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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 07, 2018
KAIETEUR NEWS Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: ADAM HARRIS Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
HEALTHY EATING FOR CHILDREN
T
he aim of most if not all societies, is to prepare children for a bright future. During the period of their intellectual growth, development and advancement, children should not only be taught academia, technical and vocational skills, but also good moral values, principles and discipline, which are critical elements in shaping their character. Technology, social media, peers and family members continue to play a major role in influencing the decisions of children. Adolescence is an exciting and somewhat challenging period in human development. Studies have shown that adolescents experience rapid growth and development that is noticeable in their physical and psychosocial health. It is believed that this generation of children has matured earlier than past generations in their thinking, behaviour and emotional functioning, and is also more independent. Being accepted by friends and peers, and sharing opinions, are more important to most children these days than cherished family values. Experts have contended that although such behaviour seems normal, it tends to create conflicts between teens and their parents or family members, and others in authority. Psychological changes from early to late adolescence have caused most teenagers to cast-off societal norms and family values as they become preoccupied with their body size, shape and image, as well as peer influence and their ability to think and reason. Their independence has become more pronounced as they develop their own set of core values to guide moral and ethical decisions. While good nutrition is essential for their development in this period, their psychosocial development may positively or negatively impact their health choices. In general, girls more than boys are obsessed with their bodies and the intense fear of seeing themselves as being overweight, even if they are not. This type of distorted body image has led many to restrict their calories intake by consuming little. They have avoided nutritious foods or even skip meals regularly as well as engaging in exercise for lengthy periods of time because of the fear of overweight. Their poor eating habits and weight control behaviours tend to impact their health, and in some cases, have contributed to eating disorders. Example of an eating disorder is anorexia nervosa which is characterized by abnormal body weight. Another is bulimia nervosa which involves binge-eating episodes, selfinduced vomiting, participating in excessive exercise, fasting and misuse of laxatives, among others. Whatever the case, eating disorders can affect the health of children, teens, and adults and would require medical advice. Given all of the above, one can conclude that adolescents’ dietary intakes can vary due to several influencing factors, of which when carefully examined may not necessarily be the best. Generally, good dietary practices among this specific target population may be affected by skipping a meal or two, excessive exercise, and eating of snacks that are usually high in fat, sugar, and salt and greater consumption of sugary beverages. Therefore to support growth and development, healthy eating habits are beneficial. Lower intake of calories can lead to potential risk for dental care, eating disorders, malnutrition and iron deficiency anemia. Food nutritionists have contended that a balanced diet with adequate macro and micronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals, and water) will help teens meet their daily nutritional requirements without gaining weight.Parents should make good, healthy food choices available to them with a variety of nutritious and delicious snacks such as yogurt, fruit smoothies, milk shakes, vegetable pizza, crackers with peanut butter or cheese, sandwiches, etc. Fruits, vegetables, peas and beans, and foods from the staples should be added to the choices, along with adequate water intake. Limiting the concentration of foods high in fat, sugar and salt will obviously be healthy for all, but most importantly, for the children.
A RESORT TO ETHNIC POLITICS DEAR EDITOR, A few years ago, on the eve of the determination of Gocool Boodoo‘s contract as the Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission, the People‘s Progressive Party took to the media accusing the “PNCR” Commissioners of targeting Indo-Guyanese for dismissal. On that occasion I was forced to break my silence. I made it known publicly that it was Gocool Boodoo who initiated and insisted on the dismissal of two IndoGuyanese senior staffers of GECOM. On that occasion, the PPP‘s resort to ethnic politics, to have Boodoo retained by GECOM, did not work. Boodoo‘s contract was not renewed and GECOM no longer had to contend with a CEO who on two occasions, 2006 and 2011, personally
presented and vowed for the wrong results of those elections.Now, on the eve of the determination of Vishnu Persaud‘s retention by GECOM, the PPP in the person of spin-doctor Roger Luncheon has once again employed the said approach by going to the media and purporting to have been informed that the PNC commissioners are “Giving low to zero scores to candidates of Indian origin” and “Finding extraneous reasons for eliminating top rank candidates of Indian origin.” There are two issues at hand, here. There is no such thing as party commissioners, although that is the exact way that the commissioners appointed by Jagdeo allow themselves to be described. In fact, they act as party representatives rather than consti-
tutional officers nominated by the Leader of the Opposition. They even turn-up at Jagdeo‘s political press conferences to take partisan positions on matters pertaining to GECOM. Since when is Mr. Desmond Trotman a PNC or its representative? Mr. Trotman, of the WPA, was appointed by the President after consultations with his coalition partners. It is important to note that Trotman was nominated to be a commissioner after his party had publicly indicated that it would not support or condone rigging of the elections. It is my understanding that Trotman was one of the persons who crafted WPA’s statement prior to its release. To label Trotman as a PNC can only be an attempt to mobilize support on the usual anti-PNC and associated eth-
nic politics of the PPP. I will not be drawn into the unethical behaviour of discussing the Vishnu matter in public since it is still, as I write this letter, to be determined by the Commission. However, it would be remiss of me if I did not disclose that the granting of high and low scores including perfect scores is a precedent created by a PPP-nominated commissioner. Luncheon must be judging others by the known standards of his colleagues. If Commissioner Benn, who is the main protagonist of the ethnic balance mantra, is serious, he needs to come up with an evidential basis for his cry and provide concrete solutions in support of his proposition, rather than providing fodder for the politicians. Yours truly, GECOM Commissioner
CITY HALL NEGLECTS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES DEAR EDITOR, We can easily say that the history of mankind is the history of delusions. More trendy has been the concept of fake news which consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread via traditional print or broadcast news media or online social media. The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown would seem to be the authors, architects and experts in Guyana of fake news, alternative facts and in disseminating outright fabricated and misleading information. The most recent example is the declared intention by the Town Clerk of the Council to charge owners and operators of heavy duty vehicles who operate in Georgetown, a fee which they claim would go towards the repair and maintenance of the roads in our capital. According to the Council, the heavy duty single axle trucks are contributing to road fatigue, stress and the destruction of Council roads
in many parts of the city which is the Council’s responsibility. And that is where the facts end. In an effort to institute yet another burdensome tax on the citizenry he goes on to say that the Council has a narrow revenue base which, coupled with an unwillingness of some property owners to pay their rates, conspires to restrict the Council’s ability to repair and maintain roads. More alarmingly, he further says that the City Council is contemplating an approach to benefit from licensing of vehicles in the city, as he believes that because it is the Council’s statutory responsibility to build and maintain roads that they must also have a corresponding right to access a percentage of the revenue obtained through licensing of vehicles that use Council roads and all connected facilities. On the surface this sounds plausible, but is furthest from reality. The Town Clerk fails to point out that the Council has
failed to build, maintain or even patch a road in well over two decades abdicating its responsibility and handing same over squarely to the central government who receives the proceeds of the road licences and therefore it would be unreasonable to expect central government to hand over the road licence fees to the Council whilst having to maintain the roads themselves. The Town Clerk fails to highlight the fact that included in the property rates collected from corporate and residential property owners is a percentage that should go towards road building as has been the case since 1812 until about 25 years ago when they just capriciously stopped building and maintaining roads in the city. The Town Clerk deliberately overlooks the fact that even if given the additional financial resources, that the Council lacks the resources both in terms of skilled road builders, structural engineers and the machinery to build
and maintain modern bitumen roads. Road construction methods have changed a lot since the sixties and seventies when stones were laid in a regular, compact design, and covered with smaller stones to produce a solid layer then covered with tar. Will the Council be purchasing motor graders, asphalt mixing plants, road roller machines, crawler excavators, forklift trucks, wheel loaders, and truck cranes when it has not even purchased a garbage truck, or a stray animal catching vehicle in over thirty years? It is time that the Town Clerk stops making statements that are demonstrably untrue and contrary to wellknown and accepted facts. These falsehoods further undermine the already flagging public confidence in the City Council and increases public cynicism with regard to the Georgetown Municipality. Sincerely Modi Sankar
A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DEAR EDITOR, For the umpteenth time the Attorney General has lost a decision in court. Not that he was expected to win against Anil Nandlall in the matter of bringing the Judicial Review Act in effect. While the AG threw in the white towel in defence of matters that people in the judicial fraternity had considered as winnable , against BK International , DDL ; matters that will require over $80 billion to be paid from the treasury. The AG appears to be a
habitual loser much to the consternation and embarrassment of the coalition and the president whenever he chooses to put up a defence. Is it that the AG lacks the concept of the principles that constitute right and wrong in law? I think not. I am more inclined to believe that it is plain arrogance by the AG- a belief that being in power he must have his way. Threats to a Judge and questioning the recent decision of the CJ in the recent JRA case are testimony of his disposition.
