Kaieteur News

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Tuesday June 05, 2018

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

ETHICS, POLITICS AND GOOD GOVERNANCE The public should not expect senior public officials to resign that easily in Guyana, even when there is an abundance of evidence that they have made grave errors, committed wrongdoing, were involved in illegal practices or have flagrantly violated the rule of law. Presently, such a culture of ethics does not exist in this country, especially among members of the cabinet of every political party in power. The Opposition People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has called for the resignation of some APNU+AFC ministers for a number of reasons, but they were rejected as just sound and fury. Unfortunately, such calls from the PPP would never gain much traction because when in power, that party was accused of committing all sorts of unlawful activities and atrocities against the people and bluntly ignored calls from the opposition for its ministers to resign. Let’s face it, neither the ruling APNU+AFC nor the PPP when in government, is likely to take such calls seriously, unless civil society and influential interest groups features prominently among those concerned. Many have dismissed such calls from the PPP as merely political mischief or oneupmanship or as propaganda stunts to score cheap political points. But it is reasonable and fair to give the PPP credit, because part of its role as opposition is to hold the government accountable for its actions. But rather than just calling for the resignation of some ministers, the PPP should use its national reach to establish an ethics awareness campaign. One of the reasons why the PPP’s call has not garnered overwhelming support is because people are fed-up with the amount of hypocrisy from both sides. Now the shoe is on the other foot, the dice is rolling differently. But what is good for the goose should also be good for the gander. Both the PNC and the PPP when in opposition have traditionally used their position to expose and embarrass their opponents in government, but history has shown that when the dust settles it is business as usual for them. Maybe some public officials may capitulate under pressure and resign, but it will not be the PPP’s call that would make them do it. It would more than likely be a judgement call or a decision taken by the President, based on the exigencies of the situation and the possible political fallout in the court of public opinion. Resigning from office is a critical ethical decision for politicians. The option to resign reinforces integrity, buttresses responsibility and supports accountability. It is not an act of weakness, but an ethical action which manifests the nature of public servants in inglorious events while governing. The reasons for public officials to resign flow from the moral dimensions of the integrity of officials who have failed to live up to the obligation of the office, the lack of capacity to make good decisions, incompetency, and the inability to be effective. Resignation or not, is a defining moment for public servants, but it should be woven into a fabric of ethics and professional judgements. It is time for the nation to start an ethical campaign in order to force our politicians to embrace ethics if they are to gain the trust and respect of the populace. In the wake of the allegations of massive corruption under the last government, we need more than ever, public servants who are ethical, competent and have good character. It is said that one of the greatest threats to any democracy is leadership that shuns ethics and puts personal aggrandizement and party interests before the country. Too much of this practice is rooted in Guyana’s body politic.

Dear Editor, My dearly departed Mother used to say “where ignorance is bliss, t’is folly to be wise”. Several weeks ago I was told that Guyana was going to have a Carnival. Now I am not only a Christian I am also a Catholic. I went to a catholic school in Trinidad, Mount St Benedict, so I have a pretty good understanding of what Carnival is like, having been in Trinidad for seven of them in my teens. Hundreds of years ago, the followers of the Catholic religion in Italy started the tradition of holding a wild costume festival right before the first day of Lent and because Catholics are not supposed to eat meat during Lent, they called their festival, carnevale — which taken from two latin words, carne and vale means “to put away the meat.” So countries which celebrate Carnival do so on the Monday and Tuesday b e f o r e A s h We d n e s d a y which for us, marks the beginning of the 40 days of Lent when we Catholics did not eat meat. So there is a big blowout to make ready

for the Lenten season. When I was in school in Trinidad the Lenten season was so rigid that the radio and TV would even not play any of the calypsos which made any particular carnival special. In all countries which I have investigated carnival i.e. the USA in New Orleans, in Europe, Brazil and Trinidad, it happens at a specific time and for a specific reason the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday which was the beginning of the 40 days of Lent for Christians. The unique characteristics of Brazilian Carnaval are rooted in a cultural clash between the Portuguese and the Africans. The whites brought the festival from Europe (Entrudo, an alternative name for Carnaval in Portuguese) and the blacks added their rhythms, music and dance moves to the event. Gradually the tradition was created to go once a year onto the streets to have a party together. Musical styles and other customs merged over time. Even in America where Mardi Gras was introduced by the French in 1699 to celebrate their arrival in

Louisiana [In French Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” because it marks the last night of eating rich foods before fasting for Lent. But most people only celebrate Mardi Gras on the day before Lent which starts on Ash Wednesday and is always 46 days before Easter or the end of Lent. So for us who understand the significance of this holiday to Christians and especially Catholics, we would feel outraged that it has been bastardised by illiterates, making it a week of celebration at the end of May, when this year Lent ended on Easter Sunday which fell on April 21, 2018. It is just what we have come to expect from Guyana. I as a Christian and a Catholic would never accept such an event with that name. We already have Mash which has been a national failure because it failed to do the most important thing which it was designed to do, i.e. to bring all Guyanese together in celebration as in Trinidad with their carnival. It is because depending on who is in power it is sabotaged by the opposition, whoever it might be. These holidays to be really binding on

the population should be non-political, not a political football. Everyone wants to have their holiday with their name in it just so that it will give the incoming opposition in the next election the pleasure of sabotaging it if they win. Why for once can’t we do this right and invite all of the social and religious organizations in Guyana to make one holiday meaningful for all Guyanese including Mash which has its origins in our indigenous peoples annual holiday and celebration. That alone makes it a good start for us as a process of healing. As far as independence is concerned; apart from a few years of hope with Desmond Hoyte, I see no cause for celebrating our independence as a divided poor nation. Since we are discussing the incident at Mae’s with the Amerindian child recently, one wonders why we in opposition, opposed the PPP’s Amerindian act, but failed nearly three years after we obtained power, not to bring that atrocity back to parliament and rename it the Indigenous People’s Act. Yours Faithfully Tony Vieira.

The consequences of unethical behaviours among ranks Dear Editor What is corruption? What are the consequences of unethical and corrupt behaviour committed by law enforcement officials? In Guyana these are good topical issues to start a conversation with or even an argument. Please permit me to join in the confabulation. Rothlein (2000) posits, “Corruption is a corrosive element that will spread like rust if it is not contained and eliminated. Addressing unethical behaviour and corruption has become a top priority and major challenge for police administration. The causes of corruption are complex. Many factors can contribute to corruption, including greed’ personal motivators such as ego, sex, or the exercise of power, tolerance of the behaviour by the community’ socialization from peers and/or the organization; inadequate supervision and monitoring of behaviour; lack of clear accountability of employees’ behaviour and no real threat to discipline or sanctions.” The real elements of corrupt behaviour are that the conduct (1) is prohibited by law or rule, (2) involves mis-

use of position and (3) involves a reward or personal gain for the officer. The average police recruit or beat duty cop is expected to conduct his or her private and professional life with more integrity and decorum than most other citizens, however difficult and unrealistic that may seem at times. One area in which the police conduct may be called into question is whether or not they accept gratuities. A gratuity is defined as a favour or gift, usually in form of money, given in return for service; for example a tip given to a waiter at a restaurant. According to Whyte (2000), “ Differentiating between gratuities and corruption is not a clear concept...Department policies on gratuities vary from agencies and officers may question what exactly constitutes a gratuity. To eliminate confusion, departments should ensure that their policies clearly distinguish what is acceptable.” Whyte explains that there are many common arguments for and against gratuities. Some for are: Gratuities help create a bond between officers and the public, thus fostering community policing

goals. They present a non written form of appreciation and usually are given with no expectation of anything in return. Most gratuities are too small to be a significant motivator of action. The practice is so deeply entrenched that efforts to root it out will be ineffective and cause unnecessary violation of rules. A complete ban will make officers appear as though they cannot distinguish between a friendly gesture and a bribe. Those against include: Accepting gratuities violates most departments’ policies and law enforcement code of ethics. Even the smallest gifts create a sense of obligation. Even if nothing is expected in return, gratuities will create an appearance of impropriety. Although most officers can discern between friendly gestures and bribes, some may not. It is unprofessional. Many contend that accepting gratuities is often the launching pad in officers engaging in unethical behaviour and from there plunge quickly into actual corruption. Many persons provide ‘ freebies’ because they expect preferential treatment from the recipient officers. Experience has shown that at times when the ‘freebies’ is not forth com-

ing officers will make demands-even demand by menace. These may include simple things like money to buy drinks for the birthday party of the boss, tickets to attend a show at the National Stadium, a Fish Fry or a Bar B Q. Research indicates that most scandals start with one employee doing relatively small unethical acts and grow to whatever level the leadership allows. Strandberg (2000) notes,” Corruption takes on many forms, and some things seemingly insignificant can put an officer on a slippery slope, leading to major crimes.” All is not lost. A good starting point to promote ethical behaviour and integrity is to eliminate the code of silence. The code of silence encourages ranks not to speak up when they see another officer doing something wrong. McCarthy (2000) recommends seven steps to help prevent unethical behaviour and corruption: “ (1) Recruit with great care. (2) Establish appropriate policies and put them in writing. (3) Adopt a good employee evaluation process. (4) Make sure your sergeants share management’s values and philosophies.(5) Develop operational control. (6) Perform (Continued on page 06)

Tuesday June 05, 2018

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Kaieteur News

The Ministry of Public Security Sexual assault is seen as a Needs to Treat Staff Better normal occurrence Dear Editor, Considering the tragic circumstances currently affecting GGMC workers, you would expect prudent and progressive minded leaders of other agencies to take the necessary precautions to ensure their organisations are not hit by similarly deadly scandals. Unfortunately, many leaders within our society, including some at the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS), do not view the human resource under their charge, as a valuable asset to invest in and care for. Nearly one year ago a very senior member of the Permanent Secretary’s Office was engaged, in the presence of a senior representative from the Personnel Division of MoPS, about various issues plaguing workers. Foremost on the agenda were the variety of health risks, some of which were life threatening, each category of workers was exposed to in the execution of their duties. It was suggested that each worker be paid a risk allowance and environmental defects to the workspace be remedied. This was countered with a very insensitive remark by

the member of PS’s office. She stated she cannot force anyone to stay and work in such an environment, that workers know the risks, and if they cannot put up with them they should leave. On the surface this assertion may seem harsh but fair. Further consideration, however, reveals the cancer that affects the entire Public Service of Guyana. This flippant response to the concerns of workers by someone who can be considered their ‘boss’ shows: a total lack of empathy for the plight of staff; that she is willing to take advantage of the economic situation of Guyana. She knows job opportunities in the land are few and workers are willing to put up with less than ideal situations to feed their families; someone who does not view her fellow human beings as the most important resource of a country. With persons like this in positions of power, is it a surprise that Guyana has the highest rate of migration of tertiary-educated individuals? Our nation will not develop with such attitudes! People will go where they feel valued! There was some good news however! The ‘boss’,

the senior member of the Permanent Secretary’s Office, stated bids were requested to correct building defects, which contribute to health risks. While this was good news at the time, nearly one year has elapsed and nothing much has been done to tangibly improve the working environment! While it is understood that within the ‘government system’ some things take time, workers’ health should not be taken for granted. It seems as if this situation will not be treated urgently unless someone dies! Throughout the meeting, not once did the representative from the Personnel Division utter a word in support of staff! The Personnel Department is not a tool to be used by the PS’s office or just to keep records intact. It should stand in solidarity with staff members when they are not being treated fairly within the work environment! The human resource is indispensible to the operation of the MoPS. Treat them this way! Respect their health! Value their contributions! Regards At-risk Staff

There are other ‘architects’ of Guyana’s Independence Dear Editor, Albert Baldeo may be many things, but a historian he is not. He is, among other things, my school mate from QC, and my colleague from my undergraduate days at Cave Hill. I was therefore surprised to see him essay to navigate the annals of Caribbean history, delving into such weighty topics as colonialism and independence. In focusing on Guyana, he listed a number of persons to whom he referred as ‘architects’ of independence. Had Albert been a historian, he would have known that, even without studious review of scholastic works, a simple Google Images search

of “Guyana Independence 1966”would reveal a treasure trove of imagesabout that historic period. Includedamong them are photographs of my father, Neville Bissember Snr, who was Legal Adviser to the People’s National Congress delegation to the Independence talks with the British at Lancaster House, London, in the early 1960s. My own visitation to that majestic edifice last April for the CHOGM was, understandably, charged with emotion. Albert has in the past written waxing lyrical about his childhood memories, including one of me as a QC Cadet. I want to speculate therefore

that he had a senior moment when writing recently on Guyana’s independence and could not recall the role played by the person who bears exactly the same name as I, his school mate and LL.B. colleague. There are on Albert’s list persons to whom, respectfully, the title of ‘architect’ does not, in my estimation, sit well, or perhaps barely so. Relatedly, diligent research which would normally be required before writing such a piece would reveal that there are others who could more fittingly be referred to as ‘architects’ of independence. As the saying goes, picture don’t tell lie! Neville J. Bissember Jr

