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Tuesday Edition June 04, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 24

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Guyana likely forfeited US$100's millions and potentially a billion in signing bonuses for the Kaieteur, Canje blocks - Dr. Mangal Guyana saddled with $100M in pre-contract costs due to PSA Ramotar signed with Mid-Atlantic

Consortium tipped to take over Rose Hall estate

- information blackout from GuySuCo snags sugar privatization process

BP to pay billions Businesses deliberately for suspicious not issuing receipts, Senegal gas deal warranties - survey shows

GuySuCo collected $7B in bond payments but produces little evidence where money went - $800M in interest paid back by NICIL so far

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Guyana saddled with $100M in pre-contract costs due to PSA Ramotar signed with Mid-Atlantic

By Kiana Wilburg

T

he Production S h a r i n g Agreement (PSA) former President, Donald Ramotar signed with MidAtlantic Oil and Gas during the 2015 election campaign period for the Canjie Block leaves Guyana saddled with US$500,000 ($100M) in pre-contract costs.

The PSA which was perused by this publication does not detail what these costs are for. It only states that the sum is in respect of all costs incurred by the contractor prior to the effective date.

Thirteen days before the

2015 General and Regional Elections were held, Ramotar also granted a Petroleum Licence to two inexperienced firms, Ratio Guyana and Ratio Energy Limited, to operate on the Kaieteur Block offshore Guyana.

That PSA has embedded in it, $31.4M in pre-contract costs which the contractors have the privilege of recovering. Unlike the PSA with ExxonMobil's subsidiary, EEPGL and others, there is no explanation on how the Ratio duo accumulated this cost.

In the meantime, the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) is pressing ahead with a probe of how the oil blocks were awarded to the firms in the first place when they have no wherewithal to independently engage in deep exploration and no track record in the sector.

The Canje block remains the only asset for MidAtlantic Oil and Gas and its partner JHI Associates Inc. Further information on MidAtlantic could not be found since its webpage is under

co n s truction . Additionally, JHI and Mid-Atlantic, which participated in Guyana's EITI reporting process, failed to submit their audited financial statements for review. JHI also failed to submit information on its beneficial owners. The EITI report lists Komal Dookie as the beneficial owner of MidAtlantic.

As for Ratio Guyana and Ratio Energy, both are registered at the same offices in Prashad Nagar and Gibraltar, Israel.

Ratio Guyana does not have a website but on the Kaieteur Block's Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), a Ryan Pereira is signed on as the Company Secretary, Director and General Partner o f t h e company. T h i s company's only asset remains the Kaieteur Block.

Not a trace of evidence can be found to prove that it has years of experience in the exploration of oil and gas.

Ratio Energy, which also calls itself Ratio Petroleum, is chaired by Ligad Rotlevy.

With the Kaieteur Block in hand in 2015, this Israeli

company was able to capture three other blocks. In 2017, it was able to acquire rights in Suriname's basin, specifically for Block 47.

In June 2016, Ratio Petroleum was granted a licence to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Ireland.

In October 2018, the

Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Ratio entered into a Production Sharing Agreement, for oil exploration in an offshore section of Philippines continentalshelf, known as SC 76. Of its four assets, Guyana's Kaieteur Block is its largest.

This newspaper

understands that the Kaieteur Block operators did not submit their audited financial statements and documents regarding beneficial ownership for Guyana's EITI report. The dates of incorporation for the two Kaieteur Block operators were also not provided to EITI.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 03

Guyana likely forfeited US$100 millions and potentially a billion in signing bonuses for the Kaieteur, Canje blocks - Dr. Mangal

By Kiana Wilburg

A

government can obtain revenue f r o m i t s country's oil sector using several elements. One of these is a signature bonus. As the name implies, operators provide the State with a onetime payment for the privilege of being granted a licence to explore its territory for oil.

Many countries across the world employ this mechanism. In Brazil, the government was able to get US$2.4B from companies that wanted to explore its waters for oil. The same goes for CARICOM member, Trinidad and Tobago, which was able to get a US$100M signing bonus from interested operators.

But when former President, Donald Ramotar, signed away Guyana's Canje and Kaieteur Blocks to three inexperienced oil companies days before the 2015 General and Regional Elections, no signing bonus was secured.

Reflecting on the issue, Oil Consultant and former adviser to President Granger, Dr. Jan Mangal said that Guyana likely forfeited US$100's millions or even a billion dollars in signing bonuses for the blocks.

He noted that these blocks are adjacent to the Stabroek Block which is operated by ExxonMobil and is now known to hold over 5.5B of oil equivalent resources.

During an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News last night, the transparency advocate said he has observed the statements made by Ramotar and Canje Block operators Mid-Atlantic and JHI Associates Inc. to the effect that the negotiations for the block were in the pipeline since 2013 and that the process was above board.

But Mangal stressed that the dates in 2015, be it March, April or May, as well those of any prior negotiations or application processes, are not critical to the issue.

He said, “The way these companies work is that they know years in advance.

Exxon did not appear in Guyana overnight... They were planning to drill the wildcat well in Guyana for

Former President, Donald Ramotar years before 2015.

“Ratio, Mid-Atlantic, JHI Associates Inc . and others which were either informed indirectly by Exxon or otherwise, would have known about Exxon's plans.”

Dr. Mangal said that officials in the Government at the time would have known years in advance and they themselves could have prompted or encouraged the creation of these non-entities who were given the Kaieteur and Canje blocks. This is how it works around the world he said.

The Consultant asserted that when people find out that a large legitimate company like Exxon is planning to drill a well somewhere, these little unknown and irrelevant companies rush to see if they can get in on the act by securing adjacent blocks ahead of any discovery.

And when they manage to get adjacent blocks from the Government for practically nothing, Dr. Mangal said, “You know something very bad has likely happened, and the country was probably

Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal

robbed by its own officials in cahoots with these nonentities.”

Dr. Mangal stressed that the main point is that these companies have no assets and no experience producing oil, and when a country hires a contractor to develop its oil, it should only hire contractors who are capable and have a track record of doing so.

He said, “The last government hired companies which had nothing and could do nothing.

And when the recent press release from Mid-Atlantic/JHI said they have experience, they have zero experience producing oil in deepwater.

“And when they said they can raise capital, that is irrelevant as the government's role was not to give away our oil for practically nothing to middlemen.”

Dr. Mangal said that the government's responsibility and obligation to its people was to hire contractors who could do the work. The government failed in this responsibility, and this failure has to be corrected,

the consultant categorically stated.

CANJE BLOCK OPERATORS The company, to which Ramotar signed away the Canje Block was MidAtlantic Oil and Gas. Then JHI Associates Inc. farmed in (or bought in) right after.

The block was awarded on March 4, 2015 to MidAtlantic.

JHI was only registered in Guyana on May 4, and it bought into the block on May 15. It seems JHI was created from nothing as its archived website only started working and listing managers, including John Cullen, on June 10.

The general election was on May 11, 2015.

According to documents held by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Secretariat,

JHI was only incorporated on June 17, 2015, in the British Virgin Islands. This nation is under no obligation to provide countries like Guyana with tax information of companies registered there.

And even though MidAtlantic Oil and Gas was incorporated here on April 8, 2013, both companies were in one-on-one negotiations with the PPP government for the oil block one month before, that is, March 2013.

This means that the individuals behind the companies were asking for oil blocks without having a company being formed as yet.

What is also significant to note is that the Canje block is the only asset that these two companies have to date.

Additionally, JHI and MidAtlantic, which participated in Guyana's EITI reporting process, failed to submit their audited financial statements for review.

JHI also failed to submit information on its beneficial owners. The EITI report lists Kamal Dookie as the beneficial owner of Mid-Atlantic.

THE KAIETEUR BLOCK Ramotar awarded the Kaieteur Block to Ratio Energy Limited and Ratio Guyana on April 28, 2015.

Both companies are registered at the same offices in Prashad Nagar and Gibraltar, Israel.

Ratio Guyana does not have a website but on the Kaieteur Block's Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), a Ryan Pereira is signed on as the Company Secretary, Director and General Partner of the company.

It also should be noted that Mr Ryan Pereira is a long time miner in Guyana with no track record in oil.

Yet , the last government awarded him (Cataleya Energy) 50% of the block.

He recently funded a project in the Rupununi for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He seems to have a close working relationship with past and present Ministry officials.

The Ratio duo's only asset remains the Kaieteur Block. Not a trace of evidence can be found to prove that it has years of experience in the exploration of oil and gas. (SEE LINK F O R P S A : https://resourcecontracts.org /contract/ocds-591adf2701587320/view#/pdf) Ratio Energy, which also calls itself Ratio Petroleum is chaired by Ligad Rotlevy.

With the Kaieteur Block in hand in 2015, this Israeli company was able to capture three other blocks. In 2017, it was able to acquire rights in Suriname's basin, specifically for Block 47. In June 2016, Ratio Petroleum was granted a licence to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Ireland.

In October 2018, the (continued on page 13)

PAGE 4

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

Vigilante justice The media reports come with alarming frequency, and on the heels of each other. Three incidents in the span of a few short weeks point to even shorter fuses, depending on protection and correction from the legitimacy of the law.

It may be legitimate, but is largely absent, or deplorably late, or means nothing when the pains of broken limbs are nursed, dead bodies buried, and when tortured memories and emotional scars resist healing.

So it was in Linden way outside the city gates. The scenario draws the picture for what is to follow: an invasive incident, cornering and capturing, and then a beating to the heart’s content. Community rage spiraling out of control. Linden was different from the others: the wouldbe perpetrator-turned-victim died.

Agricola came just last week in the most harrowing manner.

A child with life, then a severed body, last the righteous rage. Well, at least from the perspective of the enraged villagers.

It was an accident, but a driver felt the brunt of the blows raining from many angles and many more hands and feet. There is a dangerous tilt to the passions of besieged and agitated citizens.

The mob rules. The perception is of blaring horns, speeding trucks (and other vehicles) and the uncaring arrogance of those who use the roads as racetracks. Time to get even; time to score one for the little guys walking the streets every day. Blows. Battery. Brutality.

The one saving grace in that incident, where a child was crushed in the most sickening manner is that the one beaten up is not from the across the divide. That would have fueled even more disturbing images and commenting and baiting and mongering via the usual channels. Thank God for strange, small mercies, all things considered; and with regard to the injured.

This unhealthy unnerving trend continues in distant East Bank Berbice, where a would-be thief is dealt with in the usual fashion. Better he than what would have been we. Some two hundred minutes later, the police arrive. That is an eternity in which a homeowner could have died; or, in this instance, the captured.

There may have been some quiet gloating, some satisfaction and relief in private corners. Passions sated; anger cooled temporarily.

This is not sustainable. It is not condonable or pardonable, this taking the law into its own hands.

Agreed that the law does not have the needed hands.

Not enough of them. Not capable ones. Not clean ones.

Not trusted and dependable ones. Therefore, there is Linden and Agricola and East Bank Berbice.

There is an inherent problem there: this vigilantism of the village can mushroom into the norm. It is easy to go from fists to sticks.

And then to raise the bar from sticks to steel. The latter could take many shapes and forms and increasingly more savage intents.

Some steel may be either sharp, blunt, or heavy. And still others lethal in power and result. Settle the score.

Eliminate the known pox on the house.

Once started and gains traction, vigilantism doesn’t have to be restricted to a crowd of irate citizens roused into uncontrollable fury and mayhem.

People fed up and disgusted beyond recognition.

Fearful, too.

Very easy for a different variety of vigilantes (phantoms) to emerge. Easy to take care of business: money and means (men, too).

Since nobody else can…. Since the deterrent and coercive power of the state can’t.

Speculation is that such may have already occurred in several instances. Think: recently accused. Recently jailed.

Even recently suspected. Those are enough grounds: Street justice. Family justice. Money justice. One result: blood justice. An eye for an eye.

This is what threatens, through the burgeoning frustrations; the ventilating through community violence.

Human to understand.

I was never approached by any of the UG union representatives for support on any issue at the University DEAR EDITOR, The following response is to a letter emanating from the UGSSA and UGWU that was published in your papers of 30th May, 2019.

I must categorically state that I was never approached by any of the UG union representatives for support on any issue at the University of Guyana, since I was attending Council meetings as the GTUC Representative.

I noted with concern that there were repeated calls for my removal from Council by the UG Unions. However, I was not allowed or granted the opportunity to meet with the unions’ representatives and the TUC to listen to or address their concerns and possibly arrive at a position.

I was called by Mr. Freddie Kissoon requesting that I should resign from the Council, for the Union leaders feel I am not supporting their views. In this context, I was surprised that every issue raised at Council was in the public domain and the minutes of the meetings shared with any person. It was my view that at the level of the operations of any board requires confidentiality. It appears as though UG Council meetings should be treated like town meetings.

Since my appointment to the UG Council, I was actively involved in the Appointments Committee and the Finance and General Purpose Committee. I was a member of several interviewing panels as requested by the Appointments Committee.

Very often I made a special effort to attend even at great sacrifices. I have always sought to adopt an objective posture.

I was never briefed by the TUC that I was required to

agree with every statement or position by the unions at UG. My knowledge of the operations of University Board is that the board influences policy, and ensures effective and efficient governance of the university.

The obvious struggle between the unions and the University Administration is predicated on the lack of a structured approach relative to addressing the myriad issues which are often tabled by the two parties.

Below represents the list of complaints the UG unions submitted to the TUC leadership which was forwarded to me for a response.

Complaint #1. In circumstances where the Government of Guyana had only months earlier bailed to the University out of debt. Mr. English voted in favour of a proposal to purchase a brand new, latest edition of an expensive SUV for use by the i n c o m i n g VC, notwithstanding the availability of a perfectly good and relatively new executive car that had been used by the previous VC Response - The decision for the purchase of a new vehicle for the new ViceChancellor in 2016 emanated from the UG’s administration.

It was posited that there was a need for an appropriate vehicle for the VC, since the existing vehicle was fully depreciated. This received the general support of Council except for the opposing vote of the Union representative. I am aware that certain protocols are necessary for certain offices. In this context the office of VC fits the bill. I never knew the VC personally.

I saw him for the first time

when he came to UG. Therefore, I have no personal agenda where he is concerned. I responded to the issue at hand and not the person.

Complaint #2. Mr. English also supported the University’s hosting of the Education Resource Ambassadors conference between July 23-25, 2016 an enormously expensive undertaking which was held at the Marriott Hotel and for which the incoming Vice Chancellor had committed the University to pay for the accommodation of over 40 ‘ambassadors’ from the diaspora at the Marriott Response - If the University is to rightly position itself there must be stakeholder engagements and effective marketing.

Business experience advises the way one presents or sells him or herself, and their business will determine the level of responsiveness of others to their cause. The hosting of receptions for guests who travelled at their own expense to support your institution could be regarded as the very least the institution could do. In a general context this is a historical norm for an organization to host its guests.

Complaint #3 - In November 2016, Mr. English supported the revision of rates for allowances payable to University officials on local and overseas travel.

These rates were copied from rates paid to the President of Guyana and the Ministers of Government and included business class travel for officials identified as ‘Category A’ - the VC, his cabinet and members of Council.

Response - I am not aware of this claim or issue.

This unfortunately is dishonest. I do not recall voting on any issue of this nature. I cannot discuss unless the tape is provided.

However, based on my experience in the Public Service, I know that allowances were pegged to the rates stipulated by the United Nations based on the particular country that was being visited.

Complaint #4- Mr. English in April 2017 supported the VC’s proposal for the vanity project of a downtown campus to house the new School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation.

Response - I supported the setting up of the new School for Entrepreneurship and Businesses Innovation, and for there to be an off campus facility subjected to the working out of the requisite modalities, given that UG operates in a competitive environment and business strategies must cater to the myriad changes that are taking place on a daily basis in the society. It is known in the culture of organizations, that if you continue to use the same methods of operating from year to year you would have the same results unless there is a miracle. I felt that UG needed to modify its approaches to doing business and become more relevant as a contemporary institution of higher learning.

Complaint #5 Incredibly, notwithstanding the 2016 SUV purchase, during the 2018 budget (Continued on page 5)

Wesley Kirton made an interesting point in relation to SARA’s pronouncement DEAR EDITOR, Journalist and business consultant Wesley Kirton made an interesting point in a letter in the newspapers, arguing that SARA should wait until it wraps up its investigations into the award of oil blocks by the PPP government before it makes a public shout.On this specific point, we wish to concede that Mr. Kirton has a point, especially as it relates to SARA’s investigations and business/investor confidence in Guyana. But on the wider point about whether malfeasance was afoot when

the PPP gave out our oil blocks to two companies with no established history in oil and gas, I wish to contend that SARA is on to something.

As we understand it, the two companies with close PPP ties but with no financial record, previous stints in oil and no proven ability to develop an oil field, were given the concessions just a few days before the 2015 elections. Despite what anyone may say, this kind of behaviour and approach to national rather than PPP assets are very familiar to

Guyana and Guyanese as a whole. It is the classic modus operandi of the PPP, so we urge the experts at SARA to investigate.