Being a lawyer, the AG should know that winning cases is not about intimidation and bullying. The CJ analyzed the case, did her summation and give her decision. The general public perceives it to be fair; the AG became distraught. Part of the CJ’s summation revealed that the said AG was involved in the enactment of the judicial Review Act while on the bench of the opposition in 2010 and had lauded it as a good piece of legislation for the people of Guyana to challenge the excesses of
power by Government officials. Now in power, and entrusted to bring the JRA in effect he finds it politically convenient to keep it on ice. It is funny how roles changes mindset in politics! One of his contentions is that the PPP’s failure to bring the JRA into effect after it was passed in parliament in 2010 to 2015, gives him the liberty to detain it. He feigns knowledge that the act “could not be implemented because it had to await the new rules of (Continued on page 6)
SARA seems unwilling to investigate anything connected with this Government DEAR EDITOR, I read the report from the Stabroek News about the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) working with regional administrations to ensure that budgetary funds are properly spent and accounted for. This support role is a new turn when you consider what the SARA law is mainly focused on. The SARA law, when you read the reports from the Department of Public Information, stipulates the functions of SARA to include investigating whether state property was obtained through unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person and the tracing and identifying of property wherever situated, suspected to be state property obtained from unlawful conduct involving a public official or any other person. But SARA isn’t talking about taking the Regional Executive Officers (REOs) to court over overpayment on contracts and that sort of action. All Guyanese have seen the unwillingness of SARA to
investigate anything connected with actions of this Government, even the last week’s media reports about Government ministers selling passports and work permits and setting up front companies to benefit from taxpayers’ monies. So if SARA isn’t going to probe the government ministers, why would they go after these REOs who are acting contrary to the laws, right? Or is it because most of the REOs were appointed by the same government that appointed the people running SARA? Aubrey HeathRetemyer himself said that SARA is not in the regions to “run things,” but is there to “point out” where there are things that are going in the wrong direction. Or it is that SARA knows that if it takes cases against these REOs, or even Government Ministers, to court it would not win the case? The SARA Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are in positions, despite what the law says about how appointments to these positions
should be made. Everyone was of the view that a new Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) would be appointed, once the Bill was passed last year. Their functioning of Aubrey Heath-Retemyer and Clive Thomas is unconstitutional and in contravention of the law. Editor, these are serious issues that raise many worries for Guyanese people. The SARA law gives much power to the people running it and, since the people running it were handpicked by this APNU-AFC Government, the SARA Bill gives much power to them. Attiya Baksh Editor’s note: There is no recollection of last week’s media reports about Government ministers selling passports and work permits and setting up front companies to benefit from taxpayers’ monies. Rumours and suppositions are often ignored by this newspaper. We make an exception today.
Trotman refutes Jagdeo’s claim DEAR EDITOR, The Ministry of Natural Resources is refuting Jagdeo’s claim of Government not keeping Guyanese informed of developments in oil and gas sector The Ministry of Natural Resources says that statements made by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo contendng that the Government is not informing the Guyanese public of developments in the oil and gas sector could be no further from the truth. There is evidence that the Government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, has been more open to sharing information, engaging citizens and accepting criticism than the previous administration. In this context, the Ministry points to the fact that all petroleum production contracts are now available for public scrutiny on the follow-
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Thursday June 07, 2018
ing websites: www.dpi.gov.gy and www.nre.gov.gy. This is the first time that these contracts would have been shared with the public despite them being signed before this administration came into office. In January 2018, Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Raphael Trotman committed to releasing the contracts. That commitment has been honoured. Further, efforts are now underway to release major mining contracts. In addition to making the contracts available to the public, the Ministry of Natural Resources conducted public outreaches throughout Guyana to inform residents of developments in the oil and gas and natural resources sector and these are ongoing. Each of these sessions was well attended and questions asked by residents were answered factually and honestly.
In the process of developing a Local Content Policy, the Ministry of Natural Resources engaged a number of organisations including five Chambers of Commerce, the University of Guyana, other Ministries, professional associations and individuals. These engagements allowed persons the opportunity to make their contributions towards a Local Content Policy for the oil and gas sector. The second draft of the policy is now available for perusal by the public on the following websites: www.business.gov.gy and www.nre.gov.gy As further evidence of the government’s openness and willingness to share information, the records of the National Assembly will show that Minister Trotman and Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Hon. Simona Broomes, have (Continued on page 6)
MIA MOTTLEY IS DEVELOPING A SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP DEAR EDITOR: One of the first acts of the recently elected Mia Mottley Government of Barbados was the engagement with the trade union and business communities, briefing them as to the state of affairs in that country’s economy and the starting of the process of soliciting ideas. This engagement in governance is known as Social Partnership which is consistent with the International Labour Organisation Convention (ILO) on Tripartism and Social Dialogue (No. 144). This convention speaks to the involvement and engagement of Government, Employer and Trade Union organisations in agreeing on a common position and strategy towards the development of an Economic Agenda. Barbados, like Guyana, is a member of the ILO. It is heartening to see a sister CARICOM country, which achieved independence in the same year as us, continue to hold in high regard the spirit and intent of Convention No. 144, and more so demonstrating the shrewdness of bringing all stakeholders to the table in moving the economy forward. Barbados is going to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for assistance in realigning its economy. It is instructive that the Mottley Government’s decision is not being challenged by the other two Social Partners. The reason for this is that all were involved from the inception and continue to work in developing a holistic position, making any decision the ownership of all. In Guyana the APNU+AFC Government is on record speaking to the necessity of putting in place a Social Compact. This was a position and commitment advanced since the APNU was in the Opposition and on the campaign trail. We are now in excess of three years of the administration’s stewardship and society awaits movement
towards the establishment of a relationship with the Social Partners to give effect to Convention No. 144. Mottley’s approach is reminiscent of the Owen Arthur Government’s approach to the economic challenges that country faced in the early 1990s. The International Financial Institutions were proposing a devaluation of the Barbados dollar as a measure for re-aligning its economy. The Arthur Government worked with the trade union and employers’ organisations where social contracts were developed and the decision taken not to devalue the dollar. Together the partners agreed that sacrifices would be made by all in the interest of ensuring the economy rebounds and the dollars retains its value. A comparison with Barbados vis a vis Guyana’s approach in this instance it will be observed that Guyana avoids pursuing an economic agenda grounded in ILO conventions and principles. This places threats to even and progressive development given that decisions are being made absent the involvement and management of all the stakeholders to be impacted. There is no shying away from the possibility that in adhering to Convention No.144 during the process and in the implementation phases there could be challenges or conflicts between and among the partners, but
respect for the principles would safeguard and ensure resolution and the role of all in participation, ownership, development and benefits. The Mottley Government is working towards developing a Social Contract among Government, Employer and Trade Union which will guide the stakeholders as to the new economic measures to be implemented. Last week, President David Granger in his address at the Guyana Public Service Union’s 95th Anniversary celebration, once again raised the issue about a Social Compact and it is safe to think this has to do with a campaign commitment. The trade union community remains invested in such an approach to development as evident in a proposal for the Social Compact that was delivered by the Guyana Trades Union Congress to the Government in its first year in office. A social contract is sometimes referred to as a social compact. It can be narrowed to a specific issue or involve an array of issues. Were we as a people to be involved in the establishment of a social contract/social compact, Government, Employer and Trade Union organisations would have to come to the table with their respective issues from which a common agenda will be pursued and it is hoped this happens soonest. Lincoln Lewis.
