I am in no way insinuating that overseasbased Guyanese should have no part to play in the development of their country, but jockeying for the inside track in a woefully corrupt and incompetent third world country isn’t exactly the way to cover oneself in glory. Indeed had the individual who presided over the Durban Park Tarmac fiasco had any modicum of pride, they would have gracefully exited to Florida to enjoy a comfortable retirement. Then again shame and pride seems to lost on a backpacking excursion to Monkey Mountain. I am well aware that my words will be lost in the
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
digital ether because “men convinced against their will, is of the same opinion still”. Let me close by reflecting on simpler times when water came from the tap when you turned it on, lights shone when you flipped the switch, and Georgetown was hailed as the garden city. When I was in my teens I eagerly consumed comic books with one of my favorites being “Tin Tin” and you folks old enough to know what I am talking about will remember Captain Haddock, whose favorite exclamation after an extremely trying event was “blundering , blistering, barnacles”. At times when the APNU/AFC Administration with the unheard of twentyplus Ministers, continually move from one blunder to another, I sadly shake my head and say to myself “blundering ,blistering barnacles”. Dare I say that a day of reckoning will be here sooner than later and the Keystone Cops shooting
themselves in the foot will find the opposition benches in Parliament a very discomforting place. Not if, but when that day comes, it is left to be seen if the selfis h s o u p l i c k e r s would once again jump ship and head for more familiar territories having had their place at the soup table replaced by those who had waited with bated breath, patiently in the line. By the way anyone has updates on that “Constitutional Reform”? Sadly some people never ever learn from their mistakes and time is great reminder that ignorance and arrogance are strange bedfellows. Out of curiosity you can check on YOUTUBE and listen to the songs mentioned above. Should be enjoyable. Keith Francis Jacksonville Florida.
THE INSULT BY MAE’S SCHOOL TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE DEAR EDITOR, Every indigenous individual in this country of Guyana, at least once, has experienced their share of discrimination before and the insult Mae’s has demonstrated by attempting to degrade an indigenous student’s identity is a sign that the ‘’silent serial killer-Racism’’ is alive and well. Indigenous people are the first people in this country and we will forever be, but Mr. Editor we are also the first and worst to be affected by Racism, discrimination, and inequality (also climate change). Mae’s incident is a sample of a battle that indigenous people have been fighting since the beginning of the
Europeans meeting our shores. Most Guyanese in our country don’t face these issues of being labelled and not having their rights respected to demonstrate their cultural identity. Most are not treated as if they are a developmental problem. With that, Guyana is not any different from the countries that treat Indigenous unlawfully. The development of Mae’s is directly related to indigenous people in Guyana plight and those of around the world. Mr. Editor almost 50% of Indigenous Guyanese are young people. This is a demonstration that in the near future we either be a statistic or the bones that lead the coun-
try in a sustainable path. We can no longer tolerate the level of discrimination that exists towards the Indigenous people of this country. Standing with the people at Mae’s gave me the feeling that ‘’enough is enough’’. The school’s attitude is as if the indigenous students don’t deserve an apology but then that’s the personality of the administration of the school. I am urging my fellow brothers and sisters whom I know had their share of discrimination to come out and support. The strength to hold this from being throwing under the rug lies with us who support. Gyarth Taylor (Student)
A sad and disappointing affair DEAR EDITOR, I wish to preface my letter with the following quotes: “If tolerance, respect and equity permeate family life, they will translate into values that shape societies, nations and the world.” Kofi Annan. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” – Article 1, Universal Declaration of Human rights. If you embrace cultural diversity, you would have been, as I was, saddened, disappointed and infuriated by the reported humiliation of a very impressionable little boy by the very institution paid to educate him. I imagined his excitement about wearing his indigenous traditional dress to school on culture day and my heart broke when I imagined the moment his pride turned to shame – the moment he was told his attire was not appropriate. It is as bad as it sounds, but worse still, is the repugnant reaction of the per-
petrators. The forced, delayed response from the school’s administration was crude and insulting, and judging from their notice to parents leaked on social media, appeared to be equally disingenuous. The tone of the statement speaks volumes. For starters, it failed to acknowledge that a student, their student, his family, and an entire ethnic group were offended. It failed to extend a hand towards a mutually amicable resolution. It hypocritically boasted of its “duty” to “look out for the best interest” of the children they “serve”. More so, it cited the lack of clear policies governing the way children should dress, a blatant insult of our intelligence, or perhaps, a clear indication of their ignorance. Academic literature on the negative effects of racial discrimination are abundant, but in this particular context, I wish to cite a study published in the Child Development journal by the Society for Research in Child Development, which found that awareness
of racism affects how children perform socially and academically. The Researchers from Rush University and Yale University found that once children become aware of biases and stereotypes about their race or ethnic group, it affects the way they react to everyday situations, including their interaction with others and academic performance. It was also found that children’s awareness of negative stereotypes leads to conformity in self-fulfilling prophecy. I encourage the educational institution in question to educate its faculty, staff and students on cultural and racial tolerance, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights on Indigenous Peoples would be a great place to start. If they review this document, hopefully they’ll realize that they were in breach of quite a few articles such as Article 7, “Indigenous peoples have a collective right to live…as a distinctive people…” or Article 8, “…the right not to be (Continued on page 6)
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Don’t blame me - Anil Nandlall DEAR EDITOR, My attention was drawn to a letter written by Pat Robinson Commissiong published in the Kaieteur News, May 31, 2018. Denuded of its esoteric content, I apprehend the writer’s query to be; 1) why the Judicial Review Act was not brought into force during the PPP Adminstration; and, 2) what period did I serve as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs?
The singular reason why the Bill was not operationalised in 2010 (and before May 2015) was because the Rules of Court, in force then, were silent on judicial review and the procedure by which judicial review is to be applied for. The remedies which the Act provides were to be accessed, are contained in the new Civil Procedure Rules (CPR), which were then in draft. As a result, the draftsman
resided a power in the Legal Affairs Minister to bring the Act into force by an Order, when the CPR is promulgated. The CPR was promulgated in February 2016. The Chief Justice so found in her ruling. I served as Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs from December 2011 to May 2015. Yours faithfully Mohabir Anil Nandlall, MP Attorney-at-law
A sad and disappointing affair From page 5 subjected to forced assimilation or destruction of their culture.”, or Article 11, “…the right to practice and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs.”, or Article 15 “...the right to dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.”, or Article 31, “…the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage…” Moreover, Guyana is signatory to the Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The State therefore, has a responsibility to foster social cohesion and by extension a responsibility to investigate, enforce and where necessary, enact new policies to prevent discrimination and provide redress. To date, I look forward to seeing official statements from the Government and the
United Nations that strongly condemn the action of this school. Indigenous peoples have historically borne the brunt to discrimination and Guyana’s Amerindians are all too familiar. While we insist on a formal apology from Mae’s and their commitment to prevent such a recurrence, unfortunately, they are not the only culpable ones. I urge you readers, to recall how many ‘buck’ (an absolutely derogatory name used to refer to Amerindians) jokes you’ve made! That many, huh? Now, consider how your comments may have affected others, especially if it was directed at a minor. This issue resonates with me because I have personally felt the pain of bullying because of my Amerindian heritage. If I had a dollar for every time I was treated disparagingly, every time I wanted to crawl inside a shell because I was made to feel inferior, every time I felt like I did not belong. Having listened to some of the protestors on the picket line, I realized that I was not the only one who was made to feel my place was in the “bush”. We should never become desensitized to discrimination and injustice in any
way, shape or form. Instead, we should seek to rewrite the narrative surrounding racial tolerance at every level of society and schools are ideally positioned, after the family of course, to facilitate this fundamental conversation. The media should not be a place where grievances go to die. Rather, it should be the instrument that amplifies the cry for social justice; loud enough for politicians and policy makers to hear, and consistent enough for international human rights groups to recognize complacency where it exists and the power of their office to compel action. Sincerely, Vanessa Devonish
Friday June 01, 2018
Foreign experts support view points expressed by patriots DEAR EDITOR, I wonder if Guyana will wake up and smell the coffee now that two prominent international experts on political risks have joined me and other patriots in warning that G u y a n a ’s o i l b o n a n z a could cause corruption in high places to skyrocket and uproot democracy, independence and all the principles and values we hold dear. This week, news broke that Thiago de Aragao, Director of the Latin American Political Risk Analysis, is urging the Government to strengthen systems governing the electoral process, taxation and regulation because, if they are not up to standard, Guyana’s democracy can end up being “choked by oil and gas money”. Referring to petroleum investors’ intentions, Aragao warned: “The business plan is to burn it all”; and to do so, investors will seek to exert influence in every place they can. This echoed my warning early this year that we must guard against this very same thing. In my letter to the media published in February 2018, I wrote: “ExxonMobil . . . puts
their interests first. It is simply good business sense for them to use all their bargaining power to ensure that the interests of their shareholders and directors come first and their opportunities for expansion and investment are protected”. Aragao also warned that “there must be a clear set of rules for taxation in the oil and gas industry as well as environmental regulation. I recall that I also warned about ‘hungrybelly’ officials being sucked into corruption by investors. In a letter published in March 2018, I referred to the proposed Sovereign Wealth Fund to manage Guyana’s oil monies and warned that it “will definitely fatten the eyes of every corrupt politician and official. Even those who are not yet corrupt will be exposed to enormous temptation . . . many would be unable to resist”. I read in a separate news report, that another expert, Executive Director of Agency for Security, Energy and the Environment (ASEA) of Mexico, Carlos De Regules, called for a strong, independent regulatory body to moni-
A question for those selecting... From page 4 first degree, and two other representatives from co-hosting agencies, one of whom has a Diploma in an unrelated field. Contrast that if you will with the situation where that very applicant was previously interviewed by an International organization for a similar position. The panel of interviewers consisted of five persons, all of whom were holders of Ph. D degrees in the relevant disciplines. Four were published authors in their respective areas of competence and former Assistant Professors at vari-
ous American Universities. They interviewed the Guyanese applicant and he was successful. The Guyanese panel interviewed the same Guyanese for a similar position and he was unsuccessful! How can one explain that? Another concrete step funding agencies might consider taking if they are serious about corruption, is requiring implementing agencies to submit to them a detailed description of the nature and structure of the interview. What type of interview would be conducted? Would it be a competence-based in-
terview? A behavioral-based interview? Where is the list of questions each candidate would be asked? Such a step, which is in keeping with the Best Practices of international organizations, would go a long way in preventing the appointment of misfits with the subsequent unintended consequences. Finally, and this concludes My Wish List for all Guyanese Professionals who want an equal opportunity to contribute to the development of Guyana, the IDB and CDB should require the interviewing panel to inform beforehand interested parties shortlisted for an interview the criteria that would be used to evaluate their performance. And the weight ass igned to each criterion. UN Agencies and many other international organizations and Banks operationalize those Best Practices. Is this too much to ask? Tough talks and strident exhortations to be honest in a 2-day workshop are like the blows of a hammer, they are always repulsed by the anvil. Sincerely (Name withheld)
tor the activities of investors and guarantee environmental protection of Guyana. He noted that such an environmental body cannot do its job effectively unless it is independent and free from any instance of political interference. He also commented: “They should also be financially independent so they can plan for the long term and have the resources to do so”. This calls to mind a warning in my letter in March about the Sovereign Wealth Fund that “We have to put powerful transparency and accountability mechanisms in place to protect the Sovereign Wealth Fund (to manage oil revenue) from being subject to wrongdoing and poor investments”. Like De Regules, I recognise that political interference will stifle national development. I recall writing a letter to the media in February pointing out that Guyana is like virgin territory for ExxonMobil, presenting a gem of an opportunity to show the peoples of the world how the company can make a nation shine on many fronts and erase the negative image plastered upon them by critics in many nations. It is not my nature to criticize without offering solutions. For the record, let me once again draw attention to some points that I made in previous letters, which seem to be even more relevant in light of media reports about the recent statements by the two experts referenced above. In a nutshell: Guyana’s oil revenue must be put under the supervision and scrutiny of a multi stakeholder Board that comprises independent professionals drawn from civic society. It can include accomplished professionals, religious bodies, the Private Sector Commission, the Chamber of Commerce and officials from CARICOM or elsewhere, provided they are competent and free from political interference. A Board such as this will more effectively serve as a watchdog against corruption by those in power. Guyana has a lot of foreign-minded people, so maybe more persons will heed these warnings b e c a u s e they come from foreign experts who have basically used elegant, technical terms to make exactly the same points that I and other local observers have been making for a long time now. Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr.
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
Regardless of the company, regulate without fear or favour By Kiana Wilburg hen it comes to the regulation of the oil sector, there are two key things Guyana must do. The nation must make it mandatory for companies to operate under safety and environmental management systems. It must also make it obligatory for oil operators to prove they have financial coverage to cover an oil spill. This salient piece of advice was provided by Executive Director of the Agency for Security, Energy and the Environment (ASEA) of Mexico, Carlos De Regules Ruiz-Funes. By adhering to the recommended steps, the Executive Director said that Guyana would be ensuring that it prevents certain accidents from occurring while securing environmental accountability. He said that this approach is taken in Mexico and there have been great results. The ASEA Head stated, “In Mexico, we published two pieces of regulations on this (matter). They are the Safety and Environmental Regulations and one for financial responsibility. With the first, you have the preventative approach and with the second, you make sure they are financially ready to respond to pollution and accidents. If
W
Deadly high seas attacks in Suriname…
M
- Mexican Regulator
Executive Director of ASEA, CarlosDe Regules Ruiz-Funes they can’t pass (or comply with) those two, then they are not allowed to operate, regardless of who they are and the investment brought.” Ruiz-Funes said his advice to Guyana would be to regulate its sector without fear or favour, irrespective of the company. He stressed that companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron are accustomed to working in environments that demand only the optimum in international best practices. There are many examples
where the governments of nations ensure that oil companies are tied to strict environmental provisions in their contracts. Unfortunately, Guyana is not one of those nations. In the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) signed between the Government of Guyana and USA oil giant, ExxonMobil, there are vague terms for compliance with environmental protection standards. There is also no provision for insurance to compensate for any adverse effects of an oil spill.
suspects confess to roles in killings
ore than one month after deadly attacks on predominantly Guyanese fishermen, off the coast of Suriname, investigators in that neighbouring country believe they have nailed a few of the main players. A number of suspects have reportedly made full admissions to the police about their roles and that of others in the incidents, the De Ware Tijd newspaper of Suriname reports. One of the suspects is said to be the son of Somnath Manohar, a Guyana-born fisherman/boat owner who lived in Suriname, and was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on March 30. The attacks on four boats on April 27 are said to be retaliation in an ongoing feud among rival fishermen. According to the De Ware Tijd, in addition to Manohar’s son, another of his family member is being held by Suriname authorities. In Guyana, on Wednesday, Manohar ’s
Manohar, was slapped with murder charges for his role. He is alleged to be one of the organizers of the attacks, off the shores of Suriname, in the water between French Guiana and the former D u t c h t e r r i t o r y. U n d e r Dutch law, authorities can hold on to suspects pending investigations. The revelations of confessions were made yesterday during a press conference of the Police Corps Suriname (KPS). It was also disclosed that twelve of the total of 25 victims are still missing. Eleven of them are said to be
Guyanese. Eight fishermen survived the massacre. Inspector Erwin Dort, acting head of Capital Crimes, said that the robberies of April 27th and May 3rd were carried out by the same attackers. Apart from the fact that fishermen were killed, fish, gas cylinders and outboard engines were carted off. The police investigations in Suriname and Guyana, however, revealed that the attack was not so much for the commission of robberies. In fact, investigators were able to (Continued on page 29)
PAGE 7
Govt. moves to build 1,000 septic tanks
G
ovt. moves to build 1,000 septic tanksThe process for a major project to build 1,000 septic tanks in targeted areas around the coastland is underway. The project is being funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) and the European Union (EU). The Government announced the project this week in an advertisement in Kaieteur News. It was disclosed that the Government of Guyana has received financing in the amount equivalent to US$16,838,250 from the InterAmerican Development Bank and EUR 10,675,000 from the Caribbean Investment Facility (CIF) of the European Union (EU). It is the intention to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, works and services to be procured under the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure
Improvement Program (WSSIIP). The main objectives of the project contemplate the construction of 1,000 septic tanks as part of the WSSIIP. However, for purposes of this initial phase, the scope of works shall include construction and related works of 335 Septic Tanks within WSSIIP areas. The targeted areas include on the West Coast of Demerara, East Coast Demerara, East Berbice and Georgetown Area 1 (Cornelia Ida to De Kinderen) includes five lots: Cornelia Ida to Leonora, Stewartville, Uitvlugt to De Willem, Meten Meer Zorg and De Kinderen; Area 2 is Arcadia to Grove; Area 3 (Fortlands to Susannah) Cumberland to No. 2 Village, Ordnance to Sheet Anchor, Canfield to Goed Bananen Land and No. 19 Road; Area 4 (Agricola to Cummings Lodge).