The scandal here is that the two blocks, Canje and Kaieteur, are in what we are told are ultra-deep waters, beyond where Exxon and its partners are working. Exxon is a huge multinational firm with billions at its disposal, and is one of the few big oil firms able to work in such waters.

Do the companies which got the licenses have the ability to work in such deep waters?

Our humble contention is

that SARA should proceed full speed ahead with its probe into the award of the blocks, but in the future should restrain from official pronouncements that might in fact create some doubts in the minds of investors about how things work in our beloved Guyana. And as the Kaieteur News puts it today, “how did 4.8 acres of offshore Guyana end up in the hands of four companies with no track record in the oil industry?”

Regards Peter Joseph Roy Mason Nazeema Mohamed

Tuesday June 04, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Guyanese Oil and Gas Seminar in New York was informative DEAR EDITOR, The Guyanese diaspora in North America held a seminar on Guyana’s prospective oil and gas industry in Richmond Hill (Little Guyana), Queens, New York last Saturday June 1. Among the main speakers were University Economics Professor Dr. Tarron Khemraj, Oil & Gas Specialist Dr. Jan Mangal, Attorney Chris Ram. The format of the seminar, organized by a newly launched group calling itself Guyana Oil and Gas Governance Network (OGGN), involved lectures by the principal speakers and an interactive question and answer period. The speakers, supported by the audience, called for a renegotiation of the oil contract signed between the government of Guyana and Exxon-Mobile and partners.

There was a lively question and answer period.

The program was moderated

by Dr. Dhanpaul Narine. Joe Persaud of Canada moved a vote of thanks and urged the formation of groups in the diaspora to contest the contract.

The contract was described as a rope around the neck of the country. It is akin to returning to slavery and indentureship. The Guyana government is on record as saying that it will not be open to re-negotiation of the one-sided contract that benefits Exxon. The speakers and OGGN feel Guyana is not getting a fair deal, losing out on billions of US dollars annually as a result of a badly negotiated contract.

A sub-committee was formed after the seminar on how to move forward to bring pressure on the Guyana government and Exxon to reopen the contract. The group is appealing to Guyanese to

join them in this struggle to get a fair deal that is the standard in the international industry practice pertaining to discovery of oil and gas.

Among all countries with newly discovered energy, Guyanese is getting less than a fair deal – 2% royalty and sharing of the profits.

This was the first seminar held outside of Guyana on the country’s budding oil and gas sector that is expected to operationalize early next year and there have been requests for similar seminars in other parts of the diaspora. Also, an interest has been expressed

by Guyanese in the diaspora to form OGGN branches in Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Vancouver, Toronto, Minnesota, Trinidad, to put pressure on both the government and the oil investors to rework the contract so that it corresponds to the worldwide industry standard.

These chapters will be formalized shortly and the organizers plan to go all out to educate Guyanese within Guyana and in the diaspora why this contract should and must be re-negotiated. The leadership of OGGN says it will work closely with NGOs in the US, Canada, and Europe to force re-negotiation of the contract.

The speakers generally focused on problems and issues relating with the contract, including the socalled natural resource curse that countries experience after the discovery of sudden wealth from resources.

As Dr. Khemraj explained, resource curse refers to the

paradox that countries which suddenly discover an abundance of natural resources (such as fossil fuels and minerals) tend to splurge the newfound wealth without pursuing sound economic development.

These countries tend to experience less economic growth, less democracy, and worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.

Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea, etc. have almost nil resources, but experience rapid growth. Guyana and several African countries have abundant resources but experienced limited development and during the 1980s negative growth. What Guyana needs is competent resource management that focuses on sustainable development so that its newfound energy wealth can be put to wise use.

Dr. Khemraj also presented a chart showing how much money Guyana would collect based on the price of oil and how much it would potentially lose if the contract is not re-negotiated – in the amount of US$ billions annually.

Dr. Jan Mangal spoke on strategies for Guyana and strategies for Exxon on efficient management of the energy industry, and he provided a convincing rationale why the contract

should be re-negotiated. Dr. Mangal pointed out that companies tend to use bullying tactics and drive fear to intimidate countries not to renegotiate a contract or to accept less than optimal terms. He also stated that oil companies “make a renegotiation seem taboo” telling government leaders that “they (oil companies) are very powerful and get their way all the time”. In answer to a question, he said there are ample precedents where oil companies re-opened contracts and improved the arrangements for the countries.

Dr. Mangal advised that the government should focus on maximizing the oil revenue and focus on not squandering it. He further advised that the government should not become involved in oil management.

“Leave the oil companies to do what they are good at.

Streamline permitting, and streamline the movement of people and physical assets.

Focus on generating the main income from the oil revenue, and not from the operational aspects of the industry.

Develop a clear legislative framework and strong institutional capacity.

Guyana government should take ownership of data and hire experts to guide it.

Focus on anti-corruption measures. Make politicians

accountable to the voters.

Slowly shift from tribal politics to politics driven by real issues. Address the braindrain and its impacts. Open up Guyana and inject it with competition from outside.

Overhaul and streamline the public sector.”

Dr. Mangal said it was a mistake to award one large block to Exxon or any company for oil exploration and drilling. “Smaller blocks would have been better, as the country could have learned from (negotiation) errors after a block or two”.

Dr. Mangal claims that the standard royalty norm globally is between ten and twenty percent and not two percent. He contends that Guyana stands to lose between US$60 to 120 billion dollars if the contract remains as is.

Chris Ram addressed the legal aspects of the contract – the stability clause. Ram said Guyana’s laws have been violated in the awarding of blocks and the contract. He said one company cannot have more than one block and that a monopoly-like situation is being created. He also noted that the government has acted ultra vires the constitution and laws of Guyana. He contends that several aspects of Guyana’s laws on oil exploration have been violated.

Ram, like Dr. Mangal,

pointed out that the contract can be challenged and that there have been precedents where oil contracts were renegotiated in favour of countries. Israel was cited as a test case by Mr. Ram. The Israeli court ordered the Prime Minister to right the laws and renegotiated the contract with an oil company.

Ram convincingly argued that the contract can be unwound – because of onesided negotiation, lack of expertise, duress, etc. He also argued that Exxon overstated the cost of exploration, discovery, and drilling by at least US $100M; Ram calls for an audit of Exxon’s cost of exploration and drilling.

In sum, the speakers urge and the audience endorses a renegotiation of the contract for higher royalty (than the 2% agreed upon) and greater sharing of profits rather than 50% that the Guyana government accepts. The normal internationally accepted profit sharing ratio is 70% (government) to 30% (investor company).

The speakers also feel that the Guyana government should not have to pay (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

We mourn the passing of our dear sister, Andaiye DEAR EDITOR, WPA joins the rest of Guyana and the Caribbean in mourning the passing of our dear sister, Andaiye.

Although Sister Andaiye had not been active in the party in recent years, she remained an important source of wisdom and advice to the leadership. Her passing is a blow to the movement for change and transformation in Guyana and beyond—until the very end she remained a committed soldier of the cause of social justice, women and children rights, working class liberation and ethnic and racial equality.

Our party and Guyana have lost one of the brightest lights that emerged from our Guyanese and Caribbean belly. We are eternally grateful that she walked, marched, struggled and grounded with us as we fashioned one of the most remarkable chapters in our country’s history. We give thanks for her life and contributions.

Sister Andaiye started her public life as a schoolteacher and foreign service worker.

She is remembered as part of a group of young radical educators who attempted to infuse a new national and revolutionary praxis into the then education system.

Although she left the profession, she never stopped being a teacher. Her contributions to public education during her years as a WPA activist-leader and later on in Red Thread are testimony to the role of education in Andaiye’s political praxis.

Sister Andaiye will also be remembered as a Black Power activist who saw the movement towards Black pride and dignity as a

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

necessary step in our independence journey. She changed her name from Sandra Williams to Andaiye and wore her hair in the Afrostyle of the day—these two symbols remained part of her identity for the rest of her life.

She returned to Guyana in 1977 at the urging of her school friends Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnarine both of whom had become associated with the newly formed WPA. She joined the party and played pivotal roles in its development as one of the most formidable radical parties in the Caribbean. She was a leader, thinker and worker of the highest order and helped to make the WPA and Guyana an oasis of radical and revolutionary thought and action.

She served the party in various capacities, but in was as a writer and editor of the party’s publications and as its International Secretary that she made her most definitive contributions. Her penchant for detail, her sense of history and her analytical mind made her an intellectual giant in a party and movement blessed with rare leadership talent.

But she was also a foot soldier who walked the streets, roads and alleys across Guyana to spread the politics of change and transformation.

In the wake of the demise of the Grenadian revolution, to which she contributed immensely during its short life, and the retreat of the Caribbean Left, Andaiye joined the women of the WPA’s leadership in focusing on a neglected area of the movement—women’s and children rights. She was a cofounder of Red Thread and spent the rest of her life working within and in alliance

with that enduring source of relief for women and leadership of their causes.

In this regard, she was also a leader, thinker and activist in the wider Caribbean and global feminist movements. Given her political upbringing, her feminism was one that privileged the intersection of gender, race and class which sometimes placed her at variance with the region’s feminist movement.

Nevertheless, she remained an icon in the movement and an inspiration to younger feminist scholars and activists, even if she did not refer to herself as a feminist.

Although born into Guyana’s fledgling middle class, Andaiye was sensitive to the feelings and the needs of the lower classes. She was a genuine advocate, in thought, word and deed, for the uplifting of the working poor. Towards this end she remained a creative and independent Marxist without the trappings and rhetoric.

She was to the end a firm believer that our country cannot advance without a genuine multi-ethnic thrust.

She was uncompromising regarding this central tenet of the WPA’s praxis.

In later years she became disenchanted with political parties and thought that enough energy was not being put into building non-party movements. As WPA mourns her passing, we call on Guyana and the Caribbean to emulate the example of Andaiyes of our Caribbean.

She died like most revolutionaries in our country and region—forgotten and marginalized by the political elites whose power came from the struggles and sacrifices of these very forgotten souls.

But the WPA is comforted by the fact that Sister Andaiye died knowing that she selflessly gave her life to the service of country, region and humanity.

In her name and by her example, we forge on. We salute you Sister Andaiye.

To her relatives and other close associates WPA offers its sincerest condolences.

David Hinds For WPA Executive

Can’t the police hire taxis?

DEAR EDITOR, The failure of ‘the police’ to immediately respond to reports of various transgressions continues to be blamed on the non-availability

of police vehicles.

Is it not possible for the police to take taxis in such circumstances?

Nowrang Persaud

Guyanese Oil and Gas Seminar in New York was informative...

From page 5 Exxon’s taxes on the profit. It was noted that the oil company is indemnified against natural disasters. In other words, should there a natural disaster, Exxon is clear of liability, which is not the industry standard. In the US, Canada, Europe, and other countries, the companies are liable for disasters. Guyana could find itself in perpetual debt to neighbouring countries should there be a disaster.

The speakers urge Guyanese at home and the diaspora to organize and agitate for a better contract. The contract is subjected to re-negotiation because Exxon took advantage of the government. Pressure from civil society has the potential to influence government to revise the contract with the American company.

The diaspora needs to work closely with other groups abroad to make this a reality.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

I was never approached by...

From page 4 discussions, the administration proposed buying another luxury vehicle.

Response - I supported the purchase of a double cab 4x4 vehicle to transport staff and materials/equipment between the Berbice Campus and the Turkeyen Campus as against a car because of its appropriateness, for safety reasons and its suitability.

This type of vehicle is used by all of the Government Ministries for out of town trips. It is unfortunate that the Unions’ Representatives are unaware of this.

In a general context, the purchase of a car as against a double cab 4x4 vehicle will not materially change UG’s financial position. The reality is that there is an overdependence on Government subventions. UG needs to adopt a business-oriented approach to engender its sustainability.

Complaint #6 - More recently, in February 2019, Mr. English was appointed by the Pro-Chancellor to chair a Council intervention into the dispute between the administration and the Unions over 2018 wages and salaries negotiations.

During the meeting he displayed such hostility towards the Unions and workers of the University that we were forced to request that he be removed as Chairperson.

Response - This is misleading and unfortunate and dishonest. The Unions’

representatives were visibly upset because I suggested that there should be a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Unions and the University Administration. This I felt would remove a number of the issues from the agenda that are brought to Council that could be resolved through the said agreement. Their objections were on personal grounds and this was confirmed by the letter of the unions in the mainstream newspaper on Thursday May, 30th which stated that they were seeking my removal from Council. In this regard, there was no due process, since I was not given the opportunity to respond.

Consequently, I have decided to respond since it was placed in the media.

Complaint # 7 - The final instance mentioned here will be the one already alluded to in our first email. The GTUC’s nominee voted to enable the Vice-Chancellor to be paid in lieu of leave and so not proceed on leave.

Response - Paying a person for leave is not a recent phenomenon. A person is paid for leave, based on “exigencies of the service” and it is guided by functionality rather than rank, status or tenure. Perhaps the unions could use this to foster their own claims for similar considerations for staff based on the exigencies of the service for which precedence exists at UG and elsewhere.

It is obvious that the unions’ representatives do

not have a full grasp relative to the roles of management as against those of Council of UG. I noted that even in instances where a policy issue is obviously beneficial to the institution the union representative abstains.

I do not wish to be sucked into the very contemptuous engagements that union representative on Council pursues with the VC. I think my role is to support policy formulation and not to slavishly and blindly support a position by a union without that position being meticulously assessed for appropriateness and relevance.

In 2016, the sum of $500,000,000 that was given

by Central Government as provisional sum to help in the addressing of critical needs at the UG. The Unions argued that all of the money should go to pay for salary increases.

I advised that there should be consideration given to the issue of sustainability of that provision from Government, for once salaries are raised, they cannot be arbitrarily reduced going forward.

I do not see how this constitutes an anti-working class stance. My fear is that the unrelenting public spats between the UG’s Unions and the Administration would not only tarnish the image of the university internationally, but diminish public confidence in the institution nationally.

Ivor B. English GTUC Representative University of Guyana Council

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 7

Kaieteur News

Lowered Infant Mortality rate Seen in GuyanaDr. Narendra Singh Over the last seven to eight years Guyana has seen a significant decline in its infant mortality rate as it has benefitted from much needed facilities to help curb the issue.

D r. N a r e n d r a S i n g h , president of the Guyana Help The Kids Foundation (GHTK) Canada said that he left Guyana a long time ago and did studies in paediatric care. Upon returning approximately 12 years ago he visited the Georgetown Public Hospital and was a little bit taken aback by the high neonatal mortality.

“I was asked to give a talk at one of the first scientific conferences. My talk was essentially that Guyana needed to improve neonatal care,” he said. If Guyana was going to look at the high underfive mortality rate it first had to take a closer look at the neonatal mortality at that time.

Most of the deaths that occurred in children under five years old often occurred under one month of age. This accounted for 75-80 percent of the infant mortality deaths.

Dr. Narendra Singh Six of the major birthing centres in the country benefitted from Neonatal Intensive Care Units, compliments of the Guyana Help The Kids Foundation (GHTK) in collaboration with a few other entities including the Ministry of Public Health over the past few years.

Around that same time the units were commissioned Guyana was experiencing a high rate in infant deaths, especially those born prematurely. With the introduction of the Paediatric Post Graduate Programme, there has been a decrease in infant mortality.

The medical professionals are being trained not only to properly handle these situations but to also operate the equipment that is now available.

Dr Narendra Singh said when they started looking at the issue and before implementing the programme he looked at sustainability and comprehensiveness.

“So that when they were not here anymore the local physicians and nurses could assume the care. Secondly they wanted to make sure that whatever program is introduced in Guyana cov-

Dr. Winsome Scott e r s e v e r y s i n g l e b a b y, including all the regional hospitals.”

Dr. Winsome Scott, a paediatrician and the president of GHTK (Guyana), told this publication that even though they do not have these personnel permanently stationed at the out of town facilities as yet, they make frequent checks and engage with the practitioners there to

give advice and some level of training on how to deal with neonatal emergencies so as to reduce referrals to GPHC. So far their efforts have been fruitful. They are looking forward to a future of even further reduced neonatal mortality rate with the continuation of training, continued engagement in the residency programme and conferences.

PAGE 8

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

Police response to crimes has Businesses deliberately not issuing receipts, warranties - surveys shows improved - Police Commissioner Several businesses have been found guilty of deliberately failing to issue receipts, warranties, and not conforming to ‘Return of Goods Policies’ as dictated by Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) legislation.

In a checklist business survey recently conducted, Duties of Suppliers was used to evaluate the level of compliance of businesses inspected. The top three non-conformance issues discovered were Return of Goods, Receipts, and Warranties. According to the survey a significant 57 or 36 per cent of businesses inspected failed to adhere to the Return Policy. Following closely behind was the issuance of receipts, with 53 or 33% of businesses admitting that no receipts were issued to customers upon purchase.

Additionally, 41 or 26% of Businesses either did not offer warranty, or it did not align with the criteria stated in the Consumer Act. That aside in the area of pilfering information to consumers, 1 business was found guilty,

while glitches were found in prices and fees with 18 businesses. With regards to failure to issues 53 businesses were found guilty, while 41 failed to provide warranties with purchases. Not adhering to the Return of Goods policies were 57 entities, with 27 failing to stick to protocol when it came to Returning Defective Goods.