CORRECTING A MISUNDERSTANDING DEAR EDITOR, My letter which was published in (yesterday’s) Kaieteur had an error. I was told that BEV was closing operations since the government was not renewing the duty free fuel concession.It’s not so. They were hemming and hawing about it for months but had not actually withdrawn it. So I am going to have to withdraw the statement that the concession was withdrawn. I am doing this late since Bruce Vieira only just called me about the mistake. I honestly believed that the government did not grant the request to continue giving the fuel. Tony Vieira
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INVESTIGATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL DEA EDITOR, Reference is hereby made to the unprofessional conduct displayed by a staff member of the Brickdam Secondary School, on May 22. Shortly before 17:00 hours, I had reason to telephone the school to relay a message to my daughter, a student. In extending the relevant courtesies, I introduced myself, stating my full name. The female staff member’s response was: “Are you allowed to speak to the child? Previously a father with a similar request was denied by the child’s mother. Call back in ten minutes”. After fifteen minutes had clasped, I redialed only to be told by the individual: “You can’t speak to the child, or give her anything”. My response was, “Does the school have any legal document from the Courts of
Law, indicating so?” I was not surprised by her “insolence” thereafter, compounded by unprofessionalism. There was a clear indication that a thorough check of the records wasn’t undertaken. Nevertheless, the staff member was bold enough to outline her non-concern of my threat to publicise the matter. Suffice it to say that the Education Minister, utilizing her vested powers, designates an employee to investigate and submit a report within forty-eight hours in addition to instituting disciplinary measures if the staff member is found to be culpable. Meanwhile, a comprehensive national study should be undertaken to ascertain if “fathers are being unfairly and unjustly treated, at the behest of mothers taking the law into their own hands.”How many
fathers are aware of their fundamental rights, in accordance with judicial procedures? In the final analysis it would be remiss of me not to mention that “A prohibition order was granted against me by a Magistrate, for a period of one month, in 2015.” Is it still relevant today, almost three years later, or is this what the child’s mother is holding onto as a “visa for eternity”? By the way the Education Minister should enquire the reason why a transfer was requested from Christ Church, for the child. Unbelievingly, I was duly informed by my daughter that: “the teachers at the school are lazy and hardly teach”. Is this true, if so, is there a functioning P.T.A. and was it ever brought to their attention? Sadly, I doubt this. Respectfully yours, Lester Sealey.
A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE ATTORNEY ... From page 4 court (new Civil Procedure Rules) providing for public law applications, which were implemented in February 2017.” The CJ made it clear that the JRA and the CPR goes hand in hand in her summation. Another of his contention is that he needed more time for more consultation on a legislation passed in parliament eight years ago, which he had personally lauded then, as being good for the citizenry, to be brought up to
date to international standard. Obscene! What the AG would not contend is that based on international standard, when a legal counsel for the state failed to defend the treasury as often as he did or tried to subvert legislation that allows the citizen to hold Government officials accountable for their actions, they are asked to tender their resignation. President Granger, for all the embarrassment he suffered as a result of misdirection of the AG, which the CJ
had pronounced on, should at this time break his silence. He should show the public that his Government still believes in the rights of the citizen to hold their elected officials to account, the essence of the JRA and the theme that won him the votes in the Coalition’s campaign. He should ask for the resignation of the AG, rather than to ask the AG to appeal the decision of the CJ that compels the AG to bring on the JRA before July 31st. Citizen
Trotman refutes Jagdeo’s claim From page 5 appeared before the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources on several occasions, and most recently, on May 18, where
Minister Trotman delivered a full and frank presentation that addressed at length, developments in the oil and gas sector. That Committee is chaired by PPP Member of Parliament Hon. Odinga Lumumba, and includes Hon. Yvonne Pearson and Hon. Neend Kumar, both of the PPP/C. No suggestions were made at any appearances before this Committee that the Ministry, or Ministers, were withholding information in any way. Instead, the Ministers have been repeatedly
complimented for their open and forthright presentations. Further, at the request of the Minister of Natural Resources, ExxonMobil has been providing updates and briefings to the Leader of the Opposition at his office. Bharrat Jagdeo’s claim that the government is operating in secrecy when it comes to developments in the oil and gas sector is unfounded and clearly made to score cheap political points.[ Ministry of Natural Resources
Thursday June 07, 2018
Taking objection to an economic analysis DEAR EDITOR, The column ‘Report on End of year Outcome 2017’ published by Stabroek News this week and written by Anand Goolsarran warrants a response, since what Mr. Goolsarran claims, is out of sync with the substantiated views expressed by economists, like Mr. Sasenarine Singh and others. Only recently Stabroek News published comments from Mr. Singh, where he pointed out that Guyana’s exports had dropped by $615M in 2017. And this is the least of the worrying economic signs that have been pointed out. Another economist, Mr. Tarron Khemraj, in Stabroek News, pointed out that it is the Coalition Government that must take blame for the loss of investor confidence and the depreciation of the local currency. Mr. Khemraj also criticised this government for the economic performance by pointing out that it is unfairly suspicious of the private sector and that the budget 2018 presentation “gives the impression that not everyone in the APNU+AFC government fully appreciates
the crucial importance of stable macroeconomic forces.” Mr. Goolsarran is not an economist, yet he claims that, based on his supposed analysis, Guyana’s macroeconomic fundamentals reflect a stable economy. This conclusion by Mr. Goolsarran would be strange if it were considered on its own. But, Editor, it is an interesting coincidence that Mr. Goolsarran’s comments came days after Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, was making great predictions about the economy for 2018, as reported in the Guyana Chronicle. No one has forgotten that Mr. Goolsarran was an ardent advocate for the APNU/AFC Coalition Government. No one has forgotten that Mr. Goolsarran also benefited from millions in forensic audit contracts, all of which were awarded in breach of the law. One of those audits alone was for $2.3M. This was the man who, as a former Auditor General, presented himself as a champion for ensuring that the procurement laws were followed. Yet he accepted monies in breach of what he actually argued for. All the forensic audit contracts were given out to people. The laws were not fol-
lowed. In addition to not being an economist, wouldn’t such an action call into question his principles as an accountant too? Editor, Mr. Goolsarran has also not told the Guyanese people yet about the $28B that was ‘lost’ annually because of weak procurement systems. As recent as 2015, Mr. Goolsarran was talking about credible reports of corrupt behaviour in public procurement. But he has not said anything about this since then. Why?Editor, I submit that in the whole context, Mr. Goolsarran’s comments and his conclusion about a stable economy must be questioned. There must be some level of responsibility to the people when certain comments are made. After all it is the people, regular Guyanese people, who are feeling the squeeze caused by the present economic conditions. No amount of ‘dressing’ by people like Mr. Goolsarran will diminish the APNU/AFC Coalition Government’s responsibility for the present economic situation. Sincerely, David Williams
MY NAME IS ON THE LIST DEAR EDITOR, I am a communications consultant and freelance writer; a profession that suited my previous remote location on the Linden Highway. Three years ago I began writing for a local newspaper and about a year after that I applied for a full-time communications position at ExxonMobil. I was unsuccessful in that instance but was fortunate enough to be recognized and offered a contract as a freelance writer. So, my name is on the recently released list of local contractors for ExxonMobil by the DPI. Whether or not I believe the list should have been released, one thing that I feel strongly about is the response from those who pushed for its publication; that the list is “padded” with individuals. I have a couple of questions; how is my income any different than that of a business? If I was to choose a name for my services and set up a business would the money I earn be going anywhere else? ExxonMobil pays me to provide a service as they do to any of the other registered businesses. My wages are spent on the same thing most business owners spend their money on food, clothes and schooling for my children, living costs, bills, rent and taxes. Just because I offer my service as an individual does not change the fact that the money spent by ExxonMobil is going into a local pocket which in turn supports more local business. There was skepticism out there when the public heard of the high numbers of companies and contractors that had benefited from the operations here in Guyana; there was a call for those names to be released. Contrary to practice anywhere else in the world, the list was made public and when indeed the numbers were verified, of course there was new critique about who was on the list. Well I am a name on that list, I earn my living by providing a service to ExxonMobil and I am therefore eligible to be included as local spend.