According to the executing entity, the Guyana Water Incorporated, it is inviting eligible contracting firms to indicate their interest in the works. Contractors must supply the workforce from within the areas where the projects are taking place. “Shortlisted contractors will be invited to submit bids for the works in accordance with procedures specified in the Inter-American Development Bank’s Policies for the Procurement of Works and Goods financed by the Inter-American Development Bank, GN-2349-9, March 2011.” Bids are closed on Thursday, June 14, 2018.
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
US$460M pre contract cost… Govt. obligated to respond to legitimate concerns about “huge sums Guyana will have to pay back”- Jagdeo By Abena RockcliffeCampbell Concerns remain about the US460M pre-contract cost that Guyana has committed to repaying ExxonMobil. In fact, Opposition leader, Bharrat Jagdeo has said that government’s silence on the legitimacy of the pre-contract cost is cause for worry. Jagdeo said this last week at his press conference. The former President said that government should not be ignoring the legitimate concerns of citizens. Further, Jagdeo said that it would actually be in the government’s best interest to address the matters so as prevent citizens from believing what might not be true. He said, “This government should be rushing to answer these questions or people will conclude, as most have, that corruption is afoot.” Jagdeo acknowledged that Chartered Accountant and Attorney at Law, Christopher Ram has been writing extensively about the woes of
the nascent oil sector in Guyana. The former President said, “He asked a couple of good questions and the most important was, did we verify this figure (US$460M) before we put it as a commitment?. He asked also, who verified the figure? We need to know if the financial statements of the company were considered.” Jagdeo said, “These are reasonable questions, government should give answers to those because what is at stake, is a huge sum of money that Guyana would have to pay back basically.” In recent writings, Ram noted that the US$460M precontract costs claim submitted to the Guyana Government by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary is overstated by at least US$92M. Ram analysed the financial statements which have been lodged by ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), CNOOC/Nexen and Hess, and said they and the government must now
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram
justify the US$460M figure. The analysis of the figure had been held up as Hess only recently filed its financials here. The US$460M in pre-contract costs pertains to the period from 1999 leading up to December 31, 2015. Ram’s computation of the three figures supplied by the companies shows that even allowing for all expenses and expenditure, the total falls well short of the US$460,237,918 claimed by
them. Ram had written, “I say at least, because not all expenditure is recoverable as precontract costs. For example, Esso had close to US$5 million in current assets, mainly in inventory, which will be expensed as they are placed into use and consumed. Only at that point should they be expensed as contract cost. Therefore the amount should not be included as pre-contract cost.” Jagdeo said that if Ram
can come up short US$92M then a clarification should be given as to why. “Because he took all cost into consideration and all cost is not cost recovery.” Ram had said that unless ExxonMobil and its partners can come up with answers and explanations as to what appears to be a very significant difference between the amount claimed and what the financial statements at a gross level reveal, they will encourage suspicion of grave impropriety in overstating their claim. “It is clearly in their joint and several interests that they provide full, complete and credible explanations supported by authentic documentation capable of withstanding a rigorous audit, and that they agree voluntarily to submit themselves to such an audit. I will raise those questions next week after first holding our government accountable”, Ram asserted. Ram has also posed a series of questions to the government including, “Was the
figure US$460,237,918 set out in the Annex supported by detailed statements by each of the three companies? Was any verification exercise done of the pre-contract expenses figures and information provided? If so, by whom? Was the Audit Office asked to verify the figure? Who checked to verify that the sum claimed was consistent with the rest of Annex C, in terms of categories, allowed and not allowed etc.? If there was no verification at that stage, why was provision not made for such verification at a later date? “ Ram argued that the precontract cost ranks with the royalty, stability clause, no tax and secrecy, as the more egregious features of the 2016 Agreement, and said it would be good if at least this one is put to rest to the satisfaction of Guyanese. He warned: “On the other hand, the oil companies must know that they ignore these questions at the risk of their reputation. Guyanese are not gullible or without options”.
K
aieteur News has been providing a great service to the public by publishing information about some of the deals which have been entered into between the Government of Guyana and foreign companies. For doing its work as a public watchdog, this newspaper is now being accused of being vicious and of orchestrating a politically-motivated campaign to discredit Guyana Goldfields. Those making this charge do not seem to appreciate the absurdity of their proposition. If Kaieteur News’ reporting of the generous concessions enjoyed by Guyana Goldfields, and the company’s assault on local content, constitutes a politically motivated-campaign, then those making such charges must explain in whose political interest Kaieteur News is acting. It surely cannot be the APNU+AFC coalition, because the government’s handling of the concessions has been criticized. It is also under the APNU+AFC administration that the company is being accused of trying to reduce its local content obligations. Kaieteur News surely cannot be acting in the interest of the PPPC. It was the PPPC originally which granted the concessions. The charge of a politically orchestrated attack against the company is therefore just a smokescreen to attract sympathy for a foreign company whose actions have adversely come under the radar. Those making the charge of a politically orchestrated campaign seem to have lost
all sense of balance. The spread of what is alleged to be false information – is being designated as cyber terrorism. Talk about poppycock!We are told that Guyana Goldfields is the single largest contributor to the treasury. And that even prior to gold being found, the company had invested billions. No one says that the company is also one of the largest – if not the largest – producers of gold in Guyana, and that this is Guyanese gold for which the company has been given extraction rights. The company invested billions because it is going to make many more billions in return.Every investor in a productive enterprise is required to make an investment even before production begins. You cannot produce beer unless you build a brewery. You cannot mine for gold unless you put in the infrastructure and equipment. This is basic Business 101. Guyana Goldfields was therefore not doing anyone any favours by investing billions prior to finding gold. It knew that there is four million ounces of gold in those mines and it has full license to extract the ore containing those four million ounces. It knew that from its exploratory surveys and this is why it made the investment. It has announced on its website that this is reserve of gold in the mines. Guyana Goldfields was not investing blindly. It was certain that there was gold. It has published that the Guiana Shield contains many multimillion-dollar deposits of gold. Therefore, Guyana Gold-
Kamal Ramkarran re-elected Bar Association President
T
he Bar Association of Guyana held its Annual General Meeting yesterday at Court 1 of the Victoria Law Courts, Georgetown. Kamal Ramkarran was unanimously re-elected, unopposed, as President of the Bar Association. Robin Stoby, S.C. and Teni Housty were also unanimously reelected unopposed to their positions of Vice-President. Similarly, the association disclosed in a statement, Pauline Chase was re-elected as Secretary and Devindra Kissoon as Treasurer. Keoma Griffith was elected as the new Assistant Secretary of the association. Jamela Ali, Timothy Jonas, Sanjeev Datadin, Arudranauth Gossai, Sonia
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
Re-elected as President: Kamal Ramkarran Parag and Alanna Lall were elected to the remaining six seats on the council.
fields was doing itself a favour by investing billions even before production began. It was doing what every investor does – place an outlay of capital in order to achieve profits down the line. Guyana Goldfields has been given generous concessions. Billions of dollars worth of concessions have been handed to the company on a silver platter. Where is the formula which is supposed to link concessions to employment and other variables?Gold was trading at US$1300+ per ounce yesterday. Multiply that by a mil-
lion ounces. Then assume that the cost of production is around US$523 per ounce (it is a large scale mining concessions). Guyana Goldfields is expected therefore, at present prices, to make more than US$3 billion dollars or more than 600 billion Guyana dollars over the life of the gold mines.Guyana Goldfields is expected to produce 270,000 ounces per year. Over four years, this will be over 1 million ounces. Within a decade and half, all the four million ounces should have been extracted and the mines left barren. The profits which
Guyana Goldfields and its shareholders are making are astronomical. And let us not forget that this is Guyana’s gold. So why is it unreasonable for the Guyanese to not be upset at the importation of an aircraft and trucks which will take businesses out of the hands of locals given all the billions this company is going to make?If Guyanese had the resources to develop that mine, we would have all been millionaires. But that does not mean that because we do not have the resources that we should bend forward and al-
low Guyana Goldfields to take advantage of us. Guyana Goldfields must not become another OMAI Gold Mines, who took out all of our gold and never declared a profit. It is for this reason that the Kaieteur News is paying keen attention to these deals signed under the PPPC and with which the APNU+AFC seems very comfortable.
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 29
Aurora Gold Mine did not give reason for plane import ...hides local content obligations from GCAA
A
urora Gold Mine had told the nation - via advertisements and letters - that it did not feel safe with the services provided by the local airlines. It opted to import its own plane and pilots to access its hinterland operations. However, the company did not communicate those safety concerns to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) when it made the application for the aircraft. The company did not notify the GCAA of its local content obligations to Guyana, and GCAA granted the company permission to operate its Canadian-registered Twin Otter here. Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field, confirmed this during an interview with Kaieteur News yesterday, after he would have perused the company’s files. He stated that the company was approved to conduct flights in Guyana’s interior on December 6, 2017. “They brought this aircraft and said this here is the company aircraft and they would like permission to fly here,” Field explained. There was no mention of the safety concerns. After revelations by Kaieteur News that local aviation operators were kicked out by the company, a letter from an “AGM aviation employee” appeared in the press supporting the company’s position on the use of the foreignregistered plane. The letter stated, “Please take note that the entry of this aircraft was made at the time when there were myriad aircraft accidents and incidents involving various local operators. “As such this decision was induced by the concern for the safety of our approximately 800-plus local and 30 expatriate workers.” LOCAL CONTENT Under contract with Guyana, Aurora has to meet very strict local content obligations.In the case of the Twin Otter, the company has
The Canadian-registered Twin Otter owned by Aurora Gold Mine Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field contracted Canadian Flyers World Aviation Services, based in Ontario, to provide flight crew services. Field was asked if the aviation authority considered the company’s local content obligations. The GCAA Chief stated that this was not considered when the application was processed. “It was submitted to us that the aircraft is being used in the company’s interest. That is the story. We don’t deal with contractual obligations. They must know how they will deal with the [local] companies they have contracted. “We deal with the company, Aurora Gold. The aircraft is a private aircraft for the company and that is how we looked at it,” Field stated. He was asked whether the operation of the Twin Otter should be looked at on a commercial basis since the company was essentially replacing local commercial operators. “They applied as a private company; why should I tell them (Aurora Gold Mine) they are doing commercial flights. This airplane is a private airplane doing private flights,” Field defended. NO LOCAL PILOT
In the midst of a firestorm regarding the use of local goods and services, Aurora boasted of hiring local pilots. However, Field stated that no Guyanese pilot living here is licensed to fly the Canadianregistered plane. This is so because the state of the license of the crew has to be same as the registration of the aircraft. A local must be certified by Canada to be able to fly the company’s plane since it is registered in Canada. “No Guyanese in Guyana is qualified to fly the Twin Otter at this time. They [local pilots] may have flown Twin Otters in the past, but after not flying an aircraft for two years you have to do the entire type rating course to qualify to have a rating to fly that aircraft. The company’s hiring of local pilots is not by accident. As part of the GCAA approval, the company is mandated to have a local experienced pilot onboard until the Canadian crew has attained sufficient flight time in Guyana’s hinterland. Observers have outlined to Kaieteur News that this allows for the transfer of Guyanese expertise of hinterland flights to the Canadian crew.
Major headway as suspects... From page 7 determine that monies were paid. Among the 19 suspects arrested in the past few weeks are persons who were directly involved in the execution as well as others who are “indirectly involved”. According to Inspector Dort: “Suspects have made a resounding confession”. In the meantime, a number of suspects have been released for the time being. Five suspects are still fugitive. One of them was
said to be Manohar who was charged in Guyana on Wednesday. Of the twelve fishermen who are still missing, no personal details are known, police in Suriname said yesterday.It was disclosed that deadly attacks sparked a shutdown of Suriname’s fishing industry with worried relatives in Guyana journeying to find out what happened.A number of the families will probably never experience closure as the bodies are still missing.
While Suriname has reopened fishing, authorities are signaling tighter checks to ensure fishermen are registered, instead of them just turning up and starting to work on the boats. The incidents had seen both G uyanese and Surinamese journey between the two neighbours as part of the investigations. Until those attacks, Guyanese officials had insisted that they had dented piracy.
