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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 05, 2019

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

Skill of a brilliant leader

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rom the CNBC program “Make It” as covered by Karen Gilchrist and titled, “Former Apple CEO John Sculley reveals the skill that made Steve Jobs a ‘brilliant’ leader” (Yahoo Online, May 26). Expertise? Yes. Dedication? That too. Vision and all the rest? Check. But Jobs had one skill that soared: the ability to listen. According to Apple’s decade-long CEO, John Sculley, Steve Jobs was a “brilliant leader” because he was gifted with that extraordinary skill: one more time: the ability to listen. A quick sketch of the man and his times at Apple. He was driven and ambitious; powerful in his vision of what the company would be like in 20 years. Listening does not come easily to such figures. No time, no patience with competing sounds all blotted out by the thunders in the head and heart. Go for it. This is it. Get it done. Take no prisoners inevitably mutates one into a prisoner of self, of circumstances, of limitations, of those who anticipate what feeds the ego. Contentions come easily and harshly even from allies, particularly independent ones. Jobs lived that and then had to leave that behind for 12 years of soul searching and self-discovery. A man is reborn, a different kind of leader returns. The unwavering drive and ambition were still there, but Jobs willed himself to be receptive to the constructive and progressive, even the critical and confrontational. Real leaders do. Test me. Push me. Remake me. And so set me free to deliver. At another level. The overriding key has to be that hard-earned humility; that sojourn into the wilderness for self-discipline and self-learning. The return of Steve Jobs was brilliance personified: according to Sculley, who knew him as well as anyone, he was “more mature and had a greater willingness to listen to others.” Said a third time, but worth it. Because he was “no longer convinced that he was always right” and “that it opened him up to new ways of thinking” that “were obviously extremely influential.” Makes for consensus and success. Interestingly, former CEO Sculley noted that industry behemoth, Microsoft’s own CEO, Satya Nadella, is another sterling example of a great listener. Microsoft’s Chairman, John Thompson, when questioned about reasons for Nadella’s success stated that, “He is a superb listener and he has an open mind.” That is why some of Microsoft’s businesses were saved after they had “fallen off track.” As all Guyanese of honesty and conscience will admit, this country has fallen off track, way off track. It is not anywhere near to its potential. One after the other of its leaders have not listened, are slow to react; or outright dismissive of competing views, constructive objections, and confrontations compelled by failure. Guyanese do not listen. Worse yet, they listen to those who tell them only what they want to hear. That is neither listening nor influencing for maturing in the needed direction. That is why this society and all of its peoples are stuck in the same quicksand. Fall off track. Listen to self only. Fall off track some more. Listen to self-serving (only) and self (again). Fall off track still further. Sooner than later, there will be no track from which to fall. Track and time run out. It might be the patience of locals. Could be the patience of outside governors. On corruption. On dirty tricks. On danger zones that render vulnerable international interests and strategies; international programmes and demands. The men and women who step forward to take the reins in this country have certain common, dominant characteristics: hear their own voices; fall in love with themselves. Blank out the rest of the local world; many times the world itself. The result has been unchanging: leaders falling over themselves to make failures of themselves. The bigger problem is a Guyana aloft before the world as failure, too; and lacking in intellect or the graces of sages. Remember: listen.

I suggest that Mr. Nagamootoo voluntarily proceed on a permanent leave of absence DEAR EDITOR, I read that the General Manager of the state-run, Guyana Chronicle, has been empowered to return to the job. I think that Mr. Duncan should do the decent thing, the honourable thing, and resign. I learn, also, that this surprising development was cleared by the Hon. Prime Minister. I suggest that Mr. Nagamootoo proceed voluntarily on a permanent leave of absence. That would be to save some face by not forcing the hands of the government (president or cabinet or whomever) to dismiss him. From my perspective, and based on the public record, there was enough evidence that confirms some irregularities took place, and that they were traceable to the GM. “Irregularities” is my painkiller of choice on this occasion. For clearly, try as the powers may to dance on pinheads, matters were amiss, poor actions taken, and the followup probe pointed to an evidentiary chain that was revealing, if not condemning. The situation in the sum of its related parts speaks to more than procedural slippages and technical murkiness. I know that today is my day for euphemisms; yet even those fail to obscure the shenanigans that did occur, and with established footprints leading all the way to

the quarry. The scent was so strong that it would have been picked up by those with blindfolds on and chronic sinusitis. It is a little unnerving to me that something as open and shut, as well as simple and straightforward, as this affair not worth chronicling, should provoke so much dispute, focus on vote count (or whether a vote did happen and was recorded), and the last ‘jumbie’ lash of high-level intervention. That was the ‘jumbie’ lash that broke the jackass’s back. I can’t help but suppose that many wellplaced people in the corridors of power in this country take the people in this society for complete jackasses. It is even more scornful and more unfathomable also more unacceptable - when due process was followed. If ever there was a case that did not require painstaking dissembling, nor unsustainable hedging, nor rickety defending, this was it. The only parties who did the right thing-and unhesitatingly and unequivocally - were the three directors that resigned. I believe in anger, dismay, and disgust. There is delight that there are such folks still around in this cesspit. Although, I do not avail myself of its journalistic wisdom, I must wonder how the Guyana Chronicle will present this

rather shabby story involving one of its own. I must wonder further how does this government believes that it could continue to maintain any modicum of credibility when it engages in these, shall I say (honeydew again) strange interventions and decisions. This government came into being on the back of addressing and attacking forthrightly the corruption that clobbered the other government all the way into the ranks of the opposition. Corruption in the business of the state mostly signified a bottomless bag of dirty tricks involving the people’s money. Add to that abuse of power through misuse of office, and a Prime Minister unthinkingly (and uncaringly) stepping forward, waving his wand, and pardoning administrative malfeasance. Just like that! I must ask this question: how many high political officials in this land possess such authority to grant pardons? I am aware (somewhat disinterestedly and vaguely) of some leadership conflict and struggle, and some kind of positioning, with backing by others, for the number two position, at least on paper, in the country. And that this matter that ensnared the General Manager and who is supporting whom, has some bearing. That may be so, but if

this is the way that this government insists on performing its duties and delivering on promises, then the only people who will persevere and remain in its corner are fanatics, fools, and flimflam artists. All certifiable frauds. They are so many of them around, that the withdrawal of the truly conscientious and those desirous of genuine change may neither be missed nor concerning. Now if I recall accurately, there was somebody or a few more, who felt the lash when this troubling soap opera first unfolded. I understand that they were recognised as dedicated and quality people, a rarity. Who cares? Now there are resignations at the director level, with more promised in the employee ranks and again, with the same baleful response: who cares? To close this out, if this is clean governance, then I shudder to think what an unclean one is like. I, for one, have grave reservations about the principles underpinning more than a few decisions issuing from judicial chambers. By the same token, I must register my total disparagement of what goes on in the government’s high command. The thing speaks for itself. Sincerely, GHK Lall

Justice delayed is justice denied: Is the CCJ torpedoing its dreams of becoming the court of last resort? DEAR EDITOR, As we await the presentation/release of the CCJ’s decisions, I am optimistic, based on views from the side of the fence where I sit, that the Court will live up to expectations and deliver fair/ impartial decisions in keeping with facts and the provisions of our constitution. My optimistic view stems from the CCJ’s satisfactory/ pragmatic decisions delivered in several important/high powered cases over the last 14 years. That is, it would not uphold the unsupported 34 votes as indicative of majority, the President’s unilateral appointment of the GECOM Chairman, nor negate Charrandass’s vote. The CCJ’s delay in making its decisions public, however, raises concerns as to its true reason(s) or game plans. Could this be the Court’s silent support for the APNU+AFC government to proceed with its plans, which may even conflict with the awaited decisions? It has been argued time and again that justice delayed is justice

denied. The time taken for resolution of the issue is critical to the justice experience of those involved and can render the treatment wholly ‘unjust’ in circumstances where closure takes ‘too long’. That is, if the legal redress is not forthcoming in a timely manner, then it may not amount to any redress, as other circumstances may intervene and render the re-

dress useless or of no effect. The current belief of many commentators and political activists is that the delay is calculated to allow the APNU + AFC to pursue activities that would thwart the PPP/C’s march to regain political control of Guyana any time soon. If the arguments hold true, then the critics of the CCJ, especially those who have expressed concerns about the APNU’s ‘incestuous’ connec-

tion with the CCJ, may indeed be correct. In light thereof, I take the informed view that should the concerns raised about the objectivity of the CCJ hold true, the growth of the CCJ would be negatively impacted. In essence, should the delay allow the APNU to proceed with acts which would have been stalled/nullified by (Continued on page 5)

ANDAIYE WAS ONE OF THE FEW WHO SPOKE TRUTH TO POWER DEAR EDITOR, I write to add my personal tribute to Andaiye whom I was fortunate to know from my teenage years, as she was a friend of my father’s. There were few plain speakers in the Guyana of my youth. Many were lions in their private circles and mice in the public sphere. Andaiye was one of the few who spoke truth to power, whatever the circumstances, consistently and fearlessly. It was a trait that continued throughout her life.

In her conversation and writing, there was a singular clarity of thought and clarity of expression. This was a feat both of intellect and compassion: she read, she listened, she absorbed and then she formulated an opinion. What made her almost unique in Guyana was that her deeds matched her words. She lived her beliefs, in a manner that many may aspire to but few achieve. These qualities combined to give her words unusual weight in our society. Perhaps rather than seeking to bestow posthumous

honours and accolades (for which she had little appetite and for which there was ample time while she lived), we might best honour her memory by striving to adopt a little of her praxis; to empower the weak, to give agency and a livelihood to the poor, to listen carefully to the voices in society that we continually silence and to speak out clearly and firmly against what we perceive to be unjust or ill-conceived. Yours faithfully, Isabelle de Caires


Wednesday June 05, 2019

Corruption is now finding its way on faceted and takes a variety of forms such as bribery, nepothe national agenda tism, cronyism, influence pedDEAR EDITOR, The issue of corruption is now finding its way on the national agenda. The watchdog committee Transparency International and the Integrity Commission are both deserving of credit for highlighting breaches in accountability and transparency norms and calling out senior Government officials who fail to submit their statutory declarations on a timely manner. This is good for the health of our body politic. The example has to be set from the top. This will have a cascading effect on those at the lower echelons of the public service. I have always maintained the view that when it comes to corruption there can be no sacred cows. Every allegation

of corruption must be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken to deal with those found guilty regardless of status or rank. It must not be perceived to be politically driven as is currently the case. In this regard, the decision taken by the Integrity Commission to publish the names of those officials who failed to submit their declarations within the prescribed timeframe is a step in the right direction. It is not enough however, to publish names but to move to the next level by taking the appropriate legal action to ensure compliance. Taking a tough stance against corruption will help to set the right moral tone for the society. Corruption is multi-

dling, tax evasion, money laundering among others. Regardless of what form it takes, we are all poorer for every act of corruption. The United Nations estimated that roughly 3.6 trillion dollars (US) or 5 percent of global GDP are lost annually due to corruption. The cost of corruption is enormous and is a major impediment to national development and poverty reduction. This is why the fight against corruption must be interagency involving strong institutions such as the Office of the Auditor General, the Judiciary and other watchdog bodies such as Transparency International, the Integrity Commission and by no means least the wider citizenry. Hydar Ally

MAKE USE OF YOUR PR OFFICER Countries like the USA, MR. COMMISSIONER officer. Canada and the UK do not DEAR EDITOR, I refer to your report of June 3 2019: “Police response to crimes has improved– Police Commissioner”, and am offering some unsolicited advices, for when one is new in a job, some prior practices do mean something and can be used as guides. Here goes… With respect, Police Commissioner Leslie James you have opened yourself to public ridicule. Please, please good sir, do not do this again. You look and sound silly. Please goodly sir, let your PR officer handle such matters (and I do hope you do have a PR officer). Many years ago, Royston King was the PR officer and he skillfully took care of many

blaring matters. His defence, explanation and commentary were superb as he adroitly glossed over the matters at issue. Right now, goodly sir, the crime wave is high and your referencing a 2.7 percent decline is in the realm of unacceptable, as everybody want the unrealistic situation of no crime at all. The fact is everybody want every crime to be handled expeditiously and such silly excuses of no available vehicle and no gas are the utter height of ridiculousness and completely unacceptable, but you dared to hold a press conference and to look askance as if this is unimportant. No sir, you were not acting in a reasonable, sensible thoughtful manner, more so as you failed to use your PR

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lightly issue travel warnings to their citizens and those travel warnings are not smiled at nor smirked at. They are taken seriously. Plus this reported comment to wit “Commissioner James assured citizens and visitors to the country that the force is concerned about any occurrence of crime and will work to bring justice to all of those who might be affected”, sounds so abject that any sensible person would interpret it as you saying “hey buddy, yuh on yuh own!” Please think deeply… Carl Veecock

Gobin Harbhajan is the ideal PM candidate for the Coalition DEAR EDITOR, The spectre of early elections has never been more evident. Following last December’s historic no-confidence vote in the National Assembly, it can be deduced that Guyana’s political arena will never be the same again. Traditional politics has been kicked through the door.We are preparing for one of the most critical of elections in this country’s history. It will be hard fought and bloody and likely from the current configurations, there will likely be no side that can command more than 50 percent, unless there is something more that can be offered on the table to the people who are clearly weary of the same promises. The Coalition since coming to office in 2015 has not been given a smooth ride. An Opposition that has been in power for 23 years will never easily give up. This is never more evident in the strongholds of Berbice where sabotage at the NDCs and drainage and irrigation levels are prevalent, to make the administration take blame for flooding, among other things. Recently, in the media, it has come to light that there is a fight in the Alliance For Change for nominations to the Prime Minister’s position. It is Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo, who are both from Berbice who are the frontrunners. As can be recalled, the large faction- the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) by virtue of the Herdmanston Accord, has the presidential post. The Coalition has to come good if it intends to do well and take back the presidency in the coming elections.