Failing to display notices governing the Return of Goods were 13 businesses, with 19 entities failing to stick to laws governing Lay Away and Purchase Sale. Notices on Return of Goods The Consumer Affairs Unit (CAU) has undertaken a regulatory framework which is led by facts – based on technical evidence -- and outcome focused.

This incorporates the utilisation of data and information based on complaints, research and analysis and field work assessment; in order to better evaluate contravention trends, thus allowing the development of outcome focus strategies and programmes in the sphere of consumer protection.

In other words, the unit has integrated a system where information about contraventions, complaints trends, and specific groups of offenders is analysed and then paired with executive strategies.

This is to appropriately direct actions and resources for the purpose of creating an impact of compliance by reducing, eliminating, and preventing contraventions of the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA).

Their goal is to strategically position Guyana for takeoff in 2019; to be on par with more developed countries in the mould of consumer awareness and redress. To a great extent, this is already being achieved.

Administering and enforcing the Consumer Affairs Act has taken shape in many dynamics, with the addition of countrywide business compliance inspections in 2018. The challenges faced, especially non-compliance by suppliers, have caused the remodeling of their modus operandi resulting in a more pro-active, and results driven approach.

Police Commissioner Leslie James, at a press conference yesterday, related to the media there has been an improvement in police responses to crime scenes.

On Saturday, the residents of East Berbice caught a bandit redhanded in the upper flat of their home. They would probably not agree with what the Commissioner said.

The bandit was beaten by the residents who apprehended him and took matters into their own hands. This was because the ranks who were contacted at the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, arrived some three hours after the report was made to them.

When the first call was made to the officers they claimed that there was no available vehicle in the compound to transport the ranks.

Later in the day when the

Commissioner of Police, Leslie James residents again contacted them, those officers claimed that there was no gas to refuel the vehicle.

The bandit is currently hospitalized.

But the commissioner did point out that if any citizen experiences or encounters any lackluster

response after a call is made to the force; there are channels in the Force to which complaints can be made. Advisory by the U.S Government against travel to the country because of crime, Commissioner James insisted that there has been a decrease in crimes by 2.7% compared to this time last year.

He said that this percentage is based on actual crimes reported to the Police Force. He said that he would not respond to claims that the statistics may be an indication that citizens do not have confidence in the force, hence, they do not report crimes.

Commissioner James assured citizens and visitors to the country that the force is concerned about any occurrence of crime and will work to bring justice to all of those who might be affected.

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Self- praise is no recommendation Self-praise is no recommendation. It is one thing for someone outside of the government to praise the government but it is of no credit to the government when it praises itself.

Recently,oneformerMinisteris reported in the media as saying that the President has a good team aroundhim.Butcomingfromsomeone who was once a central part of that team, really, is akin to praising oneself.

There is another view which statesthatfarfromthePresidenthavingagoodteamthatmanymembers of that team have been embarrassments to the President. Instead of making the Presidency look good, theactionsofsomeofthePresident’s team have brought the government into disrepute. In fact, one of the most strident criticisms of the Presi-

dent is that he had not been forceful enough and has failed to discipline some of the errant members of his team. Despite his government being besieged by scandals and controversies – some of them bordering on corruption and some consistent with devilry – the President has so far not fired anyone and is not ever likely to do so.

The President has been provided with more than just cause for multiple shake-ups of his administration. He has been provided with more than reasonable grounds to fire Ministers. He has not done so and is not likely ever to do so. But the President’s weakness of softness does not absolve many of the mistakes and missteps of his government. If anything, the actions of his Ministers have embarrassed the President and made his government

look mediocre and ordinary.

No one needs to provide the examples. The PPPC had done a good job at providing a list of more than fifty scandals allegedly committed by the incumbent APNU+AFC government. And thereislikelytobemanymorewhich have not yet been exposed. There was undoubtedly some level of unpreparedness for high office by the APNU+AFC administration. Their victory in May 2015 took them by surprise. On the Saturday before the May 11 elections, some of the campaignmembersoftheAPNU+AFC went on a collection spree in the business community. These members went around collecting electrical and electronic items on the pretext and it was clear that many of themfeltthatthecoalitionwouldlose theelectionsandthereforetheywere

Dem boys seh ...

Sam Blinds must fix jail sentence fuh Jagdeo and de crew When Donald sign away dem two oil blocks wha deh next door to de one Exxon got, he mek dem boys remember de parents who dead and lef de big son in charge of all de properties.

De whole family believe in de big brother. He gun tek care and look out fuh all he buddy and sissy interest.

Instead, de man secretly transfer two of de big family property to ee wife buddy and sissy.

De family only find out wha de big brother do when he wife buddy and sissy tell dem that dem owe dem couple million. That is exactly wha happen wid Guyana. Donald was responsible fuh controlling de property including de oil wealth.

He sign away two oil blocks as big as Stabroek block wha ExxonMobil get. Exxon give Guyana a pittance fuh a signing bonus.

De companies who Donald give de two blocks to, give Guyana nutten. Instead, Guyana owe dem $131M, fuh what only de Donald and de Creatah know.

De things dem boys find strange about this is all over de world oil blocks does be given out and de countries does get big signing bonus. In de

case of Brazil, de country get US$700M from one oil block. Guyana wid Kaieteur and Canje should have gotten at least US$500M which woulda pay off fuh de money wha Jagdeo borrow to build de Skeldon factory, de airport, de Marriott and de Enmore packaging plant.

Dem boys trying to find de people and dem want Donald help dem. But instead, he playing games. He telling de nation he didn’t know Guyana found oil when ee sign away de two blocks. He think people stupid.

He was President of Guyana although he was not de man in power. Jagdeo, that scamp, and Rob de Earth is de people who give Donald de documents to sign.

He didn’t even read de contract but sign he name. And when he sign away de blocks was days before de elections.

Hepartyevenadvertisebold.Deheadlinewasbreakingnews:ExxonstrikesoilinGuyana.Butdepresidentof Guyana and presidential candidate seh he didn’t know.

Talk half and ask Sam Blinds how much jail fuh Jagdeo, Rob de Earth and Donald Dumb should get.

helping themselves.

The lack of preparation was obvious from day one of the administration.And this continued into the early months when Boards which were dissolved and an imbalanced list of replacements named.

The second problem was the lack of experience within the coalition. It was only one person who had prior Ministerial experience.

Therewasalsoawoefulinadequacy when it came to experience in working within the public administrative system.

And this was not helped by the mad rush to treat some public servants and political apparatchiks wheninfactthesepersonsweresimply public officials working within the public service and willing and ready to serve the government of the day. But these shortcomings – the shock at actually winning the

election and the lack of Ministerial and administrative experience – does not excuse some of the deplorable conduct of the members of the government. Some of them have been a handicap to the President and many of them are fortunate not to have been given the boot.

Afterfouryearsinoffice,lackof preparedness and lack of experience can no longer excuse some of the scandalous conduct of some members of the conduct. The dubious associations of some persons must have given the President headaches.

Crime has gotten worse, education has not shown any dramatic improvements; the health sector is in a mess; the public service is being politicizedandbloated;thearmyhas its own internal problems judging from a recent letter to the media and the business, minus the impact of Cubans, has declined.

Self-praise is therefore no recommendation.Thegovernmentcan pay itself on the back all it wants, the opinions polls would not support those who say that the government deserves an A grade.

The results of the local governmentelectionswhichtheAPNUand the AFC lost overwhelmingly are a good indicator that people have become apathetic about the government and are grossly disappointed by its performance.

Ittakesteamworktowiningovernment.AndthePresidenthasbeen let down by his team.

PAGE 10

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Andaiye: A class analysis In my September 26, 2017 column, I penned these lines on Andaiye; “I have profound respect and admiration for this iconic woman. She is one of the WPA fighters who had an early influence on my politics. I think Guyana has lost a precious activist now that she has taken a quiet life due to illness.”

Of all the people I met in my radical youth in the WPA, one mind stood out for me in its ability to critically examine issues and personalities –

Andaiye. I found her to be an inviting enigma. In the WPA, there was a tight group of elite activists at the top of the hierarchy.

In that hierarchy, two personalities didn’t come from the middle class and therefore they tended to be more people-oriented than the rest at the top – Eusi Kwayana and Moses Bhagwan.

Kwayana remains and will always remain a mystery for me. He was not a person given to warm friendly inter-

actions. He was genuine in what he did and said he would do, and he was inflexible in his embrace of moral values but he lacked the natural capacity to engage in Rodneyite groundings.

He was certainly not a person willing to share information.

Bhagwan, on the other hand, was just naturally a working class personality.

Andaiye was the only one from the upper crust of the elite hierarchy of the WPA that could genuinely relate to ordinary folks.

I would say that of all the middle class radicals politics has produced in Guyana, Andaiye moved with emotional ease between classes and accepted that she belonged to no class structure.

I didn’t understand this aspect of her character before I left for studies abroad at the height of Rodney’s attempt to change the government in 1979. And I don’t think at that

time, I was intellectually equipped to find the answers.

It is when I returned in 1984, and we began to relate to each other on more equal footing, that I came to understand the enigma in her class make up.

Andaiye came from a quintessential urban, urbane African middle class background.

Her father was one of the leading medical practitioners in the sixties and seventies.

His prominence was enhanced by his status of personal physician to the Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham.

Like most of her peers at the time, she was sent abroad for a university education.

She came home and fitted into the middle class milieu.

At the time the slogan of black is beautiful was dominating London, New York, the Caribbean. She donned an Afro-hair style and took up a long term relation with a white, radical, lovable Marxist professor, Englishman, Bill Carr.

But there was a difference with the character of Andaiye and I know she was conscious of it and it diluted her middle class saturation, a pathway that no other urban

elitist in that type of class structure ever went into.

Andaiye is dead and if I am to write her legacy I would say it was an unusual one – she never practised a personal life of middle class values. There were none like her in urban British Guiana. There has been none like her since then, right up to the time of her death in 2019.

What led Andaiye to that different nuance? It was her dark complexion. Andaiye was dark-skinned and she knew that if it were not for her middle class status, she would not have found the acceptance and embrace that came her way. She was learned enough to know what bias and prejudice dark-skin engendered in urban middle class Georgetown.

One day I was brutally frank with her on the middle class shamelessness of the WPA leadership. I could have asked her any sensitive question. I looked at her with a thin smile and I said why those “sweet boy” radicals in the struggle against Burnham never tried to hustle her as they did with the other women in the WPA. I remember her reaction

Frederick Kissoon very well. With a cynical smile, she bent her head downwards and simply showed me her two hands. Nothing else was said. She was pointing to her dark skin.

I was always comfortable in the company of Andaiye.

She made you feel comfortable. She wanted to reach out to ordinary people and she did. The last time I set eyes on Andaiye was December 23, 2010 when Mark Benschop and I emerged into the courtyard of the Georgetown Magistrate court after release from three days of detention for a mere traffic offence.

She was there in the crowd to greet me. But we kept in touch by email correspondence. I guess this is goodbye.

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

President defends role in army The Ministry of the Presidency has come out to clarify the role of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces in the affairs of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

In a letter to the editor dated June 2, 2019, published in the Kaieteur News and headlined, Too much presidential meddling in the daily affairs of the GDF written by what the ministry said is an unnamed “concerned junior officer”, the ministry said it suggests that since taking office in May 2015, President David Granger has been acting outside of his remit as Commander-inChief. ”The Ministry of the Presidency wishes to make it pellucid, that the Head of Government, since Independence had been Chairman of the Defence Board and Minister of Defence; his duties are detailed in the Defence Act, Chapter 15:01 of the Laws of Guyana,” the Ministry pointed out in a statement Sunday.

It was stressed that over the years, there has been organisational neglect which caused the de-

struction of the National Cadet Corps and the near extinction of the GDF Reserve Force- the Guyana People’s Militia.

“Additionally, it is a known fact that defence operations and training had been neglected during the former administration in the

years 1992-2015. Since taking office, there have been regular annual exercises such as Exercise Greenheart and Exercise Ironweed which were restarted under this administration.

“It should be noted that the President in his private capacity, before entering of-

fice, compiled a book Values and Standards of the Guyana Defence Force in the wake of the murder of persons in the Essequibo River by members of the Coast Guard.”

The ministry insisted that since 2015, there have been a plethora of changes

in the GDF, including improvements to the Basic Recruitment Course. Officers are now being trained in equitation to enable them to conduct horseback patrols.

“The GDF has been able to acquire engineers equipment from the Peoples Re-

public of China to build roads. (The army) conducts maritime patrols not limited to Operation Ocean Guard aimed at continuous aerial and maritime surveillance of the coastline and territorial waters have increased and have led to the suppression of piracy.

Also, operational deployment along the countrys western border has been strengthened under Operation Armadillo which was launched to respond to threats posed by criminal gangs along the borders and to protect the countrys frontline villages.”

The ministry said that the operation has resulted in a reduction in reports of assaults by foreign Sindicato gangs and has since reinforced border security.

“It should be noted that all of the changes have been made on the direction of the GDF Board and is a full direction of the Chief-of-Staff to improve the efficiency of the Force. Had there not been changes to the GDF, it would be deemed a dereliction of the Presidents duty not to correct the bad practices which have damaged the reputation of the Force.”

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 13

Health Ministry clarifies report on non-delivery of drugs, medical supplies

T

he Ministry of Public Health, (MoPH) has clarified its position on the no delivery of drugs and medical supplies, purchased in 2015.

In its 2018 report, the Public Accounts Committee, (PAC) had highlighted problems with the award of contracts and the distribution of drugs and medical supplies by the Ministry of Public Health.

The report was recently laid over in Parliament, the PAC noted the issues regarding drug suppliers, who failed to deliver drugs and medical supplies to the agency in a timely manner are of great concern to the committee.

According to the PAC report, several of the issues, which were highlighted in the 2015 Auditor General report, remain unresolved. In some cases, drugs and medical supplies purchased are still to be delivered.

Permanent Secretary, PS, of the MoPH Collette Adams noted that the Ministry had responded to queries about

delivery of drugs and medical supplies dating back to 2015 in the Auditor General's 2017 report.

Adams noted that some of the cheques are in the process of being disbursed. “What happens in some cases, there is a delivery schedule so the drugs or supplies don't come all at once. Therefore the cheques remain on hand to be released to the suppliers over a period of time that the deliveries are made.

Adams noted too that some of the information contained in the PAC need to be updated.

The report should have included a response because the Ministry would have provided it since 2017. But what happens is the information from the previous reports keeps reappearing in the document each year so it appears as though the Ministry has not taken any action or provided an explanation. That is not the case, the Ministry has responded.

Meanwhile in its response to the queries

contained in the 2017 AG report, the Health Ministry explained that drugs and medical supplies valued at $12.352 M were delivered during 2018. The sum of $25.982 M is still to be delivered.

In the report, the Ministry admitted that the balance should have been remitted to the consolidated fund and the adjustment made to the book and accounts records.

However the report stated that the Ministry did not comply with the terms of t h e F i s c a l a n d Accountability Act which states that at the end of each year the unexpended balance should be remitted to the Consolidated Fund.

The PS noted that in many cases, there is already a contractual arrangement in place between the Ministry and the supplier, so rather than having to return to Parliament for the money every time it is needed. The cheques remain on hand to pay for the drugs as they are delivered.

In 2018 report, the PAC

Ministry of Social Protection helps widow to replace stolen pension book

A

Charity widow who lost her pension book will soon have a replacement, facilitated by the smooth application process at the Region Two outreach.

Salome D'Aguilar, the widow's daughter, visited the government outreach in Region Two with t h e intention of helping her mother to retrieve her lost pension book since it is her source of income.

Representatives of the Ministry of Social Protection facilitated her request.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), D' Aguilar said that her mother was robbed of her purse one day,

while selling at the Charity market. The purse included her pension book and other important documents.

According to D' Aguilar, this was painstaking for her mother since she was dependent on the document for financial assistance.

She explained that it was difficult for her mother to recover the book at the ministry's location in the region as she resides in Pomeroon.

The government outreach in the region was convenient for her to assist her mother with this dilemma. Following the outreach, D'Aguilar was able to benefit from the muchneeded service and will now be able to receive her

Salome D'Aguilar, daughter of the widow pension book in a few weeks.

D'Aguilar was among the many persons who visited the outreach and left with satisfaction.

Guyana likely forfeited US$100 millions...

From page 3 Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Ratio entered into a Production Sharing Agreement, for oil exploration in an offshore section of Philippines continental shelf, known as SC 76.

But Ratio does not have a track record of producing any oil in deepwater or anywhere, nor does it have the required assets to do so.

Of its four assets, Guyana's Kaieteur Block is its largest. (SEE WEBSITE LINK F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N :

https://www.ratiopetroleum.com/en/about/r atio-petroleum/) This newspaper understands that the Kaieteur Block operators did not submit their audited financial statements and documents regarding beneficial ownership for Guyana's EITI report.