I benefit, as do direct employees, and so do most of you. My income goes right back out to more local businesses. How can the money being spent and circulated into the Guyanese economies be seen as anything other than a benefit? Every dollar that ExxonMobil spends in Guyana aids our economy.When you work for a company that shows you first hand, as I have seen, its intent, willingness and commitment to building local content in its deed and action, it is extremely frustrating to then be faced day after day with criticisms to those actions. I have the same concerns as other Guyanese about this emerging industry. I have the same hopes for my children growing up. I am wishing for a better life for my family and friends, with better schools, better health care, better roads, and better jobs. So please do not be fooled into thinking I write this letter in protection of my contract; please know that my loyalty lies with those who will operate in a way that protects that better future and I would hold accountable those who do not. The industry is new and there is bound to be some confusion and limited knowledge so I urge people to focus on the facts, do not get caught up in the scaremongering, be optimistic about the future. There may be much you don’t know, and much you hear secondhand but you can read the list for yourself to see that ExxonMobil has honored its promise and has been investing in locals. This is just the beginning and there is already clear evidence of benefits. From someone who spends her days researching, I am confident more is to come. I am proud to be part of a company that in my own experience conducts itself in a manner I feel secure in having my name associated with, whether it be on that list, or at the bottom of this page. Sincerely Lorraine Ince-Carvalhal Contractor for ExxonMobil
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Domestic Violence research reveals…
Turkeyen, La Grange among police stations in need of extra support
C
ommunity monitors attached to the human rights group, Red Thread, involved in assessing the work of law enforcement agencies, have identified at least two police stations which need extra attention as it relates to handling reports of domestic violence. Human rights activist and co-founder of Red Thread, Karen De Souza, made this disclosure during an interview with Kaieteur News yesterday. De Souza explained that based on their findings for the preliminary report, the La Grange and Turkeyen Police stations were identified as needing extra assistance as it relates to handling cases of domestic violence. She noted further that the Community Domestic Violence (DV) monitors have had numerous interactions with ranks at the stations when responding to such incidents. Based on the data collected so far, the human
rights activists said that the problem is not merely with the officers having the knowledge of how to deal with these cases “but the issue lies with the size of the area which these stations are supposed to service.” “These are really large areas for the stations to respond to all the reports coming out in a timely manner.” According to De Souza, as part of their work the group had identified five communities across the countries in which persons were trained to monitor and handle cases in accordance with stipulations in the Domestic Violence Act. During the research, Plaisance/BetterHope on the East Coast Demerara, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara, Bartica in Region Seven, Lethem, Region Nine and Anna Regina, Region One, are among the communities being targeted. De Souza had explained that police stations within the stated communities would have been observed as it relates to how members of the
force are dealing with domestic violence and other related matters.” The activity is part of a wider project by Red Thread to help provide support to victims and law enforcement agencies with regard to the enforcement of the Domestic Violence Act and related issues. As part of the research, two monitors were selected from each of the communities. The monitors were then trained to provide support for the victims by accompanying them to the police stations and Courts. In the process, the monitors have been able to gather information for a preliminary report which is almost completed. De Souza noted that Red Thread, at present, is placing emphasis on providing assistance to communities outside of Georgetown. “We haven’t been able to do much work on the Essequibo Coast, since most of our efforts were concentrated in Region Four, that‘s the reason why we have
selected to reach out to some of these communities to give support as far as our budget would allow,” she added. The women’s rights activist further outlined that based on the findings, Red Thread will be better equipped to offer recommendations to the Ministry of Social Protection, the Police and the Judiciary, on matters of Domestic Violence.The group has also held workshops and meetings with police officers, members of the judiciary and other stakeholders to help identify problem areas and challenges as it relates to the implementation of the domestic violence laws. The Police in a statement following a recent meeting with representatives of Red Thread noted from the discussion, both positive and negative behaviour and actions would have been observed, and are in process of being addressed. Additionally, the police said that officers in attendance pledged to continue to focus on
strengthening their collaborative efforts, in addressing Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Sexual Offences and other aspects of crime prevention. The implementation of the Domestic Violence laws project was embarked upon two years ago with the support of the US State Department, via the Embassy here in Georgetown. (Rehanna Ramsay)
Human rights activist Karen De Souza
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UG to open new Language Solar farm to provide 17 Lab in September hours power to Mabaruma
The solar farm in Mabaruma, Region One
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even hundred residents of Mabaruma will by August enjoy 17 hours of clean and reliable electricity with the completion of Guyana’s first ever solar farm. The $264M farm in Region One will cover ten acres on Khan’s Hill and provide power for Mabaruma and down to the Wanina area. Currently, the Mabaruma Power Company provides only eight hours of electricity
per day. The project is close to completion pending the arrival of some overseas materials, Mabaruma Town Mayor Henry Smith in a visit to the area told reporters on Friday. “The lines are already being laid, it’s just to bring in the other input then we connect up, giving us an additional nine hours of current. This added to the eight hours that we have right now will give us 17 hours, out
of 24 every day. We hope that by the end of August, it should be up and running.” The mayor was at a part of a team of officials which included the Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock and Ministerial Advisor, Mervyn Williams who visited the site. The project, which started in 2017 is being executed by German company Meeco in three phases: the first saw the extension of the distribution network from its endpoint to a new location in Khan’s Hill; the second stage catered for site preparation and construction of the fence; and the third phase involves the actual construction of the solar farm. Other solar farms at Lethem in Region Nine, Mahdia in Region Eight and at Bartica in Region Seven are planned. These farms are anticipated to generate 800, 400, and 1.5 kilowatts of electricity respectively. They are part of the government’s plan to move Guyana towards becoming a ‘Green State’ and serve to reduce the country’s fuel bill.
Dr. Barbara Reynolds and Mr Chen Xilai signing the MoU. Thousands of University of Guyana students will soon benefit from the creation of a modern language laboratory at the University’s Turkeyen Campus through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed Tuesday, between the Embassy of The People’s Republic of China and the university. This MoU provides for a grant valued at G$4.6Million which will be used to fund the acquisition of furniture, computers, headsets and other items to create a more effective and interactive learning environment conducive to language learning.This new laboratory will create a more efficient
environment than traditional classrooms and will include virtual classroom, newspapers, books, a large library of videos and resources for the students. Signing on behalf of UG was Dr. Barbara Reynolds, Deputy Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for Planning and InternationalEngagement at the University of Guyana while Mr. Chen Xilai, Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission signed on behalf of the Chinese Embassy. Dr. Barbara Reynolds said that the new laboratory will allow Guyanese students to communicate better with international teachers, students, tourists and other persons in their professional
lives.“The foreign languages programme is critical. We’re looking to reanimate the languages the University has offered. Having a fully functional language lab so that students can go there…and engage, it is a lab to satisfy a particular need”, she said.The University of Guyana Currently offers several courses, and up to a Bachelor’s Degree, in Spanish, French, Portuguese and Mandarin.The creation of this designated lab forms part of a larger strategy by the University for developing, revising, and revamping the language programmes. The lab is slated to be opened in time for the 2018-2019 Academic Year.
Rescuers tirelessly search for 200 missing near Guatemala volcano SAN MIGUEL LOS LOTES, Guatemala (Reuters) - Rescuers scoured a lava and ash ravaged land-
scape in Guatemala for a third straight day yesterday in search of survivors and victims of Fuego volcano’s calamitous eruption, which has left an estimated 85 people dead and some 200 missing. Volcan de Fuego, which means “Volcano of Fire,” exploded violently on Sunday, shooting thick plumes of ash miles into the sky that rained down on residents and sending superheated pyroclastic and lava flows barreling through nearby towns. A thick layer of still smoldering ash and volcanic rock blanketed the tiny hamlet of
San Miguel Los Lotes, with only the roofs of some homes sticking out. Guatemala’s seismological, volcanic and meteorological institute Insivumeh heightened its warnings after the volcano erupted again on Tuesday, forcing evacuations and sending rescue workers scrambling for cover. But by yesterday morning, rescuer workers were back at it with pickaxes, metal rods and flashlights in hand, risking their own lives in search of victims or a miracle survivor. Bulldozers stood by to help.
