Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

OUR TEACHERS DESERVE PRAISE

T

he failures and high drop-out rates in Guyana's schools have led many parents and stakeholders from various sectors of society to question the commitment of teachers to these charges and quite rightly so. It is questioning the integrity, obligation, devotion and professionalism of teachers to teach. Many believe that the teaching skills of today's practitioners are nowhere close to those of past generations. Even though questioning their commitment may have caused many teachers to become angry, it forms part of the social contract that they enter into with the society upon entry into the teaching service. This type of accountability is critical to the development of the profession and students, and must be welcomed if done in a constructive manner. However, there are times when criticisms are levelled against teachers that are somewhat unfair and reflect a lack of understanding of the challenges they face today in the execution of their mandate. Teachers are challenged daily by children who obtain their values from social media, which display the happenings not only in Guyana, but from other parts of the world. The mere fact that television and social media have replaced parents in the home is very troubling. As a result, most children have become fully aware of their rights and privileges, but not necessarily their responsibilities. For this reason, many parents are afraid to discipline their children, so they leave it to the teachers who must become both parents and teachers of their children. This is the predicament most teachers face in teaching in today's society. In the current dispensation, schools are seen as moral agents providing social guidance and satisfaction to students that extends beyond the classroom. The governing legislation for education has never envisaged such a broad-based mandate for teachers. It is true that the current model of our educational system against which it was crafted is woefully inadequate to the current needs of the society. The students that characterized schools in that model came from a particular socio-economic background and thus certain assumptions could have been made about the role and responsibility of teachers. Such assumptions are wrong because teachers should not be held responsible for the behaviour of children in the home or in society. The view that education is a public good and should be available to all has not redefined the role, nature and purpose of teachers. Unfortunately, parents seldom discipline their children. Therefore, teachers have to protect themselves against the violent behaviour of children, much to the chagrin of those who do not walk in their shoes. In any profession, there is an ethical violation rate of between ten and twenty percent and teaching is no exception. Given that there are thousands of teachers in the country, it is very easy to identify and hold them responsible for not upholding the expected ethical standards. It is rather unfortunate that the great work that the thousands of teachers do in the classroom daily goes unnoticed or even taken for granted. Teachers go above and beyond the call of duty to nurture the adults of the future and to help them function well in society and in their job descriptions. There are teachers who sometimes give children monies out of their pockets to commute home on evenings, to purchase lunch, take them on field trips that extend well beyond their school hours, give extra lessons free of charge, visit homes to find parents who will not visit the school despite several letters and telephone calls, purchase books and uniforms for needy students, and give students hugs when needed. These acts go well beyond the remit of teachers but they are performed on a daily basis by teachers across the length and breadth of our country. Therefore, we must praise teachers rather than question their commitment to the profession.

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

The TIGI claim was far from the truth Dear Editor, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc’s (TIGI) claim that the government awarding ExxonMobil 600 blocks rather than 60 was a “breach of regulations” and caused “material harm to the country” could not be further from the truth. T I G I ’s f e a t u r e i n Stabroek News was a rambling, unintelligible gripe against ExxonMobil and the government; nothing more. If you actually read into their claims, this much is clear. In fact, it only takes an ounce of commonsense to see that the government’s decision to let ExxonMobil keep the Stabroek Block was not only well within its rights but also a strategic move…that worked! The Petroleum Act of 1991 grants the Minister of Petroleum certain

discretionary powers in awarding these contracts. These powers were exercised in the 1999 agreement as well as the 2016 agreement. Minister Raphael Trotman was well within his rights to maintain the acreage awarded to ExxonMobil by the Jagan Administration in 1999. Furthermore, context is critical to understanding why the government chose to do this. In 2013, the Venezuelan navy seized an exploration vessel called RV Teknik Perdana which was conducting seismic studies for Anadarko Petroleum in Guyanese waters. This incident with Venezuela made exploration near the western border a matter of national security. The Executive President has broad powers regarding

national security. In this capacity, the decision to allow ExxonMobil to keep the full 600 blocks was yet again well within the rights of the government. TIGI also claims that the government should have only awarded ExxonMobil 60 blocks and then auctioned o ff t h e r e s t t o o t h e r companies. Again, this claim makes no sense in context. Firstly, the full extent of our resources was not realized at the time. Secondly, the Venezuelan threat was far too serious for other companies to be interested. Combine those two things and you see why ExxonMobil was alone. Speaking on the Stabroek Block, Minister Trotman said, “except for Exxon showing the backbone and the courage to go there, no other company is interested.”

I’m a businessman, so I know the answer to this question, but I ask TIGI, how exactly do you sell something that no one wants? There are companies that are interested in exploring near the Guyana-Suriname border but only ExxonMobil is willing to face the threat to the West. TIGI’s claims do not r e f l e c t t h i s r e a l i t y. Development of our natural resources will be hugely beneficial to all of Guyana. Everyone in our country will see and feel these benefits. B u t , i f i t w a s n ’t f o r E x x o n M o b i l ’ s determination, none of this would be possible. Instead of hypothesizing about nonsense, we should be celebrating what will be. Yours Respectfully, Selwyn Paul

Remembering Walter Rodney for its relevance today DEAR EDITOR, June 2nd marks the death anniversary of Guyana’s dear son, Walter Rodney. It is with great sadness that we are not more aware of his great work on the global stage and more so for bringing a solution for racial unity in Guyana in a time when no one else was able to do so then and now. Rodney understood and empathized with the poor and disenfranchised of the world and defined with great detail and intellect how the world system works to keep people in poverty. His brilliance in history and academics as a whole helped Rodney to articulate and clearly identify what is wrong with our society. He brought forward substantial and viable solutions to these problems we faced then and now. Rodney was recognized and respected by his peers around the world and was among the first Guyanese to achieve this great standing that made his country proud with the exception of the then PNC government of course. But it was not only the PNC that feared his brilliance and the force he brings; it was the entire system that thrives on oppressing others for their gains. During his time in Jamaica, Rodney developed a following among the poor and downtrodden in that country along with great support and reverence from the Rastafarian community. In Jamaica, Rodney met with

the people of the slums and reasoned with them to understand their struggles and share his knowledge with the hope to uplift his people. During this time in there, he wrote “Groundings”, a ground-breaking look at the dynamics between systems of control and poverty. With pressure from the powers that be, Rodney was forced out of Jamaica, which resulted in the now famous “Rodney riots”, where thousands of Jamaicans took to the streets to have their teacher and leader returned to them. This shows the magnitude and power of Rodney’s impact on social consciousness, since he was making an impact on foreign countries like Jamaica who worships their local heroes with jealously; however, they made room for Rodney. Rodney’s work in his canonizing book “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa” was nothing short of a masterpiece that exposed the inner workings of an evil system designed to keep Africans in severe poverty while Europe and their allies took Africa’s wealth for free. His book made him a marked man and no place was safe anymore. He was seen as a clear threat, because he shone the light on evil. What made Rodney different from his counterparts in politics is that he saw capitalism, socialism or communism as systems of

oppression in one form or another. And even though his writings would hold sway more towards socialism, it is natural for any critic of capitalism to be seen as a socialist at best. But at its core, Rodney stood up for justice and fairness for the unfairly treated. This position made him rise great among others who only paid lip service to justice while they continue to exploit the people. For Rodney, whether a country was capitalist or communist, there is always a core group of individuals who were constantly exploiting the people by stealing the wealth from the many and giving it to the few elites. This fact was evident not only in Guyana but in almost

every former colony in the world, where leaders who rise to power on promises of equality and justice then begin thieving from the poor. In Guyana, Rodney returned to contribute to his homeland as he had seen the severity of exploitation of all races in Guyana by the PNC Government led by Burnham. For him, Burnham was a charismatic leader with grandeur and pomp claiming to be a liberator for the poor but in reality Burnham was no different from the other leaders who paid lip service to poverty while enriching himself and a few around him. Rodney understood that racial unity was critical for Guyana to grow and become successful as a nation and he (Continued on page 6)

Correcting and congratulating Baldeo Dear Editor, I read with interest the letter by Albert Baldeo published in Kaieteur News of Saturday, June 2, 2018, titled ‘ Honouring the Architects of Independence.’ I congratulate him for his efforts and share the general tenor of his letter. In fact, our media and Leaders need to do much more to honour those who laid the foundations for our Society and the Anti-imperialist warfare of Post-World War II. As a young activist in my teens in the struggle in the early 50’s, Baldeo’s letter has one error. When the People’s Progressive Party was established, we avoided having the position of Leader. However, the first Chairman of the People’s Progressive Party was Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham who with consummate skill and command of the English Language along with Dr. Cheddi Jagan articulated the case for self-government and independence. Hamilton Green Elder

Monday June 04, 2018

Media Personnel having Access to Confidential Information DEAR EDITOR, Please permit me to respond to a letter to the Editor, which was published in the Chronicle News and Kaieteur News on May 30, 2018 captioned “Leroy Smith does write factual articles”. Also reference is being made to an online article dated May 29, 2018 published by BIG SMITH CRIME WATCH written by Leroy Smith. In an online article on October 3, 2017 captioned “SWAT Commander robbed of vehicle, gun” which was prepared by Leroy Smith as it relates to Former SWAT head Lonsdale Withrite stated that “...was unable to confirm whether a radio set, which is usually carried by the officer, is missing. The radio sets issued by the force are said to be very critical to the opera-

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tions of the police and could pose a serious national security risk if they end up in the hands of criminals.” Mr. Smith, in that article you proclaimed two statements “serious national security risk” and “hands of criminals”, which I was merely reiterating prior in my letter. The next day, the same online media house followed up article on the story stated “…he was pounced on by three suspects, one of whom discharged two rounds…” Leroy are you trying to tell me the “suspects” who were already in the possession of a firearm will not make use of the firearm that was found to be missing from Mr. Withrite’s car to continue to rob helpless and innocent victims thus increasing crime rate?

Realism tell us that “Criminals” in possession of two firearms are considered twice dangerous resulting in twice the damage. There was a letter to the Editor of the Kaieteur News dated May 18, 2018 captioned “The predicament sparked by the Dookie placement”. The author stated, “His (DSP Lonsdale Withrite) wrongdoing saw the loss of a potent weapon into the hands of robbers”. Mr. Smith, what do you think the author was implying? He also stated that Superintendent Wayne “De Hearte presently is acting as second in command in the Berbice Division. Not a word concerning his posting”. Was this move deemed as a promotion by junior ranks (Continued on page 6)

A cursory look at Regent Street reveals a troubling presence DEAR EDITOR, A cursory look at Regent Street would reveal the troubling presence of a number of armed private security personnel, who are positioned on the pavement while providing security to a number of stores in the immediate vicinity. However, while this new development is not peculiar to that locale, I have specifically singled out Regent Street because of its strategic importance to the local retail sector, and the fact that pedestrian, vehicular traffic, and vending activities increase progressively as one proceeds west. A number of factors are responsible for that new development, but before I address it, please allow me to digress momentarily for pur-

Cheaper, cleaner and Guyanese: What a gas-to-power plant would mean for electricity DEAR EDITOR, Right now, Guyanese consumers suffer from the third highest electricity prices in the Caribbean and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has found that heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels is the reason. That goes for the whole of the CARICOM region as well, which suffers some of the world’s highest electricity prices.New natural gas reserves discovered alongside the oil in the Stabroek field could change all that. The government, in cooperation with ExxonMobil, has proposed piping that gas to a new state-of-the-art power plant onshore. This would provide a major step towards cheaper, cleaner, and more reliable energy for Guyanese families within a matter of a few years, if oil production happens without delay. A plant like this would lower costs for consumers. Comparable plants in gas producing countries like Trinidad and Tobago produce power for around $0.04 USD per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and Minister Patterson has said that in Guyana it will be below $0.10 USD/kWh to produce but how low will be determined. The IMF found that switching to gas could save Guyanese customers up to $29.01 GYD per kWh. If the