The dates of incorporation for the two Kaieteur Block operators were also not provided to EITI. (See link for full report: h t t p s : / / g y e i t i . o r g / w p content/uploads/FinalGYEITIReportFY2017.pdf)

noted in December 2015, the total of $38M was spent on drugs and medical supplies by the Region while the Minister of Public Health expended $5.371M. The PAC noted that the issue was reoccurring which needed to be addressed by the relevant persons and agencies.

A previous AG report had noted that six suppliers received full contract sums totaling $163M in 2012.

However, they failed to deliver drugs and medical supplies totaling $114M. These are still outstanding for the year 2012.

These companies include Productos Roche, Caribbean

Medical Supplies, Trans Continental Ltd and Henry Schien Inc. In a related matter, the New GPC Inc. was still to supply a total of $12M worth of deliveries in respect of the year 2011.

The Budget agency of the then Ministry of Health had acknowledged that the deliveries are still outstanding. It was subsequently recommended that the Ministry take immediate steps to have the contractors fulfill the obligations under the contracts for the years 2011 and 2012.

The AG's report also stated that in 2013, the

Ministry expended $2.7 billion for pharmaceutical and medical supplies.

The procurement of pharmaceutical and medical supplies by the Ministry of Health was based on awards by the National Board of Procurement and Tender Administration to the New GPC Inc. and other local and international agencies involved in the supply of drugs and medical supplies.

In relation to the 2013 purchases, the transactions with New GPC included ten contracts valued at $2.4 billion of which freight charges totaling $180.496M were included in three contract sums.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Safe to consume all poultry meat - Agri Ministry

T

he Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has come out in response to the Trinidad authorities who said last week

that Trinidad and Tobago has banned the import of poultry meat from Guyana to that country.

According to the GLDA, it has observed that the

Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago has issued an advisory banning the importation of poultry, raw and cooked, from entering

into the island from Guyana.

“The GLDA considers this advisory to be illadvised as neither the sale, nor consumption, of poultry meat poses any health risks.

The GLDA wishes to assure the general public that the issue with the duck disease, which has been suspected to be, but has not been confirmed as Duck Hepatitis Virus, has been contained and restricted to six duck farms on the coast of Guyana.”

According to GLDA, measures implemented, including the closure of its hatchery, the only one in Guyana that hatches duck eggs commercially, have assisted in containing the disease.

“The disease has not manifested itself in the other

poultry sectors-- chicken, turkey and Guinea bird-- and has only been observed in ducklings between the ages of three and 15 days old.”

The Ministry of Agriculture assured that it is safe to consume all poultry products.

“While a disease incidence report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) may elicit a country response, we are disappointed at the premature and excessive response of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries of Trinidad and Tobago which has placed a ban on all poultry products, raw and cooked, coming from Guyana.”

The GLDA said it will continue to perform and uphold its responsibility and mandate to provide

wholesome meat and meat products to the consuming public. Trinidad's Agriculture Minister, Clarence Rambharat, last week announced an immediate ban on raw and cooked poultry originating from Guyana.

He stated that the ministry's Chief Veterinary Officer has notified Customs and Exci se Division, following an advisory in Guyana of the existence of duck virus hepatitis in a part of that country.

Rambharat stated that Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago do not trade with each other in poultry. However, the ban is precautionary and targets passengers coming into Trinidad and Tobago with raw or cooked poultry in their possession, he said.

Demerara, Berbice brace for outages …submarine cable goes down

O

n Sunday night, June 2, the submarine cable which links Kingston and Vr e e d - e n - H o o p p ower stations developed a suspected fault along sections located approximately 0.5 km offshore from the Kingston operations.

According to the Guyana Power and Light Inc, while investigations and consequent remedial work are being effected, the cable will remain “de-energized”.

“Our Vreed-en-Hoop operation supplies an average of 14MWs of electricity to our Kingston operation for further utilization within the eastern half of the DBIS. In the absence of the submarine cable, our company is unable to transfer this capacity to the eastern half of the DBIS,” GPL disclosed. “ A d d i t i o n a l l y, t w o generating sets at our Kingston Power Plant are

unavailable due to maintenance requirements. As a result of this, a load shedding exercise is being temporarily instituted (yesterday) evening, from 18:00 hrs to 23:00hrs and will affect the following customers,” GPL said yesterday.

In Berbice, the outages were set to be from Auchlyne to # 53 Village and Bygeval to Seafield. In Georgetown, the outages would have affected Festival City, North Ruimveldt, South Ruimveld Park and Gardens, Lamaha Springs, Stevedore, Tucville, GuyHoc Park, Lamaha Park, PP QQ Scheme, Roxanne Burnham Gardens and GuyHoc Gardens.

On the East Bank, the outages would affect Garden of Eden to Soesdyke Junction and Soesdyke Junction to Yarrowkabra on the Linden Highway.

“The management of GPL Inc. has convened a

team comprising of officials from GPL, deep water divers and CMC to urgently assess the situation. Our Company remains cognizant of the inconveniences associated with this load shedding exercise and will endeavour to minimize the duration.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, w e w i l l continue to provide updates as they become available.”

The Chinese built submarine cable has been troubled since being commissioned a few years ago as part of a modernization plan for the aging electricity system. It was first laid too shallow and had to be recommissioned.

The additional power from Vreed-en-Hoop, West Demerara from a 26megawatt power plant is key for boosting the Demerara and Berbice grid which is interconnected.

The increase in outages recently has placed GPL under pressure.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 15

Ministries partner for microcephaly stimulation intervention

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wo government ministries have partnered to offer early stimulation intervention to individuals and their families affected by microcephaly. The two partnering Ministries are Education and Public Health.

The planned intervention will be offered at the Centre for Stimulating situated in the Cyril Potter College of Education Compound which caters to children, youth and adolescents with special educational needs associated with disabilities.

The intervention will comprise transportation to and from the Centre, three days per week, where these individuals will have access to speech, occupational and physical therapy sessions. In addition, individuals will have the opportunity to be part of a continued process of assessment by psychologist and pedagogic specialists with the aim of providing early support in keeping with the Ministry of Education's mandate for inclusive education.

This multi-disciplinary intervention will be done with the aim of mitigating the known symptoms associated with microcephaly to allow the individual to be included as much as possible in the education system.

Parents and caregivers will also benefit from training and counselling.

Microcephaly is a medical condition in which the brain does not develop properly resulting in a baby being born with a smaller than normal head. However, medical experts have found that microcephaly may be present at birth or it may develop in the first few years of life.

The disorder may stem from a wide variety of

conditions or from syndromes associated with chromosomal abnormalities.

It serves as an important neurological indication or warning sign, but no uniformity exists in its definition.

It is usually defined as a head circumference (HC) more than two standard deviations below the mean for age and sex.

Also experts have found that there is no specific treatment that returns the head size to normal. In general, life expectancy for individuals with microcephaly is reduced and the prognosis for normal brain function is poor.

Occasional cases develop normal intelligence and grow normally, apart from persistently small head circumference.

However, it has been found that early intervention with supportive therapies, such as speech and occupational therapies, may help enhance the child's development and improve quality of life.

Individuals with microcephaly can have a series of challenges ranging from mild to severe, based on the severity of the condition. Some of the

challenges include: seizures, developmental delay, such as problems with speech, walking, sitting-up; intellectual disability (decreased ability to learn and function in daily life); problems with movement and balance; feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing, hearing loss and vision problems.

A few years ago the Public Health Ministry saw the Zika virus as an especially formidable threat.

A number of cases of microcephaly were linked to it a few years ago.

Following an outbreak of Zika and a spike in cases of microcephaly in 2016, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that “there is now scientific consensus that the Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly— a congenital malformation with smaller than normal head size for age and sex.

It has also been associated with other birth defects and neurologic conditions in children and adults.�

It was in light of this development that the Ministry put a number of measures in place to tackle its impact. In this regard more than 20 local doctors

A child with microcephaly undergoing stimulation intervention were trained in preparation to use ultrasound to detect

microcephaly in pregnant women who were suspected

to have been exposed to the Zika virus.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Tuesday June 04, 2019

GuySuCo collected $7B in bond payments but produces little evidence where money went

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ICIL's acting head, Colvin Heath-London, and PwC's partner, Wilfred Baghaloo, at the press conference yesterday.

Since last year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has been drawing down on the first tranche of a $30B (US$150M) bond that was supposed to make the operations of the threeestate, smaller sized industry more efficient.

However, almost a year later since that bond was approved, the disbursement process is troubled with no clear ideas what GuySuCo used the money for.

It has collected more than $7B since August and has a request for another $1B pending.

But according to the state-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) which had helped put together the bond, GuySuCo has not been holding up its end of the bargain in submitting details

- $800M in interest paid back by NICIL so far how the money it collected were spent.

In fact, while it is known that a significant portion was used to pay salaries and wages of estimated 10,000 workers, the bond holders and trustees have been asking how the money were used by GuySuCo. The situation may very well put NICIL on the back foot with the financiers of the bond which include a number of banks and insurance companies.

A number of them have written NICIL to express worry about what the cashstrapped GuySuCo is doing with the money.

Ye s t e r d a y, N I C I L ' s acting chief, Colvin HeathLondon, during a press conference at his Camp Street office, was under pressure to explain the bond.

NICIL had been criticized by the Ministry of

Agriculture, which has responsibilities for GuySuCo, for the seeming sloth in the disbursements of the funds.

The three estates remaining under GuySuCo are Albion, Blairmont and Uitvlugt.

According to the official, NICIL and its Special Purpose Unit (SPU) arm, approached the financial market for financing of a bond last year.

In the first of its kind, and the largest, NICIL/SPU managed to raise $30B. Since last year, over $7B was paid over to GuySuCo to finance long term capital projects, including the acquisition of two cogeneration plants; upgrading of existing factories; the production of Plantation White Sugar; the construction of storage and packaging facilities and the

NICIL's acting head, Colvin Heath-London and PwC's partner, Wilfred Baghaloo at the press conference yesterday. contribution of two years of general operation costs.

According to HeathLondon, if there is any default on the bond payments, it is not GuySuCo's assets that can be seized.

Rather, it is NICIL's assets that will suffer.

In fact, several stateowned companies which are managed by NICIL have their assets pledged. These

include the Guyana Oil Company, the Guyana National Shipping Corporation, the Guyana National Printers Limited and even facilities of the Guyana National Industrial Company.

NICIL has about a dozen other state companies under its remit, including Atlantic Hotel Inc., which owns Marriott.

Health-London admitted

that the bond holders and trustees are not happy with the lack of information from GuySuCo. He said if the situation continues, it will push NICIL and the Government of Guyana into default.

The situation will have implications on future financing with the international funding agencies likely paying attention.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 17

BP to pay $$B for suspicious Senegal gas deal BBC World Report) Millions of people of Senegal, on the west coast of Africa, live in poverty, but the standard of living for these people should be much higher. This country is rich in natural resources because large reserves of oil and gas have been discovered there.

But much of that wealth has been lost through corruption.

Romanian businessman Frank Timis, has been involved in a series of controversial mining deals in Africa. His companies have faced many accusations from bribing politicians to shooting miners.

Phillip Caldwell used to run a secretive offshore trust for Frank Timis but he has agreed to let the secrets known because he became concerned about the way Timis did his business. He is seen posing with the

President of Sierra Leone and the President of Burkina Faso, so he did a lot of work i n We s t A f r i c a , s a y s Caldwell. Furthermore, Caldwell related that Frank Ti m i s o f t e n r e m a r k e d himself as the godfather of West Africa.

In 2012, Frank Timis set up a company called PetroTim. It was given the exploration rights for two large oil and gas concessions off the coast of Senegal, even though it has no track record in the industry. “The country Petro-Tim, the company that was selected in the end, shouldn't have benefitted from these permits because this company didn't have any experience in the field.

Petro-Tim has no known past or proven expertise of oil research and oil exploration.”

This is according to the

former Prime Minister of Senegal, Abdoul Mbaye.

It is very surprising that when there were other British companies FTSE 250, big, decent-sized companies who have had success in Africa, were unable to get the concession of those two oil blocks, but Petro-Tim was able to do so.

In Caldwell's opinion, that company should not have gotten that concession.

A few months after the deal was signed, Senegal elected a new president, Macky Sall, and he promised to fight corruption.

He said, “We will put an end to mismanagement and corruption and put in place a new system of government.”

He quickly ordered an investigation into Frank Timis's deal. It concluded that Petro-Tim should lose the concessions. But the new

17-year-old stabbed to death by knife yielding duo

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eventeen- year- old, Clive Osborne, of 735 Market Street, Supenaam, was reportedly stabbed to death by two knife yielding men on Sunday around 18:20 hrs.

His close relative, Kishaun Burnette, told this publication that the now deceased Osborne had left his home to purchase a phone card a short distance away at a shop in the village when the incident occurred.

He said that he was chatting with friends in the village when he received the news that Osborne was stabbed and left lying on the road. He said he jumped into his car and sped to the scene where he was shocked to find his cousin lying in a pool of blood in the middle of the public road. Burnette said he lifted the motionless body and placed it in his car before speeding off to the Suddie Hospital where medical staff pronounced Osborne dead on arrival.

It is said that Osborne succumbed to a stab wound to the left chest (in the region of the heart), one below the third left rib, and a stab to the forehead as well.According to Burnette, the attackers had an ongoing feud with the deceased and another relative, Sherwin Peters.

He said on the day of the incident the two men (names not provided) were seen drinking

The now deceased Clive Osborne at a liquor shop in the village. Upon seeing Osborne they cornered him and a heated argument ensued during which one of the men whipped out a knife and stabbed him repeatedly about the body.

The men made their escape right after committing the crime.

Reports suggest that the two men were taken into custody at the Aurora Police Station as investigations continue.

president allowed Frank Timis to keep the two oil blocks anyway.

T h i s l e d t o demonstrations in Senegal about the Timis deal.

Protestors claimed that the president's family was cashing in through a company called Timis Corporation. A Senegalese said, “There is a murky company called Timis Corporation that has 30% of our gas, but nobody knows who they are. We want to know who are the shareholders of Timis Corporation and what did these people do to deserve 30% of our gas?”

The deal looks suspicious because Frank Timis gave a top to the president's brother, Aliou Sall, even though he has no experience in the energy industry. The ex Prime Minister noted, “It's extremely serious because there's an obvious conflict of interest. It's the president who signs the decree and allows the contract to go ahead, and his brother works in the group that benefit from this contract. It's extremely serious.”

Documents were obtained that revealed the details of Aliou Sall's contract for the first time.

The contract showed that the president's brother was paid $25,000 a month for five years. That is $1.5 million.

Sall was also promised shared worth $3M in Frank Timis's companies.

The contract was showed to an expert on due diligence and corruption.

This expert, Lawyer Jeremy Carver related, “The monthly payments of $25,000 for a consultancy a little surprisingly large for somebody that has no previous experience in that industry. The explanation for which seems to be that it's connected with the confirmation by his brother, the president, of the licensed blocks… I do find the payments suspicious. The linkage between the two is unmistakable in my view.”

Aliou Sall denies corruption. His lawyers say that his payments were, “In line with other similar roles in the industry.” He never received the shares and was, “engaged for his expertise and not because he happened to be the brother of President Sall.”

He also claimed that he “never attended any meeting with President Sall about the deal.”

In 2016, gas was discovered in the

concessions and BP agreed to buy Frank Timis out. BP bought Timis Corporation's remaining stake in these concessions for $250 million. But that's just the start. The real cash comes from the royalties.

Details have been obtained about the royalties agreement and it is described as the “most generous in the industry.” Over the next 40 years, BP will pay Timis Corporation between nine and $12 billion.”

BP says its investments will bring “substantial benefits” to Senegal, and that it “conducted extensive and appropriate due diligence in areas including ethics, compliance and anticorruption.” BP “rejects any implication that it acted properly.”

But documents showed that BP knew about the suspicious payments to the president's brother, and it went ahead with the deal (continued on page 24)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Cocaine in fish

Men get four years, fined $25M

Baldeo Persaud

A

Amir Ally

mir Ally and Baldeo Persaud were yesterday sentenced to four years' imprisonment and fined $25M each after Senior Magistrate Leron Daly found them guilty of trafficking nine kilograms of cocaine in fish.

Businessman Ally, 30, of Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara; and Canter truck driver Persaud, 32, of Lot 47 Kingston Street, 'C' Field Leonora, West Coast Demerara were handed sentence in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts where their trial was being conducted.

It was alleged that on February 6, 2018, at Laparkan Cargo Shed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) they trafficked 9.366 kilograms of cocaine in fish.

Custom Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford represented the state in the matter. According to information, the shipper was Ally while Persaud was the transporter of the boxes of frozen fish stuffed with cocaine to the airport.

The facts of the charge indicated that on the day in question, ranks from CANU conducted a search of the boxes, which had already been packed and were at the Cargo Shed.

During the search, the ranks found a quantity of cocaine stashed in frozen fish that was destined for the USA. An investigation was then carried out and the two defendants were arrested and charged for the offence.