The Berbice and indigenous people’s vote will be key. In 2015, and I dare the AFC spinners to prove otherwise, thousands of Berbicians from Black Bush and other areas, disillusioned with the situation of the Donald Ramotar administration, decided to give the Coalition a chance.The goodwill seemed to have been lost as both Ramjattan and Nagamootoo forgot the voters in the Berbice.The subsequent local government elections are all but testimony of how Berbician perceive the AFC. Fortunately, there seems to be hope. The Coalition is struggling to find a PM candidate who is both credible and respected. He or she will likely have to be Indian. The experiment of Nagamootoo and Ramjattan would be playing Russian roulette for the Coalition.In the past three years, one man has managed to bring goodwill to the AFC and the Coalition in Berbice.Gobin Harbhajan has commanded the respect of Berbicians and his appointment as the PM’s Representative to Region 6 was a wise move that has paid dividends.I have had many clashes with Harbhajan over issues but he sees no party colour and would call a spade a spade. The many who visit his office and others who pass information to him is testimony of the respect that he commands.He has been sitting on the boards of the Regional Democratic Council, at the Skeldon Electricity Inc., Guyana Post Office Corporation and Vice Chairman for the Board of Guardian. Yours truly, Mike Singh Sr. Businessman

Justice delayed is justice denied: Is the ... From page 4 timely publication of the decisions, the CCJ would have made good strides in torpedoing its future.In a nutshell, the current CCJ-delay seems pregnant with deception, perhaps to facilitate the APNU+AFC ongoing acts. I therefore, believe it would be fitting to end with the late Eric Williams’ mathematical formula, ‘one from 10 leaves zero’, which he used to rationalise the potential demise of the regional grouping had Trinidad & Tobago with-

drawn. In the same vein, one from four would leave zero should Guyana pull out from the CCJ, as the remaining three small economies cannot sustain it. In essence, should the Court compromise its ability to function impartially, in the eyes of the region, it would have undermined its efforts to become the Final Court of the Region. Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh


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Wednesday June 05, 2019

A controversy that has brought Thomas Fuller’s adage “Be you never Sixth, it is human urge for just as how (as settled by well case law) even a Judge persons in authority such as so high, the law is above you” into sharp focus known is required to give the alleged Magistrates (I do not exclude DEAR EDITOR, Thomas Fuller over 340 years ago said these clarion words: “Be you never so high, the law is above you”. The divisive controversy between Magistrate Rondel Weaver, and Police Inspector Prem Narine brings those words into very sharp focus. Clinton Conway with, perhaps, blinkered professional comity, with tempered angst and, an understandable accustomed degree of police empathy, criticises the Magistrate (“There appears to be something wrong about the jailing of the police Inspector” – published in another section of the media on Tuesday May 28, 2019). Earl Hamilton (a popular letter writer), perhaps, a Thomas Fuller inspired, supports the learned Magistrate. (“The incident between police inspector and magistrate” also published in another section of the media

on May 28, 2019.) This is a matter of considerable practical significance in the administration of justice, for both the magistracy, and the prosecutorial arm of the Guyana Police Force, alike. I offer some views. I hold no ‘beef’, for either the learned Magistrate, or the police officer. First, a Magistrate has the undoubted statutory power, and jurisdiction, to punish “EVERYONE who wilfully insults a Magistrate, or is guilty of any other grave misconduct during the hearing of any case or matter, civil or criminal…” and as such punishment, the magistrate may order the offender “…to be detained under a warrant for that purpose in the nearest lockup or place of detention for any time not later than rising of the court, on the same day…or to be imprisoned for any term not exceeding seven

days unless, sooner discharged by the magistrate” (See Section 64 of the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrates) Act, Cap 3:05 Laws of Guyana). Not having had the benefit or advantage of hearing/ seeing (as the learned Magistrate obviously had) the demeanour/ words/acts/omissions of Inspector Narine, I express no opinion (much less purport to make any finding) as to whether the learned magistrate was WILFULLY insulted, or whether he committed some other GRAVE misconduct (There is a seemingly exculpatory report in a media report dated May 23 “Magistrate overruled”). Second, a witness (police or civilian) has an undoubted statutory right (subject to conditions of contemporaneity not here relevant) “to REFRESH his memory by referring to any writing made by himself…” (See Section 84 of the Evidence Act, Cap 5:03 Laws of Guyana) The established practice (whether this is the position at law as a matter of statutory construction of section 84, I express no opinion), is that this right is exercised, upon application by the prosecutor, by leave of the magistrate, (and not as a matter of course) whenever the witness considers that his memory needs to be refreshed, because he has forgotten, or cannot rely on memory for accuracy as to the facts/circumstances on which he is being examined and giving testimony. (Fraud cases involving inter alia multiple, many digit numbers, are classic cases where a witness must be allowed to refresh). Third, (as a corollary of my second proposition) even al-

lowing for out-of-court preparation of a witness by reading his (police) statement before entering the witness box, given the infinite varieties of mental capacities of our policemen (some might even be medically amnesiac; some on the other hand blessed with an elephantine photographic memory), and the multiplicity of criminal matters they investigate etc., the preponderance of case law shows that there is a judicial dispensation to grant leave to refresh to POLICE WITNESSES; even allowing them to have their witness statement in the witness box; and read the relevant parts of their witness statement, whereupon (so that it becomes admissible and evidence) the prosecutor would ask the witness “what you just read, is it your evidence?”, and the witness says “Yes that is now my evidence” or words to such effect. The underlying factor about refreshing memory, is that it is not, and never is, the witness’ memory that is under examination; but rather generally, the veracity and credibility of his evidence/ testimony. This is sheer common sense, you might think. Fourth, the statutory power of conviction/imprisonment under Section 64 of SJ (M) A – see my “First” proposition (while analogous to), is not a power such as possessed by a Judge for contempt in-the-face of the Court (See Contempt of Court, Act, Cap 5:05 which restricts, by definition, its application to “Judge”.) The Magistrates’ power is LIMITED to “grave misconduct” (Such as wilful insult). The difference is not some mere linguistic semantic; contempt is wider in its conceptual variations, than “grave misconduct.” And

contemnor sufficient particulars of the contempt and giving him the opportunity to disprove the allegation put by the Judge, a fortiori, must a magistrate do the same in respect of an alleged misconduct. Clinton Conway is right. As Bollers, CJ in Brandt v The AG (1971) also did, Conway finds biblical authority in the book of Genesis, of even God dispensing natural justice to Adam. Magistrates must read the very instructive and illuminating case of Sheldon (1964). Fifth, being somewhat analogous to a Judge’s contempt power, a Magistrate’s grave misconduct power must be seen, understood and exercised, in the light of its usefulness being, similarly, dependent on the wisdom and restraint with which it is exercised, and to use it to suppress, methods of testimony by a prosecution’s witness which are merely argumentative (but not amounting to defiance of, or undermining of, the Magistrate’s authority), or even offensive to the magistrate’s sensibilities or sensitivities, is to use it for a purpose for which it was never intended. (See the analogous situation of an advocate in Maharaj v. AG of Trinidad and Tobago (1977) 1 All ER 411 P.C.) Moreover, Section 64 must be read, in conformity with a witness’ fundamental right under Article 139 of the Constitution not to be deprived of his personal LIBERTY without due process. Magistrates, even while having no jurisdiction whatsoever to determine constitutional issues, is not exempted from the application and guarantees of the supreme law when exercising their Section 64 powers.

Judges) to be assertive when angsted, or disrespected in open court. Yet, it is judicial to resist that urge. Magistrates must be judicial. And it is a matter of considerable curiosity that not even in Stone’s Justices’ Manual (1984) Vol. 1, which covers periods of great historical antiquity (as far back even as the 15th century) is there any case law precedent of unlearned justices of peace in England, or Stipendary Magistrate (the comparison to our legally qualified Magistrates) imprisoning a mere witness for disrespectful behaviour. But, is not disrespectful behaviour capable, in law, of amounting to “insult” – the only question then being: was it wilful? Were the Sheldon principles of natural justice complied with in substance in this Weaver/Narine matter having regards to the verbal exchanges between the learned Magistrate, and Inspector Narine? And further I say not. Detention in the lock up facility at the court/nearest police station if there is no court lock up, until the rising of the court is always an option which, assuming the conviction to be sound in law, would hardly be found to be “excessive”, even to the most leniency minded Judge, who having also the Magistrate’s version of facts, (whether by affidavit, or just a written statement) when acting pursuant to the judicial review jurisdiction conferred on a High Court Judge by Section 64 (3) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Magistrates) Act, no doubt would ask: What would I have done if the witness had conducted himself like that in my court? I end with this: the Magistracy, too, has its role to play in the administration of justice. Prosecution’s witnesses are vitally important. I am convinced that this is a hard case. Earl Hamilton, might easily have been writing for the overwhelming majority of lay Guyanese when he wrote: “Is such behaviour permissible in a Court of Law?” The administration of justice is not served nor enhanced, if witnesses can be permitted to believe that Thomas Fuller’s adage over 340 years ago, has little or no relevance to them in a magistrate’s Court, (but certainly in a Judge’s court). On one possible view, the maximum punishment of seven days imprisonment, on the hypothesis of even a valid conviction, would seem “excessive”, and for an unjudicial purpose. Regards, Maxwell. E. Edwards


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Wednesday June 05, 2019

Teen pleads guilty to killing Professor Perry Mars

- To be sentenced on June 24

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ighteen-year-old Naomi Adams is now awaiting sentencing after she admitted to killing 75-year-old retired professor Pairadeau ‘Perry’ Mars who was found dead at his Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home, on May 12, 2016. Adams was one of five teenagers accused of the crime. Though initially indicted for murder, Adams opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. She admitted that on May 12, 2016, in the county of Demerara, she, in the company of others, unlawfully killed Mars during the course of a robbery. According to facts presented by State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy, Adams and others went into Mars’s home, and he was subse-

18-year-old Naomi Adams being escorted to the courtroom by Prison Officers Murdered Retired Professor Pairadeau Mars quently choked to death. Prosecutor Hardy added that Mars’s home was also robbed and Adams was found in possession of his cell phone at the time of her arrest and also confessed to the crime.

Considering that she was only 15 at the time of the offence, Justice Navindra Singh ordered that a probation report be prepared on Adams before he imposes a sentence. Adams, who was represented

by Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway, returns to court on Monday, June 24, for sentencing. According to reports, Mars, a remigrant from the United States of America, was found slumped in a chair in the study room of his home.

Man, 21, admits to killing friend, jailed for 8 years Justice Navindra Singh yesterday sentenced 21-yearold Linden Williams to eight years’ imprisonment. Williams appeared before the Judge and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Initially charged with the January 1, 2015 murder of his friend, Errol Campbell, Williams pleaded guilty to the lesser count when he appeared at the High Court in Demerara. Reports indicate that Campbell was attacked by Williams and another man. Shondell Jones told police that on December 31, 2014, she and her brother, Errol went to a Chinese shop at Clonbrook, Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara to buy food. The woman said as they were making their way back home, they were approached by Williams and the other man who were both on a bicycle. According to her, the other man jumped off the bicycle and stabbed her brother to his left side chest saying, “Let this thing done from today. Thereafter, the sister said that Williams picked up a brick and pelted her brother. She said that her brother fell onto the ground and the other man approached him and chucked him again saying, “Let this thing done from today.” Her brother later succumbed. During a plea in mitigation, Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd asked for the minimal sentence. He told the court that his client obtained

a certificate in welding while he was in prison. Further, the lawyer added that his client is one of the most talented players in the prison’s steel pan band and has had the opportunity to play at several events. Todd also asked the court to consider that his client was relatively young, 17, when the incident occurred. According to Todd, his client has made every attempt to qualify himself while in prison. In his address to the court, Williams said he was sorry for what he had done. The confessed killer extended an apology to some of the relatives of the now dead man who were present at the court hearing. In arriving at a sentence for Williams, Justice Singh considered his youthful age and the fact that he had made attempts to reform himself while incarcerated. The judge noted that teenagers tend to do “stupid things” and wished Williams all the best when he is released from custody. From the eight-year sentence, Justice Singh made an order that the prison authorities are to deduct the time Williams spent in pretrial custody.

Jailed: Linden Williams

His hands and feet were bound together with ducttape, while duct-tape was also wrapped around his mouth. Professor Mars studied

History at the University of Guyana. He had specialized in African Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA.


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Wednesday June 05, 2019

Gov’t Commissioners trying to prevent review of ERC report on GECOM hiring practices – Robeson Benn People Progressive Party, Civic (PPP/C) executive and Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM) Commissioner Robeson Benn, is accusing the Governmentaligned Commissioners of deliberately working to prevent the review of the report by the Ethnic Relations Commission, (ERC) in relation to

the hiring practices of the (GECOM). The Party had expressed dissatisfaction in the probe citing the “non-appearances” of three key persons named by the sub-committee in the report. Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Myers; Human Resources Manager,

Marcia Crawford; and GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson who, according to the report, failed to produce documents concerning the alleged “shiftiness” of Vishnu Persaud, the person, who Myers was chosen over for Deputy Chief Elections Officer. The three persons (Myers, Crawford and Patterson) reportedly were required to and had promised to make available the necessary information, and the report stated that the failure to cooperate with the investigation couldn’t be anything other than deliberate and willful. The PPP commissioners had therefore claimed that the work of the ERC– for the true intent and results of the report – were sabotaged. As such, GECOM’s Opposition representatives are calling for a review of the report presented by the ERC. However, following yet another statutory meeting of the Commissioners yesterday, Benn again brought accusations against the Government side. This time, he says that “the Government‘s agents are trying to prevent a review of the report” by the sub-com-

mittee. “There is obviously an interest in burying the report and making sure it does not meet the sub-committee for reexamination,” Benn said. He noted too that the objective of the PPP is to ensure that a fair investigation is conducted to arrive at the correct conclusion. “As it stands, key elements were missing from the ERC’s case, so there’s no way they could have arrived at the correct determination. If we don’t get a proper investigation and report, we can’t make an adequate determination to prevent discrimination and ensure that GECOM’s hiring practices are in keeping with people’s fundamental rights.” The ERC had ruled in a complaint filed by the Opposition asking for an investigation surrounding the hiring practices of the former Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), Vishnu Persaud. Persaud was one of the candidates applying for the position; he had scored higher than Roxanne Myers during the interviewing process. Myers was however selected for the job after the Commission’s Chairman cast