Dear Editor, Last week I decided to seek legal advice on an issue that is affecting me at my workplace. I experienced unwanted sexual groping and my complaints to the management level were dismissed and no disciplinary action taken against the person I accused although the incident was witnessed by other employees. I did not even receive an apology. I commenced my search for legal advice by visiting random law offices close to the High Court. At the first firm, I was informed that I needed to explain my problem to the receptionist who would then decide whether I would be allowed to meet the lawyer.I related my issue to her in the waiting area within earshot of others although I found this embarrassing. I was then told that the lawyer was not in and I had to wait. I decided not to wait around. Apparently, there is no such thing as confidentiality when seeking legal advice. I proceeded to another law office which was right next door to the first, Luckhoo and Luckhoo Law firm. A male was at the reception area. I explained to him that I would like to consult with a lawyer. He responded that I had to state my problem to him. Since several persons were standing next to me I chose not to divulge my issue which was of a sexual

nature. I just said that I was facing harassment at my workplace. I was told to take a seat. Fifteen minutes later when the waiting area became empty the male receptionist beckoned to me and insisted that I further explain what is occurring at my workplace. After telling him about the unwanted sexual touching and dismissal of my complaints at work he just stated that I had no case! I felt very angry and ashamed at the same time. The flippant dismissal was like complaining that someone had stolen my lunch at work. This man never provided a legal reason for his conclusion and deemed my issue too irrelevant for a 10-minute consultation with a lawyer which would have cost me more than a day’s wage. I was not seen as worthy enough to ‘give away’ my hard-earned cash! Does this man have any legal training? Does he represent the views of the lawyers at Luckhoo and Luckhoo Law Firm?When I arrived home later that day I decided to call the law firm to complain because I was still upset. The same male receptionist answered the phone. I told him how disturbed I was at the fact that he didn’t see anything wrong with sexual assault. He cockily told me that if I don’t like the advice he can’t do anything about it. I then reminded him that I was not allowed to see a lawyer at the firm, so the advice

was what he gave he. Due to his patronizing attitude and refusal to even apologize I informed him that I would publicize my experience, his retort was, “You do what you want, we are going to take action here.” His attitude seems to be the norm in Guyana where people do not see sex crimes as something to be taken seriously. That same day after leaving Luckhoo and Luckhoo law firm, I went to Maraj building to get a consultation with a ‘real lawyer’. Disbelievingly, the advice from the lawyer that I paid for was far worst that I would have gotten had I ‘consulted’ a random stranger on the road. This lawyer told me that since a different race is in power people looking like me should expect victimisation because it is their time now. Therefore, I must bear up or pack up! Editor, when I am sick, and I visit a doctor I expect a diagnosis based on medical science. Similarly, when visiting a lawyer, it is expected that he/ she will quote a piece of legislature or explain his/her conclusions by simply using legal references, cases or established laws. This goes for all professions, people expect answers based on the person’s specialization. Editor, how can people licensed to practice as Lawyers and those representing them see crimes of a sexual nature as something normal in Guyana? Sexually Abused Woman

Quality general education at the secondary level is critical Dear Editor,: The first ten years of our post-independence period was one of great hope and great ambition for all those patriots and visionaries who thought that Guyana, having been released from the shackles of colonialism, might cre-

ate a society in which the rising generations could achieve a good life within a cooperative society. This was the hope of the governments of that period who gave generously to the development of the University of Guyana (UG), to make

education free at all levels, and it was the hope of citizens whose taxes provided the money. As I saw these developments at close quarters (having been a staff member of Queen’s College in 1963 (Continued on page 06)

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This woman needs financial support Dear Sir , I am writing to you with a humble and desperate heart. I am 34 years old, a self-employed mother of two boys ages ten and six respectively. I reside at 2049 Festival City Exit, North Ruimveldt ,Georgetown. Over the past year, I have been suffering from severe headaches which have been rendering me incapacitated. I saw Dr. Afzal Mohamed who recommended that I do an MRI. After completion of the MRI, it was indicated that there is a mass on my pituitary gland. I was given painkillers to use. These helped for a short period of time but eventually the headaches became worse to the point of causing me to vomit constantly from the pain. I was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital Neurological Clinic where I saw some doctors there. They requested I have a few tests done. The tests requested were a hormone profile, a thyroid function test, and eye exam with a visual field test and a blood test. I was given a date to return. Before the clinic date, I became very immobile due

to the pains I was having. I then went to see Dr. Dukhi a t Wo o d l a n d s H o s p i t a l who wanted to admit me at the time saying after looking at the MR1 that I have a pituitary apoplexy. However I could not afford to be admitted. I then asked if I waited if he could treat me at GPHC. He gave me a referral to be present at the hospital for the Monday following. On the date I was present at GPHC from 6:15am; I eventually saw Dr. Dukhi around noon. After glancing through my results again, he dismissed me saying there wasn’t anything that could be done and that I have to wait to see the pituitary gland specialist who is scheduled to visit Guyana some time in May and that they would put my name down to see him. They identified him as Dr. Ivan Crandon. He also gave me steroids and more pain killers to last three days. These medications have diminished my functions as a mother and restrained me from being able to work since they made me very sick. However, the pains were persistent and I was advised to see a neurologist in Trinidad named Dr. Richard Spann, who is at-

tached to the Community Hospital of Seventh Day Adventist located on Western Main Road, Trinidad West Indies. I was able to schedule an appointment to see him based on the urgency of the medical records that I forwarded to him. He requested a repeat of the MRI, one of the brain and one of the neck. The results of the MR1 showed that I have a tumor on the pituitary gland that is pushing against the eye nerves and also bleeding from within. He indicated that from the visual field tests done that my peripheral vision has already been hampered and if left this way I will eventually go blind. He said that I would require surgery to have the tumor removed in order to be pain free. He gave me a date for the surgery, 15th May 2018. However, it is very costly and I have since depleted my savings on the various doctor visits, along with everyday living expenses. As such, I am pleading for any kind of financial assistance on this matter. Angel. Kanto. 684-3371 / 649 -6155 E d i t o r ’s n o t e : M s . Kanto needs $3.2 million

A specialized hospital DEAR EDITOR, With the oil & gas revenue flows scheduled to commence in the year 2020, I think it is now time for the government of the day to start planning to establish a well equipped and staffed “specialised hospital for sick children”.

Planning in the form of location separate from the Georgetown Public Hospital, staffing should take the form of specialised training for doctors, nurses and support staff which in time to come our children could be operated on locally and do not have the

cause to go overseas for treatment. It would be ideal to start planning this year 2018 so as to enable the hospital to be fully operational in the year 2020 and beyond. Regards, D. Sawh

The consequences of unethical behaviours among ranks... From page 04 regular anti-corruption inspections and audits. (7) Implement ethics and integrity training into every training activity. Ethical behaviour is that which is ‘moral’ and ‘right’. Integrity refers to steadfast adherence to an ethical code.

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Kaieteur News

Therefore, the police must inculcate ethical, integrity and anti-corruption training for all members of the force, more so paying special attention to the subordinate officers and junior officers. The subordinate officers will not be able to change the department but they can

change their squads. The junior officers may not be able to change the department but they can change the large number of ranks under their control. Fast forward. In time to come these corporals and sergeants; inspectors, cadet officers and assistant superintendents will be the divisional and branch commanders, the senior superintendents and assistant commissioners upwards, where they will be able to foster an environment of excellent ethical behaviour and integrity, thereby enhancing greater public confidence in the GPF. Yours faithfully Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police (Retired)

Quality general education at... From page 05 where UG was first established, and later as a faculty member of the Faculty of Education, UG), and then much later from a distance, I have become increasingly doubtful as to whether these hopes will be realized since insufficient thought is being given to the function and purpose of education in Guyana, and to its implementation in practice. Whatever is being done appears to be done without any rigorous intellectualization of the real educational needs of Guyana - the current Guyana Secondary School Improvement Project (GSSIP), is an example. To provide more of the same appears to be enough. The question of whether it should be different never seems to arise. It is almost two decades since a regional scholar (Prof. Elsa Leo-Rhynie, 2001) pointed to the need to “craft a system of education more appropriate to the needs of Caribbean youth”. Later (2012), Dr. D. Jules, the Registrar of the Caribbean Council of Examinations was more emphatic when he declared that “the education systems of the Caribbean no longer serve the region well. Tinkering with the systems no longer works. A new vehicle for human empowerment and social transformation is needed”. These observations, ignored by our education policy makers, appear to be validated by a recent report in the media which indicated that most of the crime in Guyana is committed by youths in the 14-17 age range. These are school-age youths and are most likely school dropouts. When all the evidence: the deep-seated and corrosive ethnic tensions, the widespread fall in standards, the wastage in education, the high level of criminal activity, the destruction of our ecosystems, the endemic incompetence and corruption, the disrespect for life, limb, property and the host of other forms of anti-social behaviours is taken into consideration, attempts at modernization and nation building will not only be challenging, but futile as well unless these attempts are preceded by the transformation of our education system to provide for all the needs of all our youth. We must give all of our youth quality secondary education. We must give them worthwhile values and tools, and they will build for us a better society. Secondary schools have the responsibility to serve

and to improve the society that created and supports them; and they have the responsibility to assist every individual to achieve the maximum realization of his/her potential. This is realized to the extent that individuals are able to use their developing intellectual powers to know, and to understand themselves, and ultimately to deal with all aspects of the world in which they live. The proper focus of secondary schools should therefore be general education. It is expected that quality secondary education would lead to some understanding of all the major areas of human knowledge. It is also expected that students \would have some facility for all the major modes of thinking or inquiry through which the various funds of knowledge are acquired, and a mastery of the intellectual skills through which knowledge is communicated. Among other things, secondary education is expected to cultivate in individuals the ability to: a) know what is right and what is wrong, b) live by the golden rule: “do unto others as you would have them do unto you; c) know what is fantasy, fiction, fake and what is the truth; d) know and to love one’s country; and, e) foster a love for life-long learning. The success of all future human endeavours is greatly influenced by what transpired during the secondary stage of the education process. Graduates of Guyana’s secondary schools ought to be individuals for all seasons and all time – aware of the principle that everything is connected to everything else everywhere. Universal quality general education at the secondary level is critical at this stage of Guyana’s development. It is now, without question, the indispensible foundation for all other forms of modernization and national development. We must accept the fact that our present inherited educational practice was not designed to make Guyanese an independent and development-oriented people. Developments or reforms in the Guyanese education system were patterned after similar events in United Kingdom (UK), where the narrow single departmental structure of universities greatly influenced the practice of education at the secondary level. As a consequence the proper focus of secondary education became distorted. There were two factors, among others, which contributed significantly to this distortion. First there was a change

in the nature of the secondary school leaving, or matriculating examinations that were developed by the universities. Up until the 1950s, students who wrote secondary school leaving, or matriculating examinations had to take a wide range of subjects from various fields of human knowledge. Students had to secure passes in at least six of the subjects offered before they were considered to have been successful or to have matriculated. Later this policy was changed to allow students to write fewer subjects from a more limited range of knowledge fields. Second, the effects of the age of specialization not only made society more complex, but had a tremendous influence on developments in education at the tertiary level. This in turn exerted a corresponding pressure at the secondary level. Fourteen-year-olds were now being asked to choose the fields in which they would like to specialize when they become adults. The constraining effects of university entrance requirements adversely affected the ability of secondary schools to focus on general education. As a consequence many secondary students leave school with one eye shut – ignorant of entire fields of human knowledge. Most of our present public school teachers are such secondary school graduates. Little wonder the system is in such a poor state.The United Kingdom and the Caribbean countries which maintained similar education policies have paid a terrible price – even the little bit of patrimony that Guyana possesses is being taken away for mere trinkets. With regard to the Standard of Living Index the UK is almost at the bottom of the league of European nations. Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean appear to be still born. Commonwealth universities, like American universities, should base their admissions on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or similar tests. This would liberate secondary schools to focus on quality general education. There are many more aspects that need to be considered in the transformation of Guyana’s education system to make it more democratic and development-oriented. The University of Guyana should, as soon as is humanly possible, hold a conference to address the issue of “Education and the Social Crises in Guyana” with the aim of informing future education policy. Yours truly, Clarence O. Perry