IMF was right, that would mean customers on the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) grid could see their bills cut. Bottom line: more affordable electricity then what we have today. Lower costs would make it significantly easier for families to pay their electric bills and for Guyanese businesses to compete internationally. According to the IMF, more Guyanese businesses currently rely on generators for intermittent power than any other country in the CARICOM region. That means higher costs for them that are eventually passed down to consumers. If GPL can focus on improving the grid and the government invites new business investment close to the power plant, Guyanese businesses will be stronger with lower energy costs.Energy prices are also a critical factor in the success of industries as diverse as sugar refining and mining, and natural gas is, an essential feedstock for creating plastics, textiles, and fertilizers. A new natural gas fired power plant would be a vast improvement environmentally. According to the International Energy Agency, when burned for power generation natural gas produces 40 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the heavy

fuel oil our plants currently burn and almost no particulate emissions. This will help Guyana meet its environmental commitments and achieve goals established in our Green State Development Strategy. Even better, it has a demonstrated ability to work well with renewable power sources of power like wind and solar. Natural gas plants can cycle on and off quickly, going from zero to full production in response to fluctuating energy needs. This is a critical attribute since clouds can cover the sun or the wind can stop blowing at any time. This rapid flexibility also enables gas to scale back down just as quickly when cleaner renewable sources are available. This ability to efficiently coordinate with renewable energy sources has been hailed by international agen-

cies like the World Bank, which notes that gas will play an important role in the energy transition and is a “flexible energy source that can help countries make the transition more quickly to renewables and expand access to energy for the poor.” Gas production in the Stabroek field has one other advantage: it’s ours. No longer would we need to depend on Venezuela and Trinidad to keep our lights on. High and unstable import prices for fossil fuels are a drag on our economy. With a supply of gas designated for solely domestic energy use, our electric bills will soon be protected from global price shocks. All these advantages can only be realized if this discovery is quickly and properly capitalized on. .Andrew McBean

poses of clarification. A copy of the Stabroek Business a monthly supplement, Vol 2 No 9 dated September 2002 carries an article titled ‘Business Sucks. Why?’ which is immediately followed by an article titled “The business of crime and its effect on businesses” by Norman McLean. The opening paragraph reads - Guyana has been seized in the grip of a grave and serious crime wave. The author makes the point that six months after the famous dramatic escape from the Georgetown Prison by five notorious prisoners, we have witnessed the following:· 9 policemen killed · 17 policemen injured · 3 security guards killed · 7 security guards injured · 5 businessmen killed · 75 businessmen injured · 689 armed robberies · 73 car/ hijacking · 4,826 indictable crimes This record, he concludes, had a devastating impact on police and public morale. According to media reports, crime statistics for 2013, has showed striking similarity to those of 2002. I shall now return to my original subject. The situation, which currently exists on Regent Street has it genesis in what obtained during the former government’s tenure in office. During that era, there were four types of security outfits namely—those hereinafter defined as front entities for governmental officials, front entities for business persons, legitimate security companies and security protection provided by rogue members of the Joint Services and those provided by thugs

(bad men). With the coming to power of the APNU+AFC government, the latter two groups, faced with great uncertainty, dashed for cover and incorporated a number of security companies to legitimatize their operations, hence the noticeable increase in security outfits over the last three years. While this is not at all unusual, what is unusual is the fact that the government of Guyana, both past and present, lacked the capacity to provide the necessary private security governance to effectively deal with the situation. And because of the business environment in which it has operated, the security industry trade association, GAPSO, is equally hamstrung, and is in no better a position to effectively fulfill its mandate. Recognizing its shortcomings and the need to rise to the task, GAPSO has engaged the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business to assist with the formulation of a conceptual framework to assist that entity to modernize its operation and provide the much needed leadership. Meanwhile, as the international business school does its work, the first order of things should include elevating the technical and professional standing of its executive members to ensure that they are possessed of the common body of knowledge, which will equip them to interface with the local security industry, the government of Guyana and international organisations, as professionals par excellence. Clairmont Featherstone

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ANOTHER FABRICATION THAT IS GOING NOWHERE DEAR EDITOR, Having projected himself as a ‘fearless fighter’, the publisher of the Kaieteur News, Glenn Lall, has moved to back down from his paper’s criticisms of ExxonMobil with news that he is being audited by a US state agency. A simple check would verify this fact. Is Glenn Lall just a victim here? Will Kaieteur News return to its criticisms of ExxonMobil regardless? Or is it that Glenn Lall has much to worry about? What will this audit turn up? While, it is speculated that the Coalition Government

collaborated with its external partners to make the move possible, what is interesting is the ‘clever’ switch made by the paper to go after Guyana Goldfields, pushing news that is critical of ExxonMobil on the backburner. The questions we must ask now is whether Kaieteur News will also back down from this endeavour considering that a major Coalition supporter, Eric Phillips, has come out to reject the ‘attacks’ on Guyana Goldfields. Where is this ‘fearless fighter’ that was talked about? Sincerely,

Cedric Lord Editor’s note: The concoction that Glenn Lall is being audited by a US agency is just one of the attacks against him. And assuming that there is this audit Glenn Lall is not worried.The non-reporting about ExxonMobil is simply due to the fact that there is nothing to make the news at this time. Let it be known that the ‘fearless fighter’ is still fearless. The non-existent Cedric Lord who is in fact a member of the PPP sniping at Glenn Lall, should thank him for saving Guyana from a corrupt administration.

A SUBSTANDARD ROAD WORK DEAR EDITOR, The MOPI is presently executing road works in Berbice at a cost mysterious to the public. The quality of the work that is being executed is of a very poor standard especially in East Bank Berbice and New Amsterdam. What is shocking is that the Water Street in Stanleytown, New Amsterdam that was completed a few weeks ago is de-

teriorating rapidly. This definitely shows that the standard of work that is being done by the MOPI work services group is substandard. The Coalition Government and Minister Patterson should ensure that taxpayers’ money is being spent properly. Because of the huge amount of corruption within this group and the MOPI taxpayers will not get value for money.

The sad thing about this APNU/AFC Coalition Government is whenever any issues are being highlighted, they use the Department of Public Information, NCN etc to try and cover up the issues e.g. the Ophthalmology Hospitals issue. The President should launch an investigation into this specific Minister and Ministry to unfold the corruption. Zamal Hussain

PAINT THE ELEPHANT GREY DEAR EDITOR, There was a letter published in your Saturday’s edition entitled ‘Death of a child at Mabaruma Hospital’ penned by Peter Persaud. Based on what he mentioned about the death of a child, I’m certain if there was any truth to the matter, that a full investigation would be done. What I beg to differ with is his statement in that same letter, ‘They (the people of Mabaruma) want to know what the purpose of Radio Mabaruma is; it seems to be a white elephant.’ First of all, the death of a child has no logical link with Radio Mabaruma, reflecting poor writing ability. Secondly, I am certain that the position taken is his own opinion or

the bringer of truth and righteousness because it exposed their evil acts. Being a world renowned historian, Rodney understood that race was by design and not a natural tendency and he proved that it was introduced by Europeans as a means of separation and exploitation at the same time. The Europeans knew that

MAE’S CROOKED STATEMENT DEAR EDITOR, Mae’s tried to set the record straight but issued a crooked statement. If neither student nor teacher said anything to this child about his indigenous dress, how did the word inappropriate surface? Who first uttered this word? If not a teacher, then it must be the school’s jumbie. In such a case an apology from the school is appropriate since it was the school’s jumbie who spoke. Come on Mae’s, stop discrimination now! Mabaruma resident

by separating the races, it would be easier to conquer by dividing people and putting them to fight amongst themselves. Therefore, he set about to debunk the race issue and bring racial unity to Guyana. His message and action took root in Guyana and all races in Guyana began to follow his leadership as he pushed to become the first and only leader to bring real national unity to Guyana. Sadly, Rodney never saw his vision come to life as he was brutally assassinated by who many believed to be on the orders of Burnham himself. This is further assured by the fact that the only person who stood to lose from Rodney’s victory was Burnham and the PNC regime. The death of Rodney changed Guyana forever and

that of one person, whomever he was communicating with, certainly not the people. He should seek to venture out especially in the riverine communities and get the views of the ‘people’. Almost every household has a radio. They are now in tune with what is happening nationally and even regionally. The real radio listeners of Mabaruma, I’m sure will agree that the local programmes that run daily albeit for an hour or two are very informative and educational. I agree that more local broadcast time should be given; however, one has to understand that many of the broadcasters are permanent government workers who have full time jobs. v

For him to say that it seems to be a “white elephant” is certainly a speculation that is not taken kindly by us, the avid radio listeners. I am not certain who this individual is, but his keen interest in Region One seems to show that he has the Region at heart, maybe he should consider taking up a permanent job with the Radio Station and paint the elephant grey. In closing, I must extend thanks to the Government for this initiative of bringing radio to the homes of residents of Mabaruma and I encourage the local broadcasters to continue doing the good job they are doing, things can only get better. A. Daniels

Media Personnel having Access... From page 5 paralleled to Dookie’s former posting as the No.2 Sub-Divisional Officer? Also please note that DSP Withrite was transferred as the Officer in Charge of the Tactical Services Unit; the division that houses “firearms” for the Guyana Police Force. Again, not a word concerning his posting by anyone! Mr. Smith did not seem to

Remembering Walter Rodney for its ... from page 4 was the only person positioned with the right message and solution to bring unity. Of course, this drove fear into the heart of the PNC and the natural reaction was to eliminate the competition. The PNC did exactly what every other exploitative regime did and that was to kill

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our beloved country has never recovered from this act of sin committed on Rodney. We can only now imagine and dream of what Guyana would have become if Rodney were not killed in the name of evil. B u t h i s i d e as and knowledge is not lost and his work is studied and shared around the world with reverence and a source of change. We must go b a ck and learn about Rodney since his words are relevant today like never before and without his message, we will remain lost. Walter Rodney provided a blueprint to Guyana’s future and the time is now for us to rediscover his greatness. May Walter Rodney rise in power always…! Malcolm Watkins Editor’s note: Walter Rodney died on June 13, 1980

conduct the ‘numerous follow-up stories” that he boasted about. It quite evident that Motie Dookie is indeed special since several follow up articles were published with regards to his postings and not the foregoing officers. Leroy also stated “wherever the story leads, I WILL FOLLOW”. I did not notice any follow up article(s) by Leroy as to Dookie will face disciplinary charges only/ concerns that it was deemed illegal of Mr. Felix to send Dookie on special leave in public’s interest/ Mr. Ramjattan’s opinion of the matter. To emphasize more, follow up articles that are only of negative nature towards Motie Dookie are being published by Leroy Smith. How demeaning as a journalist! You clearly DID NOT FOLLOW or did not want to follow on any comments/ opinion that would put Dookie in a favorable position since it is of my opinion that you feel that he should be sent home without adhering to the correct procedures resulting in him having a fair trial. Hence me asking again, why is Motie Dookie being targeted? Leroy Smith also stated that “The conduct of Mr Dookie while he was a serving member of the Guyana Police Force was the subject of internal scrutiny on numerous occasions and a simple check of his personal file will confirm this”. Can Leroy explain how was he aware that Dookie “was the subject of internal scrutiny on numerous occasions?” Does Leroy have someone in the Guyana Police Force working for him? Leroy Smith seems to be knowledgeable about what is contained in Dookie’s personal file. Isn’t this a breach

of confidentially and protection of employee’s data? Did Leroy Smith see Motie Dookie’s personal file? How is it that sensitive information from the Guyana Police is being leaked to media personnel? Is information of this nature accessible to anyone? Leroy also stated that he was the first to break stories about several other officers within the Guyana Police Force. How is it possible that Leroy is always the first to break stories with regards to employees of the Guyana Police Force? It appears as though Leroy Smith definitely have someone on the inside feeding him information, which I must say is unethical. Leroy Smith should liaise with the Guyana Police Force and the Police Service Commission when formed since he is familiar with what is contained in staff’s personal files. He can assist with the distinguishing of officers to be promoted/ demoted/ dismissed etc.I would like to thank Leroy for highlighting the several other officers and making the public aware once again of officers who I would want to believe have pending matters to be addressed as Motie Dookie. I was not a follower of Leroy Smith, thus resulting in me not being able to scrutinize work done by him and I must say there is a first time for everything, hence me now penning letters of my views. I wish to say that it is indeed unfortunate that journalists are starved for information but that does not give one the right to write articles based on gossip or on one’s personal opinion. Truly, every cow feels for its own but also remember you do not throw away your bad for anyone’s good! Priya Persaud

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Govt. should require oil companies to develop environmental protection plans – Natural Resource Charter …Says this must also include provisions for compensation By Kiana Wilburg When oil and gas activities are mismanaged, there can be irreversible environmental damage. This can give rise to local grievances and conflict. It is for this reason that the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) believes that all governments must require of oil companies, c o m p r e h e n s i v e environmental protection plans which speak to compensation when necessary. The NRGI is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving countries’ governance over their natural

resources to promote sustainable and inclusive development. According to the Institute, governments should require companies to

develop wide-ranging environmental management plans that clearly propose the method and means of managing, mitigating or offsetting each impact identified in the assessment,

throughout the project cycle. NRGI also stated that the government should require companies to be prepared for major accidents and disasters. In

this regard, it stated that emergency and disaster preparedness should protect both the operations site and affected populations. The Institute said that companies should

demonstrate strategic readiness for collaboration with the government including an effort to coordinate responses with local government services including the police, military, health service and environmental protection agencies. As for compensation, the Institute noted that this can take several forms, one of which includes direct compensation to specific individuals or communities affected by operator’s pollution. Regardless of which form it takes, the Institute said that in order to be effective, a compensation process must be credible, transparent,