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Thursday June 07, 2018
The Govt. is hanging out Exxon’s ‘fine things’ in public We have a government which is less smart than is presumed. Which rightthinking government releases a list of names provided to it by Exxon without verifying the information received, ensuring confidentiality is protected, and without any clear idea as to what constitutes local content. The government is out of its depth. Its action in releasing such a ridiculous list raises serious concerns as to whether the government can now be trusted with exercising oversight over the operations of ExxonMobil. It was NOT the responsibility of the government to release the names of those who provide goods and services to ExxonMobil. That is not the government’s job. But the government has assumed the role of handmaiden of
ExxonMobil. The contract it signed with the powerful multinational not only gives the government responsibility for paying any taxes on behalf of Exxon, but now it seems as though it is being its servant in releasing the names of those who do business with the company. The government is out of order. It has no right doing Exxon’s bidding. Its role is to verify that ExxonMobil is complying with its local content requirements under its contract. The government is hanging out Exxon ‘fine things’ in public. Instead of releasing the names of 227 individuals and firms with which it does business (it was supposed to be over 300) Exxon has foisted that role on government. The government was not being smart when it blindly
published the information which was supplied to it. Had it taken the trouble to verify the information, it would have appreciated that much of what it published is not usually considered as local content. If it had done its homework, the government would have avoided the mistakes which it has now exposed. The credibility of the information has already been called into question. Kaieteur News has already found duplications. One major accounting firm which is listed as having provided services to ExxonMobil has denied that it ever did so. A lot of the information provided is laughable. ExxonMobil was so desperate to demonstrate that the Guyanese economy is benefitting from its operations that even the most
DEM BOYS SEH
Open a school on local con-tent fuh de coalition
Local content has a meaning fuh everybody else in de world but when it comes to Exxon that company got a different definition. Local content is when a foreign company invest and develop skills that will have a tremendous impact on people’s lives in you country. Local content must be something tangible and visible. It must be something solid. It is something that a man must seh when money land in ee hand, “Eh heh. Me life is on de road to happiness and change.” It must use all local services before de company look outside. In fact, once de country can provide de services at a reasonable rate de
foreign company must use it so that de money received from de services can mek people see de development. For example, Guyana got nuff local planes, boats and trucking services. It got contractors, brokers, auditors, consultants, lawyers, and de likes. These got to get first pick. Buying two puri and two potato ball is not local content. Renting a taxi, cleaning septic tank and mek Sonia sew two frock and a half slip fuh Henny son is not local content. Emptying two basket at de dumpsite, or drinking two beer at Palm Court is not local content. Any and every lunatic that come to this country does do that, and more. Passing by de roadside
and throw a $20 in de hand of a beggar who can’t walk properly is not local content. De man accustom to that. Local content is throwing a big wad of $5,000 bill at de beggar and mek him get up and run wid happiness. Dem boys seh Exxon been here fuh nearly two decades ago and no vendor ain’t smile yet. Nobody ain’t got a new skill. De same skill to sell drugs remain to this day in Guyana. Surely that can’t be anything close to local content. And dem boys want to know why dem list Bourda Market as one of dem shopping centres. Instead, of de market shine, it decline. Talk half, and open a school fuh de coalition govt to learn bout local content.
frivolous of services are listed as part of its local content contribution. The taxi drivers who provide transportation to the company, probably including short drops, are listed. Even regular services which are provided to every property owner, such as garbage disposal, are listed. Most of these services would have been provided anyway, with or without Exxon. Exxon is not adding local content by listing garbage disposal and utilities. Government was NOT very smart when it failed to consider the legal ramifications of publishing the list without obtaining the consent of those named. The government has exposed information which can be considered as privileged or confidential. Not everyone wants their competitors to know that they are doing business with Exxon. Since the value of the services was not and could not be stated, it exposes many of these individuals to being
summoned by the taxman. A taxi driver who may have only done a few short drops for Exxon (and who would have had work in any event) may be presumed by the taxman to be receiving substantive business from Exxon, and therefore will now be likely to be audited. His business dealings are now in the public domain without his permission. How smart was the government? But the most depressing aspect of this whole affair is the woeful lack of understanding, by the government, of local content. Quite correctly, a local content expert, Rene Tissot, has pointed out that newspaper ads and hotel services are not considered as local content. He pointed out that the government has failed to distinguish between local content and spending that benefits the economy. He explained that local content involves the transfer of skills and technology, the use of local manpower, and the growth of local
manufacturing. Local content involves lasting value, such as industrialization, which the operations of the foreign companies provide. Buying a cigarette at the local street corner is not local content. Local content, as he pointed out, is about the depth and value of the investment. Local content is not listing every person from whom you buy something or who provides a service to you. Local content is defined as the domestic portion of a final good or service. For example, local content requirements may specify that 20% of technical employment must be locals or that 60% of the shipping services must be provided by local firms. The government does not seem to understand this. Just what does it understand?
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=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
APNU+AFC at 3: Moses, David and Lincoln This fifth article on the assessment of three years of APNU and the AFC in government concludes the series. Quite honestly, I think the performance has been so mediocre and controversial that I could have stretched the series to ten, literally ten evaluations. I have settled for five. Today, I finish the compilation by contextualizing the removal of David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis as columnists with the Chronicle. For me, that act has to be seen in the context of the ubiquity of fear that has paralyzed the
psyche of the Guyanese citizen since the break-up of the Burnham/Jagan-led PPP in 1955. It reached terrible levels under President Burnham and from thereon, fear of even openly disagreeing with government on the most inconsequential policy, has been the most salient characteristic of this nation. I have not seen in the condemnation of and disagreement with the removal of Hinds and Lewis - by organizations and individuals who criticized the government because they think the government made
the decision - the contextual meaning of the personalities involved, that is, the historical status of Hinds and Lewis. I will use that political nuance to argue that the Hinds/Lewis imbroglio has increased that traditional fear factor and it underlies the creeping intolerance for democratic thought by this three-year-old regime. I would argue that despite the semi-secret salary hike and other mistakes, some of which could be categorized as completely unacceptable, the
Refurbished Conference Centre to be handed over today President David Granger will today receive the Certificate of Completion for the refurbished Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), at its Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara location. The conference centre, according to the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, was a gift from the government of the People’s Republic of China. The completely renovated facility will be “handed back to the people of Guyana” by Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jianchun. “Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, under whose portfolio the ACCC falls, will also officiate during the ceremony, and assist with a special dedication. Attendees will then be guided on a tour to view the new features added to the
already popular conference and events venue. The ACCC had acquired an excellent reputation ten years,” the ministry said. The first agreement was signed in 2004 by representatives of the Governments of the Republics of Guyana and China. Two years later the finished building, then called the Guyana International Convention Centre, was presented to the Government of Guyana. That agreement contained a commitment by the Chinese Government to rehabilitate the facility after 10 years of use. That period expired in 2016 and the centre was closed for repairs on December 1st of that year. The civil contractors, China Railway 17 Bureau Group Co. Ltd., completely renovated the buildings from the ground up within the agreed 18-month time-span, the ministry said.
Hinds/Lewis imbroglio is the most deadly and dangerous mistake, and the most barefaced decision this government has taken in its threeyear-old existence. I hasten to add the Lewis/Hinds incident has not only dented the credibility of the regime, but has caused it to lose support, and caused people to question this country’s future democratic existence. Before we look at what I refer to above as the contextual meaning of the personalities, I want to lay down what I believe, and do not believe, happened at the Chronicle. I do not believe the Chronicle’s leadership made the decision to drop Hinds and Lewis. The Chronicle’s editor can tomorrow reject what is written here, but he cannot take away what I believe in. It is this columnist’s opinion that top political leaders did not want Hinds and Lewis writing critically of the government and they stopped the columns. This is my belief, and I will not drop it because the government said it was not involved. The President and Minister Trotman stated that there was no central decision involved. It is your right to believe them. It is my right to disbelieve. Let us now move to the decision
and its relation to the existence of fear. Hinds and Lewis are not overnight sensations. They have been around for a long time, and I mean a very long time, as people who have struggled historically. Their record is large, and that may be a light word to use. Both men have faced decades of harassment, with Hinds going to jail for three years. Hinds was part of the WPA’s leadership that negotiated the formation of APNU. Hinds was charged as recent as 2011 along with many leaders of the PNC for street protest against the 2011 election results. The contextual meaning of the Hinds/Lewis/ Chronicle event is that it can only drive the instinct of fear deeper in every Guyanese. The thinking is obvious or one can say commonsensical. It goes like this. Look how big and iconic Hinds and Lewis are, and look at the intolerance shown to them, who am I to criticize this government when I am just a small person. If they can do that to Hinds and Lewis then they will do it to everyone else. That kind of thinking was immediately born among the population after the Chronicle thing became public. The fear this nation has lived with for the
Frederick Kissoon past sixty years was seriously deepened by the Hinds/Lewis incident. It is only natural and logical for young people, far younger than Hinds and Lewis, to say they will not publicly chastise the State, because look how intolerant the government was of Lewis and Hinds. The fear can only increase also, because of the silence of Nagamootoo. Here again context comes in. Nagamootoo is seen as someone who fought alongside Hinds and Lewis for over forty years. The Chronicle comes under his jurisdiction. He has uttered not even one word on the issue. The logical thinking again is that even someone like Nagamootoo has become wary of criticism against the APNU+AFC coalition and will not tolerate it. To continue to survive in Guyana, fear is the key.