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
Patient detained after ‘clash’ with staff at Skeldon Hospital Patients at the Skeldon Public Hospital yesterday were in an uproar in the institution’s compound after they alleged that staff at the registry area (where patients register for medication after seeing the doctor) was not tending to them in a fair and efficient manner. They claimed that there was a built up line, with persons waiting for long periods while the clerks were tending to “special persons”. It was after the patients highlighted to the clerk about what she was doing that the staff “shut the small door on we”. One staff attached to the institution also reportedly made remarks towards the patients who complained to the media that they were “disgusting”. Sharda Mangar who was in the line reportedly waiting for a long period of time to be engaged by the clerk, disclosed that she visited the hospital at approximately 9:30 am yesterday to accompany her ill sister. She stated that when they arrived they
Skeldon Hospital
Detained: Sharda Mangar
noticed the “unusually long line” at the registry area but proceeded to meet with the doctor. ”When we came out back the line was very long so we noticed that the people at the side were getting looked after and the people at the front in the line was not and the line kept getting longer. So I called on the girl and asked her how come people getting look after on the side and not in the line
and she say that they have clinic patients and out patients clinic. I told her both clinic and out-patients are in two separate lines and I told them they need to get themselves organized and she said ‘I am not working here’, Mangar complained. According to her, patients were in the line from 6:00 am yesterday and noon had reached with them still waiting, “people were trying
to video to show what nonsense they were doing and they stop us and we asked if we can speak to someone and they told us there is nobody to speak to. We are paying taxes in this country, it is our right. You cannot come to a public hospital and be treated like dogs and pigs. Most of the patients had to go away because they could not get a prescription because it was not registered”. She stated that the office door was closed after patients began to complain and was not reopened for the remainder of the day. Mangar stressed that it was not the first time patients was being treated in such a manner, since “it is a norm”. It was also revealed that the staff went as far as issuing threats that the police would be brought in to have her
arrested if she continued to video. ”I was not afraid to video because that is my right”, she argued. When reporters arrived at the institution, patients who filled the benches in the waiting area were immediately moved inside the building by nurses, while there was a maid yelling at the top of her voice in the compound “dem too disgusting I don’t care if the media hear, leh dem hear, dem always coming here and making problems”. Her loud outbursts were not stopped by any of the staff, including the person in charge, since they allowed her to carry on with lewd remarks towards the patients. When asked to speak with the hospital administrator or the doctor in charge, a female doctor, who refused to provide her name, stated “the
administrator is on leave and the doctor in charge is off duty”. She also stated that she was in charge and further directed all questions regarding what she called “an incident” to the Director of Public Health Services in Berbice. Mangar was later picked up by the police who arrived at the hospital and took her to the Springlands Station. She stated that the police told her that she was detained for disorderly behaviour. Meanwhile, Alex Foster, Focal Point to MOH stated that the official report he received was that one of the officers who does administrative duties was asked to work at the Accident and Emergency Department registering patients, but because “she does not work in that department she was a (Continued on page 27)
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 13
Kaieteur News
NIS launches probe into sexual molestation of battered wife
The National Insurance Scheme [NIS] officer at the centre of a sexual molestation allegation might have just exhausted his ‘nine lives’. This is in light of reports that the man, who is accused of coercing a client of the Brickdam, Georgetown NIS office to have sexual relations with him in order to fast-track her death benefits claim, was already upbraided for previous indictments. There have been rumours that the officer could be sent packing once an investigation substantiates the claims of the alleged victim. Reports suggest that the said officer, while stationed at another NIS office, was at the centre of another sexual harassment probe. In yesterday’s edition of this newspaper it was reported that the NIS client in question, one Shameeza Mohamed, was for close to a
- promises to fast-track claims year deceived by the said officer who’d assured her that he was processing her claim. According to the woman, she endured an abusive relationship for years which even saw her being dealt several life-threatening stab wounds at the hands of her reputed husband who passed away in November of 2013. The woman had shared a 17-year long relationship with the man. She only last year learnt that she was eligible to make a death benefit claim. But it was only Wednesday that the woman learnt for the first time that she was nowhere close to accessing her claim after trying for a year. Angered by the development, the woman decided to share the ordeal she endured at the hands of the officer. On learning of the dilemma
detailed in the pages of this newspaper, this publication learnt that NIS General Manager, Ms. Holly Greaves, made contact with the woman to hear her concerns and has since launched an investigation. Additionally, the woman has been assured that she will be afforded her claim as early as next week. According to Mohamed, she first filed her claim with NIS at the beginning of last year. Her first meeting at the Brickdam, Georgetown office, she recalled, was with a female officer who she remembers as “very friendly”. While the male officer [the officer under investigation] was just as friendly, the woman recalled that his ‘friendliness’ quickly reached another level. “First thing he did was ask me for my phone number and
asked if I on Whatsapp or Facebook, and I said I don’t know anything about that. He asked me if I would mind if he text me...” Believing that the man required her number to advance her claim, the woman obliged. It didn’t take long for her to realise that the man had other intentions. The woman, who showed this publication a series of text messages which substantiated her claims of the NIS officer, revealed that although she did not appreciate many of the texts, and told the officer as much, she kept hoping that the benefits would be processed because of her financial need. “I was glad to know some-
body helping me out, but he started telling me things suh out of the way that I didn’t like it. He was asking me things like ‘would you like a man to make love to you?’ He asked me how much years me and me husband tek up, and I tell he since I was 13, and he kept telling me I gon get through [with the benefits] but I need some good loving. He started calling me at nights and ask me what kind underwear I got on...” Mohamed recounted. The woman recalled that on one occasion too, the man asked her to accompany him to a restaurant to complete some paperwork. “I had to ask he why we had to do paperwork outside he office, but he
tell me he had to go to a mechanic shop and didn’t want to hold up me paperwork,” Mohamed recalled. According to Mohamed, the man also asked if she was hungry and volunteered to buy her lunch, but she declined. Mohamed said that although the man had suggested that becoming sexually inv o l v e d w i t h h i m would have helped to fasttrack her claim, she was convinced that he was genuinely doing what was necessary to get it done. “He advised me that I needed to get one of the witnesses to do another statement because it was not done (Continued on page 15)
PAGE 14
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Lusignan prison escapee to stand trial for murder of homeless man A mason who is currently serving a one-year prison sentence for escaping from the Lusignan Prison Holding area by digging his way out, was yesterday committed to stand trial in the High Court for the murder of a homeless man. The homeless man is said to have prevented him and others from carrying out a robbery at Blue Martini, in Newtown, Georgetown. Thirty-one-year-old Shawn Harris of 131 Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was on trial before Senior Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Harris was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on February 5, last, at Owen Street, Kitty, he murdered Sunil Singh. At the conclusion of the preliminary inquiry (PI) yesterday, Magistrate Azore ruled
Shawn Harris that there was sufficient evidence against Harris, for him to stand trial before a judge and jury. Harris will go on trial at the next practicable sitting of the Demerara Assizes He was represented throughout the trial by Attorney-at-Law Peter Fung-a-Fat. According to reports, on the day in question around 02:45hrs, a police patrol went
to the club to enforce the 02:00hrs curfew. Shortly after, Singh, 41, reportedly observed Harris and two other men acting suspiciously outside the night club and alerted Charles Valenzuela – a bartender at the night club, who refused the suspected bandits entry by telling them the club was closed. An argument ensued between the men, during which the bartender was stabbed. Singh intervened and was struck to the head. An injured Singh then ran north into Owen Street, Kitty, a short distance away from the club, and was pursued by the suspect, who caught up with him and stabbed him several times. A resident of Owen Street said that Singh collapsed in front of a house in the area and was transported to the hospital by public-spirited citizens. He reportedly did oddjobs around the area.
Region 5 councillor found guilty on wounding charge A Region Five APNU/ AFC councillor was found guilty on a wounding charge when he appeared Wednesday at the Fort Wellington Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver. It was determined that on Sunday, January 21, 2018, Abel Seetaram, of Woodley Park Village, West Coast Berbice, committed felonious wounding on Nateram Rabindranauth of Lot 64 A Woodley Park Village, West Coast Berbice. Attorney-at-law Horatio Edmonson, representing Seetaram, in a plea of mitigation requested that the court show mercy to his client. Seetaram is set to return to court on June 13th. A probation report is expected to be read along with a sentencing. Nateram Rabindranauth, 54, was hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Public Hos-
pital with a broken jaw, fractured nose and internal bleeding in January. The vendor explained that he was plying his daily trade along the No. 11 Public Road when he saw his son involved in a scuffle with Seetaram’s son. Rabindranauth, the cousin of Seetaram, stated that he stopped and attempted to intervene when Seetaram came out. “I was passing same time and meh try to go and part the fight, and then Abel come out of nowhere and lash me with a wood across meh head,” the injured man recounted. He said that after he received the lash, he fell to the ground and was bleeding profusely from his nose when Seetaram reportedly walked away with his son in the direction of the Fort Wellington Police Station.
Found guilty: Abel Seetaram Rabindranauth stated that shortly after he managed to compose himself and subsequently left for the Police Station with his son as well. A report was made and a medical document was given to him by the police to visit the Fort Wellington Hospital.
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 15
Kaieteur News
Absence of effective Judicial Review Act stymies Court process - Bar Association The Guyana Bar Association has said that the absence of an operational Judicial Review Act (JRA) stymies a vital area of law and has resulted in a number of procedural hurdles. In welcoming the recent decision of the Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, the Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana noted that the implementation of the Act fills a gap in the new Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) launched in 2016. Several procedural remedies for the CPR 2016 are contained in the Judicial Review Act. In this regard, the Bar Association noted that in the absence of this Act, litigation in this vital area of the law has been stymied and fraught with a number of procedural hurdles, some of which were laid bare in the recent CCJ ruling in the case of The Medical Council of Guyana v Jose Ocampo Trueba. In challenging the Medical Council’s refusal of his application for full registration, Dr. Ocampo filed an application for judicial review in the High Court. According to the CCJ, Judicial review is a court proceeding where a judge assesses the lawfulness of a decision or action made by a public body. In the ruling, the CCJ declared that prerogative remedies outlined that the Crown Office Rules of 1906 were no longer available in Guyana and that the Civil Procedure Rules 2016 should be applied to all civil proceedings. In a case where a public officer/ authority is challenged, the
ultimately compels the Attorney General to bring into effect the Judicial Review Act. The JRA which was passed in Parliament in 2010 makes provision for citizens to challenge actions of public authorities on the grounds that their actions are unlawful, illegal, and capricious, contrary to some written law, ultra vires or violate the rules of natural justice. Under the Act, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs is empowered to
Attorney General Basil Williams Judicial Review Act and the CPR are both necessities. Further outlining their concerns, the Bar Council noted that the issue of the implementation of the Act was previously raised with the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams S.C. The Council said that issue was raised at a meeting with the Attorney General on July 22, 2017 and by way of letter dated November 15, 2017, requesting the urgent implementation of the Judicial Review Act. The Council therefore stressed that the implementation of the Judicial Review Act is of vital importance to good public administration in a democratic society, allowing citizens ample remedies against the State and leveling the playing field. “The Bar Council says that it looks forward to the speedy implementation of the Act. Last Monday, the Chief Justice issued a ruling which
NIS launches probe... (From page 13) right...I had to get two witnesses to say that I live for 17 years with me husband so I could claim for the benefit,” explained Mohamed. Reliant on the man to help process her claim, Mohamed said that even when she had to change phone numbers because of a password issue, she ensured that she furnished him with a new number. The man, the woman said, assured her that her claim would soon be available. This was about one week ago. But things came to a head last week when the man informed her that he was required to be on leave because of a fractured arm, and therefore was not in a position to personally handle her claim anymore. However, Mohamed said that she was startled when she learnt Wednesday from another officer who started dealing with her claim that it wasn’t even possible for it to be completed anytime soon. “I started to behave ‘bad’ in NIS [office] because after all this time, and all I had to hear from this man and I still can’t get nothing process. He keep fooling me and say everything okay but nothing was ever okay, all this time,” said Mohamed, as she scrolled the many text messages in her phone from the NIS officer who up to Wednesday, by way of a telephone call, continued to assure her that he will urge his supervisor to process the claim. The text messages have been shared with the NIS General Manager and are expected to serve as part of the ongoing investigation.
issue the publication of an order signed by him in the official Gazette to bring Judicial Review into operation. Williams has however been accused of refusing to bring the act into effect. His action resulted in a Court action taken by former Attorney General Anil Nandlall. In his arguments, Nandlall said that Judicial Review is that area of the law which guards against an abuse of power by any public officer, including ministers of gov-
ernment, any public authority or statutory tribunal. Not bringing the Act into operation hinders members of the citizenry aggrieved by any such matters from effectively mounting a challenge in the Court. According to Nandlall, the new Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) elaborately set out the procedure by which the remedies contained in the judicial review can be applied for in the court. Nandlall had applied for an
Order Nisi of Mandamus to compel Williams to bring into operation the Judicial Review Act of 2010. The order was made absolute by the Chief Justice. In her ruling, Justice George directed the Minister of Legal Affairs to bring the Judicial Review Act into force by July 31, 2018. Williams has since issued a statement questioning the Court’s authority to order him and has indicated his intention to appeal the decision.
PAGE 16
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Hybrid Fund would be best route for Guyana’s oil wealth savings By Kiana Wilburg The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) remains one of the few private institutions which provide a platform for concerned citizens to engage in fruitful discussions about the oil wealth to come. Its most recent efforts in this regard, saw Attorney-atLaw and Oil and Gas consultant, Charles Ramson Jr., delivering a presentation on the Sovereign Wealth Fund, and his views on what Guyana needs to do to prepare for it. The event took place on Wednesday at the Roraima Duke Lodge. Ramson, who did his thesis on this subject at the University of Aberdeen (UK), explained that Sovereign Wealth Funds represent money that a country will set aside and invest to reach a certain goal. The objective of the moneys saved is what determines the type or model of Fund that the country will use. In this regard, Ramson explained that there are four main types or models of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. He listed these to be the Stabilization Fund, the Savings and Intergenerational Fund, the Pension Fund and the Parking Fund. Stabilization Funds are set up to insulate a nation’s budget and economy from commodity price volatility and external shocks. Examples of this Fund can be found in Chile, Timor-Leste, Iran and Russia. Savings Funds are intended to share wealth across generations by transforming nonrenewable assets into diversified financial assets. Russia’s National Wealth Fund is a prime example of this. In the case of Pension
- Ramson Jr. Funds, these are used to support social welfare programmes and public service pensions. Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand are particularly fond of this model. With respect to the Parking Fund, this model temporarily holds revenues abroad until good investment opportunities arise. Furthermore, many resource-rich economies have multiple objectives for their Funds. Australia for example has a combination of the Savings and Pension Funds. In Guyana’s case, Ramson suggests that Guyana should have a hybrid that consists of Parking and Stabilization. The consultant said, “In the short term, we should focus on a Parking Fund and then a Stabilization Fund. I’d probably put the Stabilization Fund and the Parking Fund as equally important…For us to manage our budgets, fiscal positions, and debt positions in a sustainable way, I would say the Stabilization Fund is essential to this.” Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman told Kaieteur News in previous interviews that Guyana’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, which will be renamed the Natural Resource Fund, will have several features. One of these will be budget stabilization. “It will of course, have a feature for saving money and one for investing money. It will also have another crucial aspect which will be a budget stabilizer. In this regard, let us take the gold sector for example. Let’s say we have the Fund and the government puts together a budget expecting that it will get $5 from the gold sector but it only collects $3.” In this regard, the Minis-
Oil and Gas Consultant and Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson Jr. ter posited that Government would be able to enter the Fund to make up for that shortfall. He said that this would be done so as to ensure that budget targets, once announced, are met. “So you can now take from the Fund to ensure you have levels of growth in the economy and you can meet the programmes and targets budgeted for. Additionally, there is another aspect of the Fund that will be dedicated to environmental protection. So some moneys from the Fund will be put aside to protect the environment and then we are looking at infrastructural and social welfare projects,” Minister Trotman had explained. Additionally, the World Bank is expected to provide Guyana with two experts who will provide guidance on the fiscal arrangements, rules and best practices that should govern the use of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Finance Minister Winston Jordan has pledged that draft legislation for the Fund will be with the National Assembly before year end.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 23
THE
Friday June 01, 2018
POP
CULT
THE REVIEWS ARE IN!!!