Natural Resources Ministry awaits further tests on suspected mercury-related deaths In the face of continued safety concerns, the Guyana Government is not swayed into believing that the deaths of four workers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are mercury-related. The four workers died over a six-month period. The majority of the staff at that entity believe that these deaths can be linked to the high levels of mercury emission that pollute the GGMC compound and its environs. The Ministry of Natural Resources said that no official or formal report of this matter has been received about the deaths being mercury related. “The Ministry of Natural Resources will await a report to this effect from the GGMC and will again engage the workers about any grievances that may exist,” the Ministry stated. Workers are not taking the Government’s word this time, given that there was no public announcement when workers were found with elevated levels of mercury in their blood. However, after media reports, GGMC admitted the incident. Workers complained that despite many of them being in danger, the matter was not being treated with urgency. On the deaths, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) also believes that they are mercury related. The party has expressed “profound concern at the untimely deaths”. Of four Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) staffers – Mr. Dwayne De Jonge (ranger), Mr. Latchman Chiti (surveyor), Mr. Leroy Green

(carpenter) and Mr. Clement Proffit (lab technician). “The deaths of these staffers, who were documented to have been affected by mercury poisoning, make it clear that every effort must be made to ensure that working conditions are safe.” The party said that the deaths over “a short period of time,” should be a cause for serious concern. This newspaper had contacted sources at GGMC who said that De Jonge, Chiti and Green are “almost confirmed” to be victims of mercury pollution. De Jonge died last month; Latchman died last week; Green died earlier in the year and Proffit died a few days ago. Green was the first to die this year. He died in January of kidney failure. That

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman complication is believed to have been associated with high exposure to mercury. The Government remains firm that there is simply no existing empirical data, which established that mercury is responsible for the deaths of

miners and GGMC workers in recent times. However, the Ministry of Natural Resources stated that efforts are already in train to establish scientifically whether there is such a link. “No effort and no expense will be spared in pursuit of the truth and the protection of the workers,” the Ministry noted. The Ministry explained that GGMC is a decades old institution and so too the use of mercury in mining, which has straddled several political administrations. According to the Ministry, miners and workers of the GGMC and the Guyana Gold Board have for many years been exposed to mercury at various levels and times both in the hinterland and in the city because of its widespread use in the amalgamation of gold.

universally applied, efficient and fair. VAGUE TERMS There are many examples around the world where the governments of nations ensure that oil companies provide insurance, which would ensure compensation for any impact on communities and neighbouring countries due to the said operations. 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 is no provision regarding any adverse impact on coastal communities or on neighbouring countries. This alarming observation was recently pointed out by Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram and political Commentator, Ramon Gaskin. The two have been extremely critical of the vague terms in the contract especially as it relates to environmental protection. Ram in his recent writings noted that Article 20.2 of Guyana’s 2016 Oil Agreement deals with Insurance in respect of but not limited to assets, pollution, third parties and employees. The Attorney-at-law pointed out that the Agreement does not require any loss of production insurance as will apply in the case of any major disruption of production or

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram environmental accidents. He said that while this provision is absent from the 2016 Agreement, the 1999 Agreement, which was signed by the Jagan administration, allowed for insurance to be taken out by Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s affiliate insurance company. Esso is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil. Ram stated that, “That requirement has been changed and now allows the Contractor to have the right to self-insure against the risks identified. This is a major concession by (Natural Resources M i n i s t e r, Raphael) Trotman on an issue that only specialist lawyers know about. What it means in practice is that anyone seeking to make an insurance claim will have to lodge that claim against Esso, CNOOC/Nexen or Hess, all of which are external companies. Those potential claimants must thank Raphael Trotman for making their chances even more difficult to succeed.”

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

59 years after helping to foil deadly jailbreak…

Vernon Lambert, 91, honoured with National Award Fifty-nine years after he helped to foil a jail break which claimed the life of a colleague, 91-year-old Vernon Lambert has been awarded for his heroic efforts. Mr. Lambert was among 93 Guyanese who were conferred with National Awards by President David Granger on May 26, during celebrations of Guyana’s 52nd Independence Anniversary. The veteran prison officer will be presented with the Medal of Service at an investiture ceremony slated for October 6. Juliet Lambert Nurse, one of Mr. Lambert’s daughters, told Kaieteur News that she expressed gratitude that her father has finally been awarded for his bravery. She added that it was a long awaited moment for her family, citing that since the tragic ordeal, he was never

compensated nor was he given counselling. “At the end of the day, his sacrifice and labour did not go in vain and we are all happy that he has received the award.” The Ex-Prison Officers’ Association had made a formal recommendation to have Mr. Lambert bestowed this year with a National Award for his bravery. Mr. Lambert’s resolve and courage were put to the test on January 10, 1959. He was 33, and still on probation as a warden with the Guyana Prison Service. Lambert was sent to work in the ‘Brick prison’, the section holding prisoners in solitary confinement. He was partnered with George ‘Daddy’ Cantzlear, a strongly-built senior prison officer. The two officers were instructed to ‘exercise’ the seven prisoners in solitary.

At around 3.00 p.m, he saw two convicts, Wilbert Henry and Dennis Semple, approaching him. As they came nearer, Semple dropped back. Henry, a strapping convict, walked past Lambert, then proceeded to choke the young warden from behind. As Lambert struggled with his attacker, Semple, the other convict, drew a baton and began to rain blows on the warder’s stomach. Lambert’s cries of ‘murder’ alerted Edwin France, a cadet officer. Seeing the commotion, France scaled a wall and entered the exercise yard. But Charles James, the convict who had masterminded the operation, kicked France’s whistle out of his mouth before the cadet officer could summon help. At that point, the inmate clubbed Lambert on the head. He collapsed, but nevertheless began to blow his whistle. In

Mr. Vernon Lambert with his daughter, Glenette Hazel Lambert response, other officers began to blow theirs. The whistle blasts seemed to confuse one of the intended escapees, who was scaling the prison wall. He perched on the wall, as if uncertain of his next move. But then, his cell cronies shouted to him “wuk bannas , wuk,” and he scrambled to the other side of the wall. But the alarm had summoned the Chief Prison Officer, Edgar Baird, who began to enquire about Cantzlear’s whereabouts. They finally found Cantzlear bound and murdered in a cell. Lambert was sent to the

infirmary. A head wound he sustained required ten stitches. While there, he heard the inmates shouting: “We want blood!” Concerned for his safety, the prison officials hustled Lambert through the prison’s back gate. He was taken to the Georgetown Hospital, where he collapsed again. When he recovered, he was in a ward surrounded by persons who were praying for his recovery. The Director of Prisons also visited him. He would later learn that convicts Charles James, Wilbert Henry, Dennis Semple and Douglas

Region Five APNU/AFC Councillor Abel Seetaram, who appeared at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rhondell on Wednesday was found guilty on a wounding charge. Seetaram, of Woodley Park Village, West Coast Berbice, who heard the charge read to him, detailed that on Sunday, January 21, last, he allegedly feloniously wounded 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. He is set to return to court on June 13. A probation report is expected to be read along with a sentencing.

Natram Rabindranauth, 54, was hospitalised at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital 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 me 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

Lewis, called ‘Sotie’, had scaled the prison wall facing D’Urban Street. James, Henry and Semple were recaptured shortly after, while Lewis was later found dead. It was later alleged that James and Lewis had killed Cantzlear, with Henry and Semple acting in consort with them. Lambert testified in court against the killers. James, Henry and Semple were convicted and hanged. Although some of his colleagues advised him to quit, Lambert was soon back at work at the Georgetown Prisons.

AFC councillor found guilty on wounding charge

Abel Seetaram away with his son in the direction of the Fort Wellington Police Station. Rabindranath 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.

Monday June 04, 2018

Multiculturalism is getting a bad name around the world. Many of the problems, including violence between ethnic groups around the world, are traceable to the difficulties in making multiculturalism work. Multiculturalism as an ideal is under attack. Has multiculturalism failed? Can it ever work? And what about Guyana, where we are constantly drilled in the ideology that national unity – meaning multicultural unity – will solve all of our problems? Multiculturalism is in the retreat in Europe. This is evident in the rise of anti-immigration populism in Austria, Italy Hungary Poland, Spain, Netherlands and Germany. The Brexit vote in Britain was a backlash against immigration from Eastern Europe, which it was felt was depriving British citizens of jobs and increasing pressures on health and education services. The verdict could hardly be more convincing, Europe in turning away from multiculturalism.

Many see the same thing happening in the United States. While the threat of terrorism is offered as the reason for the anti-immigration policies of the Trump administration, it is undeniable that these policies also threaten multiculturalism in the heartland of the free world. In the Caribbean, one leader who came to power by clamping down on immigrants has lost power not because of these policies but because he failed to addresses his country’s economic woes. Guyanese travellers will tell you about their trepidation when visiting certain foreign capitals. They are harassed by immigration authorities. The independent countries of the Caribbean generally have not been keen on multiculturalism. The objection is mainly economic. And this is the primary cause of regional insularity. So if multiculturalism is failing all around the world, why do we expect it to succeed in Guyana? Why do we think it will work in Guyana?

The lack of ethnic unity has long been blamed for the problems of Guyana. We are fond of saying that if only there can be unity, our problems will disappear. We are fooling ourselves. Guyana has two main problems. The first is a political problem and the second is the economic problem. The former has very little to do with the latter. Our local political leaders have failed to come up with successful political or economic model. They have failed to come up with a successful model to manage the resources of Guyana. But they have a fallback. They can always invoke the bogey of the racial disunity and our divisive politics – one and the same issue. Multiculturalism has not failed Guyana. What has failed are the politicians who exploit racial differences and who lack the economic foresight to manage the economy. The problem for which multiculturalism is getting a bad name is the question of

DEM BOYS SEH

Lumumba muzzle Trotty ExxonMobil announce dat it find jobs fuh 309 companies. These are local companies dat doing various jobs in de oil industry. When dem boys hear de news, dem couldn’t believe it. Dem didn’t believe dat Guyana had 309 companies dat coulda find jobs wid de oil company. De matter meet Parliament and Trotty had nuff questions to answer. But from de time de announcement come dat 309 companies find jobs, people start to ask questions. Dem ask de oil company to name these companies. When people playing poker and dem got a good hand, dem does pretend dat dem ain’t got nutten. Dat is wha de oil company do. It encourage

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Kaieteur News

people to threaten dem. When de pressure continue, de oil company seh it gon give de names to de government. Dem boys didn’t know dat dem actually hand over de names till Trotty go to Parliament. Is when Trotty seh dat he gon release de names dat trouble start. Some people start to get worried. Lumumba who was chairing de session jump up and tell Trotty not to release de name. Dem boys want to know why. Some people seh Lumumba probably got 23 companies dat get wuk. Dis thing beginning to look like a boys club and de boys deh in all dem political party. De oil company tek pride in announcing dat it does re-

port to de government every quarter. In a sly way it point finger at another company dat always got something to hide. Dem boys want to know if dis company gon announce dat it does report to de government every quarter. Of course de company gon tell de media dat dem does do it. Dis is de same company dat seh dat it buy a plane. De record show dat de company ain’t buy no plane. Dat is why dem boys want de company to seh whether it does report to de government every quarter. Talk half and press Trotty to release de names of de 309 company. Dem boys want to know who got nuff company in de set up.

who should rule. Each of the main races wants to be ruled by their own. Indians, generally want to be ruled by an Indian-dominated government and Africans generally want to be ruled by their own. It matters not who has delivered a better economic programme. People want to be ruled by their own. We can feign ignorance that this is not the case but at the heart of the ethnic problem in Guyana is who has the right to rule. The cry of power sharing only raises its head when the PPP is in office. But once they are out, the idea falls out of

favour. Power sharing is just a ruse to get a foot into the door, which leads to state power. Once that foot is in the door, power sharing is no longer a priority. To its credit, the PPPC was never interested in power sharing. Its focus has always been class unity. But it supported that position as long as it had the numbers to win an election. It no longer has those numbers. It is left to be seen whether it will beg for power sharing. The APNU+AFC campaigned on the basis of power-sharing. It said that when it came into office that

it would involve the PPPC. But no sooner had it won the election by a razor slim margin, it forgot the issue of power sharing. Instead, it borrowed from the Europeans the idea of social cohesion – an idea, which the very Europeans are now rejecting and which does not address who should rule.

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Where was the PPP between 1992 and 2010? I don’t want to run into a libel suit with Ralph Ramkarran so the lines in this column where Mr. Ramkarran has been mentioned were cleared by three lawyers and my editor. Mr. Ramkarran in writing on the exigency of the Judicial Review Act to come into force, wrote the following; “…the procedure in public law cases was modernized in the UK…the Caribbean followed later. Guyana, always moving in an unhurried pace, finally moved in 2010 and passed the Judicial Reform Act.”