Thursday June 07, 2018
Kaieteur News
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2014 Boxing Day murder trial begins The trial of Vishwantie Ragnauth and her reputed husband Nyron Thakurdyal commenced yesterday afternoon before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Georgetown. The couple is accused of the 2014 Boxing Day murder of Ragnauth’s uncle, 39-yearold Sunil Ramsundar, at Patentia, West Bank Demerara. They have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. In her opening remarks, Prosecutor Orinthia Schmidt told the court that Ramsundar is an uncle of Ragnauth, the number one accused in the murder trial. The Prosecutor said that on the day in question, there was a family problem which resulted in an altercation between Ramsundar and his niece. According to the prosecutor, Ragnauth held onto her uncle, while her reputed husband stabbed him with a knife. Ramsundar was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Police Constable Bennett was the last witness to take the stand yesterday. He told the court that during December 2014 he was stationed at the Wales Police Station where he performed duties in the General Duties Section. He said that on December 27, he was at the station when one Constable Solomon brought the couple into custody. According to the police witness, he put a murder allegation to Ragnauth to which she replied, “Police Officer is just a lil cuff.” The witness recalled that
Nyron Thakurdyal
Vishwantie Ragnauth
another allegation was put to Thakurdyal who replied, “Big man me just part.” Questioned by Prosecutor Schmidt, to describe the demeanour of the two murder accused while they were in police custody, Constable Bennett said that both of them appeared nervous. During cross examination by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes, who has been retained by the two accused, Constable Bennett was asked if Thakurdyal said, “Big man me just part them.” In response, the witness maintained that the murder accused did not utter those words. At this point, Hughes asked the witness if he wished to be refreshed from a statement he gave to police just after putting the allegation to the couple. After perusing the statement, Constable Bennett agreed with counsel that Thakurdyal told him, “Big man me just part them” and not “Big man me just part.”
The jury foreman then sought to question Constable Bennett on whether he asked the murder accused to explain what he meant by “Big man me just part them.” The witness replied in the negative. A Detective Police Sergeant told the court that on December 27, 2014, he was on duty at the Wales Police Station, West Bank Demerara, when he was instructed to visit the scene of the alleged murder. The witness further told the court that he took photographs of certain areas of the scene, upon instructions from his superior. The three photographs were later tendered, admitted and marked as exhibits in the trial. The Sergeant of Police is presently stationed at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Headquarters and is attached to the Crime Scene Investigation Unit. This trial continues this afternoon.
High-tech monitors now alert GWI to low water pressure Monitoring devices installed at GWI’s pump stations across the country can now instantly email or text message officials if there is low water pressure. Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Executive Director of Operations, Dwayne Shako told the Department of Public Information that through the installation of logger devices, GWI can effectively manage each of its 141 water stations. “Rather than waiting for customers to call and say they are not receiving water, we will have an early indication that something is wrong at that station and then we can do a quick intervention,” he said in a statement from government, He explained that that each logger is set to monitor a specific pound per square inch (PSI) for each station. Once it falls below that mark, GWI’s staff will be alerted via e-mail and a text
One of the logger devices being used by GWI message. “We have installed 78 of these loggers right now. The entire Region Four is complete, the entire Region Three is complete….we have some at Linden, but we are hoping by mid-August that we would complete the entire 141 stations which would allow us now to better monitor these stations.” The system is also web-
based which allows for effective monitoring from any part of the world with an accurate representation of what happened at the station and its present status. GWI said that the implementation of the supervisory control and data acquisition system is another step in its efforts to ensure that all customers get the best service available.
Thursday June 07, 2018
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Top Cop updates Georgetown Chamber on crime situation
Senior police officials with representatives of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Executive members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met with Police Commissioner (ag), David Ramnarine, DSM, and senior officers at the Commissioner’s Conference Room. They were there to dis-
cuss matters related to crime and traffic, matters of mutual interest/concern and areas for potential collaboration and cooperation, the police said. ”During the meeting, the Commissioner of Police gave an overview of the
crime and traffic situation including that at this point in time, there is a 10% decrease in serious crimes overall from January 1, 2018 to May 31, 2018 compared with the same period last year.” Ramnarine pointed out that in “A Division” -
Georgetown and its environs including East Bank Demerara - there was a 13% decrease in serious crimes for the same comparative period. ”The Top Cop also indicated that in respect of the traffic situation, it is still evident and alarmingly…that
speeding, drunk driving and inattentiveness are the main contributory factors to fatal accidents with pedestrians being the most vulnerable category of road users.” The Commissioner underscored the fact that with increased multiple training op-
portunities both locally and overseas, particularly capability and capacity building in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), serious crimes are no longer committed with impunity, but in fact in a matter of hours and days they are being solved.
Rice body urges lowering of fuel price In the face of increasing financial hardship facing the agriculture sector, the Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA), says it is calling on the Government to immediately lower the taxes on fuel to ease the burdens on the productive sector. “Farmers who are currently harvesting have been experiencing an increase in transportation cost from an ave r a g e o f $200 to $800 per bag because of poor condition of access. Many have been forced to use a combination of poor dams and weed infested waterways and this increase in fuel prices might very well be the proverbial last straw.” A d d i t i o n a l l y, R PA said, most farmers are currently involved in land preparation exercise
and sowing of their fields and in the latter case, more fuel is being used compared to the crop duration, so the increase is coming at a really bad time for the farmers. “ We a r e c a l l i n g o n t h i s G o v e r n m ent to reimplement the sliding rate on taxes to cushion the impact of international price increases. To do nothing but collect exorbitant taxes will stifle production and affect thousands of lives,” the rice association warned. “This is certainly not the good life that was promised and the Gov-
ernment inaction on this matter is not an option and we are insisting on an immediate reduction in percentage taxes being collected and we know that the Government knows that they can still realize the amount budgeted for with a reduction. We will accept no less.” In recent weeks, a number of suppliers have hiked the prices of fuel, blaming higher acquisition costs. Prices have moved from about $200 per litre for gasoline to over $230. Fuel is key to rice production, from use in tractors and harvesters, to water pumps.
The fuel increase comes at a bad time as farmers are currently sowing
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Thursday June 07, 2018
Kaieteur News
Govt. pumps $210M into several community projects
Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan (centre) with contractors and representatives of various communities. The Government has signed off on an injection of $210M, through nine contracts which will be spread across several communities in Guyana. The contracts were signed yesterday with contractors in the Ministry of Communities’ compound in Kingston. Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan emphasised that the priority areas in these sectors were identified by the regions themselves through a visionary and consultative process. “These projects will result in direct benefits across six of our management regions and four sectors of development. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to develop communities countrywide by providing
better healthcare services, educational facilities, transport infrastructure, and to enhance regional management facilities,” Bulkan stated. The Minister stated that the contracts were awarded through a public procurement process. Contracts to be executed include Schoonord, Strathspey and North Vryheid nursery schools, Kamarang Primary School, health centres at Amelia’s Ward, the Doctor’s Quarters in New Amsterdam, the Regional Administration Annex building in Lethem and the rehabilitation of Ballfield Road in Wismar. Minister Bulkan told the contractors that the money being spent equates to approximately US$1M and is not to be sneezed at. He disclosed that the contrac-
tors will be monitored and assessed during the process. The contracts will be overseen by the respective Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities. Following the signing, the Minister denied dictating to the local organs how they should operate. He stated that the Government is committed to respecting the independent authority and autonomy of all local democratic organs. “We are committed to partnering and collaborating for the restoration and rehabilitation of the damaged system of local government that we inherited. That is the programme; that is the agenda of this Ministry and that is what we have been pursuing,” Bulkan stated. Defending the provi-
sion of direct funding and the involvement of the Ministry in the contracting signing process, the Minister noted that the laws provide that finances to
fund the work of the NDCs and municipalities have to be centrally generated. “They do not generate from central Government, but central government
does provide financial resources. That is the process we are working with our organs to bring about,” Bulkan stated.
Port Kaituma man accused of sexual activity with teen relative A Port Kaituma man who is accused of sucking the neck and breast of his teen relative was yesterday charged and granted $250,000 bail after being charged with sexual activity with a minor. Forty-two- year-old Faron Hernandez appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on June 2 at Canal Bank, Port Kaituma, i n t h e N o r t h We s t Magisterial District, he engaged in sexual activity with a child under the age of sixteen.
Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield had no objection to bail being granted to the defendant. Conditions of the bail are that Hernandez must report every Friday to the police in charge at the Port Kaituma Station. Hernandez was also instructed not to make contact with the victim or her family until the completion of the trial. He was instructed to make his next court appearance on June 15. According to information, on the day in question the teen was left at home with Hernandez. It was reported that the (Continued on page 19)
Faron Hernandez
Thursday June 07, 2018
Manchester Guinness Bar melee…
Manslaughter accused to know fate today The 33-year-old man who was allegedly at the centre of a melee which ended in the death and injuries at a night spot on the Corentyne in December 2015, and is on trial for manslaughter, is expected to know his fate today. Bhiron Robertson called “Bouse” of Liverpool, Corentyne, Berbice, is on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed Jury in the Berbice High Court. He is charged with killing Mark Simon called Mark Lane, 28, also of Liverpool, on December 27, 2015 at Manchester Village. Robertson, who was initially hospitalized following the melee, was also indicted for wounding Samuel Fraser, called “Charlie”, 32, of Liverpool. Simon was reportedly hacked to death outside the Guinness Bar night spot at Manchester during the brawl. The fight broke out between Robertson and Simon, who were both reportedly involved in a relationship with a woman called Ann, or “Fluffy Tail” of Alness. Robertson is being represented by Attorney at Law Arun Gossai. The State’s case is being
presented by Tuanna Hardy. In her opening address, the prosecutor stated that there was a fight at a bar at Manchester, during which Mark Simon sustained a fatal wound to his thigh, and Fraser, who was acting as a peacemaker, was injured. Joshua Smith of Liverpool Village testified that it was usual that the “Guinness Bar” hosted parties every Sunday at Manchester. Smith said that he was with his late uncle, Mark Simon and some friends, drinking at a table, when the accused approached and an argument ensued. He spoke of seeing the two men becoming involved in a fight. He mentioned seeing a knife in Robertson’s waist, which he took and ‘juk Mark on his thigh’. Detective Sergeant Michael Peters noted that he was told by the accused that “I did not chop Simon; it was Simon who chopped me with a cutlass on my head, my eyes, my back and my left foot.” Detective Constable Corwin Mitchell testified to visiting the accused at the
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hospital where he noticed injuries on his back, left knee and head. His left foot was in a cast. Wo m a n Detective Deslyn Whyte testified to taking photographic evidence at the scene. Among items photographed were a stainless steel black handled knife, a pair of black- and-white sneakers, a red top, a black camouflage cap, and a grey gent’s vest. Alice Simon, mother of the deceased, testified to identifying the body at the New Amsterdam Hospital mortuary. Samuel Fraser told the court of his being present on the fateful day of the incident and of being injured during the brawl. He was subsequently hospitalized. Policeman Albert De Mondenza recounted the part he played during the investigation. Government Pathologist Dr. Vivikanand Brijmohan conducted the autopsy on the body and gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage along with a stab wound to the thigh. Both the prosecution and defence closed their cases.
Debate begins on banning single-use plastics in three years Plastic shopping bags and other single-use plastics are to be phased out starting in three years as part of Guyana’s commitment to a greener planet. The first in a series of national consultations on the proposed ban was on Tuesday hosted by the Department of Environment (DOE) in keeping with the United Nations (UN) World Environment Day theme “Beating Plastic Pollution”. Head of the DOE, Ndibi Schwiers said the ban would begin to be implemented within three years: “In three years’ time we will be able to as a country develop the kind of policy or plan to enable us to quickly transition from single-use plastics.” The department has proposed to the Cabinet that the ban be imposed on the importation, manufacture and sale of single-use plastic bags and other single-use plastic products such as food containers. Single-use plastics are made from fossil fuels, leave a large carbon footprint and pollute the
oceans, posing serious threats to marine life. In light of these negative impacts, Stakeholder Management Co-ordinator, DOE, Aretha Forde proposed a number of initiatives aligned with the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) which can be done. These include the drafting of legislation, the development of standards and identification of alternatives, fiscal incentives for the private sector and the imposition of an envir o n m e n t a l l e v y, t o b e implemented simultaneously. A call was issued for the private sector and the general public to support these efforts. Forde also urged citizens to help by taking
shopping bags to the supermarkets, saying no to plastic straws, and carry reusable bottles and mugs. The event featured a panel discussion which included, Executive Director (ag), Environmental Prot e c t i o n A g e n c y ( E PA ) , Kemraj Parsram, Official, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Kushana Archer, Executive member, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Ramesh Dookhoo, President, Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society (GMTCS) Annette Arjoon- Martins, Director, Solid Waste Management, Mayor and City Council, Walter Narine, ent r e p r e n e u r, Melissa Younge and Supermarket boss, Harry Mattai.
Port Kaituma man accused of sexual activity with... From page 14 teen was lying on a bed in her room when Hernandez barged in and began to romance her by kissing on her neck and breast. The teen then pushed the accused away and later informed her parents who went and reported the matter to the station. Hernandez was then arrested and taken into custody.
PAGE 20
Deportee jailed after stealing from Good Samaritans A man who broke and entered the house of a pastor and his wife who would usually counsel and feed him, has been jailed for 12 months. Ryan Isaacs, a deportee, of no fixed place of abode, broke and entered the dwelling house of Delvon and Lindela Edwards, a pastor and school teacher respectively, of Lot 38 Stanleytown, New
Thursday June 07, 2018
Kaieteur News
Amsterdam, and stole a number of items worth over $411,000. Isaacs appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rhondel Weaver and pleaded guilty to the charge. The case for the prosecution as presented by Corporal Winston Poliah, was that the couple had secured their premises and left to go
and worship at a nearby church. Upon their return about three hours after, they noticed that the house was broken into and the place ransacked. The woman, upon checking, discovered that a Government of Guyana laptop, a digital camera, an electrical De Walt drill, a hand held drill and battery charger, (Continued on page 23)
Murder accused to face retrial After hours of deliberation, a jury was unable to arrive at a verdict in the trial of Mahendra Bishundial, who is charged with the 2012 murder of Edun Farm Poultry employee, Aga Khan. Bishundial had been on trial before High Court Judge James Bovell Drakes for the November 6, 2012 killing which occurred during the course of a robbery at Busby Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara. The jury was unable to arrive at a unanimous verdict for the capital offence, and as a result, Bishundial, who was further remanded to prison, will have to face another trial at the next sitting of the Demerara Assizes at the High Court in Georgetown. Bishundial was represented by Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes. Prosecutor Mandel Moore presented the indictment on behalf of the state. A police release had stated that Khan was attacked by four men, one of whom was armed with a handgun and others with knives. Khan was driving motor lorry GJJ 2806 owned by Edun Poultry Farms, east along Busby Dam, when the men walked into the path of the vehicle causing the driver to stop. One of the men then approached Khan and demanded cash. He was shot to his neck in the process. Investigations were carried out and Bishundial was arrested and charged. During the trial, the murdered
Murdered: Aga Khan
Murder accused: Mahendra Bishundial
man’s wife Sunita Jaigobin told the court that on the day of the killing her husband left home at around 07:00 am for work at Edun Poultry Farm. She said that around 17:00hrs that evening she received a call and as a result went to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where she saw her husband lying motionless on a stretcher. According to Jaigobin, the dead man was clad in a white T-Shirt with what appeared to be blood on it. For his part, the deceased’s brother, Sharif Khan testified to identifying the remains of his brother to Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh on November 9, 2012 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary Also testifying was Saeed Edun, who told the court that Aga Khan was one of his employees. According
to the poultry farmer, on that tragic day, Aga Khan collected the keys to Canter truck GJJ 2806, while another employee uplifted the bill books and a cellular phone. Edun said that around 17:00hrs that said day, he received a phone call from his wife which caused him to leave their home at Busby Dam. The witness said that the Canter truck was parked along the dam and he saw Aga Khan and another employee lying inside in a crouching position. The poultry farmer recalled that he transported the injured men to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, after which, he left for the Grove Police Station to inquired about what had transpired. He disclosed that a total of $48,000 was missing from the Canter truck.