Thor: Ragnarok: Less keen to play by Marvel rules
One of the more valid criticisms levelled against Marvel's films is that for all its claims of being filmmaker-led and tonally diverse, they're increasingly unimaginative productions. Slick action scenes, a smattering of Whedonesque quips and the occasional fan-servicing cameo are all staples of any movie with the Marvel logo, and while that formula might prevent another (relative) failure like Thor: The Dark World, it also robs audiences of the
Editoria W
hile we would wish to highlight issues relating to the entertainment scene and Guyana's rich culture, Kaieteur Entertainment is left with no choice but to speak about a most unsavoury subject matter. It is a serious one to say the least as it has unfortunately turned out to be a sick form of amusement to some. It involves a few videos of school children indulging in acts that are of a sexual nature. Since there release to the social media world, these videos have earned from most, widespread condemnation and resentment. The relevant authorities have already issued calls to the citizenry to be responsible and to offer support to these children. In fact, the Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally, a few days ago, said the circulation of the inappropriate videos must be stopped. She also reminded and warned that circulating these videos constitutes a criminal offence. The Minister added that if identified, the children involved will be given all the support and counselling needed. Ally also urged parents, teachers and relevant persons to get involved to help stop the circulation of the explicit videos. Furthermore, the Director of the Child Care Protection Agency (CPA), Ann Greene, also urged that the videos be deleted and the sharing stopped immediately. She posited that by continuing to share these videos, it puts these adolescents at risk by making them more vulnerable. Greene assured that her Department is taking the necessary actions. It is important to note that this is not the first time such has occurred. In fact, these occurrences are becoming more frequent and those that make it into the public's domain, are often disseminated via social media and some
chance to be truly surprised. Enter Thor: Ragnarok, which gives proof, just as we need it, that Marvel Studios will still give movies the chance be surprising. The film is directed by Taika Waititi, a filmmaker made famous by his eccentric, genre-lampooning horror mockumentary What We Do In The Shadows. There's no mistaking his fingerprints all over Ragnarok, with its constant action-bathos and frequent juxtaposition of the mundane
Child Protection is everybody's business websites. We've seen the comments being made by persons. Many opined that the children are to be held responsible whilst many have suggested that the parents be held accountable and feel the full brunt of the law. But we all know it takes a village to raise a child. And when things go awry, it is our moral responsibility to ensure that children – even those not our own – are protected. Child Protection is everybody's business. The older folks would tell you about the days when an elder would call an unmannerly child aside and attempt to set him or her straight. Does this still occur? Meanwhile, the schools have also been at the receiving end of some bashing from parents as many question their whereabouts during the time of the incidents. The teachers are yet to respond. These videos have begun, and continued to be circulated despite the warnings from the authorities. In fact, persons are opening accepting responsibility and are openly offering to sell these videos on Social Media. These incidents should put pressure on the country's policymakers to take the necessary parliamentary moves to ensure the swift implementation of the long awaited Cybercrime Bill. The Cybercrime Bill 2016 was laid in the National Assembly and provides for the tackling of cybercrime which includes: child pornography; hacking; identity theft; and cyberbullying. The bill, according to reports, is yet to be debated in the National Assembly. As Guyana continues to play “Catch-up” with the rest of the technologically advanced world, strategic measures need to be set in motion now to protect and avoid our younger ones from receiving and sharing offensive and illegal content via the internet.
against the fantastic. The movie skewers Marvel's own tropes so frequently that, like Iron Man 3 (aka the best Marvel movie) it threatens to leave the playground an unusable mess for anyone that follows. As a viewer, that's exciting. There's a genuine sense in Ragnarok that anything could happen to anyone – that the rules no longer apply. Paired with Waititi's technicolour visuals and speed-prog soundtrack, the movie is a sensory delight. When you're not being dazzled, it's because you're laughing: this is as close to an outright comedy as Marvel has ever dared allow. Struck against its prequels - the slightly undercooked Thor and the decidedly limp Thor: The Dark World – Ragnarok comfortably obliterates them. It is, by some distance, the most enjoyable Thor movie, and the first that even gets close to realising the true scope of these characters. Unfortunately, you have to take the rough with the smooth. What Thor: Ragnarok gains in charm and comedy, it loses in story. Individual character arcs are vague, characters themselves are borderline unrecognisable, and more than a couple of film's big twists are accompanied by quick leaps of logic that it'd really prefer you didn't dwell on. Waititi's genius undoubtedly lies in the movie's technicolour aesthetics and sheer tonal poise. It seems like he isn't that interested in much else. If you squint, the movie has discernible themes, but they're way, way in the background. The problem, if you consider it one, is that everything comes second to the jokes - even established character. The Thor of Ragnarok, though heroic, is clumsy and petty. Banner's intense sadness and selfloathing is replaced with jumpy, rabbitlike neuroses and slapstick. The returning actors clearly love stepping into twisted versions of their roles - but if some audience members came out feeling robbed or cheated, you'd really struggle to begrudge them. Waititi clearly finds it funny to tease the headliners down to their very DNA. Gods help you if you
don't agree. That's not to suggest the film is completely incapable of playing it straight. Hela is a formidable villain, easily top three for the MCU, and with the operatic brilliance that Asgardians demand. Blanchett is perfect in the role, with a sneer that looks like it could destroy the world. Many of the other supporting players get the kind of genuine, unqualified moments of triumph that are repeatedly ripped from the grasp of the bigger names. As a director who has stayed away from action blockbusters, one senses that Waititi's movies have had the luxury of being a little meandering or unusually paced. Over in blockbuster world, this is a movie that starts dialled up to 7 and, over the course of two hours plus, manages to hit the dizzying highs of 8 or 9. For all its Spinal Tap bravura it doesn't get anywhere near 11 (with the exception of Goldblum's performance, which is clocking somewhere close to 900). The peaks and troughs – that rollercoaster feeling of watching a great blockbuster – are all but absent. It's a string of sketches and skits, rather than a single epic. In that sense, by any technical assessment a movie that completely disowns a lot of the criteria by which you'd judge a standard blockbuster. It's so weird and idiosyncratic – like an indie movie scaled up to Marvelsize - that it's almost tough to know what to make of it. Personally, I can't wait to see it again, partly to catch the jokes I missed, and partly to try and untangle what it's actually doing with itself. Unlike Marvel's last few movies which have, more often than not, been examples of the kind of unspectacular and inoffensive pictures the Marvel house style can produce, this seems like a movie destined to live in the extremes of opinion. If the studio is to keep itself fresh as it heads towards its second decade of existence, Thor: Ragnarok is exactly the type of movie it should be producing: visually unique, narratively unpredictable and tonally audacious. But if you come out hating it…? Well, there's a sporting chance too. http://www.denofgeek.com.
House of Soups brings delectable twist to the Guyanese culinary tradition …offers signature Crab Soup every Saturday
L
ike cook-uprice, soup has become a staple in the Guyanese culinary tradition. Many local companies have dared to keep the custom alive with unmatched family recipes. The House of Soups owned by Andre 'Charlie' Robinson, is just of Guyana's many treasures in this regard. After being open for less than a year, the House of Soups located at Lot 17 Duncan and Abary Streets, Bel Air has been able to garner a strong fan base and respect
for its delectable soups which can outstrip many of its competition if put to the test. During the week, the entity offers a range of tasty soups which include: beef, cow heel, oxtail, chicken, vegetable, mix and fish broth. According to Management, the House of Soups will be offering its special Crab Soup this and every Saturday. For orders and delivery interested persons can make contact with management on 644-5884. Enjoy!
PAGE 26
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
‘Bar Association Review’ back after four-year hiatus On Tuesday, at Cara Lodge Hotel, the Bar Association of Guyana launched the 2017-2018 edition of its law journal, ‘The Bar Association Review’ (BAR). Ralph Ramkarran, S.C. delivered the feature address at the launching which was attended by members of the Judiciary, Magistracy, Legal Profession, University of Guyana and Civil Society. Jairam Seenath, S.C. of the Trinidad Bar was also in attendance. The ‘BAR’ was first published in 1981 under the Presidency of Ashton Chase, S.C. In so doing, it fulfilled one of the purposes of the association- “… print and publish periodicals and other documents on any aspects of the law.” According to the association, The ‘BAR’ was at all times intended to be an annual publication as it so remained up to about 1998, in print sometimes semi-annually. After 1998, it appeared less frequently, for one reason or the other, with notable exceptions in 2008, 2011 and 2014. In delivering remarks at the launching, President of the Bar Association, Mr. Kamal Ramkarran expressed his hope that this edition of the ‘BAR’, after a hiatus of four years, will renew interest which would see the return of its annual publication. The ‘BAR’ gives members of the legal profession an opportunity to explore and discuss various topics of interest in the law through articles and also includes written decisions of the Supreme Courts.
‘The Bar Association Review’ (BAR) being displayed by Jamela Ali (left) and Pauline Chase. This edition of the ‘BAR’ consists of articles by Pauline Chase, Ria MohammedDavidson, Rocky Hanoman, Richard Layne and the presentations made during the last year of The Right Honourable Sir Dennis Byron, Justice Charles Ramson, S.C., O.R. and Robin Stoby, S.C. Secretary of the Bar Association, Pauline Chase, in her closing remarks noted that this edition of the ‘BAR’ would be of interest to not only members of the profession but also to the general public. Chase, in particular, highlighted the article on the decision of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the
matter of Selby v Smith and the written decision of the Honourable Justice Jo-Ann Barlow on mandatory sentencing, a current topic of interest in the society. Chase further in closing, thanked Attorneys-at-Law who submitted articles for publication and corporate sponsors John Fernandes Limited, Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited and Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry. This current 2017-2018 edition of the ‘BAR’ is printed by Insight Press and available for purchase at the office of the Bar Association, 39 Brickdam, Stabroek, at the cost of $3,500 each.
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
Critchlow Labour College adds oil and gas training to curriculum In a quest to expand its offerings, the Critchlow Labour College [CLC] has introduced a Centre for Oil and Gas Technical and Vocational Training. The inaugural introduction has already catered to the training needs of some 23 individuals who were drawn from Regions Three, Four, Five, Six and 10. Speaking of the genesis of the programme recently was CLC Principal, Mr. Ivor English, who revealed “this year we have decided to take a bold step forward when we were approached by Apollo Global Vision, an internationally recognised company within the oil and gas sphere of operations, along with Kaizan Environmental Services Limited, for us to come together and offer oil and gas training for persons desirous of operating or functioning within the oil and gas sector”. But the introduction of the programme was not an overnight feat as, according to English, after several months of discussion and negotiations “we were finally able to sign a memorandum of understanding so that this programme could be put into operation.” In order to gain the requisite certification and recognition both locally and internationally, the CLC was required to apply to the Council for Technical Vocational and Education Training [TVET] for permission to be certified. This application is being processed, and English divulged, “my last check on this is that it will be favourably considered, pending the inspection by the Fire Service Department, and this has been done.” From the international level, he revealed that the institution was able to gain recognition from the Energy Institute, an international organisation that gives recognition to the oil and gas sector. “This means we are in good hands, it means that the programmes which we will deliver in the coming months and years will have interna-
CLC Principal, Mr. Ivor English tional recognition,” English assured, at the start of the inaugural sessions of the oil and gas training programme, which were facilitated by Mr. Kevin Durham of the Energy Institute. “This programme is very comprehensive and it is not based on attendance, an examination will be done to ensure that participants are competent enough to respond to the challenges that are associated with the work that they will have to perform,” said English, of the programme. The move to offer oil and gas training represents a historic event in the life of the College, according to its Principal. He added, “It is taking place at a critical time in our history, when the College is celebrating 50 years of existence as an institution which continues to contribute to national development”. “Our record continues to show significant numbers of quality Guyanese who would have straddled the portal of Critchlow Labour College, so I think this institution is well placed and well positioned to continue to offer its contribution to the advancement of education in Guyana,” English asserted. He recalled that when the College was established 50 years ago, the primary objec-
tives were to create opportunities to improve the quality of the labour force through training and education, and to give ordinary Guyanese an opportunity to pursue further education at the tertiary level. Although the College has fulfilled both of these obligations admirably over the years, English disclosed that “over time, we have recognised that there was a compelling need for the institution to offer programmes that are in sync or more relevant to the development needs of our country”. It was against this background, he said, that “we thought it best to broaden our curriculum so that we could respond to these demands.” CLC currently offers programmes in the Social Sciences area ranging from oneyear programmes in industrial relations and social studies; diploma in Human Resource Management and programmes in Occupational Health and Safety, both at the certificate and diploma levels. “We also offer programmes in Care for the Elderly as well as Child Care, Communications and Effective Speaking, and this number continues to expand with the addition of training in urban agriculture and other areas of interest,” English informed.
Patient detained after ‘clash’ with... From page 12 bit slow in recording the information so she was taking some time to do that and because of that the line grew longer”. According to him, he received reports from the staff that one of the persons in the line, a female began to use her phone and took videos of what was going on and was said to be behaving in a hostile manner. ”The girl asked her to stop flashing her so she can continue doing her work, and
she refused to do so, and they maybe had some exchange”, Foster said. He said that at that point in time the staff felt threatened by the woman and patients’ alleged hostility and they opted to call in the police to “get some semblance of order in the compound”. Foster explained that the police did not arrive as requested. This, he said, led to him make a call to the police himself to visit the hospital to assess the situation. They subsequently did, it was then that they
detained Mangar. Director of Public Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens, who was not in the region when the incident took place, stated that he received a report from Dr. Campbell, who was the doctor in charge at the institution, about the situation, and immediately headed back to Berbice to deal with the matter. Kaieteur News also understands that Stephens has requested to meet with the persons who were detained by the police today.