Mr. Ramkarran ended his descriptions of the rights that the Act allows by asserting; “Caribbean people have enjoyed these rights for decades. Guyanese deserve to WITHOUT DELAY (emphasis mine). It is because of the words WITHOUT DELAY that I decided to write on this subject. Anyone from Latvia or Afghanistan who is not familiar with Guyanese politics and reading Mr. Ramkarran’s plea for urgent implementation would not believe that in 2010 when the Act was passed, that this was

done 18 years after the PPP came to power and had a senior counsel as its Attorney-General. The same Ramkarran, also a senior counsel, was a long standing leader of the PPP between 1992 and 2010. Then after the Act was assented to, the PPP held power until 2015. The obvious question after reading Mr. Ramkarran is what was the PPP doing between 1992 and 2010 when the Bill was accepted and from 2010 to 2015 when the Bill did not come into force? I told Michael Carrington, the AFC’s parliamentarian in

whose name the amendment to the drug law is being tabled, that he should not have accosted Bharrat Jagdeo at the recent AFC Press Conference over Jagdeo’s refusal to amend the law when he was president because he, Carrington should be glad for small mercies – the PPP will vote for the amendment. I was just being light with Carrington. He had every right to call Jagdeo a hypocrite. This man was de jure president for 12 years and de facto president for three years during Ramotar’s tenure, yet there wasn’t even one word at any public rally by PPP leaders about changing the sentence structure as it relates to imprisonment for possession of small amount of ganja. Every day, you pass a park, school, state building, bridge, hospital, police station, you see the neglects of the Jagdeo/ Ramotar years. Yesterday morning, I was in the National Park with my dog. I took the leash off the pet so she could roam in a large, uninhabited area next to the Ministry of Education annexe where there are a number of buildings that

have nothing to do with the National Park authorities; they are under the control of the Ministry of Education. While chatting with my friend, as usual on the politics of the day, my dog ran into the compound. I simply went up to the gate to bring her out. I know this place well; the gate is never locked. It was this time. But it wasn’t locked with a padlock. An old rope was used. It was so strongly knotted that I could not untie it. I called one of the Park’s employees for assistance since the guard inside the compound didn’t respond. My dog happily walked out just as she went in before we could untie the rope. I asked the employee why secure the gate with this dirty piece of rope. He said that was the method that they have been using more than ten years ago. Then he told me I must go in and see some of the buildings in that place. They are in a deplorable state. I don’t need to do that. I see the neglect of twentythree years of PPP rule all over this country. When I look at these derelict buildings and

Frederick Kissoon run down infrastructure, the obvious question is; what were they doing for those twenty-three years? Read this; believe it or leave it. Do you know the structure, that is, the little building that houses the security office as you enter UG has not changed since it was built in 1971? The identical building is still standing. The identical interior is still standing. Time under the PPP in Guyana stood still. It was twenty-three years the party now in opposition had power and do you know the role of the Ombudsman is the same since the law that brought it into existence in the seventies? In addition, that role is a decorative one that is highly misleading. The office has no power to act on behalf of anyone and assign address to any victims.

Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Union calls for temporary halt to minibus imports …simply too many on the roads, says Union President

Minibuses lined outside the Stabroek Market

There are calls for the authorities to rein in the prevailing chaos in the minibus industry. Thousands of Guyanese depend on hundreds of privately-owned busses widely recognized as the most common means of public transportation. Divided into various numbered-zones based on the route, minibuses over the years became an economic earner for many. But long-serving President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews believes that the situation, which is fuelled by greed has gotten out of control and Government must step in. “I don’t know why they bringing in so many buses. As far as we are concerned,

President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews (left) and James Cowsil, head of the Route 32 Minibus Union. they got too many busses in the country. What they have

to do is work out a pact where they have to put some stop to the buses that are coming in,” Andrews stated. James Cowsil, Head of the Union for route 32 buses (Georgetown-Parika) said

there is overcrowding in many bus routes. He explained that there are about 500 buses registered to ply route 32, but the three parks allocated by Government could only

accommodate about 50 buses. Those parks are at Parika, Vreed-en-Hoop and in Georgetown at the Stabroek Market square. “Where are we going to put these buses when you continue to bring more and more?” Cowsil asked. He said there has been an influx of ‘Pit-bull’ buses and assume that they will soon take over. “They account for 20% in our zone. What is going to happen with all those buses that registered from since we had the HH and come down to the W series now? The authorities really need to look into this situation before it goes further,” Cowsil stated. He stated that most of the buses that are colourfully wrapped are being bought by senior officials who then hire drivers. “Right now, we have a businessman who owns about 40 buses in different routes. Those are the people who are creating the monster for the people who are barely surviving where you might have someone leave their profession to work a minibus. The drivers and the

conductors are given a target and they go out every day rushing to make that target. It is not easy,” Cowsil argued. At the same time, minibus operators said fewer persons are using the buses since people are migrating. Meanwhile, the cost of operation continues to climb. Andrews was asked about the return of Government buses. He stated that the industry currently thrives on the free market system where people are bringing in vehicles. However, Government at this time cannot undertake to provide a bus service. “During the halcyon years with all the problems that we had these people stepped up and spent their money. Some of them bought buses and had to be hiding it in the backdam because of the ‘seize man.’ We need to at some time stop the number of buses we have; they got to stop buses from coming,” Andrews noted. The Union President stated he plans to write Government this week to discuss issues affecting the sector, including new fare structures.

GWI’s Chief proposes fixed fee for pensioners Pensioners countrywide may soon be paying a fixed sum for water consumption. This was disclosed by Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr. Richard Van-West Charles. The GWI Managing Director recently made this proposal to the Public Utility Commission. It is expected with the implementation of such a measure some financial burden will be taken from the pockets of senior citizens. “We have proposed that pensioners pay a fixed amount, about $741 per month… we expect to be hearing from the PUC within another few weeks and once that is approved, that system will be implemented,” the Managing Director stated. The proposed sum will be for 10 cubic meters of water,

which amounts to 10,000 litres of water. However, Dr. VanWest Charles highlighted that pensioners who live with family members and consume more than the 10 cubic meters of water, they will have to pay the difference in the billed amount. It was also highlighted that to make the initiative work effectively, all pensioners will be metered to ensure they are carefully monitored. Additionally, Dr. Van-West Charles said that it is important that everyone is metered. He explained that “in order for us to continually improve this system, we have to ensure that everybody is making their contribution.” According to the Managing Director, 49 percent of the country is already metered, adding that very soon all customers will be metered to improve efficiency and reduce water loss.

Youths host inaugural mental health workshop In observance of Mental Health Awareness Week 2018, the youth arm of the Guyana Pandits’ Council, the Yuvaa Shakti Sangh, held a successful inaugural Mental Health Workshop at the Diamond / Grove Vishnu Mandir, Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara on two Sundays ago. The Council noted that the three-hour long workshop was conducted as part of an ongoing project to support the global Mental Health community’s needs. It was aimed at providing a fundamental understanding of Mental Health and its types, as well as educating on the ‘stigma’ associated with this highly prevalent issue.

A participant is presented with his certificate.

Focus was given to three common Mental Health disorders, namely Anxiety,

Depression and Schizophrenia. Depression is an underlying factor of

suicide, of which Guyana has one of the highest rates worldwide. Presenters included Coordinator of the Yuvaa Shakti Sangh, Devica K. Uditram; Priest-in-charge of the Bel Air Vishnu Mandir, Pandit Dhanesh Prashad and Priest-in-charge of the Diamond / Grove Vishnu Mandir, Pandit Gopinauth Prashad. “Ms Uditram noted that Mental Health disorders are more common than all types of cancers combined, and therefore more emphasis and energies should be placed on raising awareness,” the Council said. At the end of the session, participants were awarded a certificate.

Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

The GIS Specialist from Chenapou Michael McGarrell knows too well of the importance of Guyana’s rainforest not only towards the sustenance of human life, but to the diverse populations of plants and animals. He gets to pursue his passion while being employed at the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) as a Geographic System Information (GIS) Specialist and Forest Policy Officer. McGarrell is from the Patamona tribe and hails from Chenapou, which is located along the Potaro River, close to the famous Kaieteur Falls. In his capacity at the APA, he is responsible for making maps and helping various communities make their own maps. These maps not only mark territories, but also show state agencies and government how indigenous peoples use the lands. However, before he began working on forest policy, which involves any forest related matter in Guyana, McGarrell started out volunteering at the APA. He confessed that the experience has taught him to go after your heart’s desire. According to him, “I am Amerindian, and being educated outside an Amerindian community, I learned about what I call “the other side of the fence” – which is pretty different from the way I grew up. But it taught me some important lessons, and as an Amerindian that has learnt me about ‘the other side,’ I’m now able to use that knowledge to promote my culture, promote my heritage and promote my traditions.” Expressing that he loves what he does, McGarrell, pointed out that young people, especially those of Indigenous descent; need to ensure that they are a voice for others who cannot speak out. “I love what I do, and think this is what I’ll continue to do until I die. I don’t think I could find anything else that would be as important.” “My ancestors gave me so much. They passed on traditions and stories and so many more things to me. They were the ones who were fighting for the security of our lands, and I think it’s only fair that as a young person coming up, I should now give back to them.” “This is what I love to do, and will continue to do because it’s one way of giving back to my people. I believe I owe them that much, to continue the fight, the struggle they started so many years ago.”Urging persons to become involved with the APA, the Forest Policy Officer said that this will serve as a gateway for persons, particularly Amerindians, to learn about their culture and tradition. He added that the Association

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“This is what I love to do, and will continue to do it because it’s one way of giving back to my people. I believe I owe them that much: to continue the fight, the struggle they started so many years ago,” Michael McGarrell puts one in a space where they have access to documents and interact with people who’ve had lots of experience. Noting it is one way of giving back to ancestors, McGarrell is encouraging young people to read more about their history. Not just reading, he says, but also talking with the elderly, because the elderly have a lot of information. “Young people need to

connect with the elderly so you understand more about the true meaning of who we are as a people. I think when you do; you begin to see why it is necessary and important that as young people you join the fight to make our voices heard,” he added. ASEVEN -DAY HIKE THROUGH GUYANA’S RAINFOREST “Recently, for example, others and I walked from Paramakatoi to Moruwa. It

took us seven days, but it reminded me of how our people made those trails over generations. Our people are so knowledgeable about our land that they made these trails through mountains, rivers and valleys. It made me feel proud as a young person, knowing that I was walking on the trails my ancestors walked, the trails my ancestors forged. It gives me a good feeling, it makes me feel really (Continued on page 22)

Michael McGarrell shows thumbs up as he stands at the head of the Arnik River, a tributary of the Potaro River.

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

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WANTED Wanted urgently: 1 experienced cosmetologist. Call: 647-1773. 1 Air compressor 15HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 6281486/698-1134. Looking to buy a house or empty land, Preferences-EBD Public road. Buyer #1917-6225810/694-3331 1 Mechanic to work in the interior, must know about Cummings/Perkins & Deutz engine. #699-4718 Experience Cashier, Drivers, Roti/Puri cook. Apply Hack’s Halaal with H/written application 5 Commerce St. Security to work in Georgetown. Tel#227-1717 One General Domestic, must know to cook. Apply @ Keyfood, next door to Post Office, McDoom 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 One security guard for private residence. #609-3650 Drivers, Porters, Office clerk. Apply to Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd Survival Wholesale Depot Land to buy within the vicinity of Tuschen and Zeelugt Scheme. Tel#678-3958/6534820 One cook needed to work at Itabali. Contact: 665-6444 Porters to work on Bedford truck & able body to work on farm. Contact: 226-1716/6252685

Whim pedal cyclist dies in collision with car

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he life of a Whim, Corentyne resident was cut short yesterday when a car driven by a 26-year-old struck him down. Dead is Doodnauth Sookraj, 44, a cane harvester of Lot 124 Whim Village, Corentyne, Berbice. The driver was identified as Goutam Budhoo of Lot 100 Whim Village. He was at the time driving motor HC 4917.Kaieteur News understands that approximately 01:30 hrs yesterday Budhoo was driving east along the Whim public road, when he made a left turn and struck Sookraj. The cyclist was picked up

Another bumper ... From page 17 opportunity to be part of a project and took the challenge head-on. Massey, a distribution giant in Guyana is providing tangible support for the onion initiative. Farmers and groups who produce onions of satisfactory quality are assured of a market as long as the required standards are met. PROPEL is a Canadian funded project which seeks to link fresh produce buyers in the region and beyond with Caribbean farmers, processers and related businesses. The projects are implemented by WUSC, World University Services of Canada, with financial

From page 21 nice that I can do this, I am doing this!” said an enthusiastic McGarrell. “It was rough, it was tough, but I realized that if they did it, I could do it too. This is for our people – I’m not doing this for me, I’m doing this for the generations that come behind my children and their children and other young Amerindians. It’s a proud moment and a nice realization that I’m walking where my ancestors walked. That’s the story I’d like to tell, because it gives me hope and a sense of pride that I’m doing it, and I’m not just doing it for me, but for my people,” he concluded.