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WANT
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Eagle’s: Re-gas –low prices, washing machine repairs, gas stove, plasma flat Screen, computer repairs & more. Call: 697-2969/646-0966 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
FOR SALE 1 Long base canter, very good condition, owner leaving country or 1 canter driver needed for hire. #6091040 35 ft boat flat bottom 400 pound cat guts seine. Contact# 676-6002/665-6585 Gold and Diamond mining,Claim virgin land in the Quartz stone, Cuyuni mining district Guyana for sale. Contact#592-671-9478 One Hiab 2 ton Mitsubishi canter PWW series $3.9M neg. Tel#676-0455 Mixing machine 200 lbs capacity, Industrial slicing machine, Rounder divider 60 rolls per min. Tel# 264-2475/ 264-2536/658-0644 Bread trays, brick oven for removal and other items for bakery. Tel#264-2475/2642536/658-0644
Have your house,fence & yard to pressure wash? Call: 666-2326 Two weeks workshop for cosmetology. One Barber space for rent from the East Coast. Contact: 698-3018 TOLET 2 bedroom house fully A/c in Somerset court. Herstelling EBD Tel#6614849
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 MASSAGE/HEALTH
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
Diamond/Grove EBD truck driver wanted. Call: 677-6620/ 216-1043
2 & 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments short and long term rental Tel# 6642143,691-1432,666-7028 2 & 1 bedroom Apt furnished in Providence. Call #6721906, 216-2299/Whatsapp #1246-833-9739 Display rack, space & parking lot to rent. Contact# 624-6783 Fully furnished apartment in South (AC, Cable & Internet) #689-5877/223-4390 LAND FOR SALE Continental Park (Double) $24M Land of Canaan (acres) $5.5M Schnoord $3.5M First St, Triumph Seaside. #2312199/608-0772 Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M $1.5M $2.5M $3M Farm $3.5M Herstelling 2nd Bridge $4M Uivlugt $2.8M. Call: 666-2326 Tuschen house $5M Tuschen corner lot $1.5M Diamond $4M Eccles $6M. Call: 6662326 Tuschen $1.5M Uitvlugt $2.8M Parfaite Harmonie $1.8M Tel#697-6311
CAR RENTAL
EDUCATION
Computer classes age 6-11 $5000 monthly (3 month course) located @ 64 Durban St. Contact#615-3192
WANTED
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ 698-1134. Experience Cashier, Drivers, Roti/Puri cook. Apply Hack’s Halaal with H/written application 5 Commerce St. One General Domestic, must know to cook. Apply @ Keyfood, next door to Post Office, McDoom One Financial Investor for mineral land in the Mazaruni area. Phone: 672-8844 Pastry Chef, apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St. Drivers, Porters, Office clerk. Apply to Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd Survival Wholesale Depot Land to buy within the vicinity of Tuschen and Zeelugt Scheme. Tel#678-3958/6534820 One cook needed to work at Itabali. Contact: 665-6444 Drivers with car, private/hire to work @ New Taxi base in Central Georgetown. Call: 6088294/610-8294 Female workers wanted just finish writing CXC exam 2018. Call: 622-5518 Seamstress and Tailor. Contact: 689-5877/223-4390 Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 226-3693DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM IAE- Register for CXC, full time evening & adult classes. Mathematics, English, Business & Science subjects #683-5742/621-7365
FOR RENT
Herbal remedies: Diabetes, Hypertension, Infertility, Menstrual disorders, enlarged prostate, Kidney & Gall stones etc. Call Sparman #676-5924
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 RZ Minibus BNN excellent condition. Call: 233-3430 1 Nissan Dualis 2007 #6229951/689-9447, lady driven. (1) 4x4 Tundra Excellent condition $2 Million #6181395/639-2490 One enclosed canter 3 ton wide base, Good condition #604-0204/264-0041 1 Nissan,long base canter, excellent condition. Price $1.1 M Neg. Contact 628-4436 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 Corner Lot Diamond, EBD Land 61’x110'- House 30’x50' G$32M Furnished Serious enquiries only. #613-6631/6182603 3 story commercial building,120ftX60ft Building 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Plot B Herstelling, EBD, reduced price Contact: 6093777/686-0522
Driver wanted for water canter preferably from West side. Contact: 622-5428 Part time cook and security wanted. Contact # 231-5857/ 231-5866 1 Bus driver. Route 42. Tel# 685-0569/604-7018 PEN PAL
Customs Patrol Officers get key training in vessel searches
T
he Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is presently facilitating training for Customs Patrol Officers, whose duties involve patrolling of air and sea ports, securing goods and revenues, and boarding and rummaging of vessels and aircraft. The training which commenced in April and will conclude this month, aims to provide Customs Patrol Officers with the working knowledge of Customs Laws/ Regulations and Customs Procedures. Among the areas of focus are Customs and Trade Legislation, Prohibitions and Restrictions, Water Guard Functions, Boarding, Preventative Work and Surveillance, Warehousing, Excise Legislation, Identification of Customs Documents, Profiling of
Int’l Court summons Guyana,... (From page 18) oil agreement with ExxonMobil, some US$18M, to fight the case at ICJ. The ICJ has its seat in The Hague, The Netherlands, and is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The legal team of Guyana is being led by Sir Shridath Ramphal, an experienced lawyer and former Attorney General of Guyana who successfully also played a lead role in the 2007 successful award in the arbitration regarding the delimitation of the maritime boundary between Guyana and Suriname.
Man goes berserk, hammers ... (From page 17) murdered by his son-in-law. According to him, 'Rado' was unemployed for a few years after the Cement Factory located on the East Bank closed operations. He served as a security guard at the business. Behari stressed that many times his daughter would complain that his son-in-law "nah want go and look ah job". This, he noted, was a burden on his daughter and
American Citizen, Christian 61 seeks Indian/Amerindian, Wife/Companion18-35 Tx Msg: 660-8607 VACANCY Pump attendant (Shift work 7am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) submit application : Shell Service Station Providence EBD E m a i l : Shellramsburg@gmail.com One general domestic, One gardener. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons. 108 Regent Street, Georgetown. Female cleaner, Office in Eccles. #233-2745 Needed 1 experience Top-up & C-point vendor. Contact# 660-4830 for more info
Passengers, Reporting of Vessels and Aircraft, Goods in Transshipment and Transits, Coasting Trade, Postal Traffic, Search of Vessels and Aircraft (Rummaging), AntiSmuggling, Detention, Seizure and Arrest, Note Taking, basic Report Writing and Escorts. According to GRA, the Patrol Officer function, which is governed under the provisions for officers in Section 212 of the Customs Act, was revived by the GRA in 2016 after a lengthy hiatus. “The Act states that any officer, when on duty, may patrol upon and pass freely on foot or otherwise, along and over and enter any part of Guyana other than a dwelling-house, and any such officer so proceeding shall not be liable to any criminal or civil proceedings for so doing.”
VACANCY One professional seamstress at an expanding company, working experience is required. Age 28-45. Contact#672-4695 Female supervisor 35-55, male desks staff 30-48 233 South road, Lacytown. Tel#225-0198. Experience waiter/waitress, chef/assistant cook. Call us 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff Street.
grandchildren, since himself and wife would sometimes have to lend a helping hand financially. His granddaughter, he revealed, only got married in April 2017, and her husband currently resides overseas. He too would chip in financially along with the sonin-law’s brother. His granddaughter was expected to migrate and join her husband Ryan Khan.
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Jealous man charged for Collapsed South Rupununi bridge temporarily repaired stabbing friend in neck -new heavy-duty bridge to be constructed A Cummings Lodge miner, who allegedly stabbed his friend several times about his body after seeing him with one of his female friends, was yesterday slapped with an attempted murder charge. Forty-two-year-old Chatterpaul Singh, also known as Kevin Singh, appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. He was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on July 4, last, at Sheriff Street, with intent to murder, he wounded Chatanand Persaud. After the charge was read, the virtual complainant in the matter told the Magistrate that he no longer wished to proceed with the matter. However, Magistrate Latchman released Singh on $100,000 bail and instructed the alleged victim to give the police a statement. According to information, Persaud was at a restaurant with a female friend when Singh approached him from behind with a knife and began to stab him about his face,
-truck owner finances decking, beams
Charged, Chatterpaul Singh neck and shoulders before making good his escape. The wounded man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital before being transferred to a private hospital where he was admitted a patient. The victim then underwent surgery and was hospitalised for a few days. Magistrate Latchman instructed the father of two to make his next court appearance on June 12.
E’bo drivers agree to continue with old fares Minibus and hire car operators on the Essequibo Coast who had recently protested to the increase of fuel price, are now agreeing to work with a fare structure that was prepared in 2004. This agreement was made on Tuesday, when taxi and minibus operators met with key stakeholders within the region. The meeting which