PAGE 27
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 29
Aurora Gold Mine did not reason for plane import ...hides local content obligations from GCAA A
urora Gold Mine had told the nation - via advertisements and letters - that it did not feel safe with the services provided by the local airlines. It opted to import its own plane and pilots to access its hinterland operations. However, the company did not communicate those safety concerns to the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) when it made the application for the aircraft. The company did not notify the GCAA of its local content obligations to Guyana, and GCAA granted the company permission to operate its Canadian-registered Twin Otter here. Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field, confirmed this during an interview with Kaieteur News yesterday, after he would have perused the company’s files. He stated that the company was approved to conduct flights in Guyana’s interior on December 6, 2017. “They brought this aircraft and said this here is the company aircraft and they would like permission to fly here,” Field explained. There was no mention of the safety concerns. After revelations by Kaieteur News that local aviation operators were kicked out by the company, a letter from an “AGM aviation employee” appeared in the press supporting the company’s position on the use of the foreignregistered plane. The letter stated, “Please take note that the entry of this aircraft was made at the time when there were myriad aircraft accidents and incidents involving various local operators. “As such this decision was induced by the concern for the safety of our approximately 800-plus local and 30 expatriate workers.” LOCAL CONTENT Under contract with Guyana, Aurora has to meet very strict local content obligations.In the case of the Twin Otter, the company has
The Canadian-registered Twin Otter owned by Aurora Gold Mine Director General of the GCAA, Egbert Field contracted Canadian Flyers World Aviation Services, based in Ontario, to provide flight crew services. Field was asked if the aviation authority considered the company’s local content obligations. The GCAA Chief stated that this was not considered when the application was processed. “It was submitted to us that the aircraft is being used in the company’s interest. That is the story. We don’t deal with contractual obligations. They must know how they will deal with the [local] companies they have contracted. “We deal with the company, Aurora Gold. The aircraft is a private aircraft for the company and that is how we looked at it,” Field stated. He was asked whether the operation of the Twin Otter should be looked at on a commercial basis since the company was essentially replacing local commercial operators. “They applied as a private company; why should I tell them (Aurora Gold Mine) they are doing commercial flights. This airplane is a private airplane doing private flights,” Field defended. NO LOCAL PILOT
In the midst of a firestorm regarding the use of local goods and services, Aurora boasted of hiring local pilots. However, Field stated that no Guyanese pilot living here is licensed to fly the Canadianregistered plane. This is so because the state of the license of the crew has to be same as the registration of the aircraft. A local must be certified by Canada to be able to fly the company’s plane since it is registered in Canada. “No Guyanese in Guyana is qualified to fly the Twin Otter at this time. They [local pilots] may have flown Twin Otters in the past, but after not flying an aircraft for two years you have to do the entire type rating course to qualify to have a rating to fly that aircraft. The company’s hiring of local pilots is not by accident. As part of the GCAA approval, the company is mandated to have a local experienced pilot onboard until the Canadian crew has attained sufficient flight time in Guyana’s hinterland. Observers have outlined to Kaieteur News that this allows for the transfer of Guyanese expertise of hinterland flights to the Canadian crew.
Major headway as suspects... From page 7 determine that monies were paid. Among the 19 suspects arrested in the past few weeks are persons who were directly involved in the execution as well as others who are “indirectly involved”. According to Inspector Dort: “Suspects have made a resounding confession”. In the meantime, a number of suspects have been released for the time being. Five suspects are still fugitive. One of them was
said to be Manohar who was charged in Guyana on Wednesday. Of the twelve fishermen who are still missing, no personal details are known, police in Suriname said yesterday.It was disclosed that deadly attacks sparked a shutdown of Suriname’s fishing industry with worried relatives in Guyana journeying to find out what happened.A number of the families will probably never experience closure as the bodies are still missing.
While Suriname has reopened fishing, authorities are signaling tighter checks to ensure fishermen are registered, instead of them just turning up and starting to work on the boats. The incidents had seen both G uyanese and Surinamese journey between the two neighbours as part of the investigations. Until those attacks, Guyanese officials had insisted that they had dented piracy.
PAGE 30
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
WANT
FOR RENT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Apartment buliding includes (1) 3 bedroom, (1) 2 bedroom 1 studio location Lamaha Park, Georgetown, $60,000,000 Neg. Call: 681-2500 1 Long base canter, very good condition, owner leaving country or 1 canter driver needed for hire. #6091040 One Unregistered 2011 Toyota HiAce with manual transmission. Call#627-2005 for more information. 35 ft boat flat bottom 400 pound cat guts seine. Contact# 676-6002/665-6585 Gold and Diamond mining,Claim virgin land in the Quartz stone, Cuyuni mining district Guyana for sale. Contact#592-671-9478 1 Minibus, Full custom. Contact #664-0090/613-0138
NOTICE Ian Griffith of 430 North East LaPenitence, Please make contact with Cherril Henry on Tel# 664-9325/696-1680 FOR SALE/RENT American Pool Table for sale & rent. Tel# 277-0578
EDUCATION Electronic course, Practical beginning 1st June. Learn to fix flat screen TV’s etc. Abdul Electronics. 225-0391/2266551 IAE- Register for CXC, full time evening & adult classes. Mathematics, English, Business & Science subjects #683-5742/621-7365
Looking to buy a house or empty land, Preferences-EBD Public road. Buyer #1917-6225810/694-3331
2 bedroom apartment, Top and bottom flat. Lot 4633 Roxanne Burnham Gardens, Rasville. Tel#618-5305/6674691
1 Mechanic to work in the interior, must know about Cummings/Perkins & Deutz engine. #699-4718
Hair station, Barber station to rent or furnished salon to rent. Contact# 616-7151 Furnished 3 bedroom Apt for rent # 611-4552/685-0265 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 3 story commercial building,120ftX60ft Building 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Plot B Herstelling, EBD, reduced price Contact: 6093777/686-0522 Transport property for sale, Eccles H/s EBD. Tel#6169490 or 616-0499
2 storey property for sale EBD, Grove. Contact No: 609-3527 CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 226-3693DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL @YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
1 Air compressor 15HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 6281486/698-1134.
2 & 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments short and long term rental Tel# 6642143,691-1432,666-7028
Corner Lot Diamond, EBD Land 61’x110'- House 30’x50' G$32M Furnished Serious enquiries only. #613-6631/6182603
SALON Make-up Courses with Mac, B a r e M i n e r a l s , etc.Cosmetology Courses: $90,000 Nail Technician Course: $35,000. Call: 647-1773/6880009
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
WANTED Wanted urgently: 1 experienced cosmetologist. Call: 647-1773.
Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 6878445 LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie. $1.3M Farm (East Bank) $2.4M Schnoord $2.2M Herstelling $4.5M & $1.8M Uivlugt $2.2M Tel#656-1345 18,731 acres mining land Gold & Diamond Mazaruni $5,000,000 USD Contact: 6951356, 687-8445 2 acres of title land situated @ 1st St Garden of Eden EBD $6.5M Neg. Call Terrence #638-7836. email: Latchmanrich@gmail.com
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Continental Park (Double) $24M Land of Canaan (acres) $5.5M Schnoord $3.5M First St, Triumph Seaside. #2312199/608-0772
Advertise in Kaieteur News Classified Ads and get fast results.
PEN PAL Mature Gentleman seeking female 38 & over for relationship. Call Amanda #592-691-9383
Experience Cashier, Drivers, Roti/Puri cook. Apply Hack’s Halaal with H/written application 5 Commerce St. Yardman. Contact#2235273/74 Chef/Cook. Contact#2235273/74
Guyana on track to submit first EITI report The Guyana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) is preparing to submit its first report since becoming a candidate member to the global standard for good governance in the extractive sectors. GYEITI’s National Coordinator Dr. Rudy Jadoopat, told the Department of Public Information that the final draft of the progress report has to be reviewed by the Multistakeholder Group (MSG) before submission. The report has to be submitted to the EITI Secretariat by July 1. “I feel very confident not only in my ability to manage the process but my vision,” Dr Jadoopat said. Guyana’s first annual progress report will detail efforts leading up to becoming a member of EITI up until December 2017, Dr. Jadoopat explained. The report also out-
Diesel Mechanic. Contact#223-5273/74 1 Experienced waitress & livein domestic, must know to cook, 18-25 & 35 from East Coast. $20,000 weekly respectively. #610-3974 Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 692-4649 Security to work in Georgetown. Tel#227-1717 One General Domestic, must know to cook. Apply @ Keyfood, next door to Post Office, McDoom One cook needed to work at Itabali. Contact: 665-6444 One Financial Investor for mineral land in the Mazaruni area. Phone: 672-8844 Pastry Chef, apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St. Office Clerk, East Bank preferable 30-55 years old. Call: 226-1100/629-9450 Purchasing clerk valid license MC/MV/ML 30-55 years old. Call: 226-1100/629-9450 Wanted parts for Toyota Crown Deluxe 1972, 6 cylinder, 3 speed gearbox, body & other parts. #218-0663/6190757
VACANCY Vacancy exist for 1 Security & 1 Receptionist. Apply with application at Millenium Manor Hotel 43 Hadfield & Camp Street. Farm worker, Travel agent. Tel#265-3586 Maid, East Bank area to cook & clean #614-4358 Female cleaner for office in Eccles #233-2745 Articulated hauler/ dump truck operator for interior, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Experienced Driver, Apply in person, Wieting & Richter, Water Street Georgetown. Pump attendant (Shift work 7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) submit application : Shell Service Station Providence EBD E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com
One security guard for private residence. #609-3650 Hire car drivers. Tel#225-9223
VEHICLE FOR SALE
TOLET
1 RZ Minibus BNN excellent condition. Call: 233-3430
2 bedroom house fully A/c in Somerset court. Herstelling EBD Tel#6614849
1 Nissan Dualis 2007 #6229951/689-9447, lady driven.
Rooms in Albertown. #2259223/225-3234
Mazda Axela - $1.4M Neg Nissan Bluebird - $1.75M Neg. Cars in excellent condition. Tel#233-2793/615-8502
National Coordinator of GYEITI, Dr. Rudy Jadoopat lines challenges and recommendations by the GYEITI. The progress report will be published to the GYEITI’s website, https://gyeiti.org/, following its submission. Meanwhile, the GYEITI is in the final stages of hiring an independent administrator to compile the country’s reconciliation report. This report is due 18 months after a country becomes a member of the EITI. Dr. Jadoopat explained the GYEITI has completed the bid process and is in the final stages of selecting the company that will conduct the audit for the report. Five bids were submitted to the National Procurement and Tender Board, three of which met the requirements. A final selection is expected to be made in the next three weeks. The independent administrator will have to prepare an inception report, carry out scoping and gathering information on the extractive sectors from related government agencies as part of its work. “We already had some meetings with the government agencies. Our secretariat is moving ahead with the process we’ve been collecting information and data”, Dr. Jadoopat added. The reconciliation report will include information on operations and procedures of Guyana’s mining, forestry and oil and gas sectors. This report has to be submitted by April 2019. These reports are critical to advancing transparency in the extractive sectors. “Greater transparency and accountability would benefit everyone. The desire is to have anti-corruption mechanisms in place and transparency and accountability mechanisms assist in that process,” Dr. Jadoopat further noted.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
WHO concerned that decline in tobacco use insufficient to meet global targets Tobacco use has declined markedly since 2000, both globally and in the Region of the Americas. However, the reduction is insufficient to meet global targets aimed at protecting people from death and suffering from cardiovascular and other non-communicable diseases [NCDs]. Currently, over a third of the countries in the Americas are not implementing a single tobacco control measure. The aforementioned has been detailed in a new report released by the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/ WHO] just in time for the observance of World No Tobacco Day. World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31 and is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe. In recognition of the daunting concerns, PAHO/ WHO in a statement yesterday said that “For today’s World No Tobacco Day 2018, WHO has joined with the World Heart Federation and many other allies to raise awareness on the link between tobacco and cardiovascular diseases [CVD], which are the world’s leading causes of death.” CVD are responsible for some 44 percent of all NCD deaths or 17.9 million deaths annually in the world, including two million deaths in the Americas.
Tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure are the major causes of CVD, including heart attacks and stroke, contributing to approximately three million deaths per year globally, the body noted. However, it was underscored that evidence shows there is an alarming lack of knowledge and awareness that tobacco is a major risk for conditions like stroke and heart attack. “Political leaders must do more to raise awareness and protect people from the harms of tobacco,” asserted Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO DirectorGeneral. “I urge them to join the global movement to promote health and protect people from avoidable suffering and deaths, especially from tobacco use.” In order to reduce premature deaths caused by tobacco, Dr. Carissa Etienne, Director of PAHO, warned that governments must urgently implement the measures outlined in the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control [WHO FCTC]. “Higher tobacco taxes, bans on tobacco advertising and promotion, smoke-free environments in all public and work places, and large and graphic health warnings on tobacco packages can all help improve health.” The report ‘Global Report on Prevalence of Tobacco Use [2000-2025]’ highlights that tobacco kills over seven
Dr. Carissa Etienne, Director of PAHO million people each year, despite the steady reduction in tobacco use globally. The report shows the pace of action in reducing tobacco demand, and related death and disease is too slow and not keeping up with global and national commitments to control tobacco use. The report also shows that the target of a 30 percent reduction in tobacco use by 2025, among people aged 15 and older, is not on track to being met at the global level, with the current pace of decline indicating only a 22 percent reduction by that time. However, the Region of the Americas is the only exception; the current projections indicate that the target will be reached by 2025. In the region of the Americas, tobacco is responsible for
900,000 deaths per year, including 72,000 premature deaths caused by secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke, and associated with 11 percent of the deaths caused by CVD. The WHO FCTC, which came into force in 2005, calls on its Parties to take several measures to reduce demand and supply for tobacco products. These interventions include protecting people from exposure to tobacco smoke; banning tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; banning sales to minors; requiring health warnings on tobacco packaging; promoting tobacco cessation, and increasing tobacco taxes. “There is compelling evidence from countries that have implemented tobacco reduction measures, that results can be seen quickly,” stated Dr. Adriana Blanco, Unit Chief of Risk Factors and Nutrition for the Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health at PAHO. “You do not have to wait 10 years to see the impact on a population’s health, especially in relation to cardiovascular diseases. This is why it is so important that countries accelerate the implementation of the FCTC.” Among the latest findings on the prevalence of tobacco use include the fact that the global prevalence of smokers has declined, but the absolute number of smokers has barely changed since the beginning
WHO DirectorGeneral, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of this century due to population growth. Added to this, there are 1.1 billion adult smokers in the world today, and at least 367 million smokeless tobacco users. In the Region of the Americas alone there are 132 million smokers. The prevalence of smokers in the region has declined from 28.0 percent in 2000 to 17.4 percent in 2015. With regards to smokeless tobacco, it was found that in 2015, 6.5 percent of the global population aged 15 and over used smokeless tobacco [8.4 percent for males and 4.6 percent for females]. For males aged 15 and over globally, 43 percent smoked tobacco in 2000 compared to 34 percent in 2016, while 11 percent of females smoked in 2000, compared to six percent in 2016. In the Region of the
Americas, the prevalence for males in 2000 was 33.4 percent compared to 22 percent in 2015, and, among females, 22.6 percent in 2000 compared to 12.9 percent in 2015. It has been deduced too that over half of all WHO Member States have reduced demand for tobacco, and almost one in four are likely to meet the 30 percent reduction target by 2025. But countries must do more to monitor tobacco use in all its forms – not only cigarette smoking. Currently, one in every four countries has insufficient data to monitor their tobacco epidemic. Worldwide, about seven percent, or just over 24 million children aged 13–15, smoke cigarettes [17 million boys and seven million girls]. About four percent of children aged 13–15 years [13 million] use smokeless tobacco products. In the Region of the Americas about 10 percent or 4.6 million children aged 13– 15, smoke cigarettes [2.4 million boys and 2.2 million girls]. About two percent of children aged 13–15 years [1.2 million] use smokeless tobacco products. In developing countries, over 80 percent of tobacco smokers live in low- and middle-income countries [LMICS]. It has also been found that the prevalence of tobacco use is decreasing more slowly in LMICs than in high-income countries.