Tuesday June 05, 2018

Nude photos mistakenly sent to female colleague - GGMC supervisor A supervisor of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), who is being investigated for alleged sexual harassment, has denied that he deliberately sent a number of nude photos to a female colleague’s phone. In a visit to Kaieteur News yesterday, to clear his name, the supervisor said that the accusations against him are coming from a colleague who clearly “did not get her way” with him. The supervisor is on paid administrative leave since December, initially for two weeks. This was later extended. The police are investigating a case of sexual harassment against him, accusations he insisted are baseless. It was in November when he clashed with a female colleague at GGMC, Brickdam, over the allocation of leave. There was a confrontation, which ended up with a scramble for a record book. The matter was reported by the supervisor to his superiors a few days later. The female supervisor was asked to respond. She not only explained herself, but reportedly complained that the handling of a report of sexual harassment by

management of GGMC in 2015 was not to her satisfaction. The incident saw the management of GGMC asking the police to step in. The woman alleged that the supervisor sent photos to her phone, one of him nude in the shower. In early December, the supervisor was asked to proceed on leave for two weeks. He received a letter one day before the leave ended asking him to remain on leave pending the completion of investigations. The supervisor yesterday, being questioned, said that he mistakenly sent those photos to the woman. He said that the female colleague would have a habit of clashing with other workers and when she did not get her way, would run to higher authorities. In fact, the woman waited several days before complaining of the nude photos. She showed it to several staffers at GGMC, the man claimed. When the matter was raised with the Human Resources Department, an investigation ensued, with the two asked to apologise and the woman asked not to share the photos. The supervisor denied he

was serving in that position when the photos were “mistakenly” sent to the woman’s phone. Rather, he was only promoted in early 2017. He denied visiting the woman at her worksites under the pretext of his supervisory duties. “After that incident with the photos, I deleted her phone number and had little interactions, except workrelated with her.” The man said he has a family now, who are extremely pained by the allegations. “I believe that I am currently trapped in an area where only my God can take me out. I am innocent of these accusations. The case of the photos was investigated by GGMC and we were told to apologise to each other.” According to the supervisor, he has colleagues who would vouch for his character and work ethic. The case would come at a time when there has been growing awareness of the incidence of domestic violence, suicide and workplace abuses. There has been a growing intolerance of sexual harassment sweeping the globe, especially in North America.

Youth in coma after accident at Kwakwani 23-year-old Romeo Fredricks is presently in a coma at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation after being involved in an accident at Kwakwani. Fredricks, who is a logger by profession, was involved in an accident on May 1st last, where it is said that he was riding a motorcycle, without documentation on a main thoroughfare in Kwakwani, when he collided with a pickup. Ronnie Fredricks, the mother of the young man, reached out to this publication to have her plight highlighted, since she feels that justice is not being served, in her son’s matter. Mrs. Fredricks said her son had been the breadwinner for the

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house for some two years - ever since her husband got into a workrelated accident and was confined to a wheelchair. Mrs. Fredricks lamented the fact that a few weeks ago, her son was held and charged in relation to traffic offences, to which she paid a fine of $50,000 dollars for him, only to have the poli c e give him back the bike, which she had intended to sell, after realizing that it would bring problems, since the motorcycle “did not have papers”.

Mrs. Fredricks claims she doesn’t understand why the police have not charge the driver, since a month has already passed. This publication has reached out to the relevant authorities, for an explanation, and was informed that in cases like this one, there is a need for statements from all parties involved, to make the necessary charges, and since Romeo Fredricks is still in an unconscious state, it has stalled the process to some extent.

22 years for wife killer Almost a month after he was convicted by a 12member jury for killing his common law wife, who was found dead with her head submerged in a bucket of water, 35 year-old Vindra Siriram has been sentenced to serve 22 years in jail for the crime. Judge James Bovell Drakes handed down the custodial sentence yesterday at the High Court in Georgetown after the presentation of a probation report. Upon his arraignment before the court, Siriram had pleaded not guilty to the charge which stated that between June 9 and 10, 2014, he murdered the then 22-year-old Shelly Ann Persaud. Persaud, a housewife, was found at the bottom of the back stairs of the couple’s residence at Friendship, East Bank Demerara. Her head was partly submerged in a fivegallon bucket of water. Following the discovery of the woman’s body, a report was made by the family to the police. Subsequent investigations led to Siriram being taken into custody and charged with murder. Throughout the trial, Siriram was represented by Attorney-at-Law Damian DaSilva. Appearing for the State was Prosecutor Seeta Bishundial. According to Probation and Social Services Officer, Isha Bartrum, Siriram was diagnosed with meningitis when he was just seven years of age. The diagnosis, she revealed, prevented him from living a normal life, since he suffered from steady severe headaches. Noting that it was doubtful that he would live to see adulthood, the Probation Officer told the court that Siriram was unable to write Common Entrance

22 years in jail: Vindra Siriram

Examinations due to being constantly absent from school which was caused by the effect of the ailment. Siriram and Persaud met when she was just 19 and shared three children, the Probation Officer said, adding that Siriram fathered another child from a previous relation. The court was told by the Probation Officer that S i r i r a m ’s t w o e l d e st daughters were adopted by an overseas-based couple after they were taken into custody of the Childcare and Protection Agency, due to certain situations. Reflecting on Siriram’s teenage years, the Probation Officer added that at 15, he underwent training in spray painting under supervision of a male individual. But after the man migrated, she added that the training ended prematurely and Siriram later gained employment as a labourer at a reputable company.

According to the Probation Officer, some residents in the neighbourhood do not believe that it was Siriram who murdered the woman, citing that he was a hard worker and calm individual who loved his wife dearly. The residents, she added, are of the belief that the “wrong man is behind bars. However, the Social Services Officers disclosed that another resident assumed that Siriram “snapped” on the fatal day due to widespread reports around the community of his wife being unfaithful. She said that reports out of the prisons, support that Siriram is a wellbehaved prisoner who is “very private.” The Judge advised Siriram to use his time in prison to reflect on his shortcomings and to be a better person so that he will be of meaningful contribution to society when he is released from jail.

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Tuesday June 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

Failure to enforce Judicial Review Act impedes rights of citizenry – Former Speaker Even as concerns over the ineffective Judicial Review Act (JRA) take centre stage, several public commentators have been adding their voices to the debate. Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, is the most recent public figure to join the conversation. In a column posted in his blog site Conversation Tree, Senior Counsel Ramkarran shared insight on the adverse impact the absence of an effective JRA has on the members of the public. The JRA which was passed in Parliament in 2010 makes provision for citizens to challenge actions of public authorities on the grounds that their actions are unlawful, illegal, and capricious, contrary to some written law, ultra vires or violate the rules of natural justice. Under the Act, the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams is empowered to issue the publication of an order signed by him in the official Gazette to bring Judicial Review into operation. Williams has however been accused of refusing to

bring the act into effect. His action resulted in a Court action taken by former Attorney General, Anil Nandlall. Just last week, Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George issued a ruling which ultimately compels the Attorney General to bring into effect the JRA. However, the Attorney General has already indicated his intention to appeal the High Court ruling. Steering clear of the ongoing feud between current and past Attorneys-General, Ramkarran elaborated on the reason why JRA is important to the public. In his column the former Speaker highlighted an area of law called ‘public law’ in which Judicial Review is pertinent. He explained that while much law notionally exists for the protection of the public, ‘public law’ more directly protects the rights of the citizen in his or her relations with the state and public bodies or authorities by holding them to account. Ramkarran outlined further that the only remedies available in public law are of ancient origin, initially directed against the King— the

Former Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran Crown Office rules, 1906. These are called ‘prerogative’ remedies issued by courts on the application of citizens for ‘judicial review’ to enforce their rights against the state or public authorities. Ramkarran explained that “Among the provision are the writs of certiorari – to quash a decision, mandamus – to order something to be done, prohibition – to prohibit an act and the lesser known, quo warranto – challenging the

right to hold an office. The writ of habeas corpus – ordering the production of a body, is linked to these. “Where a public authority or body (this includes an individual who exercises a public function) has a right or duty to perform a function, or to omit to do so, that authority must act within the parameters established by public law. These were all designed to protect the citizen from the state and public authorities.” With the modernization of the procedure of public law provisions, Ramkarran noted that Guyana moved to the National Assembly in 2010 and passed the Judicial Review Act. However, the Act could not be implemented because it had to await the new rules of court (new Civil Procedure Rules) providing for public law applications, which were implemented in February 2017. The Act essentially re-

lies on the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) for judicial review to be accessed. The Trinidad–based Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ) outlined that the CPR should be applied to all civil proceedings. The Court noted in a case where a public officer/authority is challenged, the Judicial Review Act and the CPR are both necessities. However with the JRA not enforced, citizens are forced to seek remedies under the old provisions despite a ruling by the International Appeal Court. According to Ramkarran, the JRA formalizes and substantially expands the right of a person or group, whose interests are adversely affected by an administrative act or omission, to obtain relief from the court through an application for judicial review. He noted that eighteen specific grounds are set out on the basis of which an application for judicial

review can be made. Among them are acts allegedly contrary to law, in excess of jurisdiction, an unlawful procedure, in violation of natural justice, violation of the Constitution, breach of proportionality, error of fact, violation of legitimate expectation and misfeasance in public office. Since public law is essentially for the protection of the citizen against the state and public authorities, the expansion of grounds and remedies set out above, Ramkarran called for the Act to be implemented without delay. The provisions, he said, “…immeasurably enhances the rights of and empowers the citizen who will now be in a far stronger position to seek and obtain protection against the state and public bodies.” “Caribbean people have enjoyed these rights for decades. Guyanese deserve to, without delay,” he added.

‘Deportee’ jailed, fined $2M in major New Amsterdam drug bust One of three men who were nabbed during a police sting operation and a high speed chase through the streets of New Amsterdam has been jailed for 12 months and fined $2M. The other two individuals have been freed. Thirty-six year-old Dillion Harry called ‘Deportee’, of Lot 59 Stanleytown, appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, and was found guilty of trafficking in narcotics. Failing to pay the fine, Harry will have to serve an additional 18 months in jail. The case for the prosecution was that on Monday 17 June 2017, police, acting on information, went to Tucber Park, where they saw a Nissan ‘Bluebird’ motor car parked in the vicinity of Winkle Road and Tucber Park, where two men were seated inside. A search was carried out on the men and vehicle, but

nothing was found. About the same time, a white Toyota IST motorcar, PLL 6046, accelerated and drove past. The cops recognized Dillon Harry as the driver. He subsequently threw a multicoloured bag out of the vehicle as it sped along. The police pursued the vehicle in a lively high speed chase through the streets of New Amsterdam where it was intercepted in the vicinity of Republic Road and Essex Street. In the meantime, the bag was retrieved and when opened, it contained nine transparent taped parcels which were labeled,’ Jamey’, Cure Joy’, and ‘NC’ respectively. The contents were weighed and tested and found to be 4.5kg of Marijuana. Harry and the two other men were subsequently granted bail in the sum of $100,000.

Tuesday June 05, 2018

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

A man and his bicycle A local newscast, News Room, featured a man who bought a ‘Rudge’ bicycle forty-five years ago and has been riding it ever since. He has kept the bicycle in excellent condition, still sporting silver chain guards and nickel fenders. It has to be the oldest item in his home. How many people, today, can point to something in their homes which is forty-five years old? Not many people are able to do this. How many of them can point to something that is fifteen years old. There was once a man who had a pair of shoes that was forty years old. It was still in good condition because the owner wore it only on special occasions

– which was far and in between. Kaieteur News should run a feature about people’s old possession. It should invite readers to identify their oldest possessions. There is a lot of history in these items. The feature should make for very interesting reading. What is your oldest possession? And did you buy it or inherit it? The older generation used to take good care of their material possessions. Like their marriages, when it got broke they fixed it. Personal possessions used to cost a fortune and this is why they attracted so much care and attention. People valued what they had because they knew if

it was broken it would cost a fortune to replace. People cared things because they appreciated their value. You knew back in the old days that if you bought a record-player that it had to last a lifetime because you could not afford a second. When you picked a piece of furniture, you were interested not so much in comfort as in sturdiness. It had to last a long time. A refrigerator was a luxury. If it could not last twenty years, it was a bad deal. A pair of dress shoes was selected both for style and longevity. Consumerism has changed all of that. Material possessions are much

Dem boys seh ...

Exxon seh wha Guyana wants to hear Fuh de first time Exxon seh something that mek dem boys smile. Dem even mek hair start grow out pun de Opposition Leader head. Dem seh Guyana owe dem fuh pre-contract cost of US$460 million. Dem seh that is de money dem spend fuh drill couple crab hole while dem was searching fuh oil. Dem boys start to question dem and dem wouldn’t answer. Dem boys only talk but Chris Ram and Nigel Hinds dem check de figure because dem is accounts. Is dem who tell Guyana how dem believe de oil company kak de books and that

Guyana must check de bill. Jagdeo, that scamp, sit down quietly and didn’t say a word. EE wait till Ram talk then he open ee mouth and support de man. Exxon seh it ready fuh show de books to anybody. Dem boys hole dem not like de GGMC supervisor who show he willie to a woman, by way of text. When he get ketch and de story buss out he behave like Exxon and seh is a mistake; is de wrong woman he send de photo to. Is not one photo he send; he send four. He was bathing suh he send two wid soap and two without soap.