Articulated hauler/ dump truck operator for interior, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020

Pump attendant (Shift work 7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) submit application : Shell Service Station Providence EBD E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com

support from donors and the Government of Canada. Having initiated the pilot project, PROPEL is now adopting the role of facilitator, while allowing stakeholders to become involved. According to Jason Persaud, the National Agriculture Research Institute has a mandate to promote local production of a number of crops so as to reduce importation of such, and onion is listed among these. Therefore, the current initiative is seeking to promote the large-scale production of onion with the aim of removing this item from Guyana’s catalog of imported products, and further to be listed as an exported product.

The GIS Specialist ...

VACANCY

Experienced Driver, Apply in person, Wieting & Richter, Water Street Georgetown.

in an unconscious state by Boodhoo and taken to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead up arrival. His body is presently at the Port Mourant Hospital mortuary awaiting a post mortem examination. The driver was subsequently taken into custody and tested for breath alcohol content which revealed that his blood alcohol level was 65 and 80 micrograms. The vehicle and pedal cycle was lodged at the Whim Police Station compound to be examined by licensing and certifying officer.

VACANCY One general domestic, One gardener. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons. 108 Regent Street, Georgetown. Male security officers wanted for security company. For interviews call: 689-6225

Security Officers wanted for security company. Call: 6721920 between 9-4 for interviews.

One professional seamstress at an expanding company, working experience is required. Age 28-45. Contact#672-4695

Farm worker, Travel agent. Tel#265-3586

Female cleaner, Office in Eccles. #233-2745

Monday June 04, 2018

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Kaieteur News

UNICEF study aims to close gap between Indigenous groups and rest of population

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he Ministry of Indigenous Affairs is expected to form an Action Plan to address matters affecting the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana based on a study conducted by the United Nation’s Children, (UNICEF). The study released by UNICEF Permanent Representative to Guyana and Suriname Sylvie Fouet seeks to inform local and regional strategies, projects and programmes about methods, which will shape the empowerment of indigenous women, children and adolescents. Last week, UNICEF Representatives handed over the booklet to Minister of Indigenous Affairs Sydney Allicock following a Press Conference at the boardroom of the Ministry’s Headquarters. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Valerie Garrido- Lowe noted that the study is a significant one, since it is the first of its kind to be conducted in the Caribbean or Latin America.

She noted that while indigenous populations may be culturally rich, they happen to be amo n g s t t h e m o s t materially poor and socially excluded people in the Amazon region. As such, Indigenous Peoples would experience poverty at twice the rate and sometimes even five times more than the nonindigenous population. They are also less likely to access to good quality education, health and other social services. She said further that the Indigenous peoples continue to be crippled by the lack of access to infrastructure and modern life facilities similar to their counterparts residing on Guyana’s coastlands. Minister Lowe said however, that Government is serious about closing that gap. “The hinterland must have the same opportunities as the coastland as it relates to education, health services, infrastructure and other social services that will help particularly the

development of women and children,” she added. Meanwhile, UNICEF Permanent Representative to Guyana and Suriname explained that the education for indigenous girls and boys are among the two issues considered to be the most crucial. Alluding to the study, Fouet noted that more than half of the Indigenous population drops out of school by the time they reach the level of the primary school. She explained that only 53% of those who had been enrolled into secondary school actually complete the final years of secondary education, as many drops out due to the inaccessibility to schools, financial constraints faced by families, as well as the perception that education is not necessary, among other reasons. According to the study, the deficiencies in the quality of education delivery in the hinterland are said to be influenced by the lack of qualified teachers and

resources such as books and learning materials; poor infrastructure at schools, including buildings which are old and lack computers and internet access; and language barriers. “Guaranteeing the good quality of education at both the primary and secondary level for indigenous children remains one of the main challenges related to education in Guyana. Birth registration is the foundation of safeguarding many of the child’s civil, economic, social and cultural rights. Among different socio-economic c h a r a c t e r istics, the indigenous children are those who have the highest chance of not being registered at birth, Other issues of concern for the Indigenous peoples are the availability of medication; low quality of health care, poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices; difficulty in access to health care; influences of cultural factors; and behavioural health, among others.

Cops freed drug suspect in exchange for sex - recaptured female tells police A female drug suspect who escaped from the Timeheri Police Station last month is reportedly alleging that two police constables freed her in exchange for sex. The 38-year-old woman was recaptured yesterday at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, a short distance from her home. Four others have also been detained. Kaieteur News understands that attempts are being made to locate the two constables who the woman implicated in her escape. They are to be placed under close arrest. The woman, who had been under the scrutiny of Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) and the police, was arrested on May 6, at Soesdyke, allegedly with some 400 grammes of marijuana and a quantity of liquor that she was unlicensed to sell. She was taken to the Timehri Police Station and kept in handcuffs, while arrangements were made to transport her to the East La Penitence Police Station. However, because of a shortage of vehicles at Timehri, she remained at the station until Tuesday, May 8, when she was scheduled for court. She escaped in the early hours of the morning. The woman is likely to appear in court today.

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Monday June 04, 2018

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Mahendra Bhagwandin wins Grand Coastal Hotel Annual Golf Classic Mahendra Bhagwandin narrowly edged past Richard Haniff to emerge champion in the exciting Grand Coastal Golf Classic Tournament played yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Club. The weather held good from Friday to Sunday morning according to Archbishop Guy’s instructions and the golfers made good use of it. Mahendra and Richard were clear in the lead, with Richard doing better up to the last four holes, when according to Mahendra, “He pushed me to up my game when he told me how well he had done so far. I decided to take over from there!” With that mindset he took away the

1st place from his competing friend. On hand to present the prizes was CEO of Grand Coastal Mr. Kevin Daby. Grand Coastal Hotel and Conference Centre, of Lot 1 & 2 Area M, Plantation Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara, (phone 592-2201091), with motto “your number one choice for business or pleasure accommodations in Guyana, South America,” has been supporting the Lusignan Golf Club in several ways for some twelve years now. This year the Company began partnering with the LGC by offering a special incentive to its guests - special rates and free coaching lessons to play golf at the LGC.

Mr. Daby, in congratulating the winners, thanked the Club for the opportunity to be of support and expressed Grand Coastal’s willingness to continue to support golfing in Guyana. In response on behalf of the Club, President Aleem Hussain thanked Grand Coastal sincerely, and showed the Club’s appreciation by extending the position of Honorary Member to Mr. Daby. Many of the recent previous winners participated in the Tournament, however only Richard and Aleem were in today’s winners row. Longest Drive was won by Roy Cummings; Best Gross was won by Richard Haniff.

The winners pose: From left; Aleem Hussain, Roy Cummings, Mr. Kevin Daby (CEO), Mahendra Bhagwandin, Richard Haniff and Miguel Oviedo. The Best Net winners were: 4th – Miguel Oviedo 70/28;

3rd – Aleem Hussain 70/11; 2nd – Richard Haniff 66/13

and 1st – Mahendra Bhagwandin 65/20.

Ejaz Mohamed, Armstrong ... From page 28 fours in a pugnacious 74 but only Sureshnauth Kumar (19)

Monday June 04, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Travel could be on your mind. You're probably excited about a forthcoming vacation. You might need to finalize some arrangements today but find it difficult to reach people you need to speak to.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today you might feel a powerful need to write down your thoughts, Libra, but they could prove a bit too amorphous for you to put into words

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you might need to execute some paperwork regarding money, Taurus. Bills might need to be paid, deposits made, or checks collected.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A small financial windfall might have you in a bit of a quandary about how to spend it, Scorpio.You could have a bill you particularly want to pay.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Today you might be feeling particularly warm and loving toward a romantic partner, and the feeling is likely reciprocated.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Communication with those closest to you might prove difficult today, Sagittarius. You might end up playing endless phone tag.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Ideas for creative, artistic, or servi c e - o r i e n t e d w o r k might be coming thick and fast, although you could be torn between different possibilities, Cancer.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might work on an artistic project of some kind. You'll put in a lot of effort, Capricorn, yet the results may not turn out to be exactly what you wanted.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your enthusiasm for group activities and social events is high, Leo. You might want to discuss your ideas with others. However, you could have trouble reaching people you need to speak with

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Although you should be feeling especially close to friends, lovers, and family, Aquarius, you might find it hard to communicate with them today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You might be expecting some visitors to your home, Virgo, and looking forward to it. However, your plans could be frustrated in some way.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) A desire to do some redecorating, perhaps in anticipation of hosting a social event, might prove frustrating today.You probably have some definite ideas.

and Mayers (15) of the others offered token resistance. Former Essequibo Hard

ball off-spinner Hardyal, playing on his former home ground, registered the best figures of the day by capturing 4-29. Saheed Mohammed, who represented Cayman Islands in the Standford T20 tournament in Antigua, had 3-26 from four overs after his first over cost 18, while Lauri Singh chipped in with 2-27. In the afternoon matches, Balgobin reached the boundary twice and cleared it five times in a shot filled 66 before he ran out of gas and retired hurt, while Armstrong who represented Guyana as a pacer in the 1995 U-19 tournament in Grenada hit a six and seven fours in an entertaining 58 as Parika Defenders amassed 175-6. Hurbie Gently had 2-39 for Savage Masters who were restricted to 103-7 when their 20 overs expired with Gentle top-scoring with a pedestrian pace 36. Desmond Harris (3-27) and Kavesh Persaud (2-17) shared five wickets between them. Regal Masters, in their second game of the day, made 170-6 with Chunilall (31), Baker (35) and Hardyal (27) leading the fight with the bat. Charran Sahadeo (3-19) was the best bowler for Fisherman’s Masters who were bowled for 95 despite 23 from Sheldon Mohabiar. Lauri Singh (3-13), Berbician Troy Kippins (2-13) and Hardyal (2-5) did the damage with the ball. The 11-team competition, which was watched by a fair size crowd, continues next Sunday. (Sean Devers)

Monday June 04, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Bounty Farm/GRFU XVs

Jacques Archibald scores three tries as Panthers defeat Falcons to keep title hope alive

Jacques Archibald scored three tries in the Panthers’ win yesterday.

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acques Archibald was the most lethal of the 15 Panthers that took to the National Park rugby field yesterday in their decisive match again s t t h e young and improving Police Falcons’ side, and he scored three tries as Panthers maimed the Falcons 325. With the win, Panthers

Falcons’ Daniel DeAbreau is flanked by two Panthers’ players as he tries to get to a loose ball during his team 32-5 loss. have solidified their place at the top of the points table with an unofficial tally of 33 points and will hope that Yamaha Caribs (that are bottom of the table) pull off a miracle victory against second placed GDF (31 points) in the final game of the 15s tournament, to emerge as the Champions. Jacques ensure that Pan-

thers got a good start and scored one of his side’s twofirst half tries then two after halftime to seal the victory for the team managed by Coach Laurie Adonis. Tries by Godfrey Broomes, Captain Rondel McArthur and Lloyd Anderson underlined the Panthers’ dominance over the Falcons. A Broomes

Panthers (left) exercised their physical dominance over the young Police Falcons side yesterday in the strong 32-5 at the National Park Rugby pitch. conversion also added further gloss to the scoreline. Leading 10-0 at the half, the Panthers struck twice in quick succession when Archibald came out of a ruck with the ball at midfield, made a pair of quick moves and was gone untouched to the house to put his team up 20-nil. Broomes then promptly

b u r i e d a c o n v e r s i o n on Archibald’s final try. The Falcons pushed back, as they worked the ball along the Panthers’ goal line before finally punching through, cutting the lead to 22-5. McArthur and Anderson then typically bullied a path through the lawmen blockades with a try each

to round up the 32-5 victory. After the match, top scorer Archibald posited that he was very happy with the win and he is hoping that Caribs pull off an unlikely win against GDF, so the Panthers can usurp the army men who are the defending XVs champions. (Calvin Chapman story and photos)

England complete rout of Pakistan inside three days (Reuters) - England bounced back from their first test humiliation to rout Pakistan by an innings and 55 runs in the second test at Headingley yesterday and square the two-match series 1-1. The victory halfway through the third day was as comprehensive as Pakistan’s triumph had been at Lord’s, with England looking a completely different team from the one who had subsided to a nine-wicket defeat. Joe Root’s side responded to the heavy criticism they received with a virtuoso all-round performance. In the morning, man-ofthe-match Jos Buttler finished unbeaten on 80 as England extended their overnight total to 363, a lead of 189 runs, before Pakistan were bowled out for 134 in their second innings. Stuart Broad and Dominic Bess both took three wickets and captain Root admitted his side had been determined to bounce back after their first-test debacle. “A few of the guys stood up with a point to prove,” he

England’s Stuart broad and team mates celebrate the fall of Pakistan’s final wicket. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith) said. “The senior bowlers set the tone and as a group it was really good. “It swung first day, then seam came into it and there was also a bit of spin. It made for really good cricket.” Buttler put down a marker for the day, smashing priceless runs as England added a

creditable 61 to their overnight total to leave Pakistan with a desperate survival mission in conditions that still offered much to the bowlers. Although Azhar Ali clubbed James Anderson’s first ball to the boundary, the paceman soon got his revenge by clattering the

opener’s stumps after a quickfire 11. From there, wickets fell regularly throughout the day with Anderson making a second breakthrough on 30 when Haris Sohail was s u p e r b l y c a u g h t o nehanded by Bess at mid-off. For all his heroics in the

field and with the bat in his first two matches, what the 20-year-old Bess really wanted was a test wicket and, after Broad accounted for Asad Shafiq, Bess’s moment duly arrived when Imam ulHaq was trapped lbw for 34. Two more followed to leave the Somerset off-spin-

ner with fine figures of three for 33, only marginally bettered by Broad’s three for 28. The paceman delivered the final blow when Mohammad Abbas, who was later named man of the series, was caught by Root in the slips for a single. Root believes the win set up England for the five-test series against top-ranked India starting in August. “We can beat India,” he said. “Absolutely. It is about making sure we have learned our lessons.” England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the onedayer against Scotland in Edinburgh and the first part of the five-match ODI series against Australia as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Dawid Malan has been added to the squad for the Scotland game on June 10 and Sam Billings was called up for the Australia series. Scores: England 363 (Buttler 80*) beat Pakistan 174 (Shadab 56, Broad 3-38) and 134 (Bess 3-33, Broad 328) by an innings and 55 runs.