White Water is now official Primary institution Formerly known as the annex to the Wauna Primary School, White Water Primary School has now gained its independence. According to information released by the Ministry of Education, on May 30, 2018 pupils of the White Water Primary were informed that their school is now an official Primary institution. Following a visit from a high-level team of the Ministry of Education in April to assess the delivery of education in the White Water Village, a border community in Region One, several pledges and commitments were made not only to the school but also to the community at large. To date, this visit has borne fruit, since many of the commitments made have already been realized. The latest commitment being actualized was the gazetting of the school. District Education Officer, Mr. Marti De Souza, who represented the Regional Education Officer at a simple but symbolic ceremony, related to
the students and teachers that their school was the latest to join the number of ‘independent’ primary schools in the country, they are now officially White Water Primary School, effective May 1, 2018. He also stated that the Ministry of Education and the Department of Education, Region One, is making good on their commitments made to the school. So far, the school has received adequate textbooks, the solar electrification system has been fixed to ensure that technology is used, especially the Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) programme, which is now fully functional, furniture has been acquired, water filter tanks have been provided with the help of Guyana Water Inc. (GWI), among others. Bringing more good tidings to the school was Ms. Myra Pierre-Moore, Head of the Learning Resource Development Unit. Following through on a request made by the community for a library
Head of the Learning Resource Development Unit, Ms. Myra Pierre-Moore (left) and District Education Officer, Mr. Marti De Souza, engaging the students of White Water Primary School with relevant materials, Ms. Pierre-Moore delivered a number of books and other teaching/learning materials to the school. She encouraged the teachers and students to make maximum use of the reading and other learning materials,
while caring and taking ownership of them. Also visiting the school was Ms. Annis Blair-Craig, a professional Librarian who will, in the upcoming days, train not only the librarian teacher at White Water Primary, but those at other
schools in the Sub Region, about setting up, organizing
and collection development of school libraries.
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Warriors survive Cavs, win Game 1 despite LeBron James’ 51-point... From page 35 feel like the game was over, as it often does following third quarters involving the Warriors. The fourth quarter was back and forth, as the two teams traded baskets right down to the wire. In the end, we went to overtime after a bizarre final few seconds that saw J.R. Smith try to dribble out the clock despite the fact that the game was tied. The Warriors then
pulled away in OT, winning 124-114. The final few seconds were marred by a Tristan Thompson ejection, which led to a minor scuffle. LeBron James finished with 51 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Steph Curry led the Warrriors with 29 points, while Draymond Green added 13 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, five steals and three blocks.
Friday June 01, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Examine your emotions, Virgo, and trust your instincts. Unexpected forces may try to disrupt the flow of things.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) This is one of those days in which you might not be fully appreciated for the wonderful breath of fresh air you bring to the group, Libra.
TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) Your emotions will feel stable today, Taurus, although there may be an unexpected element trying to sneak into the equation. Be aware that people will be a bit more volatile today.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Don't be surprised if things don't go exactly according to plan today, Scorpio. Unexpected events are likely to pop up and disturb the course of action.
GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Explore deeply your innovative, irrational side today, Gemini. Your emotions may run counter to this principle, but instead of letting this put a damper on your progress, use the energy to spur you to action.
SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your emotions could be a bit vulnerable today, Sagittarius, and it may be hard to find shelter from the storm. Your umbrella is a bit too drafty and water seems to be leaking in from the top.
CANCER(June21–July22) You might want to stay in and not speak to anyone today, Cancer. If you decide to venture out, you're apt to run into opposition almost everywhere you turn. Don't see this as negative.
CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Unexpected events may crop up and nudge you in the side, Capricorn. You could get the feeling that there are thorns poking out of nowhere whose sole purpose is to annoy you.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You may not feel like you're exactly clicking with anything today, Leo. Adjustments will need to be made either by you or the people you're dealing with for any resolution to come about.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today you have the ability to make an important breakthrough in whatever project you work on, Aquarius. Try not to get bogged down by emotions, which may leave you feeling heavy and stale.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Examine your emotions, Virgo, and trust your instincts. Unexpected forces may try to disrupt the flow of things. Keep in mind that you should have no problem keeping the situation under control as long as you stay solid
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may get the feeling that you're rubbing against sandpaper today. More than likely, this is a result of issues deep inside you. Some of these emotions concern the constant tension between old and new energies
Wicket-Keepers benefit from... From page 40 classroom and on the field work. The young Wicketkeepers were taught about equipment, the crunch position, glove work, footwork and concentration. Special emphasis was also placed on physical fitness, speed and agility. Lots of practical work was done on how to keep the different types of spinners, fast bowlers and how to take a return from the outfield. Smith, who is spearheading the BCB’s Outreach Coaching Programmes urged the young wicketkeepers to work hard on their personal game and to put into practice what they have learnt from the clinic. He spoke at length of the importance of physical fitness for wicketkeepers as they are always involved in the game. Wicketkeepers, he stated have to have good eyes, fast legs and reflection along with strong concentration. While other fielders might have periods of relaxation, wicketkeepers are always involved in the game. BCB President Hilbert foster in a short presentation stated that attendance at all clinics organised by the Board is compulsory for those aiming to represent Berbice. Foster noted that for the
Powell, Campbell... From page 38 at the crease with eight fours.He put on 72 for the seventh wicket with Akila Dananjaya who made 30 from 54 deliveries with six fours. However, once the pair were separated, the last four wickets went down for 38 runs. Campbell and Powell then punished the Sri Lankan bowlers in an attractive stand, which put the hosts in control of the contest. Campbell’s knock was a typically breezy one, requiring only 52 balls and including 11 fours while skipper Powell faced 81 and struck seven fours. The partnership was ended when Campbell missed a slog sweep at offspinner Dilruwan Perera and perished lbw before tea. Powell added a further 48 for the second wicket with Shamarh Brooks who made a patient 29 from 71 balls in nearly 1-1/2 hours at the crease. On 123 for one at tea, the hosts lost Powell first in the final session via the run out route before Brooks perished, caught at slip prodding forward to off-spinner Akila Dananjaya.
first time in its 79-year history, the BCB would be investing in countywide coaching programmes and those who fail to take advantage of the opportunities would be left behind. Clubs were urged to place special emphasis on developing wicketkeepers as there is a shortage of good glovesmen around the county. The Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme, is a half million dollars investment aimed at ensuring that every potential player has the opportunity to fulfill that talent and that Berbice continues to dominate junior cricket at the Inter-County level. Other Clinics would be held for fast bowlers, batsmen, left arm spinners, off spinners and leg spinners and the BCB intends to have
players the likes of Devendra Bishoo, Romario Shepherd and Veerasammy Permaul involved. The Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Programme would also involve the hosting of four twoday coaching sessions in each of the Zones - West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. A total of 280 youths between the ages of 12-19 years are expected to participate in the zone sessions while the Board at the end of the sessions would select the best seventy players to participate in one week academy from July 23 - 28, 2018, at the Albion Sports Complex. The BCB is expressing gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for his continued support the game.
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 35
Kaieteur News
Jamaica’s Carter loses CAS appeal México unable to break
through against Wales
Jamaican sprinter Nesta Carter arrives for an appeal hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland November 15, 2017. Kingston (Reuters) Nesta Carter, the 2013 world 100 meters bronze medalist, has lost his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the International Olympic Committee’s decision to strip him and his Jamaica men’s sprint relay team mates of their gold medals from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Switzerland-based court handed down the ruling six months after the appeal was heard in November. “The Panel concluded that the reanalysis of Nesta Carter’s sample collected following the race at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games confirmed the presence of methylhexaneamine (MHA) and that it could not accept any of the arguments raised by Nesta Carter contending that the test results should be ignored or the IOC DP decision should otherwise be overturned for certain alleged failures,” CAS said in a statement yesterday.
Carter, 32, and team mates Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Michael Frater and Dwight Thomas will not be given back the gold medals they were ordered to return by the IOC in January, 2017. Carter, who helped the Caribbean nation win gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the 2011, 2013 and 2015 world championships, was not immediately available for comment. His Jamaica-based attorney Stuart Stimpson said a statement would have been issued later yesterday. ”The rules are the rules,” three-times Olympic 100 and 200 meters champion Bolt told Reuters. ”But at the end of the day the joy of winning that relay gold medal in Beijing 2008 with my team mates will last forever,” said world recordholder Bolt, who retired last year and now has eight Olympic gold medals to his name. Frater, who ran the second leg in Beijing 10 years ago,
reacted with disappointment to the ruling. ”Obviously, I’m very disappointed I thought the case was long overdue for a decision and it was dragged out, but if that’s the decision that they are sticking by, I just will have to live with it, but I am very disappointed with it,” Frater said. The CAS ruling came almost two years after news broke that Carter’s was part of a batch of 454 samples from the 2008 Beijing Games which the IOC ordered to be retested. Carter, the sixth fastest man in history with a time of 9.78 seconds for 100 meters recorded in 2010, was cited for returning a positive test in a re-tested sample from the 2008 Olympic Games where he was lead-off runner in Jamaica’s sprint relay team. Carter still has three world championship sprint relay gold medals in addition to the London 2012 Olympic gold, which Jamaica won in a world record time of 36.84 seconds.
Nadal too hot for Pella as he rolls into third round Paris (Reuters) - Reigning champion Rafael Nadal bludgeoned his way into the French Open third round with a 6-2 6-1 6-1 defeat of outclassed Argentine Guido Pella yesterday. With rain showers forecast at Roland Garros the 31-year-old wasted no time on Court Suzanne Lenglen after saving four break points in the first game against the 78th-ranked Pella. Once that early danger had been snuffed out Nadal offered up a masterclass against his fellow left-hander and his forehand was too hot for Pella to handle.
Rafael Nadal
The Spanish world number one has now won his last 27 sets at Roland Garros, having captured a 10th title last
year without dropping a set. Next in the firing line for Nadal is Frenchman Richard Gasquet.
Mexico´s Jesus Corona (left # 17) in action against Ben Davis of Wales in an international friendly at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California on May 28, 2018. (Photo: Mexsport) Pasadena, California.- Despite a dominating performance, Mexico was unable to find a goal and settled for a 00 draw against Wales in an international friendly on Monday in front of a full house at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Mexico’s constant attacks were thwarted by Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey of Crystal Palace, who denied El Tri on at least three scoring opportunities. Mexico’s best chances came via a Javier Aquino shot in the third minute, a Jesus Manuel Corona attempt in the sixth and
another chance for captain Hector Herrera in the 41st minute of the first half. Even though Wales were not playing with a fullstrength XI, they managed to withstand the attacks from a Mexico side that was using players still looking to nail down a spot on the final 23man roster for the World Cup in Russia.In his post-match press conference, Mexico’s Colombian Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio called the draw against Wales “very good”, stressing that it will help give him a clearer idea of finalizing the list of 23 players that will
travel to Russia. ”Everything that is done is to work on our decisión making on different scenarios. Once we have the list of 23, in the match against Denmark, we will focus on the 11 that are going to start against Germany,” said Osorio. Mexico will host Scotland next Saturday at the Azteca Stadium and then visit Denmark on June 9 in Copenhagen in their final two preparation matches prior to the World Cup, in which El Tri will play in Group F against Germany, Korea and Sweden.
Zverev, Wozniacki headline day six at Roland Garros PARIS (Reuters) - Second seed Alexander Zverev will resume his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title against Bosnian Damir Dzumhur in the thirdround of the French Open today. The German has never reached the last 16 at Roland Garros and has lost his only other meeting with Dzumhur — in the quarter-finals of last year’s Shenzhen Open. Former champion Novak Djokovic faces a stern test against Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, the 13th seed, especially as the Serb has been far from his clinical best so far. Seventh seed Dominic Thiem, the only player to beat favorite Rafael Nadal on clay this season, plays Italian Matteo Berrettini in the Bullring in one of the day’s last matches. In the women’s draw, second seed Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark takes on France’s
Pauline Parmentier for a place in the fourth round. Wozniacki demolished Spaniard Georgina Garcia Perez 61 6-0 to reach round three and while she has a 3-1 head-tohead lead over Parmentier, the Dane was beaten by the Frenchwoman in Istanbul on clay earlier this year. U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens is also in action, the 10th seed taking on Italy’s Camila Giorgi, while fellow American Madison Keys meets talented Japanese youngster Naomi Osaka. Order of play on the main showcourts (all matches second round unless stated, times GMT, prefix numbers denote seeding): Court Philippe Chatrier (play starts at 0900) 26-Damir Dzumhur (Bosnia) v 2-Alexander Zverev (Germany) Pauline Parmentier
(France) v 2-Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) 15-Lucas Pouille (France) v Karen Khachanov (Russia) Camila Giorgi (Italy) v 10Sloane Stephens (U.S.) Court Suzanne Lenglen (play starts at 0900) 13-Madison Keys (U.S.) v 21-Naomi Osaka (Japan) 13-Roberto Bautista Agut (Spain) v 20-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 8-David Goffin (Belgium) v 32-Gael Monfils (France) 8-Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic) v 25-Anett Kontaveit (Estonia) Court 1 (play starts at 0900) 30-Fernando Verdasco (Spain) v 4-Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 31-Mihaela Buzarnescu (Romania) v 4-Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) 7-Dominic Thiem (Austria) v Matteo Berrettini (Italy)
PAGE 36
Serena Williams fights back from one-set deficit against Ashleigh Barty Mailonline - The Paris skies rang with the cry of the Cat as Serena Williams clawed her way back from a set and a break down to reach the third round of the French Open. Wearing the black catsuit with the streak of red, the 23-time Grand Slam champion knocked out No 17 seed Ashleigh Barty 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 45 minutes. Victory was achieved as much by force of will as force of shot and was accompanied by roars of determination with every point the great American won. It was a thrilling night here at Roland Garros which reminded the tennis world how much it has missed this charismatic and formidable champion. The 36-year-old, who gave birth to baby Alexis Olympia in September, struggled badly in the first set but grew into the match. By the end, this was an incredibly encouraging performance in what was only her sixth singles match since giving birth. If the final here looks a step too far, the 23-time Grand Slam champion will surely be a serious threat for the Wimbledon title. Williams’ opening match against Kristyna Pliskova turned into a serving contest, which played right into the American’s hands. Facing Barty was always going to be different. The 22-year-old Australian took a break from tennis in 2014, started playing cricket
Serena Williams and became good enough to play a season in the women’s Big Bash League. She returned in 2016 and has looked revitalised by her break, working her way up the rankings. As you can guess from her cricketing exploits, Barty is a natural ballplayer with wonderful hands. Clay does not suit her attacking game she has never beaten a player inside the world’s top 50 on the surface – but she moved Williams around the court expertly and patiently in the first set using her array of slices and spins. Williams has struggled on the return of serve in both of her matches here and she never got close to the Barty serve in the first set, winning just five points. One break was enough for the Australian to take it 6-3. Williams played a terrible game to hand over a break in the first game of the second set and she looked in big trouble at a set and a break
down. Just as it looked like her campaign might end with a whimper, Williams upped both the ante and the volume. Pummeling winners and celebrating each with a cry that split the Paris sky, she powered back with four games in a row. As many have been before her, Barty began to look overawed by the force of Williams’ personality. The Aussie held to start the deciding set, sealing the game with a lovely drop shot. It is surprising she had not gone to that shot more with Williams not at her fastest.But Williams was moving far better now, hugging the baseline and refusing to allow Barty to dictate the rallies. She broke to go 2-1 up with a punishing backhand drive. Williams has always been a thoroughbred frontrunner and she served her way into the third round as the sky darkened and the Mexican waves flowed around Philippe Chatrier.