De lady he send it to show everybody. People who see de two wid soap think was icing cake. Is de two without soap that skin him up. Dem boys seh at first de man try fuh disown ee own willie in de photo but when he see he face in one of de photos ee change ee music. He stutter before he admit was he. When dem boys ask him who he intend to send de photos to he seh was a woman who got de same as de person who get it. Talk half and hope GGMC get serious and check de Exxon Bill of US$460 million.

cheaper. The fashion, fads and technologies have changed so rapidly that people look more to functionality and ease than longevity. An average TV now is disposed within four years; a computer can be changed every few years. As for cellular phones, the upgrades are so regular that, once you can afford it, people change them every few months. Things are not valued as much as they used to in the past. And therefore things are not kept for as long as they were in the past. Items are not as durable today as they were in the past. They are not made to be durable. Capitalism can only survive if it constantly expands. Therefore there has to be creative destruction. Items go out of vogue as quickly as they are born so that new purchases can be constantly made. Otherwise capitalism will collapse. It is for this reason that items are made with short shelf-lives. They are made to be replaced, because it

is replacement which keeps industry going. That man with the 45year-old bicycle has been working at GuySuCo for over 40 years. His cycle is older than 30% of Guyana’s population. He has not only kept it in pristine condition, but has managed to keep it secure from thieves. Many people who bought Raleigh cycles in the past were victims of theft. Others would steal the cycle and this required another hefty investment. Guyanese must learn to care things. We have become a consumerist society. We buy things these days for their look and appeal rather than their dura-

bility. Christmas makeovers are the order of the day. Christmas is a time when some families decide to get new blinds and new appliances. This, of course, is good for business, but not good for those who have to find the money for these internal home makeovers. If we learn to care things the way that man cared his bicycle, life would be happier.

PAGE 10

Tuesday June 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

APNU+AFC at 3: The things I see So the coalition government rides on after three years in power. Has it been a failure? This is where complex concepts come in and the methodology of deconstruction becomes relevant. Why is the new horizon ushered in by the 2015 election results a failure? Why can’t the three years be classified as an optimistic success? I don’t think one can compare evaluation of films and literature with analysis of power. I say this because if you say the three years have been a failure or a victory, you run the risk of the accusation that you see it from your perspective. But

there is a flaw in that approach. The review of a film, book or song, definitely carries certain cultural input on the part of the reviewer. An Oxford-trained Englishman who was a middle class youth during the counter-culture days would have had little exposure to Black pop music in the US. His/her review of British and American pop music would hardly see genius in many Black American artists. His/her Freudian bias would tend towards British and American rock as opposed to American Rhythm and Blues. There is an American pop culture

magazine, Rolling Stone. It has a list of the top 500 songs of all time. The omissions and inclusions I find simply horrible. This is where hidden Freudian instincts are at work. American reviewers find Philip Roth the most outstanding writer of the latter half of the 20th century. I would not put Roth even at number five. It must be remembered that Roth wrote about the nature of his country. Is there such a thing as western bias in the review of arts as opposed to Third World perspective? I think there is. Those who read Edward Said’s “Orientalism” would tend to agree. Brilliant artists and writers from India and t h e T h i r d Wo r l d s u ff e r from deeply Freudian prejudice in the West. I am sure the approach to analyzing power has a different methodological fulcrum. In determining whether a three-year-old government is a failure or an achiever, there are factors to guide you that the arts

reviewer does not have. There are things like statistics, legislation, policies, GDP, GNP, measurable levels of poverty, measurable levels of income, infrastructural developments, infrastructural facilities, educational statistics, the condition of the rule of law, extravagant expenditure etc. If I was to state whether I think the years of the APNU+AFC regime was a success or failure, I would say failure. I would base my reasoning not only on statistics, but measurable factors. One, I think very violent crimes are on the increase from the days of the PPP in government. 2- I believe there is no discernible elevation of the living standards of the citizens who are at the bottom of the economic ladder. On the contrary, I think the poor classes are feeling a tighter squeeze than under the previous PPP regime. Lower income owners of cars have to buy new tyres and vehicles less than 8 years old. Tax on animal-drawn

carts has gone up. Vendors have been consistently displaced over the past three years. There are more blackouts than when the PPP was in power. I did a column with this very caption last year. The only explanation I can think of is when the PPP left office they installed a ghost into the GPL. That apparition is secretly destroying the GPL, thus the nation cannot get a continuous flow of electricity. I live in constant fear of readers claiming that I do embellishments because some descriptions are beyond imagination to be true. What you are about to read is true. This column is being typed at 6.40 a.m. on Monday, June 4. I started it at 6.10 a.m. and blackout came. I went downstairs, fed the cat, washed the cat’s plates and did a few other chores. At 6.40, lights came back, and I am now continuing to type. We get blackouts daily where I live at Turkeyen. This never happened under

Frederick Kissoon the PPP. The ghost has damaged the credibility of the APNU+AFC regime. I see no improvements since the APNU+AFC coalition took over, in many, many areas of life. The Botanic Gardens is falling apart. The National Park is deteriorating. I told one of the guards that long ago my routine in the park was that I used to jog around the park, right on the perimeter, that is, on the border with the trench that runs alongside the park on Thomas Road to the south and to the north o n C a r i f e s t a Av e n u e . I can’t do that anymore. The bushes and the grass there have not been weeded for years. More in a forthcoming column.

Tuesday June 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Preliminary report on police stations’ handling of domestic violence discussed

Red Thread officials with the police officers Senior members of the Guyana Police Force including Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner Paul Williams, DSM, met with Ms. Karen De Souza and other representatives of Red Thread. The discussion surrounded the “preliminary report” of a two-year

Tuesday June 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

project which commenced in 2016 focusing on “Engaging communities for improving implementation of Domestic Violence laws”. According to the police, communities targeted were Plaisance/BetterHope, La Parfaite Harmonie, Bartica, Lethem and Anna Regina. “During the research, po-

lice stations within the stated communities would have been observed as it relates to how members of the force are dealing with domestic violence and other related matters.” According to the police, from the discussion, both positive and negative behaviour and actions would

have been observed, but during the meeting those issues were addressed. “Also the officers in attendance pledged to continue to focus on strengthening their collaborative efforts, in addressing Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Offences and other aspects of crime prevention.”

Opposition wants ERC to probe non-hiring of East Indians by GECOM The PPP yesterday continued to pursue claims that Indo-Guyanese were not provided with a fair opportunity for employment by GECOM. In a media statement, Dr. Roger Luncheon, PPP Executive and the party’s Election Committee Member, said that several sources indicated that commissioners at GECOM are apparently engaged in a process of eliminating candidates for advertised positions at GECOM secretariat. He specifically signalled out the ‘People’s National Congress (PNC) Commissioners’ of undertaking such actions. According to Luncheon, the PNC representatives are giving low to zero scores to candidates of Indian origin who are shortlisted during the interview process, while providing high to 100% scores to their preferred candidates He stated that the ‘PNC Commissioners’ are finding extraneous reasons for eliminating top rank candidates of Indian origin from appointment to positions at the GECOM secretariat “If these disclosures are confirmed, it would reveal that

Dr. Roger Luncheon the practice continues of excluding some ethnicities from GECOM secretariat,” Luncheon stated. He explained that once confirmed, the PPP condemns ‘this practice in the strongest possible terms’. “The party urges the aggrieved candidates to approach the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on the ground of ethnic discrimination.” People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Commissioner Robeson Benn had publicly expressed concerns that 95% of the staff at GECOM was Afro-Guyanese.

N/A man to stand trial in High Court for rape of girl, 5 A 52-year-old New Amsterdam man has been committed to stand trial during the next sitting of the Berbice High Court on a charge of rape. Glendon Alexander called “Stitchy” appeared before Magistrate Alex Moore in the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court, accused of raping a five-year-old girl after she was left at home with a 73-year-old relative. The prosecution’s case is that Alexander and the little girl are known to each other. On January 26, the girl’s mother left her at home with an elderly relative. However during that time, Alexander took advantage of the child and had sex with her. When the child’s mother returned she was surprised to find her still lying in bed. She also noticed a substance, believed to be semen, on her legs. Upon inquiring she was told by the child what had transpired. The matter was reported and the accused was arrested and charged.

Tuesday June 05, 2018

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Lower Bonasika to receive internet connectivity for first time As the Government continues to work to ensure that the gaps between the hinterland, riverine areas and coastland are bridged, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, on Saturday announced that for the first time in the village’s history, internet conenectivity will be available within two weeks at Lower Bonasika when he officially commissioned a computer laboratory for the students at the Lower Bonasika Primary School, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara (Region Three). Addressing regional officials, residents, teachers and students, Minister Harmon noted that the computer laboratory, which is funded by the Region Three Private Sector Association (R3PSA), will assist and complement Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that every citizen and more particularly, students, are able to access information and communication technology regardless of which part of the country they hail from. “This complements our efforts through the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications and the National Data Management Authority to modernise the education sector and to improve the delivery of education in our rural communities all across

Guyana by making information and communications technology available in classrooms all across the country, through the development of smart classrooms, virtual classrooms, computer labs in the schools and E-libraries for distance education and elearning. The promotion of science and information and communication technology within our education sector is a key pillar of our government’s development agenda,” he said. Minister Harmon noted that President Granger, since his assumption to office, has been placing emphasis on bridging gaps, particularly in the delivery of education services nationwide and this had led to the establishment of the National Endowment for Science and Technology (NEST), from which 13 schools were able to benefit from $1million each to upgrade and boost their laboratories. “To ensure that our educators, who have to implement this new programme in our education system were equipped, the One Laptop Per Teacher initiative was introduced by the President and under this initiative approximately 9000 laptops were distributed. Further, through the eGovernment Agency’s School’s Internet Connectiv-

ity Project, 12 Secondary and 27 Primary schools and four government agencies have been provided and 23 ICT hubs established in Region Three. These hubs will enable students without internet access at home to complete re-

search, assignments and other school based activities free of cost,” the Minister of State said. Minister Harmon noted that these interventions in the education sector as well as the community-based initia-

tives and projects are testimony to the Government’s push to ensure that the skills needed in the country’s development are nurtured, developed and embedded in all levels of the education system and in all communities.

“Our Government is acutely aware that the rapid and sustainable development of our country in the shortest possible time requires the active involvement of all citizens in a united, cohesive (Continued on page 24)

PAGE 22

Tuesday June 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Venezuelan remanded for stealing boat, engine A Venezuelan national was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to face two charges of simple larceny. Twenty-one-year-old, Moses Chappell, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus , and denied both charges after they were read to him. The first charge alleged that on May 31 at Moruca, North West District, he stole one outboard engine valued $631,550 - property of Orlando Charles It was further alleged that on May 31 at Aquaro, M o r u c a , N o r t h We s t District, he stole one boat valued $300,000 - property of Terrence Henry. Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the court that both articles were recovered, however he objected to bail being granted to Chappell, citing that the man is not a Guyanese. The prosecutor added that if bail is granted to the defendant he will not return to court for the trial. The court heard that Chappell was staying at relatives in Guyana when PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 Property for sale (1) 3 story building at 97 Sugarcane street S/Rvldt Gardens. Price US 1.5M neg. Tel: 695-1356 & 6878445 3 storey buliding located in Laluni street, Queenstown. Price $90 million neg. Call: 672-1920 5 bedroom house located in 19th Ave Diamond. Price $25 Million neg. Call: 672-1920 Corner Lot Diamond, EBD Land 61’x110'- House 30’x50' G$32M Furnished Serious enquiries only. #613-6631/6182603 3 story commercial building,120ftX60ft Building 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Plot B Herstelling, EBD, reduced price Contact: 6093777/686-0522

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

Moses Chappell he allegedly committed the offences. Chappell was instructed to make his next court appearance on June 11.

Tuesday June 05, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Kitty roundabout officially opens G e o r g e t o w n ’s f i r s t major roundabout - at the junction of Vlissengen Road and Carifesta Avenue - officially opened yesterday, four weeks ahead of schedule. According to Government officials, it will significantly improve the flow of vehicles, and two others are planned – one on Sheriff Street under the Sheriff/Mandela Avenue road project and another at Timehri. At the opening ceremony yesterday, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson said the $79Million roundabout was not quite complete with some outstanding items remaining, including landscaping of the centre. “ We d e c i d e d t h a t t h e landscaping will depict flowers of the Caribbean in keeping with the Carifesta theme; a suitable private company will be selected to execute that. Traffic lights will be installed and the painting of the medians and curbs with reflective paints will be done by the ministry shortly.” The final phase is the waterfront development, in which the seawall area from the Kitty pump station to the Pegasus Hotel will be upgraded into a commercial space.