Robeson Benn the deciding vote in her favour. The ERC report noted that “by all objective criteria, Mr. Persaud was, on the available evidence, the most qualified candidate for appointment to the position of DCEO”. It was pointed out that the vote of the Chairman to break a voting deadlock happened only once before in GECOM. “By long established practice, the candidate acquiring the highest score secured the appointment. Save and except for the case of Mr. Gocool Boodoo, all appointments were made upon the

unanimous vote of all of the Commissioners,” the report said. In released excerpts of the final report by ERC, it was disclosed “in all other cases, the appointments were made following a consensus between all of the Commissioners: that is to say the three Commissioners appointed by the President acting in his own deliberate judgment together with the three Commissioners appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Leader of the Opposition”. The ERC said that Persaud whose contract was not renewed a few years ago as CEO, was the first candidate in the history of GECOM who had obtained the highest score and had not been appointed. “Because of the way that our population is distributed over the country, it is inevitable that in some areas where there is a preponderance of Guyanese of a given ethnicity, there is likely to be a majority of employees in those areas of the majority ethnicity.” ERC found that there are no institutional rules or practices in GECOM, which allows for ethnic discrimination in hiring. “In fact, at GECOM, there are people who are vigilant enough,” the report said.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

If this trend is not brought to an end, the exodus of skills will continue

T

he political parties and coalitions which have traditionally administered Guyana have looked for the right persons in the wrong places. They have come into office and have tried to find competent persons from amongst their loyalists. The PNC ruled Guyana for twenty-eight years. During that period, it pursued a deliberate strategy of dominating the administrative space in the country. It wanted its own supporters and loyalists in the critical posts within the public sector. It also began to stack the public service with party supporters, the only qualification for many being a party card for who they knew in the political directorate. When the PNC jointed with the United Force in 1964, there were already persons sympathetic to the government in senior positions within the public sector. The PNC destroyed the credibility of many of those persons by turning them into political stooges and lackeys. Some of these persons went as far as defending the shameless rigging of the 1968 and 1973 elections. They were so blinded by their loyalty to the PNC that they could not see how the dishonest positions they took undermined whatever semblance of respect and professionalism they had left. The PNC superseded many professionals with incompetent political hacks whose only qualifications

were their political loyalties to the ruling party. Professionals within the public service who were bypassed for promotion or surpassed by political appointees migrated and kept their peace. Even now, they speak about their humiliations in private. They left Guyana because they could not stomach it anymore. The PPP also did the same when it came into office in 1992. Many professionals left also during their time in power. Change is inevitable whenever a new government takes office. But you do not throw out the baby with the bathwater. People can always be replaced, but the damage done to morale and professionalism cannot be undone. APNU+AFC has dismissed or terminated the contracts of many persons since they came to office in May 2015. There have been cases of personal and political vindictiveness. The government has replaced those persons in most instances with loyalists. The problem is that many of those who have been given jobs are pushy people with assertive personalities, but who do not always have the talent for the specific job they have to undertake. Some of the newbies are earning fortunes, but are inexperienced for the posts they hold. They are at sea on the job. These political appointees have bypassed other persons who worked within the system and who were waiting for promotion. Instead, they are seeing a repeat

of what the PPP did: put its own political appointees in office. If this trend is not brought to an end, the exodus of skilled Guyanese will continue. The government should not employ persons with limited experience to assume authority over skilled professionals who are qualified and experienced. Persons cannot be picked only for their trustworthiness. This is going to set this country back and demoralise the public service. Donald Trump once advised that employers should examine what someone brings to the job. What were their achievements in the field in which they worked? And are they going to be able to replicate that success in their new job. If someone has just a little experience and no great achievement in a particular field, then that person should not be given preference over someone with a solid track record of achievements and who is experienced. Due diligence, even on loyalists, must be done. There are persons lining up for jobs with the new government. Some of them were living overseas. There should be a competitive process for filling vacancies. You cannot simply go around and appoint persons to positions. There is no guarantee that you will get the best person for the job this way. There are a lot of fortune hunters out there looking to

DEM BOYS SEH

Moses give Chronicle two GM Moses responsible fuh information. In fact, even when he was wid de odda party, he use to control information. He only stop when Jagdeo and he fall out and Jagdeo decide dat Kwame was better than Moses. Moses become Prime Minister. Right away Soulja Bai tell him dat he got to be responsible fuh information. Dat is how he was de main man behind all dem radio station. Soulja Bai also tell Moses dat he got to tek responsibility fuh de TV and de Chronicle. Dem boys seh when he put people who he know he can trust or at least people who can see eye to eye wid him. Most of de people on de

Board was he people; de General Manager at de newspaper was he people and de first man he fire was Jagdeo people. Old people always seh when people tek things fuh granted, dem does do stupidness. Moses put Sherod as General Manager. Sherod spend money like if is he own. He knock off de Finance lady when she talk. Moses had to intervene and send she back to wuk. Moses Board members get vex wid Sherod and send him home. Now Moses sending back Sherod to de Chronicle. Don’t ask Moses people pon de Board run. Dem boys seh it look like roach running from Baygon. Sherod come and de Board members gone.

In all fairness, Moses look at de law. He seh Sherod didn’t get justice. But he do something dat mek Soulja Bai cuss; and he is a man don’t cuss. Moses knock off de last General Manager and dat was like three or four years ago. When he write de letter to bring back Sherod, he copy it to de same General Manager he knock off. Jagdeo smile because Moses provide Jagdeo party all de information he want out of de Chronicle. But Moses start a problem. De former General Manager going back to de wuk because Moses who is in charge recognize him as de GM. Chronicle will now have two GM. Talk half and watch madness.

capitalize on the insecurity of the present government. Some of them are pushy and self-confident, but behind that veneer there is nothing but hot air. There is no talent and no expertise. The govern-

ment has to beware of these types. Contaminating government with such individuals will lead the coalition down the same road to disaster as the PNC and the PPP governments of the past.


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 05, 2019

THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Questionable elections inside the AFC My Monday column highlighted what took place on Saturday afternoon at the head office of the AFC. It was the closing day for nomination. One of the top leaders in the AFC, Imran Khan, discovered that he and his wife did not make it as delegates to the upcoming conference. Khan’s protest was unusual. For fear of libel, I did not describe Khan’s deportment. Another section of the press reported how Khan behaved. I am not going to repeat that description here; out of fear of libel again. But in another section of the press, one of the leaders of the AFC, Ms. Beverley Alert, offered her views on Khan’s antics. By Monday, both Khan and his wife had

acquired delegate status. That is one day after his protestations. This is a country of crass, deplorable political culture, so the nation would never be given an explanation as to how two persons can be made to vote at a party’s congress when after closing time, they were not nominated to be delegates. If the AFC was a tiny, eccentric party that is more obscure than elephants in Guyana, no one would even for a fleeting moment bother to notice what took place with Khan and his wife. But the AFC is half of the government in a Coalition Administration and a general election is coming up. A question that is logical to ask is if inside a ruling party they

can proceed with faulty elections, then why wouldn’t they do it at the national level? In several columns, I have voiced my opinion about the upcoming election being rigged. It is my opinion to own, just as those who believe my opinion is nonsense. But I honestly believe there are indications, since 2017 with the non-compliance with the Carter-Price formula for selecting a GECOM chairman, that the election arrangement may not be free and fair. I guess I can be proven wrong, but until then I have a right to express my feelings just as members of the governmental leadership do. Let’s get back to the AFC. I was told that each member of the AFC, to become a delegate, has to be nominated by the section of Guyana to which he/she/they belong(s). For example, Region Three has to name its people. Those selected

would be Region Three delegates. And the pattern is repeated for the other parts of Guyana. Khan and his wife belong to the Georgetown branch of the AFC, headed by Sherod Duncan. It would appear that there were no nominations from Georgetown for Khan and his wife. On discovering this, Khan was enraged on Saturday afternoon. But in politics, there are usually monumental upsets. That is the nature of politics. In a straight fight for the leadership of the UNC in Trinidad, the famous case of Basdeo Panday losing to Kamla Persad-Bissessar has gone down in the history books of that country. Trump won more delegates than top names in the Republican Party and he clinched the presidential slot. My understanding is that no one from Georgetown put forward the names of Khan and his wife. Khan is too big in the AFC leadership to have

lost out, but he did, and that is the way politics is. But more importantly, this is the way internal party democracy should work, and it has never been so in the PPP and PNC. On Monday evening, a strange thing happened at the AFC head office, and this is where the AFC will be hardpressed to maintain its raison d’être. On its own without the PNC, the AFC couldn’t win just one NDC in last year’s local government poll. Without the PNC, the AFC will not win even one parliamentary seat in the next general election. It is this columnist’s opinion that the AFC is a more unprincipled, unsound, unhinged, political entity than the PPP and PNC. So what did the AFC do on Monday evening? The non-functioning women arm of the AFC, named Women For Change, presided over a hastily convened meeting and, bingo – Imran Khan’s wife is now a delegate to the

Frederick Kissoon upcoming AFC congress later this month. In the meantime, Khan himself was granted delegate status. What happened to the closure of nomination at 6p.m., Saturday, June 1? In my Monday column, I advised readers that Moses Nagamootoo is an old fox who knows the game of what I would call, “delegateshaping” after seeing “delegate-shaping” for over forty years in the PPP. Khan and his wife work in the Office of the Prime Minister and both are supporters of Nagamootoo over Ramjattan in their contest for the PM slot. Ramjattan has lost round four.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 05, 2019

‘Supernatural occurrences’ at Police College create havoc among recruits It was chaos and confusion at the Felix Austin Police College (FAPC) over the weekend, after alleged cases of supernatural occurrences saw many recruits reportedly packing and leaving, while some were picked up by relatives. This publication visited the Eve Leary, Georgetown facility yesterday, and spoke with several trainees and a few employees, who said that the incidents began since Saturday evening last, as

some of the occupants there appeared to be ‘taken over’ by some supernatural force that caused them to act strangely, with a few running ‘helter-skelter’ as if demented. Two ranks in training told this publication that they were onsite when the incident began, emphasising that one female was ‘acting hysterically’ and had to be restrained by persons at the college. They explained that other incidents continued on

Sunday, causing much unease and raising concerns amongst superior ranks at the college. There were also reports of ranks on duty at various sections of the facility coming under the influence of ‘unseen forces’, causing them to act very strangely in many instances. Credible sources at FAPC indicated that this is not the first time this has occurred, recalling instances where female trainees ran from their

dormitory in night garments, screaming that they were being tormented by a female ‘ghost-like figure’. A few male trainees indicated that there were periodical reports of males who were tormented sexually in their beds (even when half awake) by a “Caucasian, demon-like female”. Many persons yesterday attributed the alleged occurrences to the fact that a cemetery was located at a section within the facility’s

compound, implying that it was the origin of whatever was allegedly haunting the facility. One female was reportedly taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital after appearing to have experienced a seizure. She was later returned to the police facility. Deputy Commissioner Paul Williams informed this newspaper yesterday that the college’s administration was dealing with the issue and that several pastors and religious leaders have been called in for prayers and other forms of divine intervention. Williams however refuted claims by another media outlet that a female trainee had scaled the fence and jumped into the Atlantic Ocean. He said that on Monday night, trainees residing in Georgetown were sent home because of the

situation, but returned to the college yesterday. The Deputy Commissioner said that the matter is under control and normalcy has since been restored. PAST OCCURRENCES Just a few years ago, several schools across Guyana were faced with the same situation where students appeared to be taken over by unseen forces and began writhing on the ground, frothing and running in all directions, their eyes wide with terror. These incidents had great similarities to that of the FAPC, and while they were occurring at a school in Charity, Essequibo; similar incidents were being observed simultaneously at schools in Mahaicony, Golden Grove, and Victoria, East Coast Demerara, as well schools in Berbice.

Second man charged for ‘White Boy’ murder A second man has been charged and remanded to prison for the murder of 20year-old Patrick Fraser called ‘White Boy’. Now joining Kevin Rose is Shemar Moore. The indictable charge was read to Moore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. Yesterday when the matter was called, police prosecutor Shellon Daniels withdrew the individual charge made out against Rose so that the joint charge could be read. It was alleged that on May 9, last, at Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara, the defendants while in company of others, murdered Patrick Fraser during the course or furtherance of a robbery. Twenty-three-year-old Moore, also called ‘Frankie’, who was unrepresented, told the court that he is a labourer who resides at Lot 108 Parfaite Harmony. Twenty-two year-old Rose is a labourer who resides as Lot 1058 Nineteenth Street, Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara. The men were remanded to prison until June 19 when the prosecutor will report if the post mortem and ballistic report have been handed

CHARGED: Shemar Moore over to complete the file for the matter. According to the police, Fraser, of 518 Republic Park, East Bank Demerara, was shot twice, about 20:30hrs, on the day in question. The incident allegedly took place in a yard at Norton Street, Bagotstown, East Bank Demerara. Police in an initial investigation had revealed that the victim, while imbibing with friends in the yard, was reportedly shot in the region of his right upper leg and right side ribs, by a person or persons unknown. He was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Hospital.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Chronicle’s Chairperson, several members resign The state-owned Guyana Chronicle was yesterday rocked by several resignations from Board members, including its Chairperson, Geeta ChandanEdmond, after they had received instructions that former General Manager, Sherod Duncan, who was sacked in April, must be rehired. The exchanges of the correspondence between the Board Chair and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, who the instructions came from, have become a public spat, with reports that a number of staff members are also threatening to resign. The matter is also spilling over to the political arena, as the three Board members who remained are said to be closely affiliated to

- after PM instructs Board to rehire GM who was sacked Nagamootoo’s party, the Alliance For Change (AFC), while the other three and Chandan-Edmond are not. In a letter dated May 31 from Nagamootoo to Chandan-Edmond, the Chairperson was accused of deliberately misleading the PM’s office that the decision to sack Duncan came from a vote of the Board. However, in insisting that the proper procedures were followed in terminating the services of Duncan, Chandan-Edmond, a lawyer and former magistrate, in her strongly-worded response, made it clear in noting that her professionalism and that of her Board were being questioned. “In light of this, I hereby

submit my resignation as Chairman of the Board of Directors, with immediate effect, since I believe I cannot continue to act at the level of ethics that you clearly require of the position.” Chandan-Edmond, whose husband Joel Edmond is an executive member of Nagamootoo’s party, the AFC, happens to also be a legal advisor in the Ministry of the Presidency. Her office is a stone’s throw from the PM’s. Reportedly resigning with the Chairperson were Board members, Mervyn Williams, a government parliamentarian, Hilbert Foster and Aaron Fraser. The three Directors who reportedly did not resign are

Juaretha Fernandes, Karamchand and Beverley Alert. Duncan, an AFC official, had his services terminated on April 2 by the Board after what they said was a vote. There was a tie - three persons voted in favour while three others were against. The deciding vote to send him home was cast by Chandan-Edmond. NO VOTE In his letter to the Chairperson, instructing that the decision be rescinded, Nagamootoo said he “received information” from Directors of GNNL that there was no vote put to the meeting by the Chairperson, and any statement to the

contrary is wholly false. He did not name the Board members who told him so. “What now remains is a glaring question of procedural irregularity in arriving at the decision to terminate Mr. Duncan. It should be made clear that asking members of the Board their views does not amount to a vote.” According to the PM, making a unilateral decision to terminate Duncan was “arbitrary, capricious, unlawful and in excess of the jurisdiction” of the Board. “Further, I am concerned that you have misled the Office of the Prime Minister with the erroneous claim that the Board of Directors came to this decision. It is clear that you deliberately sought to terminate Mr. Duncan without following prescribed procedures and further, misleading this office. In the premises, I cannot rely on your advice that termination

At the centre of a storm: Sherod Duncan of the service of Mr. Duncan accords with the due process and procedural fairness, and instruct that that decision be rescinded.” PROCEDURES FOLLOWED However, ChandanEdmond in her resignation letter made it clear that all the relevant provisions, more so the provisions of Article 94, were adhered to at all times in spirit and letter throughout Continued on page 26

Shopkeeper remanded for allegedly murdering customer A shopkeeper appeared before a city magistrate yesterday and was remanded to prison on a murder charge. He is alleged to have killed one of his customers. Troy Wharton called ‘Strongy’, 46, of Lot 198 Wisroc Housing Scheme, Wismar, Linden, appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. It is alleged that on May 31, 2019, at Kuribrong Landing, Potaro River, he murdered Mark Jacobus. The defendant was not required to plead to the indictable charge. Wharton was represented by Attorney-at-law Trenton Lake, who stated that he was surprised that his client was being charged with murder and not manslaughter, a lesser offence. He also told the court that his reason for mentioning a manslaughter charge was because Wharton acted out of provocation. Police prosecutor Shellon Daniels stated that the police do not make the charges; however, it is based on the instructions of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). She added that based on the facts of the charge, it indicates that the accused should be charged for murder. The facts of the charge stated that Jacobus and Wharton were known to each other. On the day in question, Jacobus was imbibing alcohol at Wharton’s shop.