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Shell facing multiple charges over corruption, emissions, and an explosion www.cnbc.com: Shell will be prosecuted for criminal charges relating to a $1.3 billion settlement for an oil exploration licence in Nigeria. It has also been summoned by prosecutors to face charges over chemical emissions and an explosion.

The Dutch Public Prosecutor's Office (DPP) informed Shell it is nearing the conclusion of an investigation into the case and is preparing to prosecute the oil giant, the company said in a statement on its website Friday.

Shell and Italian oil firm, Eni, were accused of bribery in 2017 of over a $1.3 billion payment that secured an exploration licence for an oil block, known as OPL 245, in 2011.

It was alleged that although the funds were paid to the Nigerian government, the money actually went to Malabu Oil and Gas — a company linked to former oil minister, Dan Etete.

Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi, and four ex-Shell managers are also facing

charges of international corruption in Italy, where prosecutors allege they were aware that payments would be pocketed by individuals rather than the Nigerian government.

Shell and Eni have both denied any wrongdoing.

In an emailed statement, the DPP told CNBC Friday: “On the basis of the ongoing criminal investigation, the Public Prosecution Service concluded that there are prosecutable offenses. We are not yet able to make any announcements about the further course of the case.”

In November, a report from campaign group Global Witness said that Nigeria would lose $6 billion in oil revenue because of the terms of the allegedly corrupt deal.

Shell declined to comment when contacted by CNBC about the DPP's decision to prosecute.

Responding to the prosecution announcement, an Eni spokesperson told CNBC via email that the company had no involvement in the proceedings brought by Dutch prosecutors.

“Eni confirms, once again, and as based on the current outcomes in the ongoing trial in Milan, the correctness and compliance of every aspect of the transaction in respect of OPL 245 concluded in 2011, both with applicable laws and global industry practice,”

the spokesperson said. “Eni continues to reject any allegation of impropriety or irregularity in connection with its conduct.”

A spokesperson the Federal Government of Nigeria was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC. More legal problems The DPP also confirmed to CNBC on Friday that it had summoned Shell in proceedings relating to an explosion at its Moerdijk facility in 2014, as well as charges relating to the company exceeding ethylene oxide emissions limits between 2015 and 2016.

The case is scheduled to be heard at a court in the Dutch city of 'sHertogenbosch on May 14 and 16.

Commenting on the additional proceedings being taken by the DPP, a Shell spokesperson told CNBC: “We obviously regret these incidents and the impact it had on our neighbours and those affected by it. We have worked hard in the interim years to take measures to avoid this happening again.”

Shell's shares were trading 0.4 percent lower on Friday afternoon.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Consortium tipped to take over Rose Hall estate

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overnment is nearer to a deal with a consortium for the iconic Rose Hall estate in Berbice with stakeholders hopeful for a mid-year announcement. However, the current political climate and delay in information from the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), under whose remit the closed estates (Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales) fall, has delayed the process with the two other estates.

The matter of the delays of information has been taken to C a b i n e t w i t h Wi l f r e d Baghaloo, partner of c o n s u l t a n t , PricewaterhouseCoopers, which has been hired to ensure the privatization process is above board, yesterday saying he has written to the ministers a number of times for information.

With regards to the Rose Hall estate, it was disclosed that the investors are a consortium of Indian, Ghanian and Guyanese. They are interested in sugar cane and sugar-related cosmetics.

Currently, the negotiations have advanced to a stage where draft agreements are being exchanged before a deal could be brought to Cabinet by this month end.

Also present with Baghaloo at the press conference on the privatization process was acting head of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), Colvin HeathLondon. Baghaloo explained that last year, there were advertisements for Expressions of Interest (EoI) with three fixed proposals coming in.

However, local and overseas political events, including the no confidence vote, left a number of investors nervous.

It is the intention to re-engage the investors whose interest had waned, it was disclosed.

The officials declined to name the company citing confidentiality clauses and the delicate nature of the negotiations as reasons.

Heath-London insisted that the four closed estates were always treated as going concerns, with over 300 staffers retained permanently for maintenance, among other things.

At Wales, almost 1,000 acres have been placed under rice with local and overseas farmers involved. There are options for dairy farming with two big beverage companies here likely to come on board.

According to Baghaloo,

- information blackout from GuySuCo snags sugar privatization process PwC was hired to work with NICIL's Special Purpose Unit (SPU) to privatize three estates to have them remain in the sugar cane industry.

This may not necessarily be in sugar alone.

Baghaloo admitted that there were significant challenges, including a major fact that the transactions will amount for being the biggest sale and transfer of state assets to private sector. In addition, there were difficulties in determining the assets of each estate.

There were also concerns by investors over the fact that three government-run estates would be competing for scarce resources, including labour. Perhaps the biggest challenge was get t i n g financials from GuySuCo. Heath-London said there were some differences in opinion between stakeholders. He would be referring to GuySuCo and the Ministry of Agriculture which have both been critical about some aspects of the privatization process. The intensity of the differences was especially evident last year when the assets of GuySuCo were transferred to NICIL, raising objections of the ministry and GuySuCo. According to Baghaloo, key information like age of equipment, suppliers and other financials were not submitted despite requests to Cabinet and instructions to GuySuCo issued by ministers. As recent as May

14, the PwC official wrote Cabinet. With regards to challenges of Enmore, he said that their concerns over the moisture at the facilities with little information forthcoming of the cogeneration area at Skeldon.

According to the officials, it was understood for some time now that the privatization and divestment process would never be overnight.

It would not happen in six months, neither within a year.

It was stressed that there are billions of dollars in assets involved and transparency is a must. It was also pointed that similar processes to privatize sugar estates in Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica have been going on for years.

In total between the four closed estates there are about 20,000 hectares of lands.

GuySuCo is a major battleground for the political parties with more than 16,000 workers up to 2015.

However, the industry has been producing less and less, demanding billions of dollars annually in bailouts from Government.

Its new factory at Skeldon has never fired and has been sucking GuySuCo's cash.

In 2015, Wales was closed; the other three estates followed a year later. More than 5,000 persons lost their jobs.

The privatization and diversification process is to raise cash for the smallersized GuySuCo to become more viable.

PAGE 19

TIP cases prosecuted - following training with faster Magistrates, Prosecutors

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he time taken to prosecute Trafficking in Persons (TIP) cases has significantly reduced following TIP training for magistrates and police prosecutors across Guyana.

The first-of-its-kind training, was undertaken by the Ministerial Task Force for TIP and the Ministry of Social Protection's Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) Unit played an integral role in the execution of same.

Coordinator for the C-TIP Unit, Tanisha WilliamsCorbin, said the training is one of the many activities undertaken by her department during the first quarter as part of its efforts to better raise awareness of the seriousness of the crime.

She noted during the training, magistrates and prosecutors were edified from a victim-centered approach which has helped them to better understand TIP cases and the need for speedy prosecutions.

“Magistrates and prosecutors are now familiar with the work of the C-TIP Unit and other agencies equally involved in the fight against TIP. They were also exposed to images which reflected the living and working environs of victims which in most cases are deplorable and always exploitative.

“Challenges including victims' fears and the psychological effects the trafficking experience have on them were also discussed

Coordinator for the C-TIP Unit, Tanisha Williams- Corbin during the presentation made by the Ministry of Social Protection.

“This training has resulted in shorter periods for TIP matters to be heard before the Magistrates Court, which is a very good initiative and a positive step for Guyana,” Ms. Williams- Corbin explained.

A first of its kind TIP training was also held with shelter operators who provide support to victims of TIP. The operators were educated on how to better provide care and support to TIP victims using the trauma-informed approach.

Much needed trainings were done with labour officers from the Labour Department and with medical officers, teachers and members of civil society in Region Two. The C-TIP Coordinator

explained that her Unit has conducted a number of trainings, since capacity building is one of the most effective ways to address TIP. “Yes we do have to respond appropriately but if we can prevent the crime from happening that is the most effective approach and the best one. So we found that building capacity is the best way to prevent the crime from happening.

“We also had training with minibus operators in Bartica and we're hoping to bring same to Georgetown and other regions, particularly the buses running the Mahdia area and areas that are prone to TIP,” the Coordinator explained.

The Unit continues to work closely with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to conduct raids and even training. Police Officers in Region Two were recently trained, an activity which was spearheaded by the Ministerial Task Force on TIP. The C-TIP Unit has been and continues to provide support for identified TIP victims and to assist them with repatriation and integration into society.

The Ministry of Social Protection wishes to encourage the general public to be vigilant about suspicious activities related to TIP. Once such is detected, it encourages persons to call the Ministry's anonymous hotline numbers 227-4083 or 623-5030.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Heavy rainfall destroys Lethem to Aishalton road The present state of the Lethem to Aishalton road

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o s h a o o f Aishalton, Michael Thomas, has expressed concerns over

the deplorable state of the Lethem to Aishalton road which has caused a 'cease traffic' situation because of

major eroding by rainfall.

As stated by the Toshao, it's just the four-month long rainy season for the

Two men on trial for 2016 Rose Hall killing

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wo men are on trial for 2016 murder of Caitanya Kishundyal, called “Haribol”, a Harikrishna devotee of Lot 28 First Street, Swamp Section, Rose Hall, Berbice.

The men are Daniel Mc Clennon called “Dutty”, 22, of 163 Second Street, Rose Hall Town; and Sadif Persaud, called “Guitar”, 23, of Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice.

They are on trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court.

The Prosecution's case is being presented by attorney at law, Mandel Moore, while the two accused are being represented by Attorney at Law, Sasha Roberts, of the Guyana Legal Aid Clinic.

Kishundyal was shot and wounded around 22:00 hrs on February 3, 2016, by armed intruders as he was about to enter his home. He succumbed on February 5, 2016 at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH) where he was receiving emergency treatment.

After he was shot he was picked up and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and then the GPH where he succumb.

The trial began yesterday afternoon.

Eight witnesses have testified so far. First to testify was Serojnie Kishundyal, the mother of the deceased. She told the court that she lived with her son and husband. Around 10:30 PM on the day in question she was at home with her husband when they heard a loud explosion downstairs.

The next to testify was the dead man's father, Linahar Kishundyal . He told the court that his son had earlier left home to worship and then to take some devotees home.

He said that after hearing the loud explosion he and his wife ventured downstairs and found their son with a gaping wound to his abdomen and in a pool of blood.

He was picked up and rushed to the hospital.

Mahendra Ramkissoon a relative of the deceased testified to identifying the body and

hinterland region, and already, the main access road for two major indigenous communities has been cut off.

He said that a particular section in the road, some 12 miles from his village, is in a deplorable state and in dire need of emergency works.

This road connects Aishalton to Lethem and has been regarded as the main access to both locations.

Reports indicate that the road has been 'washing away' over the last two years during the rainy season, but this

time around, the damage is extensive.

According to the Toshao, the hole in the road is two meters deep and has grown wider, while the culverts have broken.

This has prevented traffic from travelling from Lethem to Aishalton, as well as to seven other nearby villages.

It is said that choosing an alternate route would mean having to travel an additional sixty miles.

As a result, fuel supply to the different communities is seriously affected, according

to the Toshao, who said that the condition of the road is expected to get worse as the June rains step in.

Toshao Thomas said that in 2017, the village received assistance from the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to fix the road.

Last year, help was provided by the Brazilian Army which was in Guyana to drill wells in the Rupununi.

He has indicated that assistance from central government may be of great help in the situation.

Black Bush Polder flooding caused by blocked channels

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Murder accused: Daniel Mc Clennon being at the Post Mortem examination.

Joel Khan lives in the same street with Mc Clennon and the deceased. He testified to knowing the accused and the deceased for a long time. He was present when certain things were said and pointed out Mc Clennon in court.

Detective Corporal Reynolds told the court of arriving at the scene and finding the now dead Kishundyal sitting on a chair at his home. He told the court of the part he played in the investigation.

Detective Sergeant Kester Moriah testified to being present at the Georgetown Public Hospital when a Post Mortem examination was conducted on the body of Kishundyal. The PM report was tendered in evidence.

Also testifying were Constables Clive Gopaul and Howard Barlow. They told the court of the parts they played during the investigation.

n anticipation of heavy rains the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) commenced clearing Black Bush outfalls at Joppa, Adventure and Eversham on May 14, 2019.

All sluice doors were fully operational by May 23, 2019. The system of clearing outfall channels along the coast is directly dependent on them having sufficient water in the system.

Heavy downpours on the night of May 22, 2019, resulted in flooding of the Yakusari area in Black Bush Polder. Upon investigation, it was determined that the Yakusari main drain was completely blocked with vegetation.

The Regional Democratic Council Region Six (RDC), who has responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance of the main drain, had earlier in the year refused to allow NDIA to take over these responsibilities.

On May 23, the RDC sent in a contractor who

unsuccessfully attempted to remove the vegetation from the Yakusari channel. To compound the problem, the contractor “cut and loose” the vegetation which floated to the Joppa pump station.

This resulted in the station's grillwork being damaged and pulled into the sump.

The NDIA was called in to rectify the situation, which resulted in the pump station being inoperable for approximately 18 hours, since operating the pump without the grillwork may have caused long term damage to the pump.

Having concern for the Black Bush farmers, the RDC called in the NDIA for assistance. The NDIA mobilised a contractor with two excavators to excavate the Yakusari channel on May 24, 2019. Progress was slowed, however, due to farmers planting on the dam.

After consultations between the Regional C h a i r m a n , M r. D a v i d Armogan and the farmers, the excavators were allowed to continue operation.

Records show that during the seven days - from May 23, 2019 to May 30, 2019 - the RDC operated the 200 cubic foot per second drainage pump at the Joppa pump for only five hours. It is believed that the water levels in the Black Bush area would have seen a significant reduction if the pump was operated as it should.

The water level in the Yakusari area is dropping slowly and NDIA is monitoring the system daily.

Rice farmers are also releasing water into the system at this stage of the rice crop.

NDIA has also assisted the RDC by employing five contractors located in Region Six, namely Peter Lewis, Kascon, Memorex, Davidnand Sawh and KP Jagdeo to clear various outfalls in the Region.

Works were executed on outfalls in villages No. 51/52Corentyne, Stanleytown, No. 49 Corentyne, Fort Ordinance and Borlam.

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

11 matters disposed at Berbice, Salon owner slapped with six charges Essequibo criminal assizes

Eleven matters were disposed at the February session of the Berbice and Essequibo criminal assizes.

According to a statement from the chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), of the 100 cases listed to be heard at the Berbice assizes, six of them were completed by State Counsel Mandel Moore before Justice Jo Ann Barlow.

Of the six cases, three were for murder, one for attempt to commit murder with an alternative count of wounding with Intent, and two others for sexual offences. In one of the three murder cases in which two accused were indicted jointly, the trial judge upheld a no case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The other murder accused was acquitted by the jury.

The other murder accused, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and will be sentenced today. The accused in the matter for attempt to commit murder with the alternative of wounding with intent was found guilty by the jury on the alternative count and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

Furthermore, in one of the two sexual offences matters, the complainant informed the court that she did not wish to proceed with her testimony, and trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The other accused was acquitted by a jury verdict of not guilty. The Berbice criminal session remains in progress.

Meanwhile, over at the Essequibo criminal assizes Prosecutor Shawnette Austin completed five of the 81

matters listed to be heard before Justice Narishwar Harnanan who sat from April.

Of these five matters, two were for murder and three for rape of a child under 16 years.

In one of the two murder cases, the accused person was found guilty on the lesser count of manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years and 10 months imprisonment.

The other accused pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and was sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment.

The complainants in the three cases for rape of a child under 16 years did not wish to proceed with their cases and the trial judge directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty.

Moreover, during May the DPP appeared thrice in

the Court of Appeal. The three matters were for murder.

In one of these cases, two appellants who were convicted together at the end of their High Court trial were granted their appeal and their conviction for murder was substituted with manslaughter.

In the end, they were each sentenced to 25 years imprisonment. Another appellant had his appeal allowed and his 70 years prison sentence reduced to 30 years, while another appellant had his conviction and sentence set aside and a retrial ordered. The Demerara Full Court sat four times during May. The Full Court denied two appellants their applications for bail, while it upheld the convictions of the other two appellants but varied their sentences.

A business man who operates a salon was yesterday slapped with six charges when he appeared in court where he was made to answer to the charges.

Patrick McCalman, a married father of three from Beterverwagting pleaded not guilty to all the charges that were read to him in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus.

The first two charges alleged that on May 31, 2019 at Lacytown, Georgetown, he resisted two police constables, Daniel Collins and Jason Price, who were acting in the execution of their duties.

The next charge alleged that on the same date and at the same location the defendant called Gavin Brown a

name other than his own in order to annoy him.

Also it was alleged that on May 31, 2019 in Georgetown McCalman, unlawfully assaulted the two police officers who were acting in the execution of their duties.

Finally, it was alleged that the defendant in public hearing behaved in a disorderly manner on May 31, 2019 in Georgetown.

Police prosecutor Adduni Inniss had no objections for bail to be granted to the defendant. Therefore after listening to the facts of the charge the magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of $40,000 for resisting arrest and assaulting the two police officers.