Work on that project is yet to commence, but the consultancy has been awarded, and a first report is expected in October. Patterson recalled that the first phase began with the upgrading of Carifesta Avenue in 2016 for over $182Million, including new street lights. Following that, extensive pipe works were conducted in the vicinity of the roundabout after a sinkhole developed in December due to the failure of three pipes feeding the Kitty pump station. That entailed the installation of culverts along K i t t y, Vlissingen Road and C a r i f e s t a Av e n u e l e a d ing to the pump station in order to improve drainage in the outlying areas and to create a firm base for the roundabout. Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, Minister of Public Telecommunications Cathy Hughes, and members of the diplomatic corps were also in attendance at the opening ceremony. The contract was completed by S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Constructing Services.

Cutting the ceremonial ribbon

A Route 44 minibus on the roundabout yesterday.

East Bank man charged with uttering forged cheques to businessman A man who was recently charged after he made off two years ago with $500,000 worth in food items from a woman, was yesterday back before a City Magistrate to answer to another charge. Michael Boodhoo, 58, of 925 Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, and denied the charge which alleged that on December 11, 2016, at Georgetown, with intent to defraud, he uttered to Latchman Singh a forged document - a Republic Bank cheque dated December 11, and valued $844,000, knowing same to be forged. It was further alleged that on the same day in question and at the same location, with intent to defraud, he obtained a quantity of articles, by virtue of a Republic Bank cheque, dated December 11, valued at $844,000, knowing same to be forged. The unrepresented man denied both allegations

after they were read to him by the Magistrate. Police Prosecutor, Arvin Moore, had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant, but asked that it be in a substantial amount. Facts presented by the prosecutor stated that on December 9, 2016, Boodhoo went to Singh’s business place and ordered a quantity of articles. On December 11, 2016, S i ngh travelled to Georgetown to deliver the articles to Boodhoo who in return paid with two cheques. The court heard that when Singh went to deposit the cheques he w a s informed that the defendant did not have the amount to honour the cheques. As a result a report was made to a police station and Boodhoo was arrested for the offence. Magistrate Latchman after listening to the prosecutor granted him bail to the tune of $400,000. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on

June 25. On May 1, last, Boodhoo appeared before the same Magistrate after being slapped with a simple larceny charge. It is alleged that on December 23, 2016 at Avenue of the Republic, he stole two boxes containing a quantity of food items and beverages valued $500,000, property of Lisa McDonald. According to information, on the day in question, Boodhoo, who was a taxi driver, was hired by the victim to take her home. The court heard that while at Avenue of t h e Republic, McDonald was offloading some of the items and she left to go used the rest room. When she returned she did not see the taxi driver or her items. The court heard that it was only a few months ago that the woman saw Boodhoo and alerted the police. Boodhoo was arrested and taken into custody. He was released on $160,000 bail for that offence.

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More dangers loom after Guatemala volcano eruption kills over 60 people CNN)The death toll from Guatemala’s Fuego volcano eruption keeps rising, and now more hazards threaten grieving residents. At least 62 people were killed after the volcano erupted Sunday, spewing a river of lava and plumes of smoke almost 6 miles into the air, said Mirna Celedon, spokeswoman for Guatemala’s Institute of Forensic Sciences. Thirteen of the dead have been identified so far. At least 15 people have been hospitalized, including 12 children — some of whom suffered severe burns, the nation’s health ministry said. Volcanic ash has already stretched across a 12-mile radius, and winds could carry the cloud even farther, officials said. Survivor Consuelo Hernandez told the disaster agency some of her relatives were buried. Images from the scene showed a firefighter weeping. In pictures: Guatemala volcano erupts “Not everyone escaped, I think they were buried,” Hernandez said in a video released by CONRED, the government agency for disaster reduction. “We saw the lava was pouring through the corn fields, and we ran toward a hill.” Guatemala’s President Jimmy Morales has declared three days of national mourning. More than 3,100 people have been evacuated and 1.7 million people have been affected by the eruption, according to CONRED. Satellite footage of Fuego shows the massive dark gray eruption was visible even from space. Authorities urged resi-

dents living near the volcano to evacuate immediately, and warned some in C h i m a l t e n a n g o , Sacatepequez and Escuintla states to watch out for volcanic rocks and ash. Residents were told to avoid roads close to the volcano and make sure water is not contaminated. The eruption officially ended late Sunday, said Guatemala’s National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology. “The eruption ... is reaching its end with 14.763 feet of ash and weak-to-moderate explosions and incandescence in its crater,” it said in a statement. But it warned there could be new eruptions, and residents in the surrounding areas should be on alert for mudslides containing volcanic material. Neighbors stand outside a temporary morgue near Volcan de Fuego in Alotenango, Guatemala. Neighbors stand outside a temporary morgue near Volcan de Fuego in Alotenango, Guatemala. Scenes of destruction Diego Ibarguen, who works for a firefighter support organization, flew a drone over areas awash in ash. “Basically there’s no houses left, and to my assumption there’s nobody left there ... except the people doing the search and rescue,” he said. “The sad news is there’s a bunch of recovery of bodies of children and adults there.” He said ash and gases have covered large areas of ground. “The volcano did what it does when you live to close to the area,” he

said. Ixmucane Monsanto, a volunteer firefighter, said conditions make it very difficult to mount rescue operations, even when rescuers know families are buried under the ash. “It’s very unstable ground to walk on,” she said. “The moment you step in, you have to have your mask and whole equipment to not put yourself at risk. Mario Cifuentes, another volunteer firefighter, also spoke of difficult conditions, noting that the soles of some firefighters’ boots have been torn off because of the heat. Breathing is difficult, he said. But he felt compelled to help in this disaster. “These are my people, this is my country,” he said. Why this eruption is much deadlier than Hawaii’s The Guatemala eruption stirred recent memories of Hawaii’s Kilauea eruption, which terrorized Big Island on May 3. Why Guatemala's eruption is so much deadlier than Hawaii's Why Guatemala’s eruption is so much deadlier than Hawaii’s But the Fuego eruption is much deadlier — for several reasons. Unlike the Hawaii volcano, which has destroyed homes with slow-moving lava, the Fuego volcano unleashed fast-moving pyroclastic flow — a nasty mix of ash, rock and volcanic gases that can be much more dangerous than lava. Pyroclastic flows can race down a volcano at hundreds of kilometers per hour — much faster than people or even cars.

Lower Bonasika to receive internet ... From page 21 and collective effort. The intervention we see here today is, therefore, most welcomed,” he said. Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Three, Mr. Denis Jaikaran, in his remarks, said that it was a happy day for the community as he noted that residents can see that development is taking place in their communities, no matter their geographic location. “Many things are happening in this region. We are proud of what is happening in this region. Over the past three years, things that did not happen before as it relates to school and education facilities, we have seen tremendous progress. It is amazing to see what we have done over the past three years and

we all owe those who are responsible for it in the Government our appreciation. The private sector is able to make this contribution because the economy is growing and this morning we are grateful that they are giving back. Giving back to the community is what we expect from them and we applaud them,” he noted. President of the R3PSA, Mr. Radesh Rameshwar, in his remarks, said that the need for the computer laboratory was identified during the Easter holidays when the organisation visited the community for its kite distribution exercise. He too urged the residents to ensure that they utilise care now that the commitment has been realised. Headmaster of the school, Mr. Kapil Ramsamooj, said that laboratory will go a long

way in assisting the students of the school. “These computers will serve all the levels of the school including the nursery, primary and secondary departments. This will help the students of the school to be computer literate and so we thank you for this contribution. We will make full use of it and you can be assured that we will take good care,” he said. Deputy Superintendent of the Leonora Police Station, Patrick Todd said that the opening of the laboratory is timely as the Government has reactivated the Bonasika Police Outpost and ranks will therefore be able to provide security in the neighbourhood and ensure that vandalism does not take place at the location.

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ExxonMobil’s “openness” to audit highlights govt.’s failure to protect Guyana’s wealth - Jagdeo Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has noted ExxonMobil’s position that it is open to audits of its $460M pre-contract, saying that audits are “expected and customary” in the oil sector. Jagdeo thinks that this announcement highlights, once again, the fact that the Coalition Government “failed the Guyanese people in the renegotiation of the oil contract.” Jagdeo reasoned, that if ExxonMobil is not opposed to an audit, that means that the company would not have put up a resistance if government had requested an audit of the US$460M. The Opposition Leader asked, “If ExxonMobil is open to an audit, why wasn’t this done? Why did the Coalition Government not audit the pre-

contract costs, before including it in the renegotiated contract? Why was there no verification done? There was clearly no pushback from ExxonMobil.” Jagdeo said that given this state of affairs, there is reason for alarm regarding the quality of representation Guyanese received from the Coalition Government in the renegotiation of the contract, which Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman regarded as a simple “update”. “Last month I stated that fair questions had been asked by civic-minded Guyanese about the pre-contract costs and they should be answered. Today, I reiterate my call for the Government to resist its proclivity towards secrecy and ensure that the an-

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman swers to these questions are given.” said Jagdeo. Further, Jagdeo said that he finds it “surprising” that ExxonMobil has been relay-

GNBS to conduct first standards roadshow - Construction sector to benefit The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) are set to conduct the first standards informational ‘roadshow’ for the construction sector in Guyana, on June 7-8. ASTM is an international standards organisation which develops and publishes voluntary technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems and services. Director of GNBS, Candelle Walcott-Bostwick said the aim of the roadshow, “is to inform academic institutions, government agencies and practitioners on the construction sector, and the standards that are available

within the sector that can be utilised.” “The road show is basically promoting standards for the construction sector. I am aware that a number of our local contractors utilise ASTM standards, as well as our students at the University of Guyana and other technical institutions”, she added. Walcott-Bostwick pointed out that local manufacturers and practitioners benefitting from the activity will also be given the o p p o r t u n i t y, t o d e m o n strate the use of ASTM standards on products manufactured locally, and to share their experiences in using them (ASTM standards). She noted the sessions will be interactive, since the

ASTM officials will also share their experiences on available standards for the construction sector. In October 2011, GNBS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ASTM to strengthen its collaboration with the US standards institution. GNBS has also signed on to a total of 19 technical committees with ASTM which allows the agency to be in agreement with a number of standards being developed and participate in their development for a number of areas. Some of the areas include, among others, fuels and lubricants, textiles, water, waste management, solar, Occupational Safety and Health, and environmental assessment. (DPI)

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo ing information to the Coalition Government, on a quarterly basis, “given the reti-

cence of this Administration when it comes to keeping the Guyanese public informed of the developments in the oil and gas sector. “ The Opposition Leader noted that despite calls by him and other members of civil society for the names of the 309 companies, being engaged by ExxonMobil to be made public, Trotman continues to keep the information secret. “Guyanese would recall that, last month, when asked about his failure to make the disclosure, Minister Trotman was flippant in saying that he ‘did not know why Exxon had not released the names’ of the local companies it engaged. It is only over the past several

days that Guyanese became aware that Minister Trotman was, in fact, in possession of the information,” said Jagdeo. The politician continued, “I feel firmly that his hiding behind the Chairman of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources is another excuse for not making the information public. It is a flimsy excuse and it exposes his reluctance to act. There is nothing stopping his release of the names of the local companies. I wish to repeat my call for the list of 309 local companies used by ExxonMobil in 2017 and the 227 used during the first quarter of 2018 to be released.”

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Kaieteur News

Laluni, GBA begins preparations for Caribbean Schoolboys’ boxing tournament - Junior competition on this Saturday at Andrew ‘Six head’ Lewis Gym Providence...

Kamil Yahya (left) of Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym trades blows with Richard Howard of Forgotten Youth Foundation during school boy action at the Six Head gym last year November.

Tuesday June 05 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You may have been looking forward to a social event, group activity, or perhaps a get-together with a lover today, but circumstances beyond your control throw some unexpected obstacles in your way. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Although you've been feeling especially strong physically over the past few days, Taurus, today you might feel a little under the weather. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Emotional matters could hit the fan today at a social event or group meeting of some kind. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Stress might be getting the better of a household member today, Cancer. This person feels emotionally volatile. The least irritation could set off a temper tantrum. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Friends, neighbors, and relatives could be feeling especially stressed out and explosive today, Leo. This isn't a good day to initiate intense communications with them. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The economy could well take a small dip, and you might hear from people expressing concerns about financial matters. Don't take them to heart, and certainly don't worry about your own financial condition. The trend will probably reverse itself soon

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Oppressive stress on you or those close to you could cause disconcerting upsets within your relationships today, Libra. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Stress could take a toll on you today, Scorpio. You might temporarily lose your ambition and be left wondering if it's all really worth it. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Surprising new developments in close friendships or love relationships could come your way today, Sagittarius. Someone might move away or perhaps move closer to you. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Unexpected developments might interfere with your home life or with plans to spend a quiet evening with your family, Capricorn. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may be looking forward to talking on the phone with someone dear who lives far away, Aquarius, but circumstances beyond your control could get in the way. Perhaps you keep missing each other PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Although business and money matters continue to go well, some rather unsettling news regarding either your finances or the economy in general could reach you today, Pisces.