Troy Wharton called ‘Strongy’ Jacobus later asked for alcohol via credit and this request was refused by Wharton. The prosecutor stated that Wharton is contending that Jacobus then allegedly whipped out a gun and tried to enter his shop. Wharton then allegedly armed himself with a cutlass and dealt Jacobus several chops. Jacobus was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The matter was then reported and Wharton was arrested and charged. According to the prosecutor, the investigating rank noted that at the crime scene, no gun was recovered. The magistrate, after listening to the facts, remanded Wharton to prison until June 14. The matter was transferred to the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Environmental studies wrap up for Exxon in offshore concession Offshore scientific services company TDIBrooks International said yesterday it has completed two Environmental Baseline Studies (EBS) for ExxonMobil offshore Guyana. The US super major is operator of several blocks offshore Guyana, including Canje, Kaieteur and Stabroek, which is classified as one of the most prolific offshore oil potentials in South America and is still growing in reserves In April, ExxonMobil announced its 13th discovery in the Stabroek block called the Yellowtail-1 well. The 26,800-square-kilometre field

is estimated to hold more than 5.5 billion Boep/d, and is located about 120 miles offshore Georgetown, Guyana. TDI-Brooks said the first EBS programme, in South Kaieteur, consisted of 30 water samples (10 locations x three depths), conductivity, temperature and depth (CTD) at 10 locations, sediment samples and drop camera photography. The second programme, in Southeast Stabroek, consisted of 60 water samples (20 locations x three water depths) with CTD, sediment sampling (box cores) and drop camera photography.

The TDI-Brooks vessel earmarked for this project was the R/V Proteus, a multi-use vessel suited for a wide variety of oceanographic research duties. Efforts in Guyanese waters include support from two Guyanese marine mammal observers and a local Guyanese firm who provided stores and supplies for the vessel along with transportation and import/ export clearances while working in Guyana. Maxon Consulting provided the regulatory and interpretative reporting components for the studies. (www.marinetechnologynews.com)

Research Vessel (R/V) Proteus (TDI-Brooks photo)


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Kaieteur News

Wednesday June 05, 2019

Man accused of killing Establish central unit to manage attacker from two years ago critical public projects – GSDS Vision 2040

An airplane porter was yesterday arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was read a murder charge by Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus. Clinton Allen is accused of stabbing his attacker from two years ago, to the neck, with a beer bottle. He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which read that between May 30, 2019 and May 31, 2019 at Kamarang Landing, Mazaruni, he murdered Rodwell Joseph. The accused, who was not represented by an attorney, told the court that he is 21 years old. He stated that he works at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport as an airplane porter. The facts of the charge were presented by police prosecutor Shellon Daniels. According to the prosecutor, the parties were known to each other, as two years ago, Joseph had injured Allen and he (Allen) is now left with a scar. She stated that on the day in question, Allen was drinking alcohol at a bar. He later left and waited outside of the bar where Joseph had to pass to go home. As Joseph passed the location, he was confronted by Allen. An argument then ensued between the parties and Allen allegedly broke a Corona beer bottle and stabbed Joseph in the region of the neck. Joseph was taken to the hospital

Remanded: Clinton Allen where he later succumbed to his injuries.The matter was reported and Allen was arrested. The allegation was put to him and under caution he reportedly admitted to committing the act. The present charge was later instituted against him.Allen was remanded to prison until July 17, when he is expected to make his next court appearance at the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court.

Government must strengthen its ability to design, procure, manage and evaluate large investment projects if it is to successfully implement the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040. The strengthening of that capacity requires the establishment of a ‘delivery unit for the design and management of critical projects’. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates that by 2023, oil production could reach 250,000 barrels per day; public revenue from oil exports could exceed $160B (more than half of Guyana’s 2019 budget). But the strategy states “International experience shows that natural resource wealth does not necessarily lead to broad-based improvements in development...” In some cases, it warns that newfound wealth could introduce damaging volatility to fiscal revenue and economic performance. It lists Trinidad and Venezuela as illustrations of the risk of windfall resource wealth. It states that such a large expenditure programme needs advanced capacity to

plan, procure and manage large projects since, with those projects, it is difficult for small governments to accurately assess the ability of contractors and ensure fiduciary responsibility. The strategy notes that, in the short term, government would be better off seeking the services of large-scale project management firms to alleviate pressure for the short-to-medium term stages of GSDS implementation. In the longer term, it is expected that there will be the opportunity to strengthen the Work Services Group (WSG). The Works Services Group (WSG) is a body operating under the purview of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure (MoPI), and was established in 2002 under donor impetus by merging series of project implementation units in order to manage donor-funded roads and bridges. The strategy recommends that to strengthen its capacity, the MoPI should consider, among other things, the market competitiveness of current compensation packages for persons who serve the group. The strategy states that,

optimally, the delivery unit could be established under the Ministry of the Presidency, to monitor adherence to planned priorities, as well as governance and transparency standards. Several governments, such as the United Kingdom, use the delivery unit as a way to strengthen the coordination and implementation of strategies across sectors, as opposed to having each public agency carry out separate mandates that are less coordinated.The recommendation of a delivery unit falls under Development Objective A of the strategy - Sound Fiscal and Monetary Policy. The GSDS: Vision 2040 Fiscal and Monetary Policy is expected to help government transparently manage oil wealth, channel it into productive public investments, and provide citizens and businesses with confidence that prices will remain stable in the long term.


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Kaieteur News

GECOM aims to have clean list by October 31 - encountering “serious bottlenecks” with House-to-House procurements – Govt. Commissioner Government-appointed Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM) Commissioner, Charles Corbin has said the Commission is right on schedule in generating a cleansed list in time for the General and Regional elections. Speaking to reporters following GECOM’s statutory meeting yesterday Commissioner Corbin explained that the process of generating the new list is happening within the stipulated timeframe. “Based on the available timetable, we are now in the same time scheme with respect to the process, regardless of which method we take – House-to-House or otherwise - since our next deadline for a qualified list is October 31. The Commissioner said too with regard to the preparation for House-toHouse registration, training has been completed and the Commission is only waiting the procurement of certain materials to conduct the exercise. Corbin’s position appears

to be in conflict with the statements attributed to GECOM’s Deputy Chief Elections Officer, Roxanne Meyers. Meyers had revealed that the GECOM Secretariat has calculated that House-to-House Registration would take nine months to be conducted. She noted that the Commission asked the Secretariat to provide Houseto-House Registration as an option to remedy the current Constitutional dilemma. “The technical analysis, by the secretariat, revealed that House-to-House Registration would take nine months.” Several contentions were raised by A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to support their advocacy for House-to-House registration this year. These included the removal of dead persons from the list, the addition of new voters, and the updating of electors’ addresses. According to their estimation, with the ninemonth timeline given by the Secretariat, House-to-House would conclude by December

Commissioner Charles Corbin of this year, if it were to commence today, causing a possible Election Day to move closer to the date set out by the Constitution under normal circumstances, than the March 19, 2019 deadline. M e a n w h i l e , Commissioner Corbin also informed reporters yesterday that the Commission is experiencing serious, significant bottlenecks in the procurement process. “Procurement is a

problem, and the process is still being frustrated at the level of the [National Procurement and Tender Administration Board],” Corbin said. He said that all that needs to be done now for Houseto-House to start is the procurements. “The training is complete. I think that the offices’ clearances have been given for all the management areas across the country. Those have already been set up.” He said that the enumerators need materials to conduct the process, and that is dependent on the suppliers. Yet, GECOM had come under fire years ago for procurement issues before. And Corbin said that the commission is working to ensure the circumstances surrounding those are not repeated. Audits were conducted at GECOM following the 2015 General Elections. The Auditor General’s office prepared three reports based on their investigations into the procurement of radios totalling $100M, the

purchase of pliers and the procurement of toners. The GECOM Secretariat had been accused of deliberately overseeing a system of procurement irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases – from radios, to pliers and batteries, to toners. Auditor General Deodat Sharma and his team had descended on the GECOM office to investigate worrisome procurement practices at the entity. One of the activities for the 2015 general elections was the purchase of several communication radios. It was found that less than 90 percent of the radios were used, despite advocacy by GECOM to the administration for the purchases. Some $100M was spent. The Commission had secured 50 radio sets specifically for use at the 2015 elections. Auditors found that only five of the sets were issued prior to the elections. This means that 45 of the 50 radio sets valued at approximately $89.604 million were not utilised.

The report found that on top of that purchase for the radios, which were all outdated, GECOM went ahead and bought 12 satellite phones for use, in case the radios could not be put into operation. When Local Government Elections were held in 2016, the radios were still not used. That issue had attracted the recommendation that “disciplinary action” be taken against officers guilty of negligence or wrongdoing, by the Auditor General’s office. Asked what is being done to prevent those issues from recurring, he said, “It’s difficult.” The Commission is trying to ensure it follows all the guidance and regulations of the Tender process. “In order to complete that process, we need the Tender Board to declare it.”

A mini health check is the first step to donating blood


PAGE 26

Wednesday June 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Chronicle’s Chairperson...

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1 Double steel wheel roller, 1 pnuematic 9 wheel roller, 2- tar kettles, small &large. 215-excavator spares, 1-3304 Cat Di engine Tel#275-0367/683-7225 (1) House Non-Pariel- 5 beds, 4 full baths. Call: 229-2772 or whatsapp #616-3094 1 Pitbull, 1 I-Phone 8, adults & kids clothing. Contact #6100901/675-1023 Outdoor umbrella for $6.700 at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Outdoor 10x10ft tent for $17,000 at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 6668052.

FOR RENT

WANTED

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Salesgirls & porters. Apply with written application at Best Buy Food Supplies 1E Dennis & Middleton Sts, Campbellville

One Four bedroom concrete cottage, unfurnished for rent, located at 26 Continential Park, Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara. Tel#233-5808 One Top flat 3 bedroom, LBI Housing Scheme. Tel#2267585 A newly refurbished 1bedroom apartment. Great Diamond, EBD. Contact #6966463/621-0352 VEHICLE FOR SALE Axio PXX series, reverse camera, fog lamps, owner leaving country. 2010 model $2.2M neg Tel#611-7106 1 Rav 4L PHH series. Price negotiable. Contact #6462131,630-0915 Honda Accord 2011-2000cc PWW series $3.2M Negotiable, owner leaving country. Tel#600-2606 New model 2009 premio $2.3M,Toyota Vitz 2010(unregistered) $1.8M Tel#223-5615/627-9600

1 Security personnel to work shift. 6 Days a week. Tel# 2275536/ 223-0504 Buying Wamara, Darina, Crabwood, Purpleheart, Tonkabean Logs. Contact #664-5150/691-5349

1 Gardener/handyman to work at Friendship East Bank Demerara. Tel#266-2217

1 part time kitchen asst/cook & 1 live-in domestic.2035yrs.Contact Mr.Khan.6956550/656-9313.

One Houselot - 100ft x 50ft in upscale Providence housing area. Sugrim #621-4802 One (1) General worker to work shift system, must be fluent in English and Spanish. Tel#668-0306/225-6337 1 - Male Ablebodied clerk. Call: 231-2029/616-5954 1 experienced female kitchen assistant. Tel#619-1640 Wanted- Drivers for Bus and Car. Tel#225-3234

1 Honda CRV. includes TV, Lot 14 Section B Non-Pariel music system, alarm, reverse ECD Public road. #619-8391 camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series Transported houselots for (First Owner) Contact #649sale- payment plans 0956 available, 200k downpayment, 20k monthly CAR RENTAL #233-6997/622-1957 PROGRESSIVE CAR Festival City, Two storey RENTAL: CARS FROM $18M, Aubrey Barker 100 x $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER 100, Bel Air Park $58M Atlantic DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 643Gardens $45M #231-2199/6185122,EMAIL:PRO_ 7483 A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM TO LET

Needed one plot of land to buy in Herstelling New Scheme #611-7223

For Official type of Business, Camp St and Commercial space, Enmore Mall ECD. Call Richard #609-7675/674-1705/2332614 Newly constructed 2 bedroom apt in a safe and healthy environment. Call: 698-6496/ 622-6512

AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494

Accounts Clerk. Requirements: CAT/ACCA Level 2, Quickbooks POS & Accounts proficient, salary negotiable. (2) Driver/ Salesman. Tel#623-8780 Security for interior. Requirements 30 years and over. Police/GDF experience, formal firearm training. Call: 223-7165

Security Personnel. Address: 16 Sublot A, Mudlot Kingston. Tel#676-8453/6305810

Office space to let.74 Brickdam opposite GT&T, 2 Floors fully Air conditioned, Generator, parking available.Call:226-6771/2264537.

Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.

Experienced cook 25-50 yrs Salary starts at $25,000 weekly preferably live in or live out, must be from ECD. #610-3974

2 Nissan: Pathfinder Jeep and Laurel Sedan - Superb condition, must see; must buy. Tel# 225-8427/660-3415

DOLLYSAUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL@ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM

VACANCY

Vegetarian Gardens- Driver, Salesman and Porter #2277 7 1 4 / 2 2 3 - 3 4 4 8 info@vgiworld.com Hick’s Ville Hotel Receptionist, Hotel attendants, Washer/Presser #231-0951/227-7714/223-3448 info@vgiworld.com Experienced cook & Waiter/ Waitress, Apply @ Parika 2nd Flat Boodhoo’s General Store. Contact#650-0402/664-4663 Wanted Primary School Teachers- Atleast 3 years’ experience needed, Valmiki Vidyalaya School. Please Contact #627-4575 VACANCY Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529

1 Ice Machine operator to work at Mon Repos. Tel#2203459/616-2222 Office Clerk. Requirements: CXC Math & English. Experience in DacEasy & Excel an asset. Telles Steel & Hardware. Call: 226-6771/2264537 Experienced Nail tec & Hairdressers, Apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public road, Riumzeight. Tel#269-1524/ 1602 or 656-3561 General Domestic to cook & clean for East Bank. Call: 6144358 Vacancy for experienced Lorry driver, Apply at Alabama Trading Vacancy for Salesgirl. Apply in person at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street, Bourda Female cleaner office & home. Call: 642-9823 Persons needed for Interior. Age 21-40. Phone #674-1767/ 661-7265 Live-in Domestic, must be able to prepare all type of Indian and Creole dishes. Call Richard #609-7675/674-1705 Pump attendant & cashier, shifts rotated weekly (6am3pm & 3pm-11pm) Apply @ Shell Service Station P r o v i d e n c e : Shellramsburg@gmail.com Vacancies exist for (1) Hotdog Cart operator. Food handlers certificate required. Call: 6034981 LAND FOR SALE Foundation, Column & Curb wall already bulit 57ft x 30ft for 2 storey house Lot 1402 Westminister, WBD. Call: 682-5813 Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Dairy $1.8M Schnoord (100x50) with 20 ft Reserve $3.6M #656-0701/648-1635

From page 14 the process that led to Duncan’s termination. “On the special statutory meeting, which was held on the 2nd day of April 2019, following a call of vote on the matter of termination of services, three directors voted against termination of services and three directors in favour of termination.” The Chairperson said she exercised her right to execute a casting vote to send Duncan home. ChandanEdmond, in her letter to the PM, said that unnamed Directors and their “hearsay” were used to discredit a transparent process. “I respectfully submit that we cannot effect policy decision at this institution of national consequence on such an inconsequential basis.” It was noted that “Minutes of the Board meeting” regarding Duncan’s matter was submitted as evidence. She reminded that Duncan was accused in the media of financial impropriety and mismanagement among other allegations. “The information unearthed by a Board investigation warranted the involvement of the office of the Auditor General. Mr. Duncan was sent on administrative leave to facilitate the audit during which time he was paid in full.” She also pointed out that the report from the State Auditor found multiple violations of financial procedure and questionable transactions, as were documented in a report to the Board. An audit company, Chateram Ramdihal Chartered Accountants, had been retained to perform an audit of the Chronicle from June 1, 2018, to September 10, 2018. The audit reportedly found tender procedures not followed and that questionable payments were made. “Mr. Duncan was afforded all the tenets of natural justice including a Board hearing during which he was allowed to be accompanied by an Attorneyat-law, Chandan-Edmond said. Duncan had been appointed General Manager of the newspaper from June 1, 2018 for a probationary period of six months. LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres. Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Earl Court (E.C.Dem) Success (E.C.Dem) Call: 2292772 or whatsapp #616-3094 Parfaite Harmonie $1.5M $1.8M $3.5M Eccles $6.5M Farm $5M Herstelling $4M, $4.5M Tuschen $1.5M Call: 666-2326


Wednesday June 05, 2019

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GNBA hosts third Stakeholder Engagement Forum The Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA) recently held its third Stakeholder Engagement Forum at the Herdmanston Lodge, under the theme, ‘Self Monitoring and Self Regulation. The event was attended by invited GNBAlicensed broadcasters from around Guyana. Speaking at the function, GNBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers said that the forum would become a consultative effort to foster positive relationships between the entity and broadcasters. He said that the engagement was intended to defy claims that the GNBA fails to engage its stakeholders. Sobers further stated that “it is the intention of this

Board, in keeping with that very undertaking, to have regular conversations and consultations with broadcasters, as they strive to improve the Broadcast Landscape and the quality of information and information delivery to citizens”. This, he said, will require “the diligent and earnest commitment of all parties combined in the Broadcasting Sector to share the common vision of becoming one of the best in their class and to gain the trust and confidence of our citizenry”. He emphasised that the collective effort and common vision has to embrace the desire to provide a service that enhances order, citing that

‘Phone’ sentenced to 10 years for killing Black Bush truck driver

JAILED: Navendra Basdeo called ‘Phone’

KILLED: Karan Sukhdeo

Twenty-four year-old Navendra Basdeo called ‘Phone’ who was earlier found guilty on the count of manslaughter for the killing of Karan Sukhdeo, has been sentenced to 10 years in jail. Basdeo, of Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, was on trial in the Berbice High Court before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury. Following the guilty verdict, a Probation report was ordered. Following the reading of the report, Justice Barlow handed down the sentence. Basdeo killed 30-year-old Sukhdeo, called “Vishal”, a truck driver and father of one, also of Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, on Saturday August 23, 2014. Prosecutor Mandel Moore presented the State’s case. A probation report which was presented by Probation and Welfare Officer Ms Vadney Schultz stated that Basdeo, who was the second of four children, grew up in difficult family surroundings. Their mother abandoned them at an early age and he

grew up with his father and an aunt. He left school at the age of 14 and started to work at a rice mill. The report mentioned, Basdeo as being described as a hardworking and willing individual who did not get into problems easily. Despite him dropping out from school, he attended evening classes and had also graduated with a certificate. Justice Barlow before handing down sentence said she had begun with 14 years in jail for the offence, but following mitigation and the probation report she deducted four years. She noted that from reports, it was Sukhdeo who was the aggressor - he pulled the accused out of the yard and started the fight. Basdeo was then sentenced to 10 years in jail. Justice Barlow ordered that the time already spent in jail be deducted from his sentence. Basdeo had given an unsworn statement from the dock .A number of persons testified during the trial. Basdeo has since appealed his conviction.

it is time that they move away from the old model of being profit-oriented without invigorating local talent, local conversations, or young enthusiasm, in other words, local content. He added that is time that Broadcasters recognise that Broadcasting can be a very powerful tool in evoking social change and as such consider the quality of change to be effected. Sobers encouraged closed captioning on some programmes in addition to systems for persons with hearing impairment. He

said, starting this year, GNBA will publicly recognise Broadcasters who demonstrate that desired level of consciousness and are fully compliant and such recognition will not only be applauded, but will have real value for the recipient. He pointed out that when a talk show host allows an uninformed guest to pontificate on conflict of interest with glaring uncertainty of the doctrine, or contends that sending letters pointing out infractions is a means

of stifling freedom of expression, is partly indicative of the amount of work to be done. The Chairman noted that Guyanese are free to express their opinions and creative abilities in several forms, but not to tarnish the reputation of citizens, provoke a breach of the peace, or annoy his/ her neighbour. The GNBA has indicated it will continue its external monitoring of radio stations, but will be moving towards introducing a system of Citizen Monitoring all around Guyana.

NBA Chairman, Leslie Sobers


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Wednesday June 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

Former Nigerian dictator’s £210m seized from Jersey account (BBC) More than $267m (£210m) belonging to a former Nigerian dictator has been seized from a Jersey bank account. The money was “derived through corruption” during the presidency of Sani Abacha in the 1990s, according to Jersey’s Civil Asset Recovery Fund.A shell company called Doraville held the funds, which were frozen in 2014.After a five-year legal wrangle, the money has now been recovered and will be split between Jersey, the United States and Nigeria. Jersey’s attorney general, Robert McRae QC, said the seizure “demonstrated [Jersey’s] commitment to tackling international financial crime and money laundering”. Mr Abacha was in power from 1993 until his death in 1998.It is not yet clear how much money will be kept by each government. Jersey’s Law Officers Department declined to comment on the final distribution of the funds because it could “prejudice ongoing discussions”.Jersey’s government said it had approached the US in 2007 to request legal proceedings begin in US courts over the laundered funds. The US Department of Justice itself has forfeited millions of dollars of money back to Nigeria, ruling Mr Abacha and associates laundered funds through the US banking industry.Following an “extensive” collection of evidence in a variety of international jurisdictions, the funds were frozen by the Royal Court in 2014 and finally paid into the Civil

Sani Abacha Asset Recovery Fund on 31 May. The money is just a fraction of the billions of dollars that were allegedly stolen and laundered during the presidency of Mr Abacha. Swiss authorities last year returned $300m (£228m) to the Nigerian government, after it was found to have been stolen from public funds.That money is being paid back to 300,000 Nigerian households over the next six years.A spokesman for Jersey’s Law Officers Department said it had faced “challenges and appeals” all the way to Jersey’s highest court, as well as “separate proceedings” by a third party in US court.

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Oil spill demonstration exercise conducted at Shell Beach

M

ore than 100 p e r s o n s participated in a recent Oil Spill demonstration exercise facilitated by ExxonMobil Guyana at Waini Point, Shell Beach Protected Area in Region One. These representatives were from the Regional Democratic Council, coastal village councils and other key agencies. “Because we want to ensure that yours and other communities remain beautiful and untouched, ExxonMobil Guyana is committed to safe

and environmentally responsible operations. This commitment is highlighted in our Corporate Environment Policy; Protect Tomorrow Today,” Country Manager Rod Henson indicated in his address to those gathered on the Beach last Friday. According to Henson, it is the company’s fundamental goal everywhere it operates to ensure that there are no environmental incidents. “Not only do we comply with all applicable environmental laws and

regulations, but we seek to go beyond these where practical and apply international standards where laws and regulations do not exist. Already, we have partnered with key agencies over the years and even here in Region One to ensure that the natural beauty of coastal communities and life beyond the shores remain intact”. Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley said that the administration is pleased that coastal communities are now better able to protect themselves

Wednesday June 05, 2019

Participants during the demonstration exercise at Shell Beach Protected Area in Region One

from an oil spill, should one occur. “This exercise while it may seem very simple, is very important and significant to the development of this newfound wealth in our country, in which as a people, at the local level, we will be empowered to know what needs to be done if there should be an oil spill,” he explained. Similarly, Captain Salim

October of the Civil Defence Commission stated that while existing concerns of citizens cannot be ignored, this is an important part of the country’s overall preparedness to respond to a potential oil spill. “Engaging in this exercise no doubt is considered proactive, and to some extent it is considered preventative,” he expressed. The demonstration

exercise was done with support from the Civil Defence Commission, the Regional Democratic Council, Protected Areas Commission, Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and Maritime Administration Department. It is one in a series of drill s a n d workshops planned by ExxonMobil Guyana in coastal communities across the country.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Baggage scanner on the cards for Guyana Prison Service The Ministry of Public Security will be further tightening security as they have put out a project for a Baggage Scanner to be delivered and installed for the Guyana Prison Service. Bids were opened yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board. In recent times, there have been breaches of the prisons, as ranks as well as civilians would have taken illicit substances into the facilities. Hopefully, the installation of the Baggage Scanner helps to reduce this. Other notable projects were the Ministry of Communities, Construction of a Fence, Sanitary Block at Byderabo, Bartica Landfill, Construction of a Fence at Bon Success, Lethem, Upper Takutu, Upper Essequibo Region, and Construction of a Boundary Fence at Rose Hall Landfill, amongst others. Ministry of Public Security Supply Delivery and Installation of a Baggage Scanner at the Guyana Prison Service

Ministry of Communities Construction of Fence, Sanitary Block at Byderabo, Bartica Landfill

National Parks Commission Provision of Security Services (baton) for Zoological Park and the Botanical Gardens

Regional Democratic Council Region 6 Supply and Delivery of One New D6 Angle Blade Bulldozer

Regional Democratic Council Region 3 Extension of Leonora Nursery School WCD

Construction of Fence at Bon Success, Lethem, Upper Takutu, Upper Essequibo Region

Construction of New Block at Leonora Primary School WCD

Construction of Boundary Fence at Rose Hall Landfill

Regional Democratic Council Region 9 Construction of Bridge at Moco Moco Creek, Central Rupununi

Upgrading of Section of Road at Yakarinta, North Rupununi Operating Services at Municipal Sanitary Landfills Lot 1: Esplanade Sanitary Landfill, Region 6 Lot 2: Rosehall Sanitary Landfill, Region 6 Lot 3: Byderabo Sanitary Landfill, Region 7 Lot 4: Lethem Sanitary Landfill Region 9

Operational Services at Haags Bosch Sanitary Landfill

Central Housing & Planning Authority Reformation of the Road Networks - Supply and Delivery of Vehicles


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World Cup will be a good one for Pooran: Reifer NOTTINGHAM, England, CMC – West Indies head coach, Floyd Reifer, has backed rookie Nicholas Pooran, to excel in the ongoing ICC World Cup. The 23-year-old stroked a cameo 19-ball u n b e a t e n 3 4 a s We s t Indies romped to a comfortable seven-wicket over Pakistan in their World Cup opener here last Friday. Reifer, a former West Indies captain, said Pooran’s work ethic had left him well-placed for success in the

tournament. “Pooran has been batting well in the nets over the last three weeks and it only showed in the game,” said Reifer. “He’s put in a lot of extra work in the nets with the coaches. Even after practice sessions he hit a lot more balls and you can see he is working on specifics. “Coming into the game, he played some lovely shots, rotated the strike beautifully … so he’s a good find. He’s going to go on for the rest of the tournament and he’s going

to put in some really good performances for us.” The outing against Pakistan was only his second One-Day International after making his debut earlier this year against England in the Caribbean, when he failed to score. P o o r a n ’s knock followed up Chris Gayle’s 50 off 34 balls at the top of the order, which laid the foundation for victory and e n s u r e d We s t I n d i e s started their World Cup campaign on a high. The 39-year-old Gayle is in his last ODI series for

West Indies and Reifer said the veteran lefthander remained a huge asset to the Caribbean side. “Chris is a legend and any team that is graced w i t h C h r i s G a y l e ’s presence it is a big advantage. Himself and (Andre) Russell, those are very good cricketers,” Reifer said. We s t Indies are currently preparing for the second match of the Wo r l d C u p a g a i n s t reigning champions Australia at Trent Bridge here tomorrow.