Warriors survive Cavs, win Game 1 despite LeBron James’ 51-point effort The time we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. The NBA Finals tipped off on Thursday night with Game 1 between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. The first half was entertaining and well played, as both teams shot over 50 percent from the field. And in what was likely a surprise to most people, the game was tied at the break. And the Cavs actually would have led were it not for a deep 3-pointer at the buzzer by Steph Curry. The second half was just as even. Although it started out with the Warriors looking like they would go on one of their typical third-quarter takeovers, the Cavaliers were able to withstand the pressure thanks to the efforts of LeBron James. Even though the Warriors entered the fourth quarter with a sixpoint lead, it certainly didn’t (Continued on page 34)
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Stephen Curry celebrating with teammate in the second half. Credit Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
BCB President urges CWI to return First Class Cricket to Berbice President of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Hilbert Foster is urging the Cricket West Indies (CWI) to restart the hosting of First Class cricket in the Ancient County. Foster, in a passionate speech at the BCB Awards Ceremony recently, stated that it was sad that Berbicians have been denied the opportunity to witness their heroes representing Guyana at the highest level. The outspoken President who is spearheading a major restoration of the game noted that the last First Class Match in Berbice was played in 2007 when Guyana played Barbados from January, 28. The last One Day Regional was in 2009 when Narsingh Deonarine scored a century versus Barbados. Berbice, Foster stated was being treated as a stepchild of Guyana’s cricket and is being punished for reasons only known to the powers of Guyana cricket. He noted that Berbice has legendary status in West Indies cricket having produced a total of 19 Test Players and numerous players for Guyana. The County continues to produce outstanding players with Veerasammy Permaul, Devendra Bishoo,
Shimron Hetmyer, Gudakesh Motie, Gajanand Singh, Romario Shepherd, Clinton Pestano, Keon Joseph, Assad Fudadin and Eon Hooper representing Guyana recently at different levels. Most of these players have never had an opportunity to play at home for their fans, friends and family. The Albion Cricket Ground is one of the best facilities in Guyana and has legendary status in the History of West Indies Cricket. The ground on the 16th March, 1977, hosted the first ever One Day International Match to be played in the Caribbean. A Clive Lloyd led West Indies team defeated Pakistan in the historic match. Unlike venues in Demerara, all matches involving Guyana attracts large crowds and the Berbice Cricket Board is well known for its organising skills. Foster stated that Berbice is ready and prepared to host First Class matches. He urged officials of Cricket West Indies to visit the Albion Ground to look at what needs to be done in order to bring back First Class matches. The Albion Main Pavillion was recently renovated by the Corentyne Chamber of Commerce along with the two dressing rooms.
Work was also recently done on the two side screens and Commentary Booth. Foster has committed the BCB to spearheading any restoration work required by Cricket West Indies so that First Class Cricket can be returned to Albion noting that the fans are hungry to witness their heroes in action. Hosting of matches at the Albion Ground, he stated would inspire the next generation of players and keep the spirit of the game alive. He stated that numerous national players have told him that the Albion Ground was in far better shape than most of the venues they played in the other Caribbean Islands. Foster also urged officials of the Guyana Cricket Board to host Inter-County matches in Berbice at the Under-15, 17, 19 and Female levels. The Board he informed is willing to organise these matches at the Blairmont and Albion Grounds. With the Guyana Cricket Board excuses being lack of finance, Foster expressed a willingness to raise funds for matches to be played in Berbice. Sponsors the likes Hand-in-Hand Insurance Company enjoys the patronage of Berbicians and as such, should make sure that matches are played in the Ancient County.
Russian whistleblower Rodchenkov expects clean World Cup London (Reuters) - Russian former anti-doping chiefturned-whistleblower Grigory Rodchenkov said yesterday that one player in hosts Russia’s provisional World Cup squad had raised suspicions but he expected the tournament to be clean. Speaking by Skype from an undisclosed location in the United States, with his head covered by a balaclava and heavy-framed glasses, Rodchenkov said soccer was very different to other sports tainted by doping scandals. ”I know it will only be foreign doping control (at the World Cup),” he told a Sports, Politics and Integrity conference in London. ”It should be clean in terms of this one month of competition in Russia, because there are controls and for such a major event WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) has a special team of independent observers.” World soccer’s ruling body FIFA has said Russians will not be involved in drug-
testing and all tests from the World Cup will be sealed and taken to Switzerland. FIFA has also declared Russia’s squad to be free of doping, although investigations into several players unrelated to the tournament were continuing. ”I looked through the names of the soccer players involved in the Russian national team squad...I could find only one name (from samples identified by WADA). The others are very much new for me,” said Rodchenkov. It was not clear whether Rodchenkov, whose video link was sometimes of poor quality, was speaking about someone in the squad cleared by FIFA or on an earlier list of potential players. Rodchenkov’s revelations about doping at the 2014 Sochi Olympics led to the suspension of Russia’s antidoping agency RUSADA, the country’s athletics federation and Paralympic Committee. A report commissioned by WADA and compiled by Ca-
nadian sports lawyer Richard McLaren in 2016 highlighted a conspiracy to conceal positive drug tests over a fiveyear period. Soccer was among more than 30 sports involved. Rodchenkov said samples from 34 footballers from all levels had been highlighted by McLaren and sent to FIFA, who had sent him a list of some 60 questions which he had answered. Russia has acknowledged some findings of the McLaren report but has denied the existence of a state-sponsored doping program. Rodchenkov suggested the role of agents and others whose livelihoods depended on highly-paid players made doping less likely in soccer. ”I knew that they try to keep them clean because they are afraid any doping case will ruin the career of the entourage of a particular player,” he said. “In contrast to an (Olympic) athlete, any positive case and the entourage survived and continued their bad work.”
Friday June 01, 2018
PAGE 37
Kaieteur News
Montagliani sees new FIFA Regional Development Office as boost to broader football goals Christ Church, Barbados – Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani welcomed FIFA’s fresh footprint into the region, citing the step as a boost to the confederation’s development agenda. Addressing the official opening of the FIFA Regional Development Office Caribbean in Christ Church, Barbados, on Tuesday, the Concacaf head underscored the added benefit that is expected to accrue from this “important” growth plank. ”The importance of this cannot be understated… it is quite significant, as you know, but it is not only for the support that it will provide to our Member Associations, but what is also important, is the way moving forward in football within Concacaf assisting in coordinating the events and their development efforts,” Montagliani said. Among those attending Tuesday’s inauguration were FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura, Concacaf General Secretary Phillipe Moggio, Barbados Minister of Sport John King, President of the Barbados Football Association Randy Harris, and other regional Presidents.
President Montagliani spoke to the fact that: “The FIFA office in this region will not only integrate with the Member Associations, but also our regional Concacaf office in Kingston, Jamaica, and obviously with our main office in Miami. ”The primary focus of this office will be development as we know. However, it is very important that this also underpins some of the other things we are doing in our region. “We know of the great work being done by (Concacaf Director of Development) Jason (Roberts) with NextPlay… and some of these efforts will be coordinated with the FIFA office regionally here as well,” Montagliani also noted. He told the gathering that while development of the game is multi-faceted in nature, at the end of the day the exercise is aimed at fueling one key factor - competition. “What this shows is that all this development underpins our competitions, which are taking place now in our region, and these tournaments have not only excited our footballers, but have also raised the bar for accountability for all of us in the region, starting with us as presidents
Football and government officials during the official opening of the FIFA Regional Development Office Caribbean in Christ Church, Barbados, on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. and moving downwards. ”From our Caribbean Club Championship, our Caribbean Club Shield, our Scotiabank Concacaf League, to our Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League and obviously to our Nations League, which starts in September,” he shared.
”FIFA has seen Concacaf grow as an example that we have put football first. “What is most important about Concacaf even more than football is family and as the Presidents present today have witnessed, our One Concacaf Vision has shown family above all with football
first will get us through our hard times and get us to achieving our further goals,” he said. ”Football lives here in Barbados, football lives here in the Caribbean and football, above all, lives here in Concacaf, which makes me very happy and very proud
of you (Member Associations). ”I would like to thank the Government (of Barbados) for its support to this (FIFA) office, and as we move forward, it will become an integral piece of o u r C o n c a c a f f a m i l y, ” Montagliani concluded.
Real Madrid boss stands down five days after Champions League win BBC Sport - Zinedine Zidane says he is stepping down as Real Madrid boss, five days after leading them to a third straight Champions League triumph, claiming the club needs “a different voice”. Zidane told a news conference that “everything changes” and “that’s why I took this decision”. He leaves having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles and one La Liga success since taking over in January 2016. “I love this club,” he added. ”What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, a n o t h e r m e t h o d o l o g y. “This is the right moment for all involved - for me, for the squad, for the club.” Zidane, 45, took over after Rafael Benitez was sacked and was in charge for 149 games. He steered Real to 104 wins and 29 draws, had a 69.8% win rate, and won nine trophies. However, Real finished third in La Liga in 2017-18 17 points behind champions and fierce rivals Barcelona - while they were
Zidane sits alongside club president Florentino Perez as he tells reporters that he will be leaving the Spanish side. knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage by Leganes. Zidane said in February he would walk away if he felt “there is nothing more to give”. However, the timing of his announcement still came as a shock, just days after Real beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final. That win saw him join Bob Paisley (three at
Liverpool) and Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan two, Real Madrid one) as the only managers to have won the Champions League/European Cup three times. “I had to do this for everyone,” added Zidane yesterday. Real are looking for their fourth manager in five y e a r s . To t t e n h a m b o s s Mauricio Pochettino has been linked with Real in the
past. The Argentine signed a new five-year contract at Spurs last week. Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri could also come into the frame, w h i l e A r s e n e We n g e r wants to carry on in management after leaving Arsenal after 22 years in charge. Italian Maurizio Sarri, most recently of Napoli, is also available. The decision on who
will next manage Real will be made by club president Florentino Perez. He accompanied Zidane at the news conference and said he wanted to keep the France 1998 World Cup winner. ”This was a totally unexpected decision. Zidane informed me of his choice yesterday,” added Perez. “This is a sad day for me, for the players and for everyone involved with the club. He knows that I wanted to sign him more than anyone as a player, as well as a coach. “I would love for him to be by my side forever.” Zindane’s exit comes after Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo revealed they were contemplating their futures at the club. Wales forward Bale was unhappy at being named as a substitute against Liverpool while Ronaldo said last weekend he will soon make an announcement about his future. Asked if his decision was anything to do with Ronaldo, Zidane said: “No.” Who do Real turn to next? “It’s not easy to find a coach for Real,” the club’s former president
Ramon Calderon told BBC World Service. “There are some in the market. Wenger has been offered that job many times. I know this president likes him and he was trying to offer him all the power of the club a few years ago. ”Pochettino is a good coach, no doubt he could be one of the candidates. I think Conte is free too, I don’t know. ”The president will have to talk to the big players in the dressing room Cristiano, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo. They will give their opinion too.” ’Real’s transition under Zidane immeasurable’ Hibernian manager Neil Lennon said Zidane “is up there with the greatest managers of all time”. “Zidane’s record is amazing,” he added. “We thought at the time that winning back-to-back Champions Leagues was an incredible feat. ”But to do it three times in a row - we may never see that again. “Real Madrid’s transition under Zidane has been immeasurable. In the big games he has come up trumps and he has that respect from being a great player.”
PAGE 38
Friday June 01, 2018
Kaieteur News
Lewis shines again as Windies win relief T20 London, CMC – Explosive opener Evin Lewis stroked his third Twenty20 International half-century to headline a feisty batting effort as West Indies brushed aside the ICC World XI by 72 runs in the high profile Hurricane Relief fundraiser here yesterday. Sent in at historic Lord’s, the Caribbean side piled up 199 for four from their 20 overs, with the left-handed Lewis top-scoring with 58 from 26 deliveries. Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin stroked an unbeaten 44, Marlon Samuels an up tempo 32 while all-rounder Andre Russell lashed 21 not out. Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan proved expensive but was the leading wicket-taker with two for 48. In reply, leg-spinner Samuel Badree (2-24) and seamer Russell (2-25) wrecked the top order as the World XI slumped to eight runs for four wickets in the fourth over. And even though Sri Lankan Thisara Perera belted 61 from 37 balls, the damage had already been done and the World XI ended on 127, with 20 balls remaining in the innings. Fast-medium Kesrick Williams provided the firepower late on to dent any attempted revival, taking three for 41 from 3.4 overs. The contest, watched by a number of legendary former West Indies players including Sir Vivian Richards, featured an array of world stars but was played in a spirit of goodwill. Lewis
Andre Russell hammered some huge sixes Getty Images. gave West Indies a rapid start, lashing five fours and sixes as he put on 75 off 47 balls for the first wicket with Chris Gayle (18). He raced to his half-century off 23 balls, reaching the landmark by depositing a full toss from pacer Perera over the ropes at long on. But he departed in the eighth over, pinned back on his stumps by Rashid Khan and falling lbw. The left-handed Gayle, subdued for the most part, perished 14 balls later after facing 28 balls and striking a single four, playing back to one from part-time off-spinner Shoaib Malik and losing his off-stump. Andre Fletcher fell cheaply for nine in the 12th over with the Windies on 100 for three but Samuels and Ramdin then added fuel to
the innings with two exciting stands. First, Samuels stroked a pair of fours and four sixes in a 23-ball knock, as he put on 52 for the fourth wicket with Ramdin, who counted three fours and sixes in a 25-ball stay. When Samuels holed out to long on in the 17th over off Rashid Khan, Ramdin and Russell thrilled in a 47-run, unbroken fifth wicket stand off a mere 19 deliveries. Requiring 10 runs per over for victory, the World XI suffered early setbacks to lose their way. Lewis hauled in a brilliant leaping catch at cover point to send Tamim Iqbal on his way for two as he slashed Russell square, and Luke Ronchi missed a pull at Badree in the next over and
was lbw without scoring. In the same over, Dinesh Karthik (0) made a hash of a pull and was caught by Lewis on the off-side and the slide continued when Sam Billings miscued one from Russell and was caught at mid on by captain Carlos Brathwaite for four in the fourth over. Amidst the carnage, Perera played with gay abandon, striking seven fours and three sixes, putting on 37 for the fifth wicket with Shoaib (12) and a further 48 for the sixth wicket with captain Shahid Afridi (11). Afridi’s demise in the 13th over, caught at deep midwicket off speedster Keemo Paul, signaled the end of the resistance as the last five wickets tumbled for 44 runs, with the injured Tymal Mills unable to bat.