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Monday June 04, 2018

Kaieteur News

Djokovic tames Verdasco to reach last eight PARIS (Reuters) - Resurgent former champion Novak Djokovic reached the French Open quarter-finals for the 12th time yesterday as he subdued feisty Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco 6-3 6-4 6-2. The Serb, seeded 20 after a well-documented slump, was given a ferocious fight in the early stages with the opening three games lasting 29 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.But what looked like being a long evening for the 12-times Grand Slam champion ended up being a reasonably comfortable one as he generally called the shots. One break of serve was enough to take the opening set and although left-hander Verdasco produced some thunderous winners to stay in touch in the second his challenge faded. Djokovic, who completed his career Grand Slam by winning in Paris in 2016, sped away with the third set and can now look forward to a clash with either David Goffin or Marco Cecchinato. Meanwhile, Dominic

Thiem ended Kei Nishikori’s comeback to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open with a 6-2 6-0 5-7 6-4 victory yesterday and set up a mouthwatering clash with second seed Alexander Zverev. The Austrian seventh seed, the last man to beat claycourt machine Rafa Nadal on his favourite surface, displayed an impressive arsenal of weapons in the first two sets before regaining his composure after the loss of the third. Japanese 19th seed Nishikori, on the comeback trail after he ended his 2017 season in mid-year because of injury, seemed to lose interest in the match in the second set but eventually managed to put up a decent fight. “The first two sets were amazing but then he raised his level and it was 50-50. In the end it was very close and I was a bit nervous in the end as it is always hard to serve to reach the quarter-finals of the French Open,” said Thiem, a semi-finalist here in 2016 and 2017.

Impressive Thiem downs Nishikori to set up Zverev clash

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his fourth round match against Spain’s Fernando Verdasco. (REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol)

“I love these conditions; it was the first time for me on Court Philippe Chatrier not playing against Rafa so I

could enjoy the court”, he joked. Thiem had too much power and speed for

Nishikori, who was overwhelmed in the opening set, which the Austrian bagged with an ace in under half an hour. It got even worse for Nishikori in the second set as Thiem toyed with him, notably with a stunning drop-shot service return, and the Japanese could manage only nine points in the set. In the first two sets, the Austrian won 25 of 25 points on his first serve. In the third set, however, Nishikori stayed in touch as he served better and finished off points at the net, which unsettled Thiem who grew frustrated. Nishikori seized his first break opportunity at 6-5 to take the set when Thiem’s forehand flew long. The Austrian, who ended 10-times French Open champion Nadal’s streak of 50 consecutive sets won on clay in Madrid, broke decisively for

4-3 in the fourth set with a trademark forehand winner. He then held serve throughout to wrap it up on his second match point when Nishikori sent a forehand long under the eyes of Nadal. German Zverev is expected to provide a much tougher challenge in the last eight, however. “I think that’s the matchup most of the fans in Germany and Austria were hoping for when they saw the draw,” said Thiem. “So it’s going to be a very nice match again. Of course, for both of us I think we would have been very happy if we both went through this stage where we are now. “And it’s going to be great. We just played in Madrid. He’s an amazing player. I mean, probably now the third best after Rafa and Roger (Federer). So it’s going to be an amazing challenge for me.”

Elegance Jewellery, Crown Mining & Ink Plus O-40 S/Ball cricket

Ejaz Mohamed, Armstrong & Balgobin hit fifties at MSC

Rudolph Mayers is bowled for 15 after taking 3-27 with the ball in a losing effort for Ariel yesterday.

F

ormer National U-19 batsman Ejaz Mohammed, Ex Guyana U19 pacer and Munesh Balgobin each hit fifties as action in the Elegance Jewellery, Crown Mining & Ink Plus Over-40 Softball t20 cricket competition continued at Malteenoes yesterday with four matches. In the morning games, Success Masters beat Savage Masters by four wickets before Regal Masters hammered Ariel Masters by 53 runs, while Parika Defenders defeated

Savage Masters by 72 runs and Regal disposed of Fisherman’s Masters by 75 runs in the afternoon games. In sunny conditions on a sluggish outfield Narendra Pooran’s fighting 37 was the only score of note as Raymon Karim (3-5) and Trevor Emanuel (2-18) conspired to dismiss Savage Masters for 81 in 19.1 overs. Led by 28 from Mark Fung, Success Masters reached 82-4 as Vivakanand Ramsawack had 2-13. In the other morning game, Regal took first strike and piled up 190-8

Former National U-19 Batsman Ejaz Mohammed pulls Regal’s Mahendra Hardyal (4-29) during entertaining 74 for Ariel at MSC yesterday.

to register the day’s highest total as Fazleem Mohammed (47), former Malteenoes youth batsman Mahesh Chunilall (28), Erick Thomas (28) and ex Bermine big hitter Randolph Barker (25) all got starts without going on. Rudolph Mayers (3-27) and former Guyana U-19 opener Peter Persaud (2-26) were the main wickettakers for Ariel who were dismissed for 137. Ejaz Mohammed was a one man army and clobbered six sixes and two (Continued on page 26)

Ex Guyana U-19 pacer Ucil Armstrong & Munish Balgobin scored half-centuries for Parika Defenders at MSC.

Monday June 04, 2018

Germany crash to Austria on Neuer’s comeback KLAGENFURT, Austria (AFP) — Manuel Neuer looks set to go to the World Cup, but Germany’s goalkeeper was unable to prevent his team crashing 1-2 to Austria on his comeback Saturday. Neuer has proven his fitness after eight months sidelined by a fractured foot in timely fashion, with four names to be cut ahead of Germany naming their final 23man World Cup squad tomorrow. But the ‘keeper was powerless to stop second-half goals by Martin Hinteregger and Alessandro Schoepf after Mesut Ozil gave the Germans an early lead. The result is a big concern for Germany head coach Joachim Loew with the World Cup to kick off in less than a fortnight. The world champions are now winless in their last five games since suffering backto-back defeats after losing 10 to Brazil in Berlin last March. This was Austria’s first win over their neighbours in nearly 32 years — dating back to October 1986 when Rudi Voeller scored West Germany’s only goal in a 4-1 defeat in Vienna. After 259 days out injured, Neuer pulled off a string of saves in an impressive first-half display, but had little chance to stop Austria’s goals after Germany’s defence leaked badly in the second half. The friendly came close to being called off after heavy rain in Klagenfurt delayed kick-off by an hour and forty

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer reacts after conceding the second Austrian goal during their international friendly in Klagenfurt, Austria, yesterday. (Photo: AFP) minutes. When it eventually got under way, Germany took the lead on 11 minutes after pressing the Austrian defence. Ozil snapped up a poorly timed clearance kick from Joerg Siebenhandl and curled his shot back around the Austria goalkeeper to claim his 23rd goal in his 90th international. At the other end, Neuer made his first save on 16 minutes to deny attacking midfielder Schoepf. Julian Brandt came within a whisker of putting Germany two goals up when he fired wide four minutes later. Neuer then made a key

save by pushing Florian Grillitsch’s shot around the post on 32 minutes as it was 1-0 to Germany at the break. Loew made a change at the break when Bayern midfielder Sebastian Rudy, a prime candidate to be one of the four cut from the World Cup squad, replaced Sami Khedira at half-time. Rudy was not to blame, but Germany lost their shape as the hosts came flying out of the blocks for the second half and kept the world champions’ defence under pressure. Austria levelled when Hinteregger unleashed an unstoppable volley, direct

Jorge Lorenzo takes lead into first turn, wins Italian Grand Prix Associated PressSCARPERIA, Italy — Jorge Lorenzo led virtually from start to finish to win the Italian Grand Prix yesterday. Lorenzo surged ahead of pole sitter Valentino Rossi into the first turn at the Mugello circuit and quickly established a comfortable lead. Andrea Dovizioso, Lorenzo’s Ducati teammate, finished second, more than six seconds behind, and Rossi crossed third, just behind Dovizioso. Championship leader Marc Marquez had just passed Rossi for second when he lost control of his bike and ended up on the dirt four laps into the 23-lap race. Marquez finished 16th. Still, Marquez leads Rossi by 23 points, with Maverick Vinales third, 28 points back.

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Kaieteur News

Echiejile and Nwankwo make Nigeria’s World Cup squad ABUJA (Reuters) - Experienced fullback Elderson Echiejile, whose career has been languishing in the Belgian second division, and Simeon Nwankwo, who won a first cap last week, were both included as Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr yesterday finalised his 23-man squad for the World Cup. Echiejile has played just twice since been loaned to Cercle Brugge in January but is set for a second World Cup after playing for Nigeria at the 2010 finals in South Africa. He was an unused substitute against England in the 2-1 loss at Wembley on S a t u r d a y, h a v i n g b e e n brought back into the squad last month. The 30-year-old, previously on the books of Monaco, was injured in a warmup friendly before the 2014 tournament and missed out on the last finals in Brazil. Forward Nwankwo made his debut for Nigeria last Monday in their friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo but was left on the bench at Wembley on Saturday. The 26-year-old gets the berth vacated because of the knee injury to Belgian-based attacker Moses Simon. Five players –- John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Ogenyi Onazi –- were also in the squad for the 2014 World

Monaco’s Uwa Echiejile Elderson (L) in action with Bordeaux’s Thomas Toure (R). (REUTERS/Eric Gaillard) Cup. Nigeria open their World Cup Group D campaign against Croatia in Kaliningrad on June 16. Squad: Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba), Francis Uzoho (Deportivo Coruna) Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Leon Balogun (Brighton & Hove Albion), Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag), Elderson Echiejiole (Cercle Brugge), Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm),

Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa), Abdullahi Shehu, William Ekong Troost (both Bursaspor) Midfielders: Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas), John Obi Mikel (Tianjin Teda), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), Joel Obi (Torino), John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva), Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor) Forwards: Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai), Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City), Alex Iwobi (Arsenal), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Simeon Nwankwo (Crotone).

Rain runs play at DCC in GFSCA tourney

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onstant rainfall which left the Demerara Cricket Club outfield waterlogged forced the postponement of the Trophy Stall, Khan’s Trading, Permaul’s Trading and Back to Eden softball tournament yesterday. Floodlights, Parika Defenders, Wellman, Albion and Tropical Springs were

the teams set to battle. According to organsier Wayne Jones the matches will be re-scheduled so the teams will have a fair chance to prove their worth going into the next round. Jones said he is expecting more teams to enter the tournament adding that the competition is set to continue on Sunday.

Serena and Sharapova ...

Jorge Lorenzo led virtually from start to finish to win the Italian Grand Prix. Vinales finished eighth. Miguel Oliveira won the

Moto2 race and Jorge Martin won the Moto3 race.

From page 30 being the skinny kid who beat her, against all o d d s , a t Wimbledon. Hated me for seeing her at her lowest moment. But mostly I think she hated me for hearing her cry. She’s never forgiven me for it.” So expect the roars and fist-pumps to have a little extra intensity on Court Philippe Chatrier on Monday when the pressure will surely sit more heavily on Sharapova. After 18 defeats in a row to Williams and losing the last 16 sets they have contested she might never have a better

chance to strike a blow — a point Williams, ranked a laughable 451st in the world, raised after her third-round win. “She’s probably a favorite in this match,” Williams said. “I’m just really trying to get my bearings and trying to feel out where I am and see where I can go.” Former m e n ’s c h a m pion Mats Wilander also gives Sharapova the edge after watching her destroy sixth seed Karolina Pliskova — but says past bashings may still haunt her. “I would say this is most probably Maria Sharapova’s

biggest chance in a very long time to beat Serena Williams,” Wilander, hosting Eurosport’s flagship Game, Schett and Mats show in Paris, told Reuters. “Maria has won here twice and her claycourt is really good at the moment. Yo u would assume Serena’s not at her best. “But how much mental scar tissue, how much baggage does Maria Sharapova carry with her on court. If she cannot manage to win a set in this match then you know it has nothing to do with the physical side.”