He was released on self bail for the remaining charges and instructed to return to court on June 24, 2019.

PAGE 22

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

Teni Housty elected Bar Association President FOR RENT

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President of the Guyana Bar Association: Teni Housty Attorney-at-Law Teni Housty was elected President when the Guyana Bar Association held its annual general meeting over the weekend at the High Court in Georgetown.

Housty will serve from 2019-2020. This marks Houstys third term as President, having previously served two consecutive terms from 2008-2010.

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Vice President of the Guyana Bar Association: Kamal Ramkarran Housty was admitted to the Bar in 1996. He is a member of the Chambers of Fraser & Housty. In addition to serving as President, he has served in various capacities in the Bar Council of the association since 1999.

Outgoing President, Mr. Kamal Ramkarran, having just completed two consecutive terms (20172019), was ineligible for reelection by the Rules of the Association.

In this regard, Ramkarran (Continued on page 23)

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Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Man freed of $1.4M robbery charge Yesterday in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts, Leonard Farley, walked out of court a free man as the Magistrate found insufficient evidence against him for the $1.4M robbery that he was accused of.

The 31-year old vendor, who operates a stall in Stabroek Market, hails from Lot 3 Golden Grove, Public Road, East Bank Demerara. He had denied the allegation which was put to him all along. He was represented by Attorney-at-Law George Thomas. It was alleged that the defendant on September

29, last, at the Black and White Bridge, Tucville, East La Penitence, while armed with a knife, he robbed Wayne Bratt of four gold chains, eight gold rings, and one gold band all to the value of $1,469,000.

Yesterday, when the matter was called in the courtroom of Magistrate Dylon Bess, where the trial was being conducted the magistrate ruled that there was insufficient evidence presented by the prosecutor for a conviction and as such he dismissed the matter. The facts of the charge stated that on the day

in question, the victim was proceeding home when he was confronted by the defendant, who relieved him of the articles mentioned in the charge and made good his escape. However, Farleys attorney was contending that his client was nowhere around the location of the crime at the time the incident allegedly occurred and he had an alibi to support this.

After being on remand for several weeks Farley was granted bail to the tune of $150,000 when the prosecutor failed to present statements into the matter.

Freed Leonard Farley

Teni Housty elected Bar...

From page 22 was elected unopposed to the post of Vice-President. Robin Stoby, S.C. was also elected as Vice-President.

Pauline Chase was unanimously elected Secretary for the third consecutive term. Keoma Griffith was elected Assistant Secretary for the second consecutive term and Mr. Siand Dhurjon as Treasurer.

Rafiq Khan, S.C., Rajendra Poonai, S.C., Jamela Ali, Sanjeev Datadin, Arudranauth Gossai and Alanna Lall were all elected to serve as Council Members on the remaining six seats on the Bar Council, the executive of the association.

Vice President of the Guyana Bar Association: Robin Stoby

PAGE 24

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

Mexico draws red line on asylum as Trump tariff risk rises WASHINGTON/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico said yesterday it would reject a U.S. idea to take in all Central American asylum seekers if it is raised at talks this week with the Trump administration, which has threatened to impose tariffs if Mexico does not crack down on illegal immigration.

President Donald Trump said last week he would impose a blanket tariff on Mexican imports on June 10 to try to pressure Mexico to tackle large flows of mostly Central American migrants passing through en route to the United States. The move has spooked global markets worried about a new front in the U.S. trade war.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said the country was committed to continuing to work to keep migrants from Central America from reaching the U.S. border. Pushing back against Trump’s charge that Mexico was doing “nothing” to help, the government said 250,000 more immigrants would reach the United States in 2019 without its efforts. Ebrard said, however, that a proposal favored by some U.S. officials to designate Mexico a “safe third country,” which would force Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States to apply for it instead in Mexico, was not an option.

“An agreement about a safe third country would not be acceptable for Mexico,” Ebrard told reporters in Washington. “They have not yet proposed it to me. But it would

not be acceptable and they know it.”

Such a designation would in theory cut the number of new Central American asylum seekers to almost zero, and removing it from the discussion leaves fewer negotiating options available for avoiding the 5% tariffs due to kick in next week.

The Mexican economy, which is heavily reliant on exports to the United States, shrank in the first quarter and would reel under U.S. levies.

Goldman Sachs economists on Monday gave a 70% chance of the tariffs on Mexican imports coming into effect on June 10.

Trump’s threat roiled markets already hit by the trade war between the United States and China. The price of oil fell on Monday as U.S. disputes with the two countries deepened concerns about weakening global crude demand.

Markets are concerned that import tariffs would ultimately hit the U.S. economy by adding to the cost of a wide range of goods in the United States, from Mexican-made cars and auto parts to televisions, beer and food.

Mexican Economy Minister Graciela Marquez said in a statement such duties would affect all 50 U.S. states and harm value chains, consumers and trade-related jobs in both countries. She said Mexico would retaliate if the tariffs were imposed, either hitting back at targeted U.S. goods, or by seeking redress through multilateral organizations.

Trucks cross the borderline into the U.S. and into Mexico at the World Trade Bridge, as seen from Laredo, Texas U.S., June 3, 2019. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso In the recent past, Mexico has been effective in focusing trade retaliation on U.S. agricultural produce in states that voted for Trump in the 2016 election.

A 5% tariff on imported goods from Mexico, which last year totaled $347 billion, according to U.S. data, would result in a potential tax increase on American businesses and consumers of $17 billion, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimated. It said

Protesters return to streets in Honduras, despite president’s concessions TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) - Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez’s decision to repeal decrees that have sparked violent demonstrations against his government in recent days failed to stop protesters from returning to the streets yesterday.

On Sunday night, Hernandez pledged to overturn two decrees approved last year to set up entities with the power to restructure the education and health sectors.

Critics feared the policies would lead to the privatization of public services.

The decrees were officially revoked yesterday, but Hernandez’s opponents said they remained concerned. The government has sought dialogue with unions and trade groups, but the groups have

demanded conditions such as that the topics of health and education be tackled together.

“We are fighting to avoid the privatization of education and public health services that has been attempted with decrees and laws from the powerful, putting at risk the population of a poor country,” said Edwin Hernandez, leader of the Platform for Defense of Education and Public Health, a trade group for public workers.

As protests continued yesterday, demonstrators blocked streets in cities across Honduras and burned tires.

The protests began almost a month ago and have drawn tens of thousands of people as they intensified over the last 10 days.

Public hospitals and

schools have been crippled by strikes. Classes in public primary and secondary schools have been suspended for about three weeks, and consultations in public health centers have also been suspended for about a month.

In neighboring Nicaragua, protests erupted last April when President Daniel Ortega tried to cut welfare benefits.

The demonstrations soon spiraled into a broader resistance movement and became the toughest test of his authority in more than a decade.

Hernandez has been under pressure since he changed rules to allow him to run for a second term in 2017, winning a race that was heavily criticized by international observers and which his opponents say he stole.

the number would reach $86 billion should Trump’s increase the duties to 25%, as threatened.

The Chamber has said it is looking at ways to challenge Trump’s plan, including legal options.

U.S. PRIORITIES? In a possible sign of U.S. priorities in the talks, which are due to run through at least Wednesday, acting Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said on Sunday that Mexico should deploy more personnel to stop migrants along a remote stretch of border with Guatemala.

McAleenan also said Mexico should bolster its own screenings along that border, crack down on criminal networks transporting migrants and enable more to wait in Mexico while they apply for

asylum in the United States.

Since January, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s government has rapidly ramped up detentions and deportations, but that has not been enough to stop the growing tide of families reaching the United States, mainly from Guatemala and Honduras. Many of them are trying to escape poverty and violent crime.

Trump and fellow Republicans say something needs to be done to stem the biggest migrant surge on the border in a decade.

U.S. officials say 80,000 people are being held in custody, and the more than 100,000 migrants who arrived in April are overwhelming Border Patrol officials.

In its biggest concession to Trump so far, Mexico

agreed in December to receive some Central Americans seeking asylum in the United States to await the resolution of their cases.

So far, 8,835 people have been sent into Mexico under the program, commonly known as “Remain in Mexico.”

During a visit to Britain yesterday, Trump returned to the subject on Twitter.

“As a sign of good faith, Mexico should immediately stop the flow of people and drugs through their country and to our Southern Border.

They can do it if they want!” he wrote.

Mexican officials in Washington warned on Monday that the tariffs could backfire, fanning further migration by hammering regional economies.

BP to pay $$B for suspicious...

From page 17 anyway. “It's absolutely indefensible that a company like BP should be rewarding somebody like Frank Timis, particularly when BP really cannot guarantee that there wasn't any bribery involved in the ostentation of these blocks.” says Global witness, Daniel BalintKurti.

BP chief executive Bob Dudley refused to answer questions in relation to the scandal.

Frank Timis's lawyers say that he did not set up or Control Petro-Tim. They say that the gas deal will give Senegal, “many billions of dollars per annum,” and that Timis “invested high risk pioneer capital” and “used his expertise to attract major oil and gas players.” But a payment has been discovered that looks like a bribe. An email was sent to Frank Timis's offshore trus. It says tax was due to the

Senegalese government and that Timis would like $250,000 to cover it. But documents show that the cash does not go to the government.

It goes to a private company, and it was discovered the company is owned by Aliou Sall.

Another quarter of a million dollars had been secretly paid to the president's brother.

Frank Timis's lawyers deny that he paid a bribe. They say, “No money was ever transferred from Timis Corporatin to Agritrans Sarl,” and that we have seen an incorrect ledger entry which was later corrected, but in actuality, it never was. Company accounts also show that the suspicious payment was made to Aliou Sall's company. Evidence suggests that the people of Senegal have been cheated out of billions of dollars. Frank Timis is who is getting that money and it's BP who has helped him to cash it in.

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Semenya free to run without medication while appeal is heard: court

South Africa’s Caster Semenya before the women’s 800m at the Diamond League in Doha.

(REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo)

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - Double Olympic champion Caster Semenya will be able to run in her favored 800 meters event without medication to lower her testosterone levels until her appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal has been ruled on, her lawyers said yesterday.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had ruled last month that the sport’s ruling body, the IAAF, should make rules for XY chromosome athletes with differences in sexual development (DSDs), like Semenya, competing in events ranging from 400 meters to a mile.

The CAS verdict, challenged by South African Semenya, was highly controversial, with many

Tuesday June 04, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) The day is likely to be somewhat challenging, and it contains some disappointments.

You're liable to feel dejected if you receive a lackluster response from the world.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Taurus, you can expect the day to be a bit bumpy. If you were an Olympic athlete, today you'd be standing at the starting line, wondering if you had trained enough for a topnotch performance.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) A planetary configuration like today's often makes people afraid to start anything that challenges the status quo. This is true for you in your professional life.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today's your chance to stand up to family members who want to exert too much control over your love life. It's time to bang your fist on the table and say, "Enough's enough, I'll love who I want to."

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You may have noticed for some time now to what an extent your ambitions wear you out and to what point they have become outdated.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Are you hesitating? Do you feel caught between the desire to participate fully in the world and the equally strong desire to remain in your dream world, even at the risk of feeling a little out of it?

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You can expect to have to make a choice today related to your intimate relationships. You may have become aware that something is missing, either in your partner or yourself.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You're being called upon to make a commitment or promise, most likely relating to your love life.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) It's up to you to strut your stuff. As long as you're bashful about showcasing your innate gifts, it will be difficult to find meaning in your life.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) There are times in your love life when you may feel somewhat inhibited, as though something is holding you back from total fulfillment.

Perhaps the emotions overwhelm you or the idea of commitment frightens you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You don't have to answer to society's cultural values. If most of your work is organized around an activity that's considered fashionable, you will never succeed in feeling good about yourself or your creations.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The forecast today is stormy. You may have sensed that there was some tension clouding the conversation at home. Resentments were left unsaid and subtle power games were played without resolution.

high-profile current and former athletes lining up on both sides of the debate.

“The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland has ordered the IAAF to immediately suspend the implementation of the eligibility regulations against Caster Semenya, allowing her to compete without restriction in the female category while her appeal is pending,” a statement from Semenya’s lawyers said.

No time frame has been given for when a final ruling might be made, but the IAAF will make further submissions to the court, the statement said.

KMPA 3rd annual Junior...

From page 31 Store, NSC, Ministry of Education, Wake Up Guyana Show, Prince Shipping, Island Express and the Adonis Family.

“While there are a lot of sponsors onboard for the event, it costs US$12,000 to run the event and other sponsors are encouraged to come on board. Not really through cash but through stuff like supplies and accommodation,” Medas-King concluded during the launch.

“The Swiss Supreme Court has granted welcome temporary protection to Caster Semenya. This is an important case that will have fundamental implications for the human rights of female athletes,” added Dorothee Schramm of Sidley Austin LLP, Swiss counsel for Semenya.

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said it had not been notified of the suspension.

“We have received no information from the Swiss Federal Court so we cannot comment at this stage,” an IAAF spokesperson said.

Speaking through her lawyers, Semenya said she remains hopeful of her appeal being successful.

“I am thankful to the Swiss judges for this decision. I hope that following my appeal I will once again be able to run free,” she said.

Semenya won her last competitive 800 meters race at the Doha Diamond League meeting on May 3, and could potentially race again in Oslo on June 13.

Representatives of the athlete told Reuters that she has not decided on her future plans to run the 800 meters, the event in which she won the Olympic gold medal in 2012 and 2016.

Semenya, 28, is scheduled to complete in a 2,000 meters event in Paris on June 11, and has committed to run the 3,000 meters at the Diamond League’s Prefontaine Classic in Stanford, California on June 30.

Testosterone is a hormone that increases muscle mass, strength and hemoglobin and the IAAF said its own research showed it gave a significant endurance advantage to athletes in the 400 meters-mile range.

PAGE 28

Ruiz rematch will be make-orbreak for beaten Briton Joshua LONDON (Reuters) Anthony Joshua described his stunning defeat to underdog Andy Ruiz Jr. as “a minor setback” but some in the fight game are wondering where Britain’s damaged heavyweight hope goes from here.

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has already said there will be a rematch, possibly in England or Wales later this year, and that is a must-win for the 2012 Olympic superheavyweight champion.

The alternative hardly bears thinking about and in the meantime the possibility of much-talked about bouts against WBC world champion Deontay Wilder and former champion Tyson Fury are on hold.

Former IBF cruiserweight world champion-turnedcommentator Glenn McCrory told TalkSPORT radio on Monday that Joshua might never recover from one of the biggest upsets in heavyweight history.

“He’s bottom of the pile.

He got beaten up by Andy Ruiz,” he said of the weekend fight in New York.

“I think he’s finished. It’s not just the defeat, anybody can get defeated, but the

nature of it.

“Andy Ruiz is not an elite athlete, he is not a heavyweight great. He will not go down in icons of legends at all, but he is a tough kid and he seized his opportunity.”

Everybody has plans until they get hit in the face, as Mike Tyson famously observed, and that certainly applies to Joshua now that he has lost his aura of invincibility as well as his belts.

The 29-year-old had hoped to conquer America on his debut at Madison Square Garden and instead comes away having handed his four titles (IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO) to a chubby MexicanAmerican drafted in as a late replacement.

If the IBF decides to enforce a mandatory challenger before a rematch, then the heavyweight division could be further fragmented and the prospect of an undisputed champion further away than ever.

Floored four times by Ruiz before the seventh round stoppage, Joshua can take some hope from history,

however.

Heavyweight champions Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko all suffered major title upsets in their careers before coming back strong, even if their images were changed forever.

Tyson’s 1990 defeat to James ‘Buster’ Douglas in Tokyo still ranks as the biggest of them all, while Lewis lost to Oliver McCall in 1994 before a rematch win.

Ukrainian Klitschko, beaten by Joshua at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2017, lost to Corrie Sanders in 2003 and Lamon Brewster in 2004 before returning to the top.

“This is all part of the story and the journey,” Joshua said on Sunday. “This is all part of the legacy. It’s about how strong I come back.”

The result, and winning back the belts, will be the primary objective, but Joshua must also convince his critics that he has the boxing skills and stamina to challenge the likes of Wilder and Fury.

“Great fighters come back and improve. Some fighters never come back the same.

The future will show how Anthony Joshua responds,” Hearn told British media.

Qatar will host last old-style Club World Cups before expansion PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Qatar will host the final two of the old-style seven-team Club World Cup tournaments before the competition is expanded to 24 teams from 2021, global soccer body FIFA said yesterday.

FIFA confirmed that Qatar would stage the event in 2019 and 2020 when it would also serve as a test for the World Cup which the Gulf state will host in 2022.

“For us, it is a great opportunity, it is a great test event to try out some of the operational plans we have in place in the lead up to the World Cup,” Hassan Al Thawadi, general secretary of Qatar’s World Cup organizing committee, told reporters after a FIFA Council meeting.

The competition currently features the club

Tuesday June 04, 2019

Kaieteur News

champions of the six continental federations plus a team from the host nation but has struggled to capture the imagination of the public since it was first staged in its current form in 2005.