Sport gear donation... Wednesday June 05, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) As a person who loves to experiment with new ideas and discover new people, you will be delighted with the period that is now beginning. TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) After the emotional havoc you went through over the last few weeks, the period beginning today will be quite soothing. You can take advantage of these smoother, calmer waters to rediscover emotional harmony and improve the balance of your energy flow. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The celestial configuration is speaking of a new period in which you focus on the way you differentiate yourself from others, Gemini. Are you aware of the aspects that make you unique? CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is the beginning of a new cycle, Cancer. There will be new issues cropping up over the next several days. You may have to rethink certain principles that you've adhered to in your relationships up until now. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This is a pleasant day. Indeed, the celestial aspects are predicting that it will be rather radiant, though likely less intense than the past week or so. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Are you ready, Virgo? Are you in shape for what's going to happen? The celestial aspects are heralding a new cycle that will be filled to the brim with activities, new people, and new professional perspectives. Let's hope that you've been able to rest up lately.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Will there be change in you during the next few weeks, Libra? This is always the question that one asks with this changing planetary environment. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A new wind is blowing in your relationships, Scorpio, and you probably won't be too sorry about it! The planets are lining up to signal new beginnings. SAGIT (Nov. 22–Dec. 21) You will be happy to know that today contains the seeds of change for your love life. Beginning today and for the next month or so, you're likely to be amazed by the turn of events in your relationships with others. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Last month you may have been somewhat more extroverted and sociable than usual, especially regarding your emotional relationships. But beginning today, your attitude will undergo a change, Capricorn. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20–Feb. 18) As a person who loves to experiment with new ideas and discover new people, you will be delighted with the period that is now beginning. Since communication, togetherness, and sociability will rule the next few weeks. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today's overall outlook is positive for you, Pisces. You can expect to focus on giving a little more character, expression, or enrichment to your domestic life. You may redecorate a part of the house or find new leisure activities for the children.

From page 39 her discussion with the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, the community will receive volleyball, circle tennis and football gear as soon as possible. However, the cricket gear and equipment will be provided at a later date, according to the resident. This will, in turn, help to boost the community’s youth organisation’s aim to promote youth empowerment through sport, training and education. Established in 2012, this organisation has approximately 60 members and intends to attract more youths to participate socially, culturally and through sport to organise tournaments. Austin spotlighted that she has visited other ministerial booths to become more aware of the opportunities available to the young people within the community. This, she said, will assist in her vision to create well-rounded individuals in keeping with the Coalition Government’s commitment. In addition to this, the resident hopes to engage with relevant heads of department to help to establish a community health centre in her community. “We are nowhere close to the public hospitals in this region and so, on many occasions, those who may get ill or in need of dire medical assistance is unable to access such. The community has an available building that can be used as a health centre and while it is small, it is an alternative option for the residents’ betterment,” Austin explained.

GFF/RFA Champions League – Semis First leg

Paiwomak Warriors, Kanuku Harpies (male); Guyana Rush Saints, Paiwomak Warriors post wins Guyana Rush Saints females and their counterparts from Paiwomak Warriors both drew blood in the two-leg semifinals of the Guyana Football Federation sponsored Rupununi Football Association Champions League. Guyana Rush Saints needled Flash Football Club compliments of a Nina Cabral goal playing at the St. Ignatius ground. The other female match contested between Paiwomak Warriors and Strikers at the Annai Community Centre ground resulted in Paiwomak running away 4-1 winners. In the male segment of the same league, Paiwomak Warriors defeated Titans United Football Club 5-3. Scoring for the male Paiwomak Warriors were Von Harding with a hat-trick (6th, 57th, 74th), Stephen Glasgow in the 71st minute and Garville Daniels in the 87th minute. Scoring for Titans United FC were Regis James in the 65th minute, Ben Realize

(67th) and Almer Daniels with an own goal in the 87th minute; the teams clashing at the Annai Community Centre ground. And Kanuku Warriors got past Guyana Rush Saints by a 3-0 margin at the Parashara Sports ground. All the first leg losers would have an opportunity to reverse the results when the teams face off in the second leg encounters this weekend. On June 8th in Female play, Flash FC will oppose Guyana Rush Saints from 14:00hrs at the Yupukari Sports ground and in Male action on the said date, Guyana Rush Saints comes up against Kanuku Harpies FC from 20:00hrs at St. Ignatius Sports ground. On June 9th in the Female clash, Paiwomak Warriors will oppose Strikers FC from 15:30hrs at Massara Village Sports ground, while in the Male encounter, Paiwomak Warriors clashes with Titans United from 15:30hrs at Aishalton Sports ground.


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Kaieteur News

Ivanoff Vodka dominoes

Wins for TnT, Destruction, One Love, Gold is Money, Travellers, PSC and OPKO TnT, Destruction, One Love, Gold is Money, Travellers and PSC and OPKO registered victories when the Ivanoff Vodka nationwide dominoes competition continued on Sunday with action in the play off segment at Transport Sports Club. TnT chalked up 82 games to beat Players with 79 and Mix Up on 77. Narine Singh made the maximum 18 players for TnT, while Andrew Hope made 16 and Evan Cox 15. Players were led by Romey Jones and Raymond Anthony with 15 games each, while Ewie Gordon made the maximum 18 games for Mix Up and Mark Wiltshire got 15. Destruction marked 80 games to win their encounter ahead of Spartans 74 and All Season’s 66. Wayne Harvey scored the maximum 18 games for the winners while Kemroy Brandey assisted with 15. Theon Ambrose and Shawn McKenzie made 16 and 14

games in that order for Spartans while Raymond Alli and Ronald Naidoo scored 16 and 15 respectively for All Season’s. Led by 15 games from Roy Rodney and 14 from Devon Hicks, One Love piled up 81 games to come out victorious against Club 17 and Black Gold who were both tied on 71 each. Ak Majid made 16 for Club 17 while Uroy Lauroux and Jamal James got 16 and 14 respectively for Black Gold. Gold is Money posted 83 games to win their contest against Upsetters 75 and Frankies 72. Leroy Edwards led for the winners with the maximum 18 games, while John Chance got 17. Mohamed Sheriff and Alexander Hopkinson scored 14 games each for Upsetters while Frankies leading players were Corwyn Wright with 17 and Navin Singh 13.

Travellers chalked up 77 games to win their encounter against Ravens 68 and Good Times 61. Oswald Rodney and Sydney McKenzie marked 15 each for Travellers, while H. Small scored 17and Laura Mayers 16 for Ravens; Romesh Tekchand made 15 for Good Times. Alex Culley and Dexter Sue made 16 games each to lead OPKO to victory with 81 games over C7 who made 77 games and Handball with 74. Brian Edwards and Leon Moore made 16 apiece for C7 while Ron Lonke and Roy King scored 16 and 15 respectively for Hardball. PSC managed 83 games to win their battle with Chiney who got 68 and BMU with 52. Kevin Liverpool and Troy Dos Santos got 16 and 15 in that order for PSC. Joslyn Chance and Simul Chandra got 14 each for Chiney while Dawoly Harper scored 12 for BMU.

Wednesday June 05, 2019

Minister Broomes donates sport equipment to the Timehri Prison Georgetown, Guyana – Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms. Simona Charles Broomes, yesterday, presented a quantity of sports equipment to the inmates of the Timehri Prison. The Minister travelled to the prison to make good on her promise to the inmates to provide them with a quantity of recreation gear, during her surprise visit to the facility on Mother ’s Day. Minister Broomes handed over the items to Head of the Timehri Prison, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Amisa Benjamin, on the lawns of the prison at its East Bank Demerara location. During the visit, Minister Broomes again encouraged

the inmates to make the best of their allotted time at the facility by engaging in the skills training and rehabilitation programmes offered there. “The youths are youths regardless of where they are and my visit is to encourage them to have a plan… we cannot afford to have our youths in prison,” she said. The Minster donated a quantity of cricket bats, balls, wickets, football nets and footballs to the prison. One offender said that the Minister’s visit made many of them feel special and it was a source of encouragement to them. “To see a Minister come here to visit, it has been a joy to us around here. Even

though we are incarcerated, even though some persons may have neglected us in society; we still feel that someone cares and that is what we respect and look up to,” he said. The inmates also praised the Government and Assistant Superintendent Benjamin for the improvements in the welfare and the rehabilitation opportunities available at the institution. The Timehri Prison through its rehabilitation services, offers classes on drug abuse awareness, anger management, Mathematics, tailoring, wool craft and construction. Inmates are often between the ages of 15 and 30 years.

Macorp’s annual Golf Extravaganza set for Saturday 8 June - Sponsor’s opportunity to meet and greet customers in a great informal setting Saturday June 8, will be a historic event in the calendar of MACORP Machinery Corporation of Guyana Limited - as it sponsors an annual Golf Extravaganza, this time with the unique feature of inviting its customers also to come out to participate in a meet and greet experience in the ambience of the Lusignan Golf Club. Very experienced and brilliant Head of Macorp, Guillermo Escarraga has continued the legacy of Macorp in being of fantastic support to the development of the Lusignan Golf Club and in fact has initiated a complete driving range with lighting facilities to facilitate driving practice even after hours, which is soon to be opened to golfers. Mr Escarraga contends that Club President Aleem Hussain’s vision is in sync with Macorp’s vision of making the LGC the undisputed solution for great golfing in the Caribbean. Saturday’s tournament tees off at 12:30 p.m. and keen competition is expected,

especially since the Macorp tournament is one of the largest tournaments on the LGC Calendar of Tournaments. Up for grabs are prizes for the 1st and 2nd best net scores in each of four Flights, handicaps 0 to 9, 10 to 18 and 19 to 28 for Men, plus a distinct Ladies Flight. In addition, Best Net overall, Best Gross, Longest Drive and Nearest The Pin specialty prizes will be given. And even more is added with a raffle for prizes and other giveaways that usually ensure almost every player receives a gift. Macorp, of 26 Providence, East Bank Demerara, focuses on being “the undisputed leader in supplying sustainable integrated solutions for Mining, Forestry, Agricultural Construction, Power Systems, Oil and Gas, and Industrial Sectors of Guyana with a clear sense of permanence in time, which shall be carried out with excellence and due regards to the interest of all stakeholders”. Macorp was founded in 1994 by GECOLSA a well-

known CATERPILLAR dealer in South America with operations in Colombia, Bahamas and some other countries with related businesses. Macorp - whose competitive bid was preferred above several other Companies with long and proven experience as dealers of CATERPILLAR and other manufacturers’ product line of heavy equipment - was awarded by CATERPILLAR as the only Authorized Caterpillar Dealer in Guyana. Macorp has already been of tremendous service to Guyana for 25 consecutive years, contributing directly with technical and virtual training of customers’ staff, and technical support and equipment supply to the most important productive sectors – Agriculture, Road Construction, Mining, Marine, Forestry and Electric Power Generation. Macorp may be contacted atTelephone +592 265 7330/ 7332 and +592 265 7313/7319, Fax +592 265 7353, Email info@macorpgy.com or sales@macorpgy.com.

Minister Ms. Simona Charles Broomes presents a quantity of sporting gear to Head of the Timehri Prison, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Amisa Benjamin for the prison population there.

Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency, Ms. Simona Charles Broomes presents a quantity of sport equipment to the inmates at the Timehri Prison.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

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Caribbean RADO Gets New Chairman Mohamed’s Enterprise committed to developing motorsport locally

Two of the three GTR cars in Team Mohamed’s fleet of machines.

New Caribbean RADO Executive Committee: New Chairman Patrick Werleman is centre and Guyana’s Dr Karen Pilgrim is 2nd right. Patrick Werleman is the new Chairman of the Caribbean Regional AntiDoping Organization (RADO). Werleman, the Board Member representative for Aruba, has been elected to serve for the next term following the 14th Annual Board Meeting in Tortola, British Virgin Islands on Sunday June 2nd 2019. Werleman, who is also Director of Sports Development of the Aruban Olympic Committee and President of the Aruba Anti-Doping Commission, says compliance with World Anti-Doping Code will be one of his major priorities for Caribbean RADO member countries. “Even though there is a new chair and there are new Directors, the organization will continue to move forward and we need everybody to be on

board. We n e e d t o communicate better, giving more physical and technical support to Board Members. A lot of members are still not compliant, so we really need to work towards addressing that. We need to press a little harder to have everyone compliant with the Code. I think that is the most important priority we have now right.” Outgoing Chairman Dr Adrian Lorde, who did not seek re-election, thanked the body for the confidence placed in him since he took up the helm in 2005. Dr. Lorde, who is the Board representative for member country Barbados, will still serve on the Executive Committee, having been elected as its new Vice President – a role in which he is pleased to contribute.

“As the Wo r l d Conference is coming up in November in Poland with a new Code coming into being in 2021, there will be a need for expert leadership in the region to guide our countries further forward and to keep them compliant. The new Chair Patrick Werleman has made tremendous strides in the time he has been involved, and I think the Caribbean RADO is in very good hands.” Werleman and Lorde will be joined by directors Dr. Karen Pilgrim (Guyana) who previously served in this role, along with newcomers Joel Johnson (Grenada) and Ephraim Penn (British Virgin Islands). Meanwhile, Curacao was also chosen as the host of the 2020 Caribbean RADO, where the organization will celebrate its 15th anniversary.