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Monday June 04, 2018

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Italian Cecchinato upsets Serena and Sharapova Goffin to reach last eight ready to sharpen the edge PARIS (Reuters) - Unheralded Italian Marco Cecchinato maintained his dream run at the French Open as he moved into the quarterfinals by upsetting Belgian eighth seed David Goffin 7-5 4-6 6-0 6-3 yesterday. World number 72 Cecchinato, who was found guilty of match-fixing by the Federation of Italian Tennis in 2016, had never been beyond the first round of a Grand Slam before. Cecchinato was handed an 18-month ban for matchfixing but was later cleared by the Italian Olympic Committee because of irregularities regarding how the evidence was gathered. He can now look forward to a clash with 2016 French Open champion Novak Djokovic. “For me it’s a dream, I’m really, really happy,” Sicilian Cecchinato, who rallied from two sets down in the first round against Marius Copil, said on court. “And now I’m playing the quarter-finals, it’s unbelievable. “Forza Italia!,” he added as he addressed a small contingent of Italian fans on Court Suzanne Lenglen. The 25-year-old Cecchinato could be joined in the last eight by compatriot Fabio Fognini, who plays third-seeded Croatian Marin

Italy’s Marco Cecchinato celebrates winning his fourth round match against Belgium’s David Goffin. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann) Cilic today. Should Fognini win, it would be only the second time since tennis turned professional in 1968 that Italy has had more than one player in the men’s singles quarter-finals at a Grand Slam. The only other occasion was at Roland Garros in 1973, when Paolo Bertolucci and Adriano Panatta reached the last eight.Fognini was the last Italian man to make the quarter-finals in Paris in 2011. Cecchinato found some gravity-defying angles to outmanoeuvre Goffin in the first set. The Belgian faced more

break points in the fourth game of the second set but managed to see them off and after receiving treatment on a sore elbow, he broke for 4-3 before levelling the match. Cecchinato, however, was on fire in the third, which he pocketed when Goffin buried a routine smash into the bottom of the net. After an early trade of breaks in the fourth, Cecchinato broke Goffin’s serve with a fine backhand down the line to move 5-3 up. Cecchinato kept his cool and won the next game to love, ending the contest with another backhand winner.

PARIS (Reuters) - The on-court rivalry is so lopsided it can barely be described as such yet Serena Williams’ French Open fourth-round clash with Maria Sharapova today feels like the biggest match played on the women’s Tour this year. Not just because Williams looks capable of landing a 24th Grand Slam title against all the odds having returned from maternity leave and Sharapova is seeking redemption after a 15-month doping ban with a third French Open title. But because no match-up in a women’s field packed with potential Grand Slam winners provides the “edge” that is so apparent whenever the two spiky old warriors face each other across a tennis net. It has been missing for

two-and-a-half years, since Williams extended her domination of Sharapova to 19-2 with an Australian Open quarter-final victory that proved more significant than anyone could have imagined at the time. Sharapova was found to have taken meldonium, a recently banned heart drug, and was slapped with a suspension by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Sharapova’s comeback is more advanced, having returned to the Tour, with modest success, 12 months ago although this is her first French Open since 2015, having been snubbed by organizers last year and not handed a wildcard. Williams, 36, has played only a handful of matches this year but the three-times

French Open champion has looked so dangerous in her black bodysuit in Paris that she seems capable of defying conventional wisdom and reclaiming the title. Sharapova spoke of her rivalry with Williams extensively in her autobiography last year. A little too much, according to Williams who offered a thoughts on the subject on Saturday.“I didn’t expect to be reading a book about me, that wasn’t necessarily true,” she said, after a dazzling display against 11th seed Julia Goerges. SKINNY KID Sharapova, who stunned Williams in the 2004 Wimbledon final but has not beaten her for 14 years, had written: “Serena hated me for (Continued on page 29)

NBA fines Cavs’ Thompson $25,000 after Game 1 incident

Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Association holds inter club tournament

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he Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Asso ciation concluded their first Annual Inter-Club Martial Arts tournament on Saturday last. The clubs involved were: Iron Fist Karate Club, Invisible Kicks Karate Club and Vreed-en-Hoop Primary Karate Club. The results are as follow: Traditional kata: 6 and under novice: Hemant Tegi 1st, Ashton Murray 2nd. Novice female: Asefeyah Rahaman 1st 7-9 intermediate: Shiv Ferriera 1st, Sachin Ram 2nd, Azariah Duncan 3rd. Intermediate: Isaiah Busby 1st, Tyrese Harris 2nd, Adrian Rambarran 3rd. 7-9 Novice: Dominique Doodnauth 1st, Akash Roopnarine 2nd, Parameshwar Harripersaud 3rd,Vikash Roopnarine 4th. Intermediate: Altaf Singh 1st, Darshan Diaram 2nd, Chandrapaul sukhu 3rd. 10-12 Novice: Saif Ally

1st, Andy Chandradat 2nd, Nicholas Maniram 3rd. Intermediate: Mahendra Gorakh 1st, Jaffar Ramnarine 2nd, Somneshram Banasar 3rd, Brandon Deolall 4th. Intermediate: Shamar Francis 1st, Mark Ferriera 2nd, Justin Gildarie 3rd, Jamar Pile 4th, Terrence Gonzalves 5th. Intermediate: Judah Chow 1st, Joseph DaSilva 2nd. Intermediate: Randolph Chrisen 1st, Roman Pollard 2nd. Intermediate: Aditya Basdeo 1st. Advance: Zafar Ramnarine 1st. Advance: Raul Joseph 1st, Abrar Wahid 2nd. Kumite: 7-9 Novice: Shiv Ferreira 1st, Jafari Caesar 2nd, Dominique Doodnauth 3rd, Azariah Duncan 4th. 10-12 Novice: Kevin Cao 1st, Andy Chandradat 2nd. 10-12 Intermediate: Judah Chow 1st, Joseph DaSilva 2nd. Intermediate: Adrian Rambarran 1st, Isaiah Busby

2nd, Tyrese Harris 3rd. Intermediate: Mahendra Gorakh 1st, Jaffar Ramnarine 2nd, Someshram Banasar 3rd, Brandon Deolall 4th. 13-15 Intermediate: Divendra Singh 1st, David Chow 2nd, Jamar Piles 3rd. Advance: Roman Pollard 1st, Randolph Chrisen 2nd. Master Lloyd Ramnarine would like to extend special thanks to the Headmistress of the New Grove/Daimond primary school for giving him the opportunity to use the school as a venue for the tournament. Special thanks are also extended to the judges Sensei Kean Greaves, Sensei Rawle Collier and Sensei Abrar Wahid. Master Lloyd Ramnarine would also like to thank his sponsors the Guyana Horse Racing Service and JCB in Eccles. If anyone wishes to join the organisation’s 4 branches, contact can be made with Master Lloyd Ramnarine on 698-6727 for information.

Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) grabs a rebound against Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) during the third quarter in game one of the 2018 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Friday night, but not suspended, after sparking an altercation at the end of his team’s Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors a night earlier. In a league announcement, NBA Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Kiki VanDeWeghe explained the fine was because Thompson failed “to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection and for shoving the basketball in the face” of Warriors forward Draymond Green.

In the final seconds of Cleveland’s 124-114 overtime defeat, Thompson became incensed when Golden State’s guard Shaun Livingston launched a jumper with five seconds left in overtime despite the double-digit lead. The Cavs’ forward, who had just two points and five rebounds in defeat, was called for a foul, a flagrant 2 foul that the NBA also downgraded to a flagrant 1 on Friday, while contesting the shot and then began jawing with Green afterward with 2.6 seconds remaining. “I contested a shot that shouldn’t have been taken,”

Thompson said afterward, per ESPN. “I mean, it’s like the unspoken rule in the NBA: If you’re up 10 or 11 with about 20 seconds left, you don’t take that shot. I make the contest, and next thing I know, I was being kicked out for a good contest that we learn in training camp. I don’t know why I got thrown out.” Cavaliers forward Kevin Love reportedly will not be suspended for leaving the bench by a few steps during the near-melee, according to an ESPN report. Game 2 was last night in Oakland, Calif. (Field Level Media)

Kaieteur News

Monday June 04, 2018

PAGE 31

Neymar returns in scoring style as Brazil beat Croatia LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) Neymar scored on his return to action after three months out through injury as Brazil warmed up for the World Cup with a 2-0 friendly win over Croatia at Anfield yesterday. The most expensive player in the world has been sidelined since Feb. 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for Paris St Germain in a French league match against Olympique de Marseille. The former Barcelona forward, key to his country’s hopes in Russia, came on as a halftime substitute and provided the moment of inspiration for win the game in the 69th minute. Willian, impressive throughout for Brazil, picked the ball up in

midfield and threaded the ball to Philippe Coutinho who found Neymar in the inside-left channel. The 26-year-old cut inside and skipped past two defenders before blasting the ball home off the underside of the crossbar. Neymar’s goal was his 54th for his country and he needs one to reach Romario as the third most prolific Brazil striker of all time behind Pele and Ronaldo.Another substitute, Roberto Firmino, delighted the Liverpool fans in the Anfield crowd by adding the second in stoppagetime with a well-taken lob from inside the a r e a . C r o a t i a ’s h a r d pressing had frustrated Brazil in the first 45 minutes and they needed keeper Alisson to get down well to keep out a drive from Andrej

Brazil’s Neymar in action with Croatia’s Duje Caleta-Car. (REUTERS/Andrew Yates)

Kramaric after Miranda gave the ball away.

Dhananjaya to return for West Indies tour following father’s funeral

Chandika Hathurusingha talks to Dhananjaya de Silva in training. (AFP) ESPNcricinfo Dhananjaya de Silva will take his place in the Sri Lanka squad only 12 days after his father was killed outside the family home, just south of Colombo. Dhananjaya had originally intimated that he would withdraw from the tour of West Indies, due to this extremely distressing personal situation. But following the funeral, he is believed to be keen to return to his cricket. As Dhananjaya will only land in the West Indies on Monday, after more than 30

hours in transit, however, he is unlikely to be available for the first Test, which begins from Wednesday. He will aim to be available for the second Test. Dhananjaya is Sri Lanka’s incumbent No. 3 batsman, having hit two centuries in his four mostrecent innings there. This included a match-saving fourth-innings ton in Delhi, last December. Dhananjaya’s father, an elected councillor at the Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council, was gunned down in Rathmalana

on May 23 - the evening before his son was originally due to fly to the Caribbean with the remainder of the Sri Lanka squad. Through the whole ordeal, Sri Lanka Cricket has maintained that Dhananjaya can make his return to the Sri Lanka squad whenever he feels comfortable doing so. Team management did not name a replacement for Dhananjaya, even when initially it was thought he would be unavailable for the whole tour. They kept his spot open instead.

But after the break, the Croatians began to defend

deeper and allowed Brazil the space to begin to

express themselves - a situation Neymar exploited to the full. Brazil coach Tite had started with Coutinho on the left and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus at center-forward with Willian on the right flank. Coutinho switched to a more orthodox midfield role after the introduction of Neymar, on the left, at the break and Firmino played the last half hour in the middle after replacing Jesus. Brazil’s opening game in World Cup Group E is against Switzerland and they also face Costa Rica and Serbia in the first round. The five-times world champions have one more friendly before the tournament, against Austria in Vienna on June 10.

Cricket luminaries join Global T20 Canada as Coaches ahead of inaugural players draft TORONTO, Canada – Prominent names from the international cricket coaching fraternity will lead the five Canadian franchise teams in the inaugural Global T20 Canada (www.GT20.ca), set to take place in Toronto from June 2 8 t o J u l y 1 5 . They include, along with their assigned team: · Wa q a r Yo u n i s , legendary Pakistan fast bowler and ex Pakistan coach – Winnipeg Eagles · Tom Moody, former Australian all-rounder, ICC World Cup winner and excoach of Sri Lanka – Montreal Tigers. · Phil Simmons, West Indies all-rounder and coach of ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 champion West Indies – Toronto Nationals. · Mohammad Akram, former Pakistan fast bowler and coach of Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi – Edmonton Royals. · D o n o v a n M i l l e r, renowned Jamaican coach – Vancouver Knights. All five coaches will be participating in the players draft, which organizers c o n d u c t e d v i r t u a l l y, y e s t e r d a y .