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) will step up concentration of its nursery in the next two months in the lead up to the regional junior tournament which will be hosted in Guyana this August. The GBA will host two under-16 and junior competitions each month as part of its preparation for the Caribbean Schoolboys and juniors tournament which will definitely bring action, much to the delight of boxing fans, from August 17th to 19th. GBA President Steve Ninvalle posited over the weekend that International Boxing Association (AIBA) Three-Star coach Sebert Blake has been put in charge of organizing the competitions with the first scheduled for this Saturday at the Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis Gym in Callendar Street, Albouystown. According to Ninvalle, provisions will be made for the participation of new gyms such as Hands-inGlove of Mahdia, Savan-

RHTY&SC... From page 30 Board on the 18th February, 2018, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS has used $800,000 of its own funds to finance the development of Berbice Cricket. Additionally, the Club has assisted dozens of fellow clubs and young cricketers with cricket gears, scorebooks, cricket balls, stumps and trophies at the cost of $2M for the first five months of 2018. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association would be sharing out twelve major awards at the Ceremony including Under-15 Player of the Year, Club of the Year, School of the Year and Cricketer of the Year. The Association would induct three former Guyana Players into its historic Hall of Fame, honour several Berbice junior cricketers and also acknowledged the contributions of sponsors. Several Schools at the Primary and Secondary levels would also receive Certificates of Participation from the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. Foster, in his capacity as Berbice Cricket Board President would deliver the Feature Address. He would hand over cricket balls to twenty clubs, presents Educational Posters to 28 Clubs and unveil the Official Sponsor of a Double Wicket Competition for teams in the SubAssociation.

nah of Lethem, Moruca’s Power-Right Boxing Gym a n d B a r t i c a ’s B l a z i n g Rocket of region Seven. ”We created a special novice and beginner ’s category specifically to facilitate the participation of the newcomers. We have been in contact with the new gyms and the response is heartening,” Ninvalle noted via a press correspondence. The preparation competitions will commence at 1:00pm each S a t u r d a y. Meanwhile, the GBA is expecting to cater for at least seven countries in August. “Apart from Trinidad, St. Lucia, Barbados and Jamaica we are expecting Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, Suriname and French Guiana at the third edition of the Caribbean Schoolboys and Juniors,” Ninvalle declared.

From page 31 EBDCA has embarked on a plan to host tournaments at the various versions so players can be better prepared for bigger assignments. He noted that one of the major factors affecting the EBDCA in hosting matches is the unavailability of grounds some of which are not in suitable conditions and have been so for quiet sometime now. Baksh indicated that acquiring sponsorships sometimes proved to be a difficult task and this place added pressure on the Association to stage tournaments and is calling on businesses to lend support since the youths are the ones stand to benefit the most. Baksh stated that there are a number of young talents that have been unearthed from the area but due to the unavailability of grounds, some of these players ply their trade in the city. (Zaheer Mohamed)

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NBA to test coaches’ challenges Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in Egypt’s World Cup squad despite injury in Summer League

Mohamed Salah left the pitch in tears after landing heavily on his shoulder following a challenge by Sergio Ramos in Kiev. (Getty Images) Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Tom Thibodeau argues with referee Ben Taylor (46) during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports) Reuters - Potentially following the lead of the NFL and Major League Baseball, the NBA is pondering a system in which coaches may challenge officials’ rulings. NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Kiki VanDeWeghe said Sunday on Sirius XM NBA Radio that the league will experiment with a challenge format at the Las Vegas Summer League. “We’ve wanted to do it for years,” VanDeWeghe said in the radio interview, according to USA Today Sports. “The competition committee has been trying to figure out how we actually do this, because there’s some complications. It’s not quite as simple as you might imagine. “We’ve had it in the G League for a number of years now and it’s been very effective. We’re going to try it in a very limited form in Summer League and we’re going to see how it goes. We’re going to let everybody look at it.” VanDeWeghe indicated a challenge system is unlikely to be in place when the next NBA season starts in the fall. “We are very careful in how we implement things,” he said, per USA Today. “We

would look at it for a year, in the G League as well, and see what happens. A lot of things that we’re always trying to innovate, we’re always trying to improve the game. We’re always looking at new things. Summer League is a great time to do that. G League is a great place to do that.” USA Today reported that Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle, the president of the NBA Coaches Association, backed VanDeWeghe’s plan. “For me, it’s not so much about the power of having a challenge, it’s really another layer of protection if a call is missed,” Carlisle said on Sirius XM NBA Radio. “Officials aren’t perfect. They’re men, not machines. If there’s any kind of trigger or something that we can add into the game that’s simple and effective and can potentially prevent us from the big bang, the call that’s really the one that’s a destructive thing, then I’m all in favor of it.” In the G League, the NBA’s developmental circuit, each team’s coach receives only one challenge per game, and it may be used only on

fouls called, goaltending/basket interference and out-ofbounds rulings. The NBA’s challenge format won’t involve the use of a flag like the one that NFL coaches toss, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported. Video review in the NBA became a hot topic in the past week when a crucial call was overturned in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Cavaliers star LeBron James originally was ruled to have drawn a charging foul from Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant in the final seconds Thursday with Cleveland ahead by two points. The referees went to replay ostensibly to check whether James’ feet were in the restricted area under the basket, but they wound up reversing the call and ruling a blocking foul on James. Durant sank the subsequent two free throws to tie the game, and the Warriors ultimately won in overtime. The NBA announced the next day that the refs had acted correctly on all aspects of the review and the final ruling on the play. (Field Level Media)

BBC Sport - Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has been named in Egypt’s World Cup squad despite being injured in the Champions League final. Salah, 25, will not meet up with his teammates until 9 June as he continues his recovery from a shoulder injury, his national team said. Egypt’s opening World Cup fixture is against Uruguay on 15 June. They meet hosts Russia on 19 June and conclude their campaign in Group A against Saudi Arabia on 25 June. Salah struck a 95thminute penalty in the final qualification game to send Egypt to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. But in the Champions League final against Real Madrid, Salah left the pitch in

tears midway through the first half after landing heavily on his shoulder following a challenge by Sergio Ramos. Egypt’s national team doctor said he met Salah soon after the final and subsequently confirmed his absence “would not exceed” three weeks. Hector Cuper’s Egypt drew 0-0 against Colombia in Italy on Friday without Salah. Salah will also miss Wednesday’s final friendly with Belgium, but will meet up with his team-mates once they return to Cairo for an open training session on 9 June prior to their departure for Russia. Egypt squad Goalkeepers: Essam El Hadary (Al Taawoun), Mohamed El-Shennawy (Al

Ahly), Sherif Ekramy (Al Ahly). Defenders: Ahmed Fathi, Saad Samir, Ayman Ashraf (all Al Ahly), Mahmoud Hamdy (Zamalek), Mohamed AbdelShafy (Al Fateh), Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom), Ali Gabr (Zamalek), Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa), Omar Gaber (Los Angeles FC). Midfielders: Tarek Hamed, (Zamalek), Shikabala (Zamalek), Abdallah Said (Al Ahli), Sam Morsy (Wigan Athletic), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Mahmoud Kahraba (Al Ittihad), Ramadan Sobhi (Stoke City), Mahmoud Hassan (Kasimpasa), Amr Warda (Atromitos Athens). Forwards: Marwan Mohsen (Al Ahly), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool).

Legendary Sir Viv eagerly anticipating women’s tournament ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – West Indies cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards says he is looking forward to “hosting the cricket world” when the ICC Women’s World T20 tournament comes to the Caribbean in November. The iconic batsman, who is rated among the five greatest players of all-time, said the event promises to be a great boost for women’s cricket in the region as well. “I’m really excited about it and I know we will do a fantastic job of hosting the Women’s World T20 later this year. I want to see the grounds full and I look forward to hosting the cricket world in Antigua for the final,” said Sir Viv, the legendary former West Indies skipper. “Our Windies girls are the defending champions and I’m sure they will be looking

forward to playing at home. I’ve seen them play and I like the way they look. “Women’s cricket around the world is growing at a rapid rate and the standard is very high. We’re in for a great tournament in the West Indies.”Sir Viv was speaking recently as part of the promotion of the tournament as well as being part of the West Indies charity match at Lord’s last week. During his promotion drive, he was joined by members of the Women’s World T20 organizing committee, as well as former women’s cricket stars Isha Guha of England and Mel Jones of Australia. The ICC Women’s World T20 will be played from November 7-24 at three venues – the Guyana National Stadium, the Darren Sammy Sta-

dium in St Lucia and the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua. The Vivian Richards Cricket Ground will host the semi-finals and the final. “Playing at home should be something special for our team. It was wonderful to see what there did in India two years ago, and I know they will want to put on a good show for the folks back at home,” Sir Viv said. This is the first standalone ICC Women’s World T20 tournament and all matches will be broadcast live to the global audience for the first time.West Indies have a good track record in the event. They won in 2016 and reached the semi-finals 2010 in the Caribbean, 2012 in Sri Lanka, and 2014 in Bangladesh.

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Injury wrecks Williams’ Warriors outgun Cavs to take 2-0 series lead audacious French title bid

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers center Kevin Love (0) in game two of the 2018 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) OAKLAND (Reuters) Golden State’s high-powered offense was too much for the Cleveland Cavaliers as the Warriors claimed a 122-103 victory in Game Two of the NBA Finals on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-ofseven series. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant combined for 59 points in a wire-to-wire victory that puts the defending champions just two wins away from their third championship in four years. Two-time league MVP Curry ended with nine threepointers, an NBA Finals record, while dishing out eight assists and grabbing seven rebounds in his 33point performance. Despite the offensive fireworks, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said it was an improved defensive effort that led to the win.“We just played a more intense defensive game tonight than we did in Game One,” he told reporters. “It’s not about scoring,

it’s about the defensive intensity. “We’re happy with the way we played. But we know this is just getting started.” Surprise starter JaVale McGee ignited the home crowd by hammering down some alley-oops to give the Warriors an early lead. Coming off a tough loss in Game One, the Cavs stayed within striking distance for most of the contest until a flurry of second-half three pointers by Curry overwhelmed the visitors and sealed the win. LeBron James, who scored 51 points in Thursday’s loss, faced a more dogged defence on Sunday but still managed 29 points on 10-20 shooting while playing nearly the entire game. Cavaliers’ forward Kevin Love provided a spark with 22 points but it was not enough to pressure the Warriors, who shot 57 percent from the field and 41 percent from behind the arc.

Cavaliers’ coach Tyronn Lue said he was happy with how his team battled back from a 13-point halftime deficit to keep it a single-digit game for much of the third quarter. “I was very proud of our guys, the way we competed in that third quarter because we could have let go of the rope down 13,” he said. “We came out, we fought. We kind of saw some things offensively that worked, so we have to continue to keep capitalizing on that.” Kerr said the Warriors would not take their series advantage for granted, especially since they blew a 3-1 lead to the Cavaliers in the 2016 Finals. “We’ve been here several times, I don’t think I’ll need to say much,” Kerr said. “The guys in the locker room, they already know that. They know how hard it’s going to be in Cleveland.” Game Three is scheduled for tomorrow in Cleveland.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kyle Korver (26) during the fourth quarter in game two of the 2018 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) American Serena Williams’ audacious attempt to win the French Open for a fourth time ended in crushing anti-climax yesterday as injury, rather than an old foe, forced the 36-year-old to admit defeat at Roland Garros. The scene had been set for Williams in her ‘superhero’ catsuit to take on Russian ice queen Maria Sharapova in a fourthround clash that had assumed top-billing. But shortly before the two old warriors were due on court, the 23-times grand slam champion instead stepped into a news conference room to announce she was pulling out. Williams, playing in her first Grand Slam tournament since giving birth to daughter Alexis Olympia last September, said she had suffered a pectoral muscle injury in her impressive third round victory against Germany’s Julia Goerges. “Unfortunately I’m having some issues with my pec muscle. Right now I can’t actually serve it’s kind of hard to play,” she told a room packed with reporters. “I’m having an MRI (scan) tomorrow, I’m going to stay here to see the doctors and see as many specialists as I can. I won’t know (how serious the injury is) until I get those results.” Williams had worked hard to get back in shape and, despite starting the tournament with a notional ranking of 451 and having played only four matches t h i s y e a r, s h e a c t u a l l y looked capable of going all the way. AMERICAN SUPERHERO Dressed in the black bodysuit with a red band around the waist she resembled a superhero — not just a supermum — and was playing as if she had never been away. Williams beat Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round and turned on the style against 11th seed Goerges. However, on Sunday

The comeback Serena Williams will have to wait. she took part in a third round doubles match with sister Venus, losing 6-4 67(4) 6-0 to Andreja Klepac and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, and apparently aggravated an injury she had first felt the previous day. With an 18-match winning streak against twice French champion Sharapova in her favor, Williams said she was “beyond disappointed” not to be able to play yesterday. “I gave up so much to time with my daughter and my family and put everything on court for this moment,” she said. “It’s really difficult to be in this situation, but... for now in my life, I just always try to think positively and just think of the bigger picture and hopefully (I can play in) the next events and the rest of the year. “I’m going to continue to get better. I had such a wonderful performance in my first Grand Slam back.” ‘SPEEDY RECOVERY’ Five-times Grand Slam champion Sharapova, who despite her long run of defeats by Williams is still considered an arch-rival, wished her nemesis a “speedy recovery”. “I was looking forward to my match against Serena today and am disappointed that she had to withdraw,” the 28th seed said.