Curry’s NBA Finals MVP odds strengthen He wasn’t the highest scorer on his own team in Game 2, but Stephen Curry’s odds to win the M o s t Va l u a b l e P l a y e r award in the 2019 NBA Finals strengthened after the Golden State Warriors evened the series 1-1. Curry entered the Finals as a -125 favorite by Sportsbetting.ag to take home MVP honors. Those odds dipped to

+ 1 0 0 a f t e r t h e To r o n t o Raptors won Game 1. Curry scored 23 points to Klay Thompson’s 25 on Sunday night, but Curry is now back to a -150 MVP favorite. Kawhi Leonard, who scored a game-high 34 points in Game 2 and is averaging 28.5 points through two games, is second at +300, followed by the Warriors’ Draymond

Green (+450) and Kevin Durant (+1600), who has yet to play a game in the series while recovering from a calf injury. Pascal Siakam (+1600) is the next lowest odds on the Raptors. Toronto’s Kyle Lowry is at +5000. FanDuel.com listed Curry at -125 on Monday while PointsBet.com had his MVP odds at -154. (Field Level Media)

With the second installment of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC)’s Drag racing championship billed for later this month, Mohamed’s Enterprise has expressed its commitment to the sport. The company, which also owns and operates the Team Mohamed’s Enterprise racing camp, has been a platinum sponsor of motorsport in Guyana. Team owner Azruddin Mohamed, in an invited comment said, “We are committed to seeing motorsport grow in Guyana. I, personally, have a love for the sport here.” The team, which is home to the local quarter-mile record holder, the Nissan GTR nicknamed Goliath has made major contributions to the sport locally. Before round one earlier this year, the team had

extended the drag strip from 1000ft to 1320ft; the full quarter-mile. “Yes, we have made several contributions but it’s in the interest of developing motorsport here. I hope that other entities, private persons and even companies can follow suit in this regard. Our team alone cannot develop the sport to where it needs to be. I think it’s no secret that drag racing here is growing,” he added. Apart from the extension of the strip, the team has seen the refurbishment of the entire strip fencing, to ensure spectator safety and crowd control. Add in their unwavering support to the actual logistics of the event and their input in the newly constructed launch pad and other accessories that come with it, the company’s commitment is no secret. Apart from ‘Goliath’, the

team has acquired the former world record holding Ekanoo racing/Mangus GTR which had mechanical issues at round one. The team is working to have it ready for round two. Meanwhile, GMR&SC President Rameez Mohamed said, “We are really blessed to have guys like the Team Mohamed’s guys onboard with us.” “Words cannot explain how fantastic these guys have been for motorsport locally. What they have done would have taken us a while to do.” “But it is now for others to take note. Companies, sponsors and others need to stand up. What Team Mohamed’s has done is set the ball rolling and we need to keep it.” The second round of the GMR&SC Drag Racing championship is set for June 23rd.

Trinidadian Wallace gets one over Jamaican Nelson SYDNEY, Australia, CMC – Sunshine Girl Shimona Nelson produced a flawless final quarter but it was not enough to stop Trinidadian Samantha Wallace’s leagueleading New South Wales Swifts from pulling of a 68-52 victory over Collingwood Magpies in the Suncorp Super Netball Championship last weekend. Playing at the Qudos Bank Arena at Sydney’s Olympic Park, Swifts managed to control every quarter to post their fifth win in six matches this season and top the standings with 40 points. Wallace was outstanding at goal shooter, scoring 54 goals from 57 attempts while goal attack Helen Housby supported with 14 from 19 attempts. The 20-year-old Nelson led Magpies with 41 goals from 44 attempts with Ned Medhurst getting nine from 10. Nelson scored all 11 of her attempts in the first quarter but was outdone by Wallace

who netted 15 of her 16 attempts, as Swifts led 17-14 at the end of the period. Wallace sustained her momentum in the second quarter with 16 from 17 attempts, firing Swift to 36-28 half-time lead, despite Jamaican Nelson’s 11 from 13 during the stanza. Swifts remained ahead in third quarter, thanks to Wallace’s perfect 10-from-10 shooting, and led 49-38 at the start of the final quarter. Nelson, who shot seven from eight during the penultimate quarter, produced a 12-from-12 effort in the final quarter but Wallace scored 13 from 14 attempts to ensure there were no late surprises for Swifts. At the Queensland State Netball Centre in Brisbane, Jamaican star Jhaniele FowlerReid pulled out all the stops in the fourth quarter but West Coast Fever failed to hang on to a slender lead and were held to a 62-62 draw by Queensland Firebirds. Fever started the final

stanza leading 47-46 but were out-scored 16-15 by the Firebirds, to miss out on what would have been only their second win of the season. They have drawn twice already and sit sixth in the eight-team table on 14 points. Fowler was perfect in the final quarter shooting 13 goals from as many attempts but Firebirds got nine-fromnine from goal attack Gretel Tippett while goal shooter Abigail Latu-Meafou netted seven from eight, to gain the late edge. Earlier, Firebirds led 17-14 at the end of the first quarter and were still ahead at the half, 33-30, despite FowlerReid’s 12 from 14 attempts in the second quarter. Fever then produced a big third quarter, outscoring their opponents 17-13 thanks to Fowler-Reid’s 16 from 17, but then failed to maintain their advantage when it mattered most. Firebirds were without Jamaican star Romelda Aiken who his nursing a knee injury.


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Wednesday June 05, 2019

GAPLF says that Peterson-Griffith’s 1-year suspension is final

PRO Runita White During a press conference on Monday evening at the Guyana Chronicle Boardroom, the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF), made the stance that their decision to suspend for the period of 12 months, Champion Powerlifter; Carlos PetersonGriffith and Junica Pluck, will not be reversed. The decision to suspend the lifters came after the pair competed at a strong-fit competition in Barbados on

May 5-6 without notifying or seeking approval from the GAPLF. Peterson-Griffith was contending that the competition, which was contested in the ‘land of the flying fish’, was not a powerlifting event but evidence gathered by the federation proved otherwise. All three lifts were done at the event; Squat, Bench Press and Deadlift, also the registration form had ‘Powerlifiting’ and the event

From left: members of the GAPLF executive; Tracy Shamsurdeen, David Gomes, President Ed Caesar, Martin Webster, Nadina Taharally and Runita White at the presser on Monday. was advertised as a powerlifting showcase, and as such, the GAPLF had to make a decision as it was found that Peterson violated both the International Powerlifitng Federation’s (IPF) constitution along with the GAPLF’s constitution. In Article 14.9 of the IPF Constitution, it states, “Participating in Non-IPF Competition, any lifter, coach, referee or official who competes or participates in an international

powerlifting or Bench Press competition not organised, sanctioned or approved by the IPF shall not be permitted to take part in any IPF international or regional competition for a period of 12 months from the date of that non-approved competition.” Alongside that, the GAPLF’s constitution states in Section 12, Article 1, point 4, “The stated reasons for suspension are not a closed list and the Executive

members shall collectively exercise their discretion when opting to suspend a member of the GAPLF. The following may be subject to suspension: 4. Any lifter who participates in a contest with other countries without the permission of the GAPLF.” The decision means that P e t e r s o n - G r i ff i t h ’s participation in the World Championship (June 2019) in Sweden will not be possible since he competed at the

event without the expressed permission of the GAPLF. At the presser, in a statement to the media, the document that was read by Executive Runita White noted, “As a federation, we recognize that we are nothing without our athletes; but in promoting our athletes who are international ambassadors for Guyana, we press our athletes to display discipline, self-control and to adhere to the regulatory measures of the IPF and GAPLF”.

Nadal demolishes Nishikori to set up FIFA Congress - GFF discusses areas of cooperation with Denmark semi-final showdown with Federer - Danish FA president scheduled to visit Guyana in October to officially sign MOU Georgetown: - First Vice President of the Guyana Football Federation, Brigadier (Ret) Bruce Lovell, met yesterday with the President of the Denmark Football Association, Mr. Jesper Moller, in Paris, France on the sidelines of the 69th FIFA Congress to discuss areas of cooperation between the two football bodies. The discussions centered on Denmark providing assistance to the GFF in the areas of coaching and refereeing education, infrastructure development, governance and football administration, and girls and women development, and will lead to the establishment of a Memorandum of Understanding for which the Danish President will visit Guyana in October this year to sign. The meeting was done within the framework of UEFA Assist programme, which was launched in 2017, where UEFA member associations provide assistance to other confederations and member associations to develop and

GFF’s First Vice President Bridgadier (Ret) Bruce Lovell Presents Gift To Denmark Football Association President Jesper Moller, in Paris, France. strengthen football across the globe. T h e G F F F i r s t Vi c e President is representing President Wayne Forde at

the FIFA Congress, who remained in Guyana to streamline the National Team preparation for their Gold Cup debut.

PARIS (Reuters) - Rafael Nadal continued his march towards a record-extending 12th French Open title by steamrolling a sorry Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-1 6-3 to book his place in the semi-finals yesterday. The second seed, who now has a 91-2 win-loss record at the claycourt Grand Slam, was barely challenged by the seventh-seeded Nishikori as he set up a mouthwartering last four meeting with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer. Playing on the back of two consecutive five-set matches, Nishikori never manage to mount any form of a challenge and was easily wiped off court by Nadal. There was a sense of inevitability when Nadal and Nishikori stepped onto Philippe Chatrier Court. Not only did Nadal have the numbers in his favor, but Nishikori’s game had failed to catch fire since the beginning of the tournament. Considering Nishikori had a 0-4 win-loss record against Nadal on clay, his chances of narrowing that run on Tuesday were slim - and so it proved to be. Despite his usual early nerves, the Spaniard raced

Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates after his quarterfinal match against Japan’s Kei Nishikori. (REUTERS/Charles Platiau) through the opening set, Nishikori’s face already telling a tale of defeat. Nishikori broke back for 1-1 but that effort proved to be his undoing as Nadal won the remaining five games to lead two sets to love. After a quick check on his right arm by the physiotherapist, Nishikori

was declared fit to continue and Nadal showed no mercy. The match was interrupted at 4-2 because of a fast approaching thunderstorm, but the hourlong delay failed to hand Nishikori a lifeline. Upon resumption, Nadal swiftly ended Nishikori’s nightmare ordeal, wrapping it up on the first match point.


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2019 Concacaf Gold Cup

Golden Jaguars enjoy light training session on day one of Bermuda camp Georgetown: - With the majority of players already on the island of Bermuda where Guyana’s flagship senior team, the ‘Golden Jaguars’ has set up the first leg of their camp ahead of the historic appearance at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, the team enjoyed a light training session on Monday, June 3. Under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Michael Johnson and his Technical Staff, the session was held during the mid-afternoon period at the Bermuda’s National Sports Center. Speaking with GFF Media after the session, Johnson said that there is a lot of excitement in the camp and the first day of training always has to be careful since players might tend to overdo it so it is their job to calm them down, noting that it is natural: “Players want to impress and also stamp their authority on the training session on the opening day but obviously that would calm down as they get to know each other and learn more of the technical and tactical of what we expect them to do in and out of possession.” He alluded to the fact that this is a big tournament for Guyana and one of historical proportions, reminding that this will be our debut at the highest level in the Confederation. Tomorrow’s friendly

Golden Jaguars during a light technical session Monday.

Action during a technical session done on day 1 of Golden Jaguars’ encampment in Bermuda. against Bermuda, Johnson posited, is well-timed and would certainly have technical folks from Panama, USA and Trinidad and

Tobago observing the match for clues on Guyana, be it style of play or personnel, which means that he and team would have

to be smart in their approach to this match as well as the Haiti game in Costa Rica, next week. “So with that in mind,

for me it’s not about the result as such, it’s about principles that we want to see, players trying their best, working hard, enjoying

possession of the football rather than the technical and tactical side of things which would come in time for the US game.”

Waugh warns Australia of serious Windies threat LONDON, CMC – Former Australia captain St e v e Wa u g h has described West Indies as “the most watchable team” in the ICC World Cup and has warned the reigning World champions to be wary of the underdogs when they meet tomorrow at Trent Bridge. Labelling the Caribbean s i d e ’s b a t t i n g a s a “behemoth” while praising the attack as having “fastbowling depth”, Waugh said West Indies carried a massive threat which Australia would not have dealt with in their opening win over Afghanistan last weekend. “The West Indies will provide a more realistic gauge on how the team are tracking, for they possess a squad full of match winners that can dominate if they gain any sense of ascendency in a match,” said Waugh.

“They are the most watchable team in the tournament with a batting line-up that can kidnap any bowling attack with brute force. “No ground is big enough when this behemoth of a batting order clicks into overdrive but they also have a vulnerability against highquality bowling as they tend to play one dimensional at times. “For the first time in a long while they have fastbowling depth vindicated by Friday’s win against Pakistan without their finest in Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel.” West Indies smashed 421 off New Zealand in their final official warm-up match against New Zealand last week, in a brazen show of force as they downed the Black Caps by 91 runs in Bristol. They carried that form

into their opening contest against Pakistan, this time displaying the strength of their bowling as they sent the Asian side tumbling for 105 before easily knocking off their target inside 14 overs. Waugh said with their capabilities, West Indies could upset the form books at the World Cup and win the competition. “Every side in this tournament will be wary of playing the Windies and I wouldn’t want to face them in a knock-out match,” he pointed out. “They are the sort of team that, if they get on a roll and build some momentum, then they could win it all like the ICC Men’s World T20 back in 2016.” H o w e v e r, Wa u g h pointed to West Indies’ fielding as an area which could be a liability. “Their Achilles heel

Rejuvenated West Indies expected to prove a serious threat at the ongoing World Cup. however will be their lack of mobility in the field and this is where Australia can influence the outcome,” he

noted. Waugh, who played 325 One-Day Internationals, captained Australia to the

capture of the 1999 World Cup title when the tournament was last staged in the United Kingdom.