Powell, Campbell hit half-centuries but President’s XI slide Port of Spain, Trinidad, CMC – Test opener Kieran Powell found form with a halfcentury while opening partner John Campbell also notched one of his own, but CWI President’s XI lost a cluster of wickets to surrender the advantage on the second day of their three-day match against Sri Lanka. The left-handed Powell, in the 13-man squad for next
Kieran Powell
week’s first Test at Queen’s Park Oval, struck 60 in a 98run opening stand with fellow left-hander Campbell who top-scored with 62. Replying to the tourists’ imposing first innings of 428, the President’s XI were cantering on 146 for one at one stage but lost six wickets for 77 runs to end on 223 for seven. They trail by 205 runs
heading into Friday’s final day at the Brian Lara Stadium. Earlier, left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican finished with four
for 81 and off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall, three for 24, as Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed on the stroke
of lunch. Resuming yesterday’s second day on 318 for six, they were lifted by Niroshan
Dickwella who converted his overnight 26 into 74, made off 117 balls in nearly 2-3/4 hours (Continued on page 34)
PAGE 39
Friday June 01, 2018
Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Foster continues to excel at Championship to feature a record Essex County College; Heads for number of Participating Teams Clemson University in August
M
iami – The Confederatio n of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) yesterday announced the details for the 2018 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship. This, the largest Concacaf tournament ever for female participants, will feature the participation of a record amount of Concacaf Member Associations and two invited teams from UEFA. The developmental tournament is scheduled for August 6-13, 2018 at the world-renowned IMG Academy campus in Bradenton, Florida. Concacaf returns to IMG following a successful Boys’ Under-15 Championship held there last year, which featured a record 39 teams from across the Confederation. ”This year ’s Girls’ Under-15 Championship exemplifies Concacaf ’s commitment to providing access to world class playing environments for more of our young players from across the region,” said Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio. We’re pleased to return to IMG Academy, and we’re especially excited to see so many young women from across the region get the chance to experience a top-level Concacaf competition. This event will be a
Cops Cross Country & Outdoors MVR awards; named to All-Region 1st Team
H
positive influence for these girls in both their playing careers and young lives.” ”We are thrilled to welcome Concacaf and its Member Associations back to our campus and community,” said IMG Academy Co-Managing Director Chip McCarthy. “Like Concacaf, our mission is to provide the best opportunities for athletes from around the world and we look forward to seeing their athletes compete on an international stage.” As part of a year of w o m e n ’s f o o t b a l l i n Concacaf that includes the C o n c a c a f Wo m e n ’s Championship, and the Women’s Under-17 and Under-20 Championship, the expanded Girls’ Under15 Championship will provide access to international football for over 500 girls from across the Concacaf region, enhancing opportunity for long-term development and growth of the women’s game in the region. In total, nearly twothousand female athletes will participate in Concacaf championships
this year across the region. Centralised tournaments such as the Girls’ Under-15 Championship and regional qualifying tournaments in the Caribbean and Central America are providing more football for more of Concacaf’s women’s teams across levels, assuring that the region’s women are well served through the One Concacaf philosophy of access to quality football for more Concacaf athletes. The participating member association, groups, schedule and format of the tournament will be announced in the near future. To e n s u r e s p o r t i n g balance and fully leverage this unique development opportunity for the full contingent of young Concacaf and invited players, member associations will be divided into divisions. All will be guaranteed a minimum number of competitive matches during the week-long competition.
er dedicated and no-nonsense work ethic in the class room and on the track have been the hallmark of her sojourn ever since she took up a two-year scholarship at the Essex County College in September, 2016 where she is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in General Science. Foster’s recent success saw her being awarded the Most Valuable Runner Women’s Cross Country 2017-2018; Most Valuable Runner (MVR) Women’s Outdoor Track and Field 2017-2018; Selected as a First Team – 800m Member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Women’s Outdoor Track and Field 1 AllAmerica Team for the year 2017-18 and was also selected to the NJCAA Region X1X “All-Region First Team” Women’s Cross Country. Foster was bestowed with the awards at the Junior College’s recently held Annual Banquet. Another Guyanese, Natricia Hooper was the named the Most Valuable Runner for Indoors. That apart, at the C o l l e g e ’s O u t d o o r Nationals, Foster ran a PB of 2:09 in the 800m and copped the National Champion and Track And Field Woman of the Year accolades for that event. Hopper, National Champion in the Triple Jump also achieved a PB of 13.37 and was named Field Event
Andrea Foster seen signing the documents for Clemson University. Athlete of the Year at Outdoor Nationals. Claudrice McKoy and Avon Samuels who are attending Monroe College also competed at the same event and in the 1500m placed 7th and 8th, respectively. All the above athletes attained All America Status. Foster, who is in her final year at Essex County College and is expected to leave in August, this week signed up with Clemson University where she would b e p u r s u i n g a Tr a c k Scholarship compliments of the University, later this year. The disciplined athlete commented on her
achievements: “I’m just thankful for everything I have achieved this year. There were goals I set out and I’m very happy that I was able to achieve most of them with the help of God. It wasn’t a very easy path but the road to success is never smooth. Special thanks to everyone that helped in whatever way to make me successful. Thanks to my mom Ms. Alisha Fortune, Marian Burnett and Coach Julian Edmonds who are some of the persons who have helped to shape my success. The names are so much to mention but I am very thankful to all.”
Xavier cops Caribbean Beat Pools Competition Anthony Xavier emerged winner of the Caribbean Beat Sports Bar Pools Competition which was contested recently at Pike Street and Stone Avenue, Campbellville. Kevin Mangru placed second while Ravi Asserbad finished third and Vijay Sankar fourth, 49 players contested.
From left competition host Andre Boyce, Anthony Xavier, Kevin Mangru, Ravi Asserbad, Vijay Sankar and Romesh Persaud of Banks DIH.
Xavier received a trophy and $50,000 compliments of Banks Beer while Mangru collected a trophy and $30,000 sponsored by Guinness, Asserbad collected a trophy and $20,000 courtesy of GT Beer and Sankar, a trophy and $10,000 from sponsored by Vita Malt.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
Friday June 01, 2018
Torginol Paints Golf Tourney Tee off tomorrow The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) is set to host the Torginol Paints annual Invitational Tournament from 12:30hrs tomorrow and another tournament on Sunday. All golfers are being encouraged to take advantage of the freshly manicured greens and fairways to compete for top honours, now that the inclement weather which has prevented tournaments, has eased. Prizes will be awarded to the top Four Best Net Scores, the Best Gross Score, the Longest Drive and the Nearest to a Designated Pin. The tournament is open to all golfers in Guyana (members and nonmembers) who feel that they can take on the challenge of the “Green Anaconda” as the Lusignan Golf Club is proposed to be branded. Previous Torginol Paints tournament winners include Colin Ming – 2009; Fazil Haniff – 2011; Clifford Reis – 2012; Mark Lashley – 2013 and Shanella Webster 2014. Non-members desirous of participating are required to pay a nominal tournament fee which covers the green fee, lunch and a
Torginol Paints Production Manager, Fenton Persaud (4th left) hands over cheque to LGC VP Peton George in the presence of other officials. caddie for the18-hole tournament. Such persons are asked to contact the club on 220 5660 or 668 7419 to receive information on how to register to play. Company Secretary Mr. Mohamed S. Ally at a recent press conference handed
over the sponsorship cheque and pledged support for the vision of President Aleem Hussain and the efforts of the club as it seeks to upgrade its facilities and to widen its outreach to include first-time golfers and children. On that occasion,
Production Manager, Fenton Persaud commented, “We have been associated with the Lusignan Golf Club for over 15 years and have been a proud sponsor of t o u r n a m e n t s . We s e e ourselves as assisting in the promotion of golf in the
country as well as the development of the facility to make it better so that it can be top notch not only for Guyanese but for foreigners. We will continue to support the Lusignan Golf Club.” All Staff and Clients of the Company as well as
Members of the public are invited to witness this grand tournament that kicks off the second half of our season. There is no charge for entry and persons desiring to learn the game will have free introductory lessons to learn the game this weekend.
Wicketkeepers benefit from Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh/BCB Coaching Clinic
The young Wicket-keepers take a group photo with the Coaching Staff following the clinic. The Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) on Sunday last launched the D r. T u l s i D y a l C o a c h i n g Programme for youths in Berbice
by hosting a Wicketkeepers Clinic where 24 players, drawn from the Under-15, 17 and Under-19 levels attended the Clinic which was held
at the Albion Sports Club. Senior Level III Coach Winston Smith facilitated the event with assistance from Pre Level One
Coaches, Neil Rudder and Winston Rose. Among the participants were Berbice U-19 Keeper Junior Sinclair, Guyana U-19 Female
Keeper Uma Matadin and Berbice U-17, Kevin Sewraj. The Clinic included both (Continued on page 34)
Kaieteur News
Friday June 01, 2018
GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSCL ….
Anna Regina Multilateral lifts Essequibo District Championship Title
PAGE 41
DDL backs ExxonMobil Under-14 football tournament
Kamesh Lall (right) and Sheldon Charles.
DDL Pepsi Brand Manager Larry Wills (left) hands over sponsorship cheque to Petra’s Mark Alleyne in the presence of Troy Mendonca.
D
T
he 2017/2018 Guyana Cricket Board/ Demerara Mutual Life Assurance Society Limited/ National Sport Commission/National Secondary School Cricket L e a g u e (GCB/DMLAS/NSC/NSSC L) continued with Essequibo Islands’ Secondary of Wa k e n a a m c o m p e t i n g against Anna Regina Multilateral School of the Essequibo Coast for the Essequibo County District title. Played at the Imam Bacchus ground on the Essequibo Coast, Anna Regina Multilateral looked a confident unit from their earlier wins which gave them the Essequibo Coast
District title. Anna Regina Multilateral having won the toss, decided to bat, however, the visitors were equally buoyant having won the District that covers the region of Bartica, Wakenaam, Leguan and East Bank Essequibo. The Essequibo Islands players, who looked well prepared for the contest exhibited great team work ethics in the field through their accurate bowling and excellent fielding. Nevertheless, Anna Regina’s opening pair of Kamesh Lall and national youth player Sheldon Charles showed great resilience to scrape their team to 76 without loss at the end of their allotted overs.
In reply, Essequibo Islands were restricted to 25 for 5 as Anna Regina Multilateral bowlers maintained a decent length and line. Batting for Essequibo Islands S e c o n d a r y, D a v i n d r a Hamraj with 12 was the only batsman to reach double figures. Bowling for Anna Regina Multilateral, Badesh Parsatom grabbed two wickets, while there was each for Raphael David, Lance Roberts and Kamesh Lall. A n n a R e g i n a Multilateral has now become the first team to reach the semi-final of the Inter School Phase of this competition.
Trophy Stall, Khan’s Trading support Sawh Volt Inc. Softball
T
rophy Stall of Bourda Market and Khan’s Trading are the latest sponsors to support the Sawh Volt 7-a-side softball cricket competition which is set for La Grange on June 10, next. Trophy Stall has sponsored the second place prize while Khan’s Trading has donated the trophy for the highest individual score. Patrick Khan of Khan’s Trading stated that he is happy to support the tournament since some of the top players are expected to be part of the action. Khan said he is looking forward to a successful competition and wished the teams
well. The competition which is organised by Greg Singh and Imran Hamid will see the winning team taking home a trophy and $100,000 and runner up a trophy and $30,000. Entrance fee is $10,000. The man-of-the-match in the final, the player that takes the best catch, best bowler and best batsman in the tournament, bowler that takes the most wickets in an over, most sixes by a batman in an innings, best bowling figures and batman with the highest individual score will all be rewarded. The first 10 teams will be accepted.
ays before the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 football tournament kicks off at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground, Carifesta Avenue, another company, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) through its Pepsi Brand has thrown their support behind the event. A total of twenty four male and eight female school teams will participate in the seven week competition that kicks off tomorrow with a March Past at 10:00hrs and would be followed by 12 boys’ matches. The girls competition will be shorter, lasting only four weeks, will undergo two preparatory weeks of 6/2/2018 11:00 hrs 11:00 hrs 11:50 hrs 11:50 hrs 12:40 hrs 12:40 hrs 13:30 hrs 13:30 hrs 14:20 hrs 14:20 hrs 15:10 hrs 15:10 hrs
training under the auspices of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Technical team before they take on each other. Marketing Manager of DDL, Larry Wills, posited during a press brief yesterday at the company’s DSL Cash and Carry office at Ruimveldt that, “DDL under the Pepsi Brand is happy to be part of Petra’s first ever boys’ and girls’ under-14 football tournament. I think it’s very significant that the female aspect has been included. Giving back to the youths is very important for DDL and we were pleased when Petra approached us for support. Petra has a very good track record in organising football
tournaments so we have happy to be on board.” Co-Director of Petra, Troy Mendonca, explained that this inaugural tournament is very special to his organisation because the under-14 competition will help bridge the gap between the existing Pee Wee and under-18 tournaments. He further noted that what Petra has been doing for the past seven years has helped create an environment for other stakeholders to join the football fraternity, fostering partnerships along the way and with such, he is pleased to have the support of DDL for this tournament. See below the fixtures for tomorrow’s matches at the MOE ground.
Round 1 Ministry of Education Ground Match # Tutorial vs Buxton Youth Development 1 Marian Academy vs Uitivulgt Secondary 2 Dolphin Secondary vs Friendship Secondary 3 Charlestown Secondary vs Anns Grove 4 Bishop High School vs Annandale Secondary 5 Carmel Secondary School vs Vergenogen Secondary 6 New Campbellville vs Brickdam Secondary 7 Tucville vs Queens Town Secondary 8 Chase Academy vs St John’s College 9 North Riumveldt Multi vs School of the Nation Sec. 10 East Riumveldt vs St Georges Secondary 11 Kingstown vs South Ruimveldt Secondary 12
rt o p S
Lewis shines again as Foster continues to excel at Essex County College; Heads for Windies win relief T20 Clemson University P. 39
P. 39
in August - Cops Cross Country & Outdoors MVR awards; named to All-Region 1st Team
Andrea Foster displays her awards in the presence of Essex County College Athletics Director, Mr. Michael Doughtie.
Evin Lewis cuts through point ©Getty Images.
Warriors survive Cavs, win Game 1 despite LeBron James’ 51-point effort P. 36
LeBron James drives against Stephen Curry in Game 1 of the NBA Finals last night. Ben Margot/AP
LeBron James and Kevin Durant during last night’s action.
Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.