From 2021 onwards, FIFA will hold the competition on a four-yearly basis with 24 teams and wants to include at least eight from Europe.

However, this has been opposed by the European Club Association (ECA) which wrote to FIFA president Gianni Infantino in March to say that its members would not take part because there is no space in the international calendar.

The ECA has 232 members, including all of Europe’s biggest clubs.

FIFA said it would approach potential hosts for the expanded edition of the club tournament before making a recommendation at

the next council meeting in Shanghai on Oct. 23 and 24.

FIFA also said it had lifted the suspension on Sierra Leone after Isha Johansen, the president of the country’s football association, was acquitted of corruption charges by the country’s high court along with general secretary Chris Kamara.

Both had denied wrongdoing.

FIFA considered the case to be third-party interference in the running of the Sierra Leone Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( S L FA ) , something which is banned under its statutes.

F I FA s a i d i n a statement that the High Court ruling “ensured that the recognized leadership has full control of the member association again.”

Holder impressed with Windies’ discipline NOTTINGHAM, England, CMC – West Indies captain Jason Holder has praised his troops for the discipline they showcased in their commanding opening victory over Pakistan in the ICC World Cup on Thursday.

The Windies’ bowled with pace and precision, peppering their opponents with short balls on their way to bundling out Pakistan for just 105 – their second lowest ever World Cup total.

Oshane Thomas was the main destroyer grabbing four wickets, while Holder grabbed three wickets and Andre Russell two.

Holder said he was satisfied with his bowlers for sticking to the plan.

“Yeah, I was pleased with the discipline.

Outside the aggression, we need to be following up on our deliveries and building overs quite nicely.

One of the things we always harp on about in the dressing room is what are we bowling outside of the aggressive balls, whether it be a short bowl or if you’re going up there for a yorker or whatever it may be, you’ve got to follow up with some other deliveries.

It’s just about stacking overs nicely together and building some pressure,” the skipper said.

Holder said with four fast bowlers in their lineup, short balls would feature prominently in their game plans.

However, he said their strategies would change depending on their opponents and the

Jason Holder wants his bowlers to be aggressive batsmen.

“Look, when we start any campaign we always have team meetings. We go through the players on the opposition and just try to formulate our plans.

“As I said generally, we’ve got a team plan to be aggressive. We get a lot of short bowls in the nets, as well, too, so it’s good to see a lot of short bowls transcending from the nets onto the field of play,” Holder said.

“We will just go through batters like normal and we just try to work with tactics to each batter.”

Nishikori reaches quarters as local favorite Paire loses focus PARIS (Reuters) - Kei Nishikori extinguished the hot-headed Benoit Paire’s fiery challenge to book his place in the quarter-finals of the French Open with an error-strewn 6-2 6-7(8) 6-2 67(8) 7-5 victory yesterday.

Local favorite Paire’s lack of focus was the key to a match that was interrupted by failing light on Sunday, as the Japanese seventh seed set up a meeting with 11-times champion Rafa Nadal.

The match resumed on Court Suzanne Lenglen at two sets to one, with Paire taking command in the fourth with an early break.

He then wasted a chance to get another break and Nishikori eventually forced a tiebreak only to get tightarmed, wasting two match points on serve before conceding a set point with an ugly double fault.

Paire, who hit a woeful 79 unforced errors — including 16 double faults — this time converted.

He went 3-1 up in the decider as Nishikori continued to lack consistency, then 5-3 up with another break immediately after himself handing a break to his Japanese opponent.

Serving for the match, however, Paire dropped serve, and then did so again to allow Nishikori to lead 6-5

Japan’s Kei Nishikori reacts after winning his fourth round match against France’s Benoit Paire. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) with his service to come.

This time, Nishikori delivered to reach the Roland Garros last eight for the third time, although his display suggests he is unlikely to progress further, with Nadal resting on his 33rd birthday yesterday.

Nishikori’s win snapped an eight-match winning streak on clay for Paire, who had just won the Lyon tournament.

Paire admitted he had lost concentration in the finale.

“When I won the fourth set whereas I should have lost it, and I am leading 4-1 in the fifth set, it starts turning my head and I start thinking about the next round. You’re close to victory, it’s not what you’re supposed to do,” he said.

“It’s not my fault; everyone does that. I can say to myself, don’t think about it, you still think about it. I serve at 5-3 and it’s complicated to serve for the match.”

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Warriors outlast Raptors to square NBA Finals at 1-1 TORONTO (Reuters) The two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors used a massive third quarter to overcame a sluggish start and secure a 109-104 win over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday that squared the NBA Finals at one game apiece.

The resilient Warriors, in an unfamiliar position after losing their first Game One in five consecutive trips to the NBA Finals three days ago, opened the third quarter with an 18-0 run to grab a lead they would not relinquish.

Toronto led by as many as 12 points during a first half in which they used a dominant defensive display to slow down the Warriors but the visitors, well established as a terrific third-quarter team, rediscovered their swagger after the break.

“It pretty much won us the game because we established our defensive presence, we got stops and everybody got involved in the offensive end,” said Warriors guard Stephen Curry, who left the game

Golden State Warriors guard Quinn Cook (4) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrate during a time out in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors in game two of the 2019 NBA Finals at Scotiabank Arena.

(Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) briefly in the first quarter with lightheadedness.

“And when you come to the timeout after a couple runs like that and everybody’s involved ... the vibe is just solid, and we know that we have taken control of the

momentum and then it’s just about sustaining it down the stretch.”

Klay Thompson scored a team-high 25 points for Golden State before leaving the game in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury and

Barty too hot for Kenin as Aussie’s French Open run continues PARIS (Reuters) - Ashleigh Barty’s impressive run at the French Open continued yesterday when the Australian saw off American Sofia Kenin 6-3 3-6 6-0 to reach the quarter-finals.

The eighth seed, who claimed a careerboosting title at the Miami Open this year, will play her second Grand Slam last-eight match against another American, Madison Keys.

The 14th-seeded Keys experienced little trouble in a 6-2 6-4 victory against Czech Katerina Siniakova.

“I just wanted to enjoy myself here, play with freedom,” said Barty, who also reached the last eight at the Australian Open this year.

Barty rushed to a 5-1 lead, wrapping up the opening set on serve after Kenin briefly threatened a comeback by pulling a break back.

The American had found her range,

though, and she went 3-0 up in the second, pulling her opponent around the court — just as she did in beating 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the previous round.

She saved two break points at 5-3 and leveled the tie at the third attempt when Barty fluffed a forehand.

But she had nothing left in the tank in the decider, being fed a bagel that put a brutal end to her Paris run.

On Court Suzanne Lenglen, Keys was always in control against world number 42 Siniakova, advancing smoothly in light drizzle.

After easing into a one-set lead Keys, a semi-finalist here last year, encountered some resistance from Siniakova, who however bowed out on her serve when she sent a forehand long.

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty celebrates after winning her fourth round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. (REUTERS/Vincent Kessler)

Curry added 23, while Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard had a game-high 34 points.

Curry was given a technical foul with 68 seconds left for launching the ball way up in the air after a whistle and Leonard made the ensuing three free throws to cut the deficit to 106-102 and set up a frantic finish.

With the crowd on their f e e t , To r o n t o ’s D a n n y Green drained a threepointer to pull the Raptors to within two points with 26 seconds to play but a wide-open Andrew Iguodala responded with a clutch three with seven seconds left to seal the win.

“We were up guarding hard, and we put two on Steph and he almost threw it right to Kawhi, right? It was pretty good defense, they were scrambling around, running around like crazy,” said Raptors head coach Nick Nurse.

“And they found Iggy, right, and they found him and like I said, if he’s going to take that and give us a chance to get the ball back and win the

game, we’re going to probably live with that.”

‘RENEWED LIFE’ The Warriors, playing without injured two-time reigning NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant for a seventh consecutive game, again struggled defending in transition and looked to be in trouble after the slow start by Curry.

They had a tough time finding the basket early but Curry and Thompson got loose late in the second quarter to send Golden State into the break trailing by five points.

“We weren’t exactly making stops, but we cut the lead to five and could kind of breathe at halftime,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

“Our guys felt renewed life at that point and came out and just had a great run to take control of the game, and we were able to finish it out from there.”

With former U.S. President Barack Obama and professional golfers Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy

among those in the crowd, the Warriors shook off a slow start and now head home looking to inch closer to a fourth title in five years.

The best-of-seven series, which features the first NBA Finals games played outside of the United States, is now headed to Oakland for games tomorrow and Friday before returning to Toronto for Game Five on June 10.

Tomorrow’s game, which could feature the return of Durant, could go a long way in determining the eventual champion as teams that win Game Three in a 1-1 NBA Finals have a 31-7 series record.

Toronto, who in the series opener dominated the Warriors at both ends of the court, will certainly review film of their flat start to the third quarter where they went nearly six minutes without scoring a basket.

“That was pretty much the game right there,” said Leonard. “You can’t do that with a championship team on the other side.”

Halep in haste as defending champion swings into last eight PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Defending champion Simona Halep hurried into the French Open quarterfinals by sweeping aside Polish teenager Iga Swiatek in a 6-1 6-0 victory yesterday.

Third seed Halep produced a nearly flawless performance on Court Philippe Chatrier against a bold opponent who turned 18 last Friday.

The Romanian will now f a c e a n o t h e r t e e n a g e r, American Amanda Anisimova, who thrashed Spain’s Aliona Bolsova 63 6-0.

“I feel old,” joked the 27-year-old Halep.

The former world number one said she had been coping well with the pressure of being defending champion at Roland Garros.

“I saw it different since the beginning. I felt different. I felt more relaxed, even if the pressure was on,” she said.

Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her fourth round match against Poland’s Iga Swiatek. (REUTERS/Vincent Kessler) “I feel good in this position and I always say that even if you’re No. 1, you win a Grand Slam, you have to enjoy the moment.

“So I did that pretty well this year. Back to the quarter-finals is not easy, so I’m thinking just

to give my best again next round. It’s just what I’m thinking about.”

Swiatek came out with all guns blazing but failed to master her raw power, bowing out after 45 minutes when Halep whipped a forehand winner down the line.

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Several aspiring coaches complete first aid programme Several aspiring cricket coaches have participated in a first aid programme which was hosted by St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and organised by the staff of the Guyana Cricket Board.

According to Territorial Development Officer, Colin Stuart, the first aid programme is a prerequisite to becoming a certified cricket coach and as such other programmes are planned for Berbice and Demerara shortly.

Stuart, a former West Indies fast bowler, stated that these programmes are important since coaches i n t e r a c t w i t h players of different age groups.

“Coaches and managers who would have certain authority of care, it is vital for them to have knowledge as the first person to deal with the injury,” he added. Stuart said that the sessions which included practical involvement, both individually and groups went well and he is pleased with the eagerness shown

Participants took time out for a photo op following the programme. by participants.

Apart from first aid, child protection certificate

is another pre-requisite for becoming a certified coach.

Stuart informed that two

foundation coaching programmes are set for June 20 and 21 and June 24 and 25

with the latter involving only national cricketers.

He added that a level two

coaching course is tentatively set for 26-31 of June.

GFF/KFC U-20 Independence KO Cup KO – Georgetown FA Brazil coach Tite reserves judgment Santos to face Fruta Conquerors on Neymar rape accusation RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian coach Tite on Monday declined to pass judgement on the rape accusation made against the national soccer side’s star Neymar, whose denial of the incendiary allegations have landed him in fresh legal trouble.

A woman accused Neymar of raping her at a Paris hotel last month, according to a police report seen by Reuters on Saturday.

Tite said he preferred to leave the matter in the hands of investigators and await clarification, adding that he had always enjoyed a good relationship with the soccer star.

“I do not want to prejudge, and I prefer to leave the matter to responsible people,” he said at a news conference ahead of the upcoming Copa America tournament. “We do not yet have the facts clarified and time will give those answers.

Tite’s comments marked the first time anyone from Brazil’s Football Federation has addressed the explosive allegations.

Sao Paulo state’s public security ministry released a statement confirming the accusation had been made, and said the investigation was still sealed, without giving further details.

After news of the

in Final

Brazil coach Tite during training for the Copa America. (REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes) accusation surfaced, Neymar posted a long video to Instagram in which he denied all the accusations against him, said he was a victim of extortion, lamented the pain caused to him and his family, and shared WhatsApp messages with the alleged victim, including racy photos he had received.

That led police in Rio de Janeiro to open a fresh investigation into whether he had committed a crime by posting the intimate pictures online.

Speaking with local TV yesterday, Neymar’s father defended the decision to publish the photos.

“Neymar needed to

defend himself quickly,” his father said. “We didn’t have any choice. I prefer a cyber crime to a rape crime.”

Brazil are preparing for the Copa America - a tournament played by South America’s 10 national teams - plus invitees Japan and Qatar, kicking off on June 14.

Neymar arrived at the camp on Sunday in his personal helicopter, but did not speak to reporters.

Tite said the team’s focus was currently on preparing for tomorrow’s friendly with Qatar. He added that Neymar was still part of his plans.

“Technically Neymar is indispensable, but not irreplaceable,” the coach said.

Santos Football Club and their Georgetown Football Association (GFA) counterparts, Fruta Conquerors scripted contrasting passages to the final of the GFA leg of the GFF/KFC U20 Independence Cup knock-out tournament on Sunday last.

Playing at the historic GFF National Training Facility which could not have come at a better time in Guyana’s development, Santos sent Georgetown Football Club (GFC) packing via kicks from the penalty mark (5-3) after a pulsating 2-2 regulation time stalemate.

Fruta Conquerors on the other hand made light work of GT Panthers, brushing them aside, 6-0 led by a double each from their most lethal forward Nicholas McArthur and Osofa Simpson.

Santos had taken the lead against GFC when Ryan Dowding converted in the 15thminute but the Bourda Blues responded in like manner on 26 minutes through a Rondel Peters goal to even the scores.

It was GFC which took the lead next, well into the second half, this time, Adrian Aaron found the back of the nets in the 68th minute to hand his team the lead. Santos tried their utmost to square the

Nicholas McArthur

Ryan Dowding - Santos FC

score and finally did so five minutes to full time, Raymond Bandhu finishing clinically to ease an enormous amount of pressure that had built up in the Santos camp.

Based on the competition rules for this stage, kicks from the penalty mark was employed straight after full time to decide the winner and Santos, which enjoyed an encouraging start to the GFF Elite League level this season, schooled GFC. The boys in white buried all five of their kicks from the penalty mark but GFC were only able to score three of theirs, which meant that Santos had confirmed their passage to the final against the rampaging Fruta Conquerors, GFF Elite League back to back champions.

The Fruta boys were led on their demolition of GT

Panthers by one of the leading scorers from the Elite League, Nicholas McArthur who has continued to show his consistency up front having scored a helmet-trick against Riddim Squad on Saturday.

McArthur was on target in the 13th and 18th minutes; Osofa Simpson emulated his teammates feat of a brace when he rocked the nets in the 26th and 48th minutes while there was one each for Ravon Bailey in the 10th and Simeon Hackett in the 33rd minute.

The final between Santos and Fruta Conquerors will be played on Saturday following the third place playoff between GT Panthers and GFC at 13:30hrs at the same venue. The winner of the final will qualify for the National Playoffs.

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ISKF-Guyana inaugural Independence Goodwill Karate Tourney - A Resounding Success In the spirit of Guyana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary, ISKFGuyana brought off its first Independence Goodwill Karate Tournament on Monday May 27th at The Marian Academy Auditorium, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

The tournament was hailed a resounding success and plans are in place to host same as an annual feature of ISKF-Guyana.

The representation by parents and supporters to witness the competitors in action was satisfying.

As ISKF-Guyana’s hallmark, the tournament organisation was seamless from beginning to end.

The welcome address and introduction by the Secretary of the Operations Committee Marlon George, was warm and punctuated by subtle highlight on the facets of Shotokan Karate.

Mr. George then introduced the Judges and the Officials after which he invited Chief Instructor Christopher Chaves, who is also the Chief Judge/Arbitrator, to make remarks and declare the tournament open.

Sensei Chaves conveyed warm greetings and reminded the contestants of the importance of discipline, character development, and consistent practice as these, when combined are necessary for the achievement of lasting success. He further opined that in the end, despite the outcomes, they all are winners.

Displayed during the tournament were high levels of

competitiveness, international standards, deportment, and camaraderie by all who participated.

The tournament consisted of students from ISKF-Guyana Head Quartered Dojo, Thomas Lands.

U p o n t h e t o u r n a m e n t ’s conclusion, Chief Instructor Sensei Chaves in his closing remarks, said he and the committee were pleased with the conduct and discipline demonstrated by all the participants and would also like to recognised the contribution of the Referee Sensei Marvin Singh as well as the Judges, Neville Holder, Marlon George, Storm Katchay, Shermon Best, Alex Rodrigues and Loren Black for a job well done.

Trophies were awarded to the competitors by ISKF-Guyana officials, further assisted by parents in attendance.