Sharapova, herself making a French Open comeback after missing the last two editions following a doping ban, will face either Garbine Muguruza or Lesia Tsurenko in the last eight. Williams said she would have to wait to find out the extent of the injury before deciding whether she can play at Wimbledon. But former world number one Kim Clijsters, who returned from having a baby to win the U.S. Open in 2009, said injuries of this nature are only to be expected for new mums returning to the top tier of sport. “We were all looking forward to this match and excited to see what the outcome would be,” she told Eurosport. “Pregnancy and birth is physically very demanding and you deal with new injuries that you are not used to. In the first part of my career I’d have recurring injuries and then after I had (daughter) Jada I had new injuries.” The Belgian believes Williams can still add to her Grand Slam collection, though. “I think Serena can get close to winning another Grand Slam. I think it’s these kind of new situations that she’ll go home and learn a lot about how she is feeling,” Clijsters added.

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GRFU release provisional squads ahead of busy upcoming calendar Guyana’s Ruggers kick off their international engagements for 2018 in the next two months as they prepare for the Casco Games, Americas Rugby Challenge 15s Championships and RAN Sevens Championships. These tournaments will serve as qualifiers for the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru. Cacso Games The Men’s Rugby Sevens team forms part of the Guyana Olympic Association Contingent to the Cacso formerly the Central America and Caribbean (CAC) games. The sevens team is billed to depart July 29 for Barranquilla, Colombia to play in the eightteam championship before returning on August 4. The shortlisted players made up mainly of the 2017 finalists who lost to Jamaica will be without the services of three of its main players; Rickford Cummings, Dominic Lespierre and Vallon Adams due to work commitments. The President of the GRFU Peter Greene is expected to serve as Manager of the team. Shortlisted players asked to report to Coach Adonis immediately are Dwayne Schroeder (Captain), Richard Staglon (Vice-Captain), Claudius Butts, Patrick King, Avery Corbin, Peabo Hamilton, Ronald Mayers, Jamal Angus, Godfrey Broomes, Rondel McArthur, Osei McKenzie, Lancelot Adonis, Ryan Gonsalves, Lawrence Adonis (Coach), Philip Barrington (Physio) Americas Rugby Challenge Arguably the biggest challenge of their history to date, Guyana will be participating in the newly formed Americas Rugby Challenge. They will lock horns with the top tier of their group featuring the likes of World ranked USA (15th) and Canada (21st), Argentina (8th), Uru-

Guyana senior men’s rugby team who are popularly known as the Green Machine, is the only Caribbean team that has won Gold at the CAC games (Delano Williams photo) guay (18th) and Chile (29th). Guyana, currently world ranked at (48th) will play Paraguay (40th), Colombia (41st) and Mexico (54th) who were chosen over Trinidad and Tobago (52nd), over a oneweek duration with rest period of three days apart on August 25th, 29th and September 2nd. With this in mind the National Selectors have released a long list of players from whom the touring party of 29 will be selected. Names listed are asked to submit passport and registration details to the Union’s Secretary Petal Adams. Clubs can uplift forms on behalf of their players. Players listed are asked to report to Coach Kenneth Grant Stuart and Assistant Coach Oslen Olivierre. Un-

listed Players are welcome to present themselves for training and possible selection. The shortlisted players are Rondel McArthur, Ryan Gonsalves, Dwayne Schroeder, Kiefer Lopes, Rickford Cummings, Patrick King, Phibian Joseph, Delroy Gordon, Av e r y C o r b i n , L l o y d Anderson, Jason Tyrell, Cloyd Prowell, Lancelot Adonis, Jose Felicien, Sean Phillips, Daniel Anderson, Elwin Chase, Dillon De Abreu, Joshua Griffith, Peabo Hamilton, Joseph Rahaman, Jacques Archibald, Ronald Mayers, Cyon Kitt, Ryan Dey, David Grant, Glenroy Poole, Godfrey Broomes, Kevin McKenzie, Kurt Hunte,

Jamal Angus, Dillon Downer, Aluko Venture, Osei McKenzie, Ahmad Isaacs, Troynton Braithwaite, Osafo Selman, Lonsdale Browne, Telroy McAlmont, Claudius Butts, Daniel De Abreu, Vallon Adams, Michael Barrow, Richard Staglon, Rashad Butcher, Kevon David, James Osbourne, Allain Crawford, Shaquan Williams, Akeem Frazier, L i o n e l H o l d e r, O ’ N e i l Charles and Grantley Williams. RAN 7s Championships and Pan Am Qualifiers The 2018 RAN Sevens Championships slated for September 22-23 in Barbados will be attended by both the Male and Female teams. The

GRFU would like the women’s team to commence immediate training under the eyes of Coaches Theodore Henry and Sabola Gray. Training will also be in preparation for the 2019 Women’s Tens Championships. Overseas-based, former national and potential players of Guyanese heritage not listed and interested in making the team are asked to be registered. Women’s List: Alana Fraser, Natasha Andrews, Alicia Mentore, Collette Hope, Sasha James, Cloetta Dublin, Shonette McFarlane, Lotoya Cordis, Mandy Browne, Cindy F r a s e r, Tr i c i a M u n r o e , Carrin Skeete, Carrin Carter, Ashanti Carrington, Kean Andrews, Nicole

Nero, Helen Jervis, Alicia Blackman, Tiffany Pilgrim, Olana Reece, Andrea L a s h l e y, Calanda Morrison, Ronesha Cornelius, Melissa Perry, Tamera Cameron, Sheriah Melville, A. Wilson, O. Grant and D. Josiah Under-18 and Under-20 continue training The National Junior teams continue training under the watchful eyes of National Coaches Adonis, Grant Stuart and Olivierre for upcoming international tournaments along with engagements with both Caribbean and South American teams. A Domestic league featuring the players is expected to commence in October and conclude in December.

RHTY&SC co-sponsors UCCA first ever Award Ceremony The ten cricket teams of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS are assisting the Executives of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association to fulfill their dreams of hosting a historic Award Ceremony. The teams have handed a total of twelve trophies to the Association and would also be sponsoring all the certificates for the event. Additionally, the teams would also be donating medals and standing the cost of the portraits for the establishment of the Upper Corentyne Hall of Fame. The Upper Corentyne Cricket Association on Sunday 10th June, 2018, would

create history when it hosts the first ever Award Ceremony for the Area at the Taj Mahal Hotel, located at No. 79 Village, Corriverton. The Award is the brain child of Berbice Cricket Board President and Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, who challenged the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association to host it with the support from his Club. The Berbice Cricket Board President made the challenge during his Face the Clubs Meeting in the Upper Corentyne Area. Foster, in handing over the trophies on behalf of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club stated that his

Club was also happy to assist the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association as the two organisations enjoyed a very cordial relationship. He expressed confidence that the Award Ceremony would be a huge success and would lay the foundation for better days in the Upper Corentyne Sub-Association. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, he disclosed was delighted to assist others to become successful as itself because Sports was the only secure alternative to a life away from Satan and his evil world of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and crime. Since the election of Foster as President of the Berbice Cricket (Continued on page 27)

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster hands over trophies to UCCA President Dennis De Andrade, while Sydney Jackman looks on.

Tuesday June 05, 2018

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Kaieteur News

Former Jamaica Int. Michael Johnson appointed Targets - Qualification for 2019 CONCACAF Golden Jaguar Head Coach Gold Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced the appointment of former Jamaican international and UEFA Pro Licence holder Michael Johnson as the new Head Coach of the Guyana Men’s National Football Team, Golden Jaguars. The federation in a press release yesterday informed that Johnson, who also holds a League Managers Association Diploma in Football Management, happens to be the most qualified national coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars. The 44-year-old British national brings a wealth of professional coaching and playing experience to the role, alongside sparkling recommendations from the English Football Association, former England Manager SvenGoran Eriksson and the English Premier League. ”I just can’t wait to get started - I’m really looking forward to the project the GFF President and the Technical Director have set out,” Johnson said. “The attraction of the role was the direction of Guyana: The GFF is looking to really make strides: to qualify for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and to break into the FIFA top 100. But it’s not just about results, it’s also about helping to grow the infrastructure of the country regarding coach education, youth talent, and the possible links between our nations that’s what’s exciting.” Johnson was the standout candidate from more than 200 applications received from all

over the world. All but one of the shortlisted candidates selected by the GFF following a rigorous recruitment process had obtained the UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification in global football. ”The GFF team is delighted to welcome Michael Johnson on board – the best qualified national coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars. With his professional expertise and top-level experience as a player, Michael will set a new gold standard for the football in Guyana,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. “The GFF is determined to elevate Guyana to the level it belongs – a Caribbean football powerhouse at the top of the regional rankings.” ”I also would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks and respect to former interim coach Wayne Dover for his ongoing service to football, and to the many impressive applicants for the huge interest generated by this role,” Forde said. Johnson will visit Guyana shortly to meet the GFF team, players, football stakeholders and the national media, and to observe progress in the construction of the GFF National Training Centre at Providence. Full details of his visit will follow. Johnson was part of the Jamaican national squad that competed at the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup and boasts a professional playing career spanning two decades in the English Football

League Championship and the English Premier League with clubs such as Derby County and Birmingham City. His coaching career includes successful stints at Cardiff City, Birmingham City and Notts County. He is currently an ambassador for Derby County, and it is expected that this connection will bring benefits for Guyana, including technical development exchanges, player scouting, and the hosting of training camps and international friendlies in England. ”Michael comes with outstanding references from the very highest level of the game, including former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and the English FA. He fits perfectly with the profile we were looking for as we look to build for the future and prepare young Guyanese talent for success at international level,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood. “With Michael in charge, we are confident we can qualify for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, on our way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” GFF Fact Sheet - Michael Johnson Personal Details Full name - Michael Johnson Date of birth – 4th July 1973 Age – 44 Nationality – British GFF National Men’s Team Targets - First ever qualification for CONCACAF Gold Cup (Target: 2019)

El Dorado Rums Golf Tournament set for June 16 at Lusignan Yesterday at the DSL Store in Ruimveldt, President of the Lusignan Golf Club Aleem Hussain collected a cheque from DDL’s El Dorado Brands Manager, Maria Munroe, for the staging of the inaugural El Dorado Golf Tournament at the Lusignan Golf Club on June 16. Munroe told the two Journalists present that the Demerara Distillers Limited and their El Dorado Rums Brand was pleased to partner with the Lusignan Golf Club to host the 2018 El Dorado Rums Golf Tournament. “Golf in Guyana has been supported by El Dorado Rums and in 2018 it’s on our calendar of Events as one of the main events. This partnership promises to be a very

important one, since local players across the Country will have the opportunity to showcase their talent in a very competitive competition,” Munroe informed. The Brand Manager said El Dorado Rums has always been a big contributor towards Sports in Guyana and is committed to the development and promotion of Sports as a healthy form of entertainment. “The prestigious tournament will see both Male and Female players compete at a very high level over the course of a day to become the El Dorado Champion. We are excited to witness some really great sportsmanship from the players and excellent execution from the or-

ganizers of the Lusignan Golf Committee,” Munroe continued. Munroe stated that DDL will continue to support Sports in Guyana and wished the LGC and players a competitive and successful tournament. Hussain said while this is an inaugural tournament, DDL has been supporting Golf for over 20 years. He added that not only the players but also fans will receive prizes, while informing all the different El Dorado Brands will be only display during the tournament. A women’s development policy is also in place to help develop female talent which could lead to Golf scholarships. (Sean Devers)