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Kaieteur News

Injured Dale Steyn ruled out of World Cup, Beuran Hendricks named replacement ESPNcricinfo - South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the World Cup with a shoulder injury, less than 24 hours before the team’s clash against India today. Left-arm quick Beuran Hendricks has been approved as his replacement by the ICC’s Event Technical Committee of the World Cup. Steyn had missed South Africa’s first two games, against England and Bangladesh, after suffering a second shoulder injury which “has not responded to treatment and has ruled him out of bowling for the foreseeable future,” according to a CSA release. The injury had also cut short his IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Although South Africa were hopeful Steyn could be fit for today’s game against India - even having him bowl briefly at training on Monday - a decision was made yesterday that his recovery was not going quickly enough. Steyn had warmed up and played football with the squad yesterday, but did not bowl at training. “Dale has tried really hard - really hard - to try and get back into the team,” South

Africa captain Faf du Plessis said of Steyn’s long streak of injuries. “It’s been a tough two years, and we’ve got to be strong for him. He’s going to need a bit of love. He tried unbelievably hard to get fit for this campaign, which would have been his last World Cup. We’ve got to be there for him now. “Unfortunately, it happened there in the IPL in those two games that he played there. If he didn’t get picked up to go to the IPL, who knows where Dale would have been right now.” Steyn had played two games in the IPL in April and bowled eight overs in all before he was ruled out of the T20 league with a right shoulder injury that has troubled him for long now. The news is a serious blow to South Africa, whose campaign has also been hit by injuries to two other fast bowlers. Anrich Nortje, who had originally been part of the World Cup squad, was ruled out of the tournament with a fractured thumb in the week before South Africa departed to the UK. Lungi Ngidi has also since picked up a hamstring strain, which is likely to keep him out of the next few South Africa

Dale Steyn’s second shoulder injury has not responded to treatment, World Cup 2019, Southampton, June 4, 2019 © Associated Press matches. Vernon Philander is unavailable due to injury as well. The injury to Steyn has left the squad with only four functioning fast bowlers for the India match: Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius and Chris Morris. Batsman Hashim Amla had also missed the previous game after being struck in the helmet in the tournament opener, but is now cleared to play on Wednesday. The ICC generally does not allow teams to replace players who came into the tournament with injuries, as Steyn had. However, South

Konta breezes into Roland Garros woman into the last four in Konta, who had never last four Paris since 1983. before won a match here, will PARIS (Reuters) - Jo Konta cantered into the semifinals of the French Open yesterday, blitzing American Sloane Stephens 6-1 6-4 to become the first British

Swinging freely, the 28year-old pummeled groundstrokes past her opponent to secure the victory in a little over an hour.

face either Petra Martic or Marketa Vondrousova for a spot in the final. The last British finalist in Paris was Sue Barker who lifted the trophy in 1976.

Britain’s Johanna Konta greets the crowd after winning her quarterfinal match against Sloane Stephens of the U.S. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Africa’s doctor Mohammed Moosajee explained that the injury that has now ruled Steyn out is different from the shoulder injury he had had when he arrived in England. Steyn will now return to South Africa and work with a rehab team before any decision is made on the future of his career. He had said in February that he had no plans to retire from Test cricket, despite the injuries to his right shoulder - in addition to other serious ailments - having frustrated Steyn’s career all the way back since 2015. He had first broken his shoulder at home, ahead of a New Year Test in

Beuran Hendricks in his delivery stride © Associated Press Cape Town, before suffering a much more serious break in the same shoulder towards the end of 2016. A serious heel injury followed, before hamstring strains ailed him as well. Hendricks has played

only two ODIs, the most recent of which came in January. He has only taken one wicket across those two games, but has had more success in 10 T20 internationals, in which he has claimed 18 wickets.

Federer subdues Wawrinka in Swiss classic PARIS (Reuters) - Third seed Roger Federer subdued some fierce Stan Wawrinka resistance to beat his fellow Swiss 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4 and reach the French Open semifinals yesterday. Wawrinka had beaten Federer four years ago at the same stage at Roland Garros, but this time he came up just short in a high-quality clash that had the fans on the edge of their seats. Federer will now face defending champion Rafael Nadal in the semi-final in what will be the 39th installment of their rivalry.

The 37-year-old took a tight opening set but 24th seed Wawrinka broke early in the second on his way to leveling it. Wawrinka appeared to be gaining the upper hand when he broke the Federer serve midway through the third set but Federer hit back immediately and played a another great tiebreaker. Dark storm clouds closed in as the battle continued in the fourth set and play was interrupted for an hour at 3-3. On the restart Wawrinka dropped serve at 4-4 to leave Federer serving for the match. He double-faulted on one match point and needed to save a break point but finally sealed victory with a volley.

Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after his quarterfinal match against Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka. (Reuters Benoit Tessier)


Wednesday June 05, 2019

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Sri Lanka edge out Afghanistan in low-scoring thriller CARDIFF (Reuters) - Sri Lanka survived a woeful batting collapse to beat Afghanistan by 34 runs in a rain-shortened World Cup thriller yesterday. The 1996 World Cup champions limped to 201 all out in the 37th over as Afghanistan grabbed nine wickets for 57 runs to give themselves a chance of pulling off a shock win. Afghanistan needed a rain-revised target of just 187 from 41 overs but they failed to gain any momentum in their run chase and completely lost their way after opener Mohammad Shahzad’s dismissal in the fifth over led them to losing five wickets for just 23 runs. After Afghanistan were reduced to 57-5, a partnership of 64 by Najibullah Zadran and captain Gulbadin Naib gave them hope. But fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep grabbed two quick wickets before Najibullah was run out by Dimuth Karunaratne for 43. That set up a tense finale as the last two batsmen needed to score another 42 runs to hand Afghanistan their first World Cup win against a test-playing nation. But Sri Lanka made sure that victory did not come at their expense as Lasith Malinga bowled Hamid Hassan with a yorker four balls later.

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga celebrates bowling Afghanistan’s Hamid Hassan. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge) Pradeep was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers as he claimed a career best four wickets for 31 runs as Afghanistan were bowled out for 152 in the 33rd over. “One hundred and eighty seven is not easy to defend, we know their openers go hard, but once we got them they were on the backfoot and we kept getting wickets,” Sri Lanka captain Karunaratne said. Earlier, Sri Lanka’s

batsmen had also lost their way as they fell from 144-1 to 201 all out. Mohammad Nabi sparked the collapse when he grabbed three wickets in the space of five deliveries by producing a brilliant spell of spin bowling in the 22nd over. He finished with four wickets for 30 runs. Sri Lanka slid steadily to 182-8 before play was paused due to rain. Some big hits by the tailenders carried Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Pradeep and team mates celebrate the wicket of Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi. (Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge) over the 200 run mark after play resumed. Wi c k e t k e e p e r - b a t s m a n Kusal Perera top-scored with 78 runs off 81 balls which included eight boundaries. But he ran out of partners at the other end and holed out in desperation. “The wicket was not

easy for the batsmen and so we’d asked the bowlers to hit the deck hard and they came back well during the middle overs,” said Afghanistan skipper Naib. The win over Afghanistan handed Sri Lanka their first win of the tournament after they were beaten by South Africa in

their opener. Afghanistan are rooted to the bottom of the 10-team standings having lost both of their matches. Scores: Sri Lanka 201 (Kusal Perera 78, Nabi 4-30) beat Afghanistan 152 (Najibullah 43, Pradeep 431, Malinga 3-39) by 34 runs (via DLS method).

Another five for Rampaul but Barbadian Archer fined for dissent Derbyshire stumble CHESTER-LE-STREET, England, CMC – Ex-West Indies seamer Ravi Rampaul snatched his second successive five-wicket haul but Derbyshire’s batting faltered, to leave their Division Two County Championship contest against Durham delicately balanced here yesterday. Resuming the second day at Riverside on 254 for eight, Durham were dismissed for 293 in their first innings, with Rampaul taking one of the last two wickets to fall to end with five for 77. In his last match against Glamorgan at Derby, the 34-year-old Trinidadian also picked up five in an eight-wicket match haul. He has taken 23 wickets in five appearances this season. Jack Burnham topscored with 67 but his dismissal late Monday at 233 for six, lbw to Rampaul, led to a slide as Ben Raine perished off the very next ball without scoring, also

Fast bowler Ravi Rampaul. lbw to Rampaul. Earlier in the innings, Rampaul had also removed opener Michael Jones without scoring and Australian Cameron Bancroft for 18 as Durham slumped to 30 for two. In their turn at the crease, Derbyshire were cruising at 117 for two before losing four wickets for 11 runs to crash

to 128 for six. Matt Critchley then struck an unbeaten 38 in an unbroken 53-run, seventh wicket stand with Leus du Plooy (10 not out), to get Derbyshire to 181 for six at the close. Captain Billy Godleman top-scored with 66 in an 83run, opening stand with Luis Reece who made 34.

LONDON, CMC – England’s Barbadian fast bowling sensation, Jofra Archer, has been slapped with a sanction by the International Cricket Council for breaching its Code of Conduct. The 24-year-old was fined 15 per cent of his match fee and hit with one demerit point for “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision”, cricket’s world governing body said yesterday. The incident occurred during England’s 14-run defeat to Pakistan at Trent Bridge on Monday when Archer appeared to question the umpire’s call of a wide delivery during the 27th over. Archer had a rough time in the contest, going wicketless from 10 expensive overs

England fast bowler Jofra Archer. which leaked 79 runs. He starred in England’s opening match against South Africa last Thursday, bowling with pace and hostility to take three for 27 on his World Cup debut as the hosts won by 104 runs. Teammate Jason Roy,

meanwhile, was also fined 15 per cent of his match fee and slapped with one demerit point for “using audible obscenities in an international match”. England face Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday in their next match.


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Wednesday June 05, 2019

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil U-14 league shifted to next weekend The commencement of the much anticipated ExxonMobil U14 schools football tournament will be delayed. The event, which was slated to begin this weekend has been shifted to the following Saturday on account of the inclement weather. Promoters Petra Organisation, through their representative Mark Alleyne, confirmed the news yesterday during a tournament brief at the National Library. “We want to thank all the teams for coming down, we are sorry again for the shift but weather has forced us.” Meanwhile, teams were briefed on the tournament while those who require special assistance from the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) technical staff made their requests. The teams also received a quantity of balls to bolster their training regimen.

The various schools that will be participating in the ExxonMobil U14 schools football tournament were handed balls for their preparation. the

During last week’s launch, title sponsor’s

representative Deedre Moe contended that they are more

than willing to support youth development.

The tournament fixtures will be released shortly with

the event expected to begin with a march past at 10:00hrs.

Guyana and Bermuda aiming to get it right ahead of debut at 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup At a joint press conference hosted ahead of their Thursday night International Friendly at the Bermuda National Sports Center, the respective Head Coaches of both the host nation Bermuda and visitors Guyana have expressed that the match is about getting it right ahead of their debuts at this summer’s Concacaf Gold Cup. The two nations have a lot in common as they continue their walk into history, the first time they have both qualified for the highest possible tournament in the Confederation. Guyana has been drawn in Group D along with the USA, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago, while Bermuda is in Group B alongside Haiti, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Sharing the Head Table were respective Head Coaches and Captains, Guyana’s Michael Johnson and Sam Cox and Bermuda’s Kyle Lightbourne and Dante Leverock with the moderator being Bermuda Football Federation (BFA) Press Officer, Antoine Augustus. Johnson explained that Guyana would not be leaving its fate up to another country: “We just want to look after business ourselves, we can’t start looking and focusing on other teams and what they do and how they do. We’ve just got to go about our business and make sure we are mentally prepared, physically prepared and when we go out there, to perform at the standards that we know we are capable of doing. If we do that, where that takes us, we are more than happy.”

Johnson, who would be making his debut as a Coach at the Concacaf Gold Cup having represented Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz as a player in 2010, noted that Guyana would not be showing much from a strategic stand point as opposing teams would be on the hunt for information. “Are we going to go out and show our formation, our personnel and the players that are going to start, absolutely not; we would be wrong to do that knowing that the likelihood is that US, Panama and Trinidad would all be looking at this game,” Johnson said. “What we want to do is make sure we are moving and progressing in the right way, the players are looking as sharp and physically ready within the formation that we are going and play,” he added. He reminded that it is not about Guyana’s strongest team or starting eleven as of yet as this would come for the opening Concacaf Gold Cup match: “A lot of it is just individual units, just making sure that things are clicking and all the players are in good nick.” Lightbourne shared his thoughts on his aim for the Gold Cup: “We’re new to the competition, we’re a nation that’s growing so we are looking for a good performance from our players. If we play to our ability that we know we can play; don’t be afraid of the occasion, enjoy it and maybe put a couple teams on the back foot, that’s what we are looking for at this stage.” Commenting directly on Thursday’s friendly, Lightbourne

After yesterday’s press conference at the BFA Office from right, BFA Press Officer Antoine Augustus, Sam Cox, Michael Johnson, Kyle Lightbourne and Dante Leverock. noted that they are expecting to see what they have been working on during training being executed in offence and defence: “All the stuff that we’ve been working on we hope that we can see come out in this match, that’s the main priority of this match.” Golden Jaguars’ Captain, Cox said that Guyana is looking forward to the match and is expecting a tough challenge from Bermuda but suggested that the encounter would be used to build relationships: “…see what we are like in and out of possession and build towards the Gold Cup but we know it’s going to be a competitive fixture and one that we are all looking forward to.

Players have all got their heads on it, the focus is on the next two to three weeks but Thursday is going to be a brilliant exercise for both sides for sure.” Bermuda’s skipper Leverock said there is a good buzz around his team sharing that the majority of the players have been training for the past month putting in the hard work: “It’s just excitement now around the country and for us we want to put on a show, to show that we did not just qualify out of luck or whatever. It’s a big opportunity for us, even the professional players, some of the local players, some of the guys who are trying to get into

professional teams, it’s a big shop window for us.” Leverock who plays in Ireland with Sligo Rovers FC posited that they do believe that they can beat anyone on the day, “we excited and we are ready to go now.” Both Coaches agreed that the main business starts on June 16 in the case of Bermuda and June 18 for Guyana. The last time the two nations met, the match ended in a 1-1 draw and while a win would be accepted, the leading tacticians on both teams also agreed that that would not be the primary focus of the match. Kick off time is 20:00hrs in Bermuda and 21:00hrs in Guyana.


Wednesday June 05, 2019

Sport gear donation continues to boost Jacklow youths - Seeks for Health centre to be established

Jacklow resident Ulics Austin (DPI) DPI, Guyana,- More than 45 young people of the Jacklow community, Upper Pomeroon River will soon benefit from the distribution of sport gear and equipment. Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), during the ‘Government comes to you’ outreach on May 29 at Damon Square, Essequibo Coast, resident Ulics Austin said that this effort will help to build the character of the

young people within the community. “My purpose today is simply to speak with the minister and those in charge to see what can be done for the youths in my community. The youths in my community are very hardworking, they are into agriculture among other activities but the need for sport activities is a must,” Austin explained. Following (Continued on page 33)

Kaieteur News

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rt o p S 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup

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Golden Jaguars enjoy light training session on day one of Bermuda camp GAPLF says 34. that PetersonGriffith’s 1-year suspension is final P

Waugh warns Australia of serious Windies threat Sri Lanka edge out Afghanistan in lowscoring thriller P. 35

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