Sensei Chaves mentioned that the top performers of this tournament will make up a subset of the full team which will represent Guyana at the 4th ISKF World Shoto Cup to from August 20-23, 2020 in London, England.

Sensei Chaves stated that he will be attending the 53rd ISKF Master Camp & International Goodwill Tournament in Philadelphia, USA from June 7-14, 2019 as part of a seven-man team comprising Storm Katchay, Alex Rodrigues, MikasiWarde, Joshua Pitt, Christa Perozo and Silvia Perozo.

ISKF-Guyana’s Operating

Committee conveyed special thanks to Sister Marie Harper, Principal of Marian Academy, parents and all the supporters who played a vital role in the success of this inaugural tournament.

The full results are as follows: Boys & Girls Kata Contest 5-6 years 1st Place Oliver Perozo 2nd Place Cataleya Singh 3rd Place Aaron Barran Boys & Girls Kumite Contest 5-6 years 1st Place Ronit Hasan 2nd Place Cataleya Singh 3rd Place Orlando James Boys & Girls Kata Contest 7-8 years (yellow-green belts) 1st Place Alexis Carpen 2nd Place Aidan Ali 3rd Place Yohance London Boys & Girls Kumite Contest 7-8 years (yellow-green belts) 1st Place Aidan Ali 2nd Place Alexis Carpen 3rd Place Cassio De Almeida Boys & Girls Kata Contest 7-8 years (purple-brown belts) 1st Place Aiden Alexander Persaaud 2nd Place Gael Mc Pherson 3rd Kelly Carter Boys & Girls Kumite Contest 7-8 years (purple-brown belts| 1st Place Aiden Alexander Persaud 2nd Place Kelly Carter 3rd Place SilivaPerozo Boys Kata Contest 9-10 years old (yellow-green belts)

1st Place Raphael Benn 2nd Place Leo St. Jean Salaroli 3rd Place Joshua Loncke Boys Kumite Contest 9-10 years old (yellow-green belts) 1st Place Raphael Benn 2nd Place Leo St. Jean Salaroli Boys & Girls Kata Contest 910 years old (purple-black belts) 1st Place Joshua Pitt 2nd Place Bianca Campbell 3rd Place Malachi Hall Boys & Girls Kumite Contest 9-10 years old (purple-black belts) 1st Place Joshua Pitt 2nd Place Malachi Hall 3rd Place Nathan Joseph Boys & Girls Kata Contest 1112 years (purple-black belts) 1st Place Akeem Morgan 2nd Place Kyahri Whyte 3rd Place Darren Chand Boys & Girls Kumite Contest 11-12 years (purple-black belts) 1st Place Tempest Katchay 2nd Place Kamani Murphy 3rd Place Akeem Morgan Boys Kata Contest 13-14 years (orange-black belts) 1st Place Kristian Chaves 2nd Place MikasiWarde 3rd Place M e k h i Codrington Boys Kumite Contest 13-14 years (orange-black belts) 1st Place Kristian Chaves 2nd Place Edwin Porter 3rd Place M e k h i Codrington Boys Kata Contest 15-17 years (black belts) 1st Place Christopher Chand

2nd Place Shaun Singh Boys Kumite Contest 15-17 years (black belts) 1st Place Christopher Chand 2nd Place Shaun Singh Girls Kata Contest 13-15 years (brown belts) 1st Place Julia Hutchins 2nd Place TalithaKissoon Girls Kumite Contest 13-15 years (brown belts) 1st Place TalithaKissoon 2nd Place Julia Hutchins 18+ Female Kata Contest (green-purple belts) 1st Place Danella Clement 2nd Place Tamirand De Lisser 3rd Place Christa Perozo 18+ Female Kumite Contest (green-purple belts) 1st Place Tamirand De Lisser 2nd Place Christa Perozo 3rd Place Danella Clement 18+ Female Kata Contest (green-black belts) 1st Place Nyota Rodrigues 2nd Place Danella Clement 3rd Place Loren Black 18+ Female Kumite Contest (green-black belts) 1st Place Nyota Rodrigues 2nd Place Tamirand De Lisser 3rd Place Loren Black 18+ Male Kata Contest (black belts) 1st Place Storm Katchay 2nd Place Alex Rodrigues 18+ Male Kumite Contest (black belts) 1st Place Alex Rodrigues 2nd Place Storm Katchay

LBFCC/Albert Rose 90 Botafago win GFF/ KFC Linden Under-20 football crown on penalties 3-1 mile Memorial Cycle Road Race set for Sunday Cyclists are gearing up for what is anticipated to be a testing 2019 edition of the Linden Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club / 4th Annual Albert Rose Memorial road race sponsored by the Rose Family of Linden.

Set to be a 90 mile trek, this year ’s contest will see a loop start being used with the event to end at the Linden/Georgetown B u s P a r k , R e p u b l i c Av e n u e , Linden after riders travel all the

Botafago FC celebrate after winning the Linden leg of GFF KFC Under-20 final on Sunday night.

The Linden leg of the Guyana Football Federation KFC Independence Under-20 football championship has ended with Botafago FC being crowned winners when they out-shot Amelia’s Ward Panthers in the final by a 3-1 score from the

penalty spot after both teams were knotted 1-1 in open play Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground..

Scoring for Botafago, who took the lead in the 15th minute, was Marlon Duke but the scores would be tied through a header from Kevin

Charles for the Panthers.

In the end the winners were decided from mandatory penalties which ended with victory for the Botafago team.

In the supporting game the West and East of Linden teams played to a 1-1 stalemate.

way to Silver Hill on the Linden/ Soesdyke Highway.

Categories to be contested are Seniors, Juniors (3 laps), Veterans Under-45 (2 laps), Veterans Over-45, Females and Juveniles will do one lap each. Cash prizes would be at stake.

The LBFCC have indicated that this event will serve as a warm up to the National Cycling Championship scheduled for later this month.

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Pakistan triumph as England Windies bringing fearless fall short in huge run chase approach to Aussie clash: Reifer NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Pakistan beat England by 14 runs at Trent Bridge yesterday as the World Cup’s first centuries from Joe Root and Jos Buttler were not enough to help the hosts and pre-tournament favourites overhaul the huge target of 349 set for them.

England had won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat, banking on the pace of fast bowlers Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer for early wickets and no doubt hoping to recreate the way the West Indies skittled Pakistan out for 105 on Friday.

That defeat was Pakistan’s 11th successive loss in one-day internationals, including a 4-0 series defeat to England in the run-up to the World Cup. The visitors, however, put that woeful performance and recent record behind them and racked up 348 runs for eight wickets, delighting their cheering fans in the stands with 29 fours and six sixes.

Mohammad Hafeez was his side’s top scorer with 84 off 62 balls, while Babar Azam made 63 and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed belted a quickfire 55.

“We were very confident coming into this game. In the last series we played here, we were there where we should win a couple of games, but we lost at a crucial stage of the game,” man of the match Hafeez told reporters.

“It was total self-belief — everyone was really looking forward to doing something in this game. Yes, West Indies was a bad game but we knew we were very much capable to win for Pakistan.”

Fakhar Zaman and Imamul-Haq delighted their vocal supporters by belting a string of boundaries off Archer and Woakes in an opening partnership of 82.

Jos Buttler goes for the scoop © Getty Images England spinner Moeen Ali finally broke up the pair, getting Fakhar stumped on 36 on his way to a three-wicket haul, while Woakes grabbed three more and also took four catches on a day when England were otherwise uncharacteristically ragged in the field.

Babar and Mohammad Hafeez steadied the ship for Pakistan with a partnership of 88 runs as the visitors set England a larger score than any side had ever chased down in the history of the competition. The best successful World Cup run chase to date came in 2011 when Ireland made 329 against England.

In reply, England steadily lost the wickets of their toporder batsmen Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes to leave the side on 118 for four and give Root and Buttler a mountain

to climb.

The two did their best, each eventually reaching three figures. Root hit 10 fours and one six on his way to 107 before scooping an easy catch off Khan to Hafeez at third man.

Buttler smashed a four to notch up his own hundred a few overs later, only to fall to the very next ball.

As the balls-remaining count dwindled, Moeen and Woakes swung valiantly at everything they could. But after they were both caught out in successive balls, Mark Wood and Adil Rashid were left stranded at the crease as the target slipped beyond their reach.

Scores: Pakistan 348 for 8 (Hafeez 84, Babar 63, Sarfaraz 55, Moeen 3-50, Woakes 3-71) beat England 334 for 9 (Root 107, Buttler 103, Wahab 382) by 14 runs.

NOTTINGHAM, England, CMC – Reigning world champion Australian will hold no terrors for a confident West Indies, when the two teams clash at Trent Bridge in their second outings in the ICC World Cup here Thursday.

The last time the two teams met in a One-Day International three years ago, West Indies went down by 58 runs in the final of a TriNations Series in the Caribbean involving South Africa.

West Indies also came off the worse in the last bilateral series six years ago Down Under, suffering a heavy 5-0 whitewash but head coach Floyd Reifer says West Indies would be taking a “fearless” approach to the upcoming contest.

“We are not worried about them, we’re just focussed on our game,” Reifer said here Monday. “ We ’ r e f o c u s s e d o n playing our brand of cricket. These set of guys are creating the brand of cricket they want to play which is an aggressive, smart, confident, fearless cricket and that’s the brand

we’re continuing to play no matter what who is the opposition.”

We s t I n d i e s s e n t a strong warning to opposing teams when they crushed Pakistan in their opening game here last Friday. Bowling with pace and hostility, they bundled out the Asian side for 105 and then raced to their target inside 14 overs.

Australia, meanwhile, chased down Afghanistan’s 208 in Bristol to make a comfortable start to their title defence last weekend.

Reifer said despite the opening win, his side were remaining grounded, focussing more on their execution than thinking about results.

“We’re taking it one game at a time. Like I said, we’re not under any pressure.

We’re just enjoying our cricket and focussing on playing the brand of cricket that we want to play,” the former West Indies captain explained. “ We’re focussing on restoring the pride in West Indies cricket so we have our reasons, we have our purpose for being here and

we’re just taking it one game at a time. At the end of the day we’ll be there July 14 [in the final].”

Reifer said West Indies’ performance against Pakistan had been a pleasing one, especially with the team producing a clinical effort in the bowling and fielding departments.

“The performance was very good. What was really good about it is that the guys went out there and executed the plans,” he pointed out.

“I thought we bowled aggressively, we stuck to our plans. The spell that (Andre) Russell bowled was the game-changing spell. I thought he bowled really fast and put the Pakistan batsmen on the back foot.

“Oshane Thomas bowled some quick balls as well. He came in and kind of polished off the job but all in all it was a very good team performance.”

He continued: “In the field as well, we fielded well. The guys had a lot of energy in the field, the attitude to the fielding was there and all in all I thought it was a very good performance by the team.”

GFF/KFC U-20 Independence KO Cup – East Demerara FA

Buxton United and Golden Stars to play second semi on Saturday - Dynamic FC already in final

Buxton United goal scorers from left Glasgow, Semple and Harrigan

Joe Root attempts a reverse sweep © Getty Images

Dynamic FC has already booked their place in the final of the East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) leg of the GFF/KFC U20 Independence Cup knockout tournament after defeating Melanie Football Club 1-0.

Shamar Dublin scored the winner in the 58th minute of that encounter which was played at the GFF National Training Facility. The second semi-final would be contested

on Saturday between Buxton United FC and Golden Stars FC at a venue to be named.

Meanwhile, in the latest results from Saturday last at the GFF Facility, Buxton United defeated Buxton Stars 4-0 in the final preliminary match.

Omari Glasgow in the 61st and Jamar Harrigan in the 73rd minute from the penalty mark were among the scorers.

Dynamic FC goal scorer Shamar Dublin

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 04, 2019

PAGE 33

Deonarine, bowlers hand Regal Masters Fisherman/Chand’s Printing Service title Members of the victorious Regal Masters team with their accolades.

Wellman Masters skipper Wayne Jones accepts the runner up prize from Khamwantie Singh.

A

fine half century from Ramesh Deonarine coupled by a disciplined bowling performance handed Regal Masters a 112-run victory over Wellman Masters when the final of the Fisherman Masters/Chand’s Printing Service softball competition was contested on Sunday last.

Batting first at Malteenoes

Sports Club ground, Regal Masters posted a challenging 181-8 off their allocation of 20 overs. Openers Unnis Yusuf and Eon Abel handed their team a solid start with a stand of 78 before Yusuf was bowled by Rawle Reid for 36 which contained two fours and three sixes, while Abel departed for 43 with six sixes.

However, Deonarine kept the scorecard ticking with an attacking

innings of 51 which included one four and seven sixes and came off 21 balls. He added 58 for the fourth wicket with Fazleem Mohamed who made 17 not out.

Reid finished with 3-17 and Latchman Kallicharran took 2-29.

In reply, Wellman Masters lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 69 in 14.4 overs. Sheldon Perch was the only

batsman to reach double figures with 20 as Troy Kippins picked up 3-9, Khalid Haslim 3-10, David Harper 2-19 and Danny Thomas 230.

Yusuf was named the best batsman of the tournament with 146 runs, while Haslim was voted the best bowler with six scalps.

Meanwhile, Fisherman Masters raffle drawing took place on

Sunday and the winning ticket numbers are; 3704 first prize for one smart TV, 1041 second prize for one smart phone, 3069 third prize for one hamper and 214 fourth prize of $8,000 in phone credit. The raffle was kept to help raise funds for Fisherman Masters successful participation in the upcoming New York Softball Cricket League tournament. (Zaheer Mohamed)

KMPA 3rd annual Junior Olympic Games launched The 2019 King MedasPansy Adonis (KMPA) Classic; the third edition of the event, will continue to feature athletes from the under-6 to masters’ category competing in Track and Field in four days of excitement from October 3 to 6 with over $4million in prizes up for grabs. The track and field events will be contested at the Lusignan Community Center ground, while the feature road race event will begin at Bachelor’s Adventure, both on the East Coast of Demerara.

This information was disclosed by organiser of the event, Andy Medas-King, during the official launch of the games’ third annual edition at the Studio of Safetv Channel 2 in South Ruimveldt Gardens, yesterday.

Medas-King described the games as, “A nursery for athletics in Guyana. Athletes will be competing from the tender age of three to the masters’ category.” King further posited that he’s, “Trying to get the youth involved from very young for them to grow with a competitive nature which I hope they can transfer into their academics and we all know the benefits of being a balanced student.”

For the second year

- $4million in cash and prizes up for grabs

All the juniors pose with their trophies and back packs that were sponsored by Banks DIH at the conclusion of last year’s event. running, the 110m and 400m hurdles event has been included with the intention of introducing the event locally since Guyana usually lack competitors in the event at regional competitions.

The games which are open to the differently-able will also have keen action between schools with all 10 regions being targeted to compete. In the 17-20 years category, athletes will receive a grant for whichever learning institution of their choice.

Lorraine Barker-King of

the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Unit of Allied Arts h a s g i v e n t h e K M PA foundation the approval to include athletes from the various Secondary Schools.

In a bid to maximise safety during the field events’ day, the rubberised turbo-javelin and 1kg shot will be used for the younger kids.

On the initial day, field events will be competed from 10:30hrs inclusive of the Long and High Jumps, shot put, Javelin and Discuss which will see participation

in all age groups. Day one will also include the heats in all age groups of the 4x100m, 4x400m and 4x800m races.

The 1500m finals, 100m finals and 800m finals will race off on day two inclusive of the 200m and 400m heats along with the 80m and 110m hurdles finals, all beginning at 09:45hrs.

Day three will speed off from 09:45hrs with the usually subscribed sprint finals.

Meanwhile, the final day will have the big money 5k

road race that will begin at Bachelor’s Adventure with categories inclusive of senior male and female, male a n d f e m a l e u n d e r- 2 1 , Teachers’ Male and Female along with the Government officials’ male and female categories. There will be cash prizes awarded from 1st to 10th spaces.

The biggest race, the Senior male 5k will carry a winning purse of $50,000, 2nd $40,000, 3rd $30,000 while the senior females will see the winner running away with $40,000, 2nd $30,000,

3rd $15,000.

In addition to cash prizes, 1st to 10th place finishers will receive a trophy, while some lucky student-athletes will receive sponsorship from the King Medas/Pansy Adonis Memorial. There are two laptops and five desktop computers also to be won.

Among the sponsors of the event are Shelmacphotos USA, Ansa Mcal, University of Guyana, Prodigal, Sybil’s Bakery Queens, Banks DIH, Daddy’s Enterprise, Star Party Rental, Payless Variety (Continued on page 25)

t r o Sp Windies bringing fearless Pakistan triumph as England approach to Aussie clash: Reifer fall short in huge run chase

West Indies captain Jason Holder bats during a net session here Monday in preparation for Thursday’s World Cup clash against Australia. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz celebrates the wicket of England’s Chris Woakes. (Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff)

ISKF-Guyana inaugural Independence Goodwill Karate Tourney - A Resounding Success

Participants display their silverware won at the inaugural Independence Tournament.

KMPA 3rd annual Junior Olympic Games launched

- $4million in cash and prizes up for grabs

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