- First ever qualification for FIFA World Cup (Target: 2026) - FIFA top 100 ranking; CFU top 5 ranking Michael Johnson’s Coaching Qualifications - UEFA Pro Licence; UEFA ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licences; FA Youth Module 1, 2, & 3; FA Coach education course; League Management Association Diploma in Football Management - Johnson is the most qualified national coach in the history of Guyanese football. The UEFA Pro Licence is the highest coaching qualification in global football e.g. required for Europe’s top tier divisions, the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Coaching Experience - 2015 - Cardiff City U21 Assistant Manager - 2012 - Birmingham City Academy Coach - 2010 – Interim Notts County Manager - 2009-11 - Notts County Youth Team Manager - 2008-9 - Notts County U16s Manager - Johnson’s profile fits our strategic plan to develop young, local talent to build a strong national programme and a men’s squad that can qualify for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Professional Playing Career

- Jamaica international [1999-2006], 12 caps including 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad - English Premier League and English Football League Championship as a defender for teams such as Derby County, Birmingham City and Notts County in a professional career in English football spanning 1991-2009 - Highlights – 1998/9 & 2000/1 voted Player of the Year for Birmingham City; 2001/2 promoted to English Premier League with Birmingham City; 2005/6 promoted to English Premier League as club captain with Derby County. - 1991-1995 – Notts County – 107 appearances - 1995-2003 – Birmingham City – 262 appearances, 12 goals - 2003-2008 – Derby County – 138 appearances, 4 goals - 2008-2009 – Notts County – 28 appearances Professional References - Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson - The FA Technical Director Dan Ashworth - League Managers Association Chief Executive Richard Bevan - Premier League Executive Director William Bush Valuable Football Network - Johnson’s extensive professional network will help to recruit UK-based players to

strengthen the current national squad alongside our efforts to invest in the future and develop young local talent. Players we have earmarked include: Matthew Briggs – Barnet/former Fulham Defender; Callum Harriott – Reading/former England U-19 Winger; Ryan Fredericks – Fulham/former England U-19 Defender; David Stephens – Boreham Wood/former Wales U-21 Defender; Anthony Jeffrey Sutton United Forward. Leveraging Johnson’s role as Derby County Ambassador - Johnson is an ambassador for English Football League Championship side Derby Country. The GFF aims to collaborate with Derby County on a range of areas: - Training camps and international friendlies at Derby County - Player pathway to the EFL for Guyana national youth team players - Coaching and administrative exchanges - Sports science/performance analysis support and training - Equipment: boots, gears, clothing, etc - Create Derby County supporters club in Guyana - Community programme – the Derby County Community Trust is currently working in Kenya, which could be replicated in Guyana.

Laluni, Providence lead groups A, B in Sarjoo Memorial 40-over Constant rain fall has forced the executive of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association (EBDCA) to reschedule the Neville Sarjoo Memorial 40-over tournament. Last Sunday’s fixture between North Soesdyke and Farm was rained out with out a ball being bowled at Everest. Following three rounds of matches some of which were affected by rain, Laluni sit atop of Group A with three wins in as many matches followed by North Soesdyke with one win and one abandoned fixture, Sandpiper one win, Bayrock and Ruimveldt two and one abandoned games respectively, Farm and Peter’s Hall with one loss each complete the group. Providence with two victories lead group B followed by Silver Bullet with one win and one loss, Eccles one win, Herstelling, Uprising, Nandy

Mohamed Baksh

Vinash Rampersaud

Park and Rome Athletic are yet to register a point. Vinash Rampersaud of Sandpipers with 82 runs from two matches is the leading run scorer, while Troy Domingo of Laluni, Melroy Gomes, Teekaram George, Navin Singh and Wayne La Rose are the leading wicket takers so far. Secretary of the EBDCA Mohamed Baksh said

over $200,000 in cash and prizes are up for the taking, adding that the competition will resume as soon as the weather breaks. He stated that the winning and runner up teams along with the MVP, best batsman and bowler in tournament as well as man-ofthe-match in the final will be rewarded. Baksh added that (Continued on page 27)

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BCB host Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme in Upper Corentyne - Vittori Latchman cops Top Award

Top Awardees of the Camp pose with Coaches and Officials of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association. After a prolonged absence, Cricket Coaching returned to the Upper Corentyne area when the Berbice Cricket Board hosted the first leg of the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Countywide Coaching Camp for young cricketers. Dozens of excited youths between the ages of 12 to 19 years attended the two days coaching at the Skeldon Community Centre. The successful Camp was supervised by Head Tutor, Winston Smith, Coaches Balram Samaroo and Andre Percival. They were assisted by three Pre Level One Upper Corentyne Coaches including Lakeram Latchman and Junior Blair. The Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Camps are $516,000 countywide coaching invest-

ment by the Berbice Cricket Board and the Texas based Medical Doctor. The programme involves the hosting of Four-Two Days Camps in each of the county’s four Sub-Associations. With the successful Upper Corentyne Camp being completed, the Berbice Cricket Board would now be hosting the others in Lower/Central Corentyne, New Amsterdam/ Canje and West Berbice. The Board would also be hosting separate One Day Clinics for Wicketkeepers, batsmen, fast bowlers and spinners. The main objectives are to make sure that all technical faults are identified early and corrected, that players understand their roles and every players fulfill his/her full po-

tential. Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster visited the Camp on both days and spent time with the young participants discussing a range of topics with them. Foster spoke on the importance of Education, discipline and having a relationship with God. He spoke at length on how youths can benefit from being a professional cricketer and how the Berbice Cricket Board would invest heavily to assist them to fulfill their dreams. Foster urged the attentive youths to grasp the opportunities the Berbice Cricket Board is providing to them at great cost and to continue practicing at home what they would have learnt at the two

days clinic. He was loud in praise of Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh for his investment and also to former Secretary Oscar Ramjeet who is Berbice Cricket Board Liaison Officer in the United States. Head Coach Winston Smith expressed his delight at the discipline and passion of the young cricketers who were also eager to learn. Smith, noted that he was impressed by the cricketing skills among the large turnout of the junior cricketers and expressed confidence that cricket in the Upper Corentyne Area would become stronger especially at the Junior level. He stated that he was pleasantly surprised to observe that most of the youths were practicing what they

have learnt during the lunch break. Special emphasis was placed on batting, fast bowling, fielding, spin bowling and wicketkeeping during the Two-day Camp. President of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Dennis De Andrade and Chairman of the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Competitions Committee Chairman Sydney Jackman expressed satisfaction at the success of the Camp. They both hailed the contribution of Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh and the hard work of the Berbice Cricket Board President towards lifting the standard of the game in the Ancient County. Berbice Under-15 Player Vittori Latchman was named best Cricketer of the Camp and

received a trophy and a collection of educational material. Three other players received educational packages after been selected by the panel of six coaches as players with potential. They were Shamar Blair, Christopher Clark and Anthony Hussain. The Berbice Cricket Board also presented special gifts to the two young females Aliana and Akeela Sinclair who attended the Camp, All of the trophies and prizes were donated by Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. The Programme continues this weekend with a Two-Day Camp for young players in the Lower Corentyne area at the Albion Community Centre.

Allicock and ‘Superman’ Lewis reach South America Games semi-finals Guyana’s boxing duo of Keevin Allicock and Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis have both won their respective quarterfinal matches to move on to the semifinals which will assure them at least a bronze medal in the 2018 edition of the South America games in Bolivia. Allicock assured Guyana of its first medal when he stormed into the semi- finals of the bantam-

weight division on Saturd a y. A l l i c o c k d e f e a t e d Lucas Garcia of Uruguay by a 3-2 margin and was scheduled to fight an Argentine last night in his semifinal match. Guyana Boxing Association President Steve Ninvalle informed that the 19-year-old Allicock had a tough fight. According to the GBA boss, manager/coach

Terrence Poole indicated that Allicock was finding it difficult to get accustomed to the high altitude and weather. “Reports out of Bolivia state that Garcia pushed our boy. It was no walk in the park but Allicock’s tenacity and superior skill were evident following a dominating third round,” Ninvalle said.

Meanwhile in the light welterweight division, ‘Superman’ Lewis defeated Ve n e z u e l a n , C h r i s t i a n Madena, in his quarter-final match to ensure that Guyana will leave with at least two medals. Word coming out of Bolivia was that Lewis had a very tough first round against the Venezuela before coach Poole changed up the tactics that allowed the Caribbean Champion to rally back and eventually win the match.

Kaieteur News

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Blairmont CCC Awarded Most Improved Club of 2017 by BCB

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lairmount Cricket Club in We s t B a n k Berbice was awarded the ‘Most Improved Club of the year by the Berbice Cricket Board at their last Awards Ceremony and first since 2014. Blairmont Cricket Centre Club is a founder member of the BCB was very active and productive before 2002. Resuscitated on 26th May 2010 with election being held and under Shabeer Baksh’s leadership the club’s primary focus is Youth, Community and Sports development as the Club which once hosted First-Class matches, has grown from strength to strength since then. New BCB President Hilbert Foster noted that Blairmont Cricket Club is ranked among the best clubs in Berbice such as Albion, Rose Hall Young and Sports Club and Young Warriors and has produced several players for Berbice and Guyana. From 2015-2017, the club ensured its members continued to play cricket

despite the situation in Berbice cricket which was played in the Court more than on the field. Proactive BCCC President Shabeer Baksh informed that the only BCB tournament played by his club during that period was one First Division match in when they defeated West Berbice and four Second division games with Blairmount winning Zone A (West Berbice) in that tournament. Baksh said the club organized matches with sister-clubs such Cold Fusion (Zeelugt), Port Mourant, Young Warriors, Albion, Bush Lot United, Lusignan, Rose Hall Town, Skeldon, Kendall’s Union, D’Edward, Tucber Park, Shieldstown, Cotton Tree, Jai Hind, and Chesney to keep their players active. Baksh also informed that there was also a lot of inter club games played. According to Baksh, the club has 10 active teams, U13, U-15 ‘A’ & ‘B’ teams, U-17, U-19, U-21, two Second Division teams, a First Division and over-40 team and hosted cricket

Dexter Cush/Johil Store School Tape-ball tournament

Academy teams from the US and Canada during this period. The Club also participates in the Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFLSCA) competition. The club also plays in the ‘Well Teen’ and Trophy Stall U-13 Tourney which they won. Eight of the members of that team went on to make Berbice U15 teams. Blairmont CCC also partner with Guyana Umpiring body in a fundraiser to assist the umpires to attend a Seminar in Jamaica last July and held cricket clinics during the Easter, July/August and Christmas school vacations. An Award Ceremony was done to inspire cricketers as the club recognized individuals who have served in cricket and education and also assisted the community members who are less fortunate. There were tours conducted to educate its members in cricket (CPL) and the history of Guyana. At the BCB Award Ceremony members of

BCCC President Shabeer Baksh receives the Most Improved Club Award from West Indies player Veerasammy Permaul. BCCC Javed Karim, Guyana under-19 opening batsman was named Junior Role Model cricketer of the Year, while national U-15 Captain Marvan Prashad was named most

outstanding U-15 player of the Year. The club thanked Banks DIH, GTT, Republic Bank, Hand in Hand, New Building Society, Berbice River Bridge Company,

Baksh Travel Service, Green’s Massive, Big B’s Restaurant and Region five Chambers of Commerce among others for their sponsorship of the Club.

Cummings Lodge Secondary capture title

The two finalists pose for a group photo at the conclusion of the match.

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ummings Lodge Secondary School beat North Georgetown Secondary by 10 wickets in the Final of the seven-team Dexter Cush/ Johil Store School Boys knock-out Tapeball cricket Competition at the Durban Park

Tarmac last Saturday. North Georgetown batted first and scored 70-3 six overs with Nkosi Beaton top scoring with 34 before Kishore Seepersaud (40) and Deoram Narine (16) saw Cummings Lodge to 74 without loss to capture a Trophy

and Medals. Both Beaton and Seepersaud were adjudged the best players in the tournament and received medals. The tournament was coordinated by James Lewis and also included RBI,

IAE, Sophia Special School, Guyana Education Trust College and St John’s College. The runners-up received a Trophy and the next competition is set for June 16.

rt o p S Former Jamaica Int. Michael Johnson appointed. 31Golden Jaguar Head Coach

Allicock and ‘Superman’ Lewis reach South America Games semi-finals P. 32

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Targets - Qualification for 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup

From left, Coach Terrence Poole along with Keevin Allicock and Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis pose in Bolivia.

Injury wrecks Williams’ El Dorado Rums Golf Tournament audacious French title bid set for June 16 at LusignanP. 31 P. 29

Serena Williams of the U.S during a press conference. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)

Michael Johnson

Warriors outgun Cavs to take 2-0 El Dorado Brand Manager Maria Munroe presents sponsorship cheque to LGC President Aleem yesterday at DSL store in Ruimveldt. series lead P. 29 theHussain GRFU release P. 30 provisional squads ahead of busy upcoming calendar

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