Aside from two of the 10 marquee players announced on May 24, each coach will select 14 additional players for their team from a vast talent pool. In just two weeks, over 1,500 players from Canada and around the world had registered for s e l e c t i o n . S p e a k i n g o n hisappointment, Younis said, “I look forward to this experience. I have fond memories of playing in Toronto in the 1990s. I still remember the kind of excitement it created at that time and this time it should be no different. Global T20 has announced some magnificent names as marquee players. I am looking forward to the draft and making a well-balanced side for my franchise, Winnipeg Eagles.” ”This is truly a wonderful opportunity for the game in Canada and North America,” said Moody, coach of Montreal Tigers, stressing the importance of this moment. “I am delighted to be involved as one of the head coaches of the league. I will do everything possible in my role to support the success of this tournament.”

Simmons, who will lead Toronto Nationals, holders of the number one selection in the draft, emphasized, “Competition like this in the North America region is very much the need of the hour to strengthen the development of the game in an associate country like Canada. I am looking forward to sharing my coaching experience with Toronto Nationals and would like to congratulate Cricket Canada and Global T20 Canada for this initiative.” C o a c h e s a n d Te a m s : Mohammad Akram Edmonton Royals Donovan Miller - Vancouver K n i g h t s Tom Moody - Montreal T i g e r s Phil Simmons - Toronto N a t i o n a l s Waqar Younis - Winnipeg E a g l e s Marquee Players: Chris Gayle - West Indies Steve Smith - Australia Andre Russell - West Indies Sunil Narine - West Indies Shahid Afridi - Pakistan Chris Lynn - Australia Daren Sammy - West Indies David Miller - South Africa Lasinth Malinga - Sri Lanka Dwayne Bravo - West Indies

Kaieteur News

PAGE 32

Monday June 04, 2018

Three-time gold medalist diagnosed with brain tumor

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t just 15-yearsold, many would be soaking up the enjoyment of their teenage years, but for Beyonce Ross she spends her days bedridden at her home in Rose Hall Town, Berbice. She made her town proud when she captured three gold medals in the junior category of the cycling championship but now the town has to rally around her to win a race she just can’t afford to lose, a race to stay alive. Ross began feeling sick with headaches in early February, these symptoms forced her mother Yonette Clarke, 48, to rush her to the Port Mourant Hospital and eventually the New Amsterdam Hospital. The doctors at those two institutions were treating her for ulcer and stomach pain since they reportedly told the family that the symptoms she was experiencing were similar to the stomach ache and ulcer diagnosis.As time elaps ed her condition

Ross receiving one of her many awards from Minister of State Joseph Harmon.

worsened, she then decided to take her daughter to a private doctor in the city. An MRI scan was recommended by the doctor and the results of the test were not what they were expecting. It revealed that young Ross had a developing tumor in her brain that could possibly be malignant

(cancerous) however, they won’t know until the result of the biopsy which was done on Wednesday by a doctor visiting from Jamaica. Clarke explained that the MRI scan had revealed that the tumor was situated in the centre of the brain and there was excessive fluid

Guyana Women’s Table tennis team advance to quarterfinals of Team events in Bolivia

The Guyana women’s team (left) before the start of their match.

G

uyana’s national women’s Team of Trenace Lowe, Natalie Cummings and Chelsea Edghill defeated Ecuador by a 3-0 margin to advance to the quarterfinals round at the 2018 South American Games taking place in Cochabamba Bolivia. Playing in high altitude conditions, the women seeded 6th in South America,

overcame an earlier loss to the top seeds in the group, Chile, to defeat Ecuador in a must win match to advance to the quarterfinals. They await the draws to see who they play in the quarterfinals round with a chance to advance to the semifinals. South America Region is strong in terms of quality of teams, many of players playing on the professional

circuit. The women’s team is also using these games to improve ranking points and as preparation for the Central America and Caribbean games scheduled for Barranquilla, Colombia from July 19th to 4th August and for the senior Caribbean Championships. In the matches, Lowe beat Daniela Ortega 11-4, 11-8, 11-7, while Edghill overcame Paulina Vega 11-5, 11-8, 2-11, 11-8, and Cummings dispatched Judith Morales 11-6, 11-8, 11-9. In other results Chile beat Ecuador 3-0, Brazil overcame Venezuela 3-1, Argentina beat Bolivia 3-0 and Brazil defeated Peru 3-0.

Ross’s current state.

retention. They were referred to the leading Neurosurgeon in the country Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi. During her meet with Dr. Dukhi, he joined Ross to his clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital due to the state she was in, “He requested an operation to help to drain the fluid that’s

building up in her brain, so he put a shunt in her brain right now, that’s draining the fluid from the brain to her abdomen”, Clarke said. The three time junior gold medalist underwent her first surgery on the 13th April, 2018 at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Her condition, her

mother said, improved a little.It was then that Ross’s case was referred by Dr. Dhuki to Dr. Crandon who was visiting from Jamaica. “Dr. Crandon did the biopsy (two) Wednesdays ago, Dr. Dukhi had indicated to us that where the tumor is located it is in a critical spot in the center of the brain”, Clarke explainedThe result of the biopsy is expected in today and will determine whether the tumor is cancerous, “The surgery cannot be done in Guyana that was indicated by the doctors but they haven’t given us any place where it can be done as yet, we will take it from there on Monday after we get the results”, the mother said. Clarke told reporters that financially it has been difficult for her but noted that it is her daughter and she will stop at nothing to see that her daughter is back on her feet. She can be contacted on telephone numbers 337-4456 or 6836106. (Malisa Playter Harry)

Stephens thrashes Kontaveit to reach last eight PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) American Sloane Stephens broke new ground at the French Open with a 6-2 6-0 thrashing of below-par Estonian Anett Kontaveit in the last 16 yesterday. Five times the U.S. Open champion had fallen at the fourth-round hurdle in Paris but that never looked like being her fate as she produced a rocksolid display on Court Philippe Chatrier. The initial exchanges offered no clue as to what was to follow as the first four games were shared but when Kontaveit double-faulted to drop serve Stephens took control. Kontaveit could not stem the errors and Stephens, who survived a thriller against Camila Giorgi the previous day, cruised to victory in 52 minutes. She is the second American into the quarter-finals in the top half of the draw after Madison Keys, whom she beat in last year’s U.S. Open final, eased past Mihaela Buzarnescu to register her best run at Roland Garros. Serena Williams can make it three Americans in the last eight if she beats Maria Sharapova today.

Sloane Stephens of the U.S. celebrates after winning her fourth round match against Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit. (REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol)

Kaieteur News

Monday June 04, 2018

PAGE 33

Neymar returns in scoring style as Brazil beat Croatia LIVERPOOL, England (Reuters) Neymar scored on his return to action after three months out through injury as Brazil warmed up for the World Cup with a 2-0 friendly win over Croatia at Anfield yesterday. The most expensive player in the world has been sidelined since Feb. 25, when he fractured a metatarsal and sprained his ankle playing for Paris St Germain in a French league match against Olympique de Marseille. The former Barcelona forward, key to his country’s hopes in Russia, came on as a halftime substitute and provided the moment of inspiration for win the game in the 69th minute. Willian, impressive throughout for Brazil, picked the ball up in

midfield and threaded the ball to Philippe Coutinho who found Neymar in the inside-left channel. The 26-year-old cut inside and skipped past two defenders before blasting the ball home off the underside of the crossbar. Neymar’s goal was his 54th for his country and he needs one to reach Romario as the third most prolific Brazil striker of all time behind Pele and Ronaldo.Another substitute, Roberto Firmino, delighted the Liverpool fans in the Anfield crowd by adding the second in stoppagetime with a well-taken lob from inside the a r e a . C r o a t i a ’s h a r d pressing had frustrated Brazil in the first 45 minutes and they needed keeper Alisson to get down well to keep out a drive from Andrej

Brazil’s Neymar in action with Croatia’s Duje Caleta-Car. (REUTERS/Andrew Yates)

Kramaric after Miranda gave the ball away.

Dhananjaya to return for West Indies tour following father’s funeral

Chandika Hathurusingha talks to Dhananjaya de Silva in training. (AFP) ESPNcricinfo Dhananjaya de Silva will take his place in the Sri Lanka squad only 12 days after his father was killed outside the family home, just south of Colombo. Dhananjaya had originally intimated that he would withdraw from the tour of West Indies, due to this extremely distressing personal situation. But following the funeral, he is believed to be keen to return to his cricket. As Dhananjaya will only land in the West Indies on Monday, after more than 30

hours in transit, however, he is unlikely to be available for the first Test, which begins from Wednesday. He will aim to be available for the second Test. Dhananjaya is Sri Lanka’s incumbent No. 3 batsman, having hit two centuries in his four mostrecent innings there. This included a match-saving fourth-innings ton in Delhi, last December. Dhananjaya’s father, an elected councillor at the Dehiwala-Mt. Lavinia Municipal Council, was gunned down in Rathmalana

on May 23 - the evening before his son was originally due to fly to the Caribbean with the remainder of the Sri Lanka squad. Through the whole ordeal, Sri Lanka Cricket has maintained that Dhananjaya can make his return to the Sri Lanka squad whenever he feels comfortable doing so. Team management did not name a replacement for Dhananjaya, even when initially it was thought he would be unavailable for the whole tour. They kept his spot open instead.

But after the break, the Croatians began to defend

deeper and allowed Brazil the space to begin to

express themselves - a situation Neymar exploited to the full. Brazil coach Tite had started with Coutinho on the left and Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus at center-forward with Willian on the right flank. Coutinho switched to a more orthodox midfield role after the introduction of Neymar, on the left, at the break and Firmino played the last half hour in the middle after replacing Jesus. Brazil’s opening game in World Cup Group E is against Switzerland and they also face Costa Rica and Serbia in the first round. The five-times world champions have one more friendly before the tournament, against Austria in Vienna on June 10.

Cricket luminaries join Global T20 Canada as Coaches ahead of inaugural players draft TORONTO, Canada – Prominent names from the international cricket coaching fraternity will lead the five Canadian franchise teams in the inaugural Global T20 Canada (www.GT20.ca), set to take place in Toronto from June 2 8 t o J u l y 1 5 . They include, along with their assigned team: · Wa q a r Yo u n i s , legendary Pakistan fast bowler and ex Pakistan coach – Winnipeg Eagles · Tom Moody, former Australian all-rounder, ICC World Cup winner and excoach of Sri Lanka – Montreal Tigers. · Phil Simmons, West Indies all-rounder and coach of ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 champion West Indies – Toronto Nationals. · Mohammad Akram, former Pakistan fast bowler and coach of Pakistan Super League franchise, Peshawar Zalmi – Edmonton Royals. · D o n o v a n M i l l e r, renowned Jamaican coach – Vancouver Knights. All five coaches will be participating in the players draft, which organizers c o n d u c t e d v i r t u a l l y, y e s t e r d a y .

Aside from two of the 10 marquee players announced on May 24, each coach will select 14 additional players for their team from a vast talent pool. In just two weeks, over 1,500 players from Canada and around the world had registered for s e l e c t i o n . S p e a k i n g o n hisappointment, Younis said, “I look forward to this experience. I have fond memories of playing in Toronto in the 1990s. I still remember the kind of excitement it created at that time and this time it should be no different. Global T20 has announced some magnificent names as marquee players. I am looking forward to the draft and making a well-balanced side for my franchise, Winnipeg Eagles.” ”This is truly a wonderful opportunity for the game in Canada and North America,” said Moody, coach of Montreal Tigers, stressing the importance of this moment. “I am delighted to be involved as one of the head coaches of the league. I will do everything possible in my role to support the success of this tournament.”

Simmons, who will lead Toronto Nationals, holders of the number one selection in the draft, emphasized, “Competition like this in the North America region is very much the need of the hour to strengthen the development of the game in an associate country like Canada. I am looking forward to sharing my coaching experience with Toronto Nationals and would like to congratulate Cricket Canada and Global T20 Canada for this initiative.” C o a c h e s a n d Te a m s : Mohammad Akram Edmonton Royals Donovan Miller - Vancouver K n i g h t s Tom Moody - Montreal T i g e r s Phil Simmons - Toronto N a t i o n a l s Waqar Younis - Winnipeg E a g l e s Marquee Players: Chris Gayle - West Indies Steve Smith - Australia Andre Russell - West Indies Sunil Narine - West Indies Shahid Afridi - Pakistan Chris Lynn - Australia Daren Sammy - West Indies David Miller - South Africa Lasinth Malinga - Sri Lanka Dwayne Bravo - West Indies

rt o p S

Jacques Archibald scores three tries as Panthers defeat Falcons to keep title hope alive Bounty Farm/ GRFU XVs

P.27 Falcons' Daniel DeAbreau (with ball) showed much fight but Panthers had a clear physical advantage and eventually won the game 32-5 at the soggy National Park field yesterday.

Serena and Sharapova ready to sharpen the edge

Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her third round match against Germany’s Julia Goerges. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

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Russia’s Maria Sharapova in action during her third round match against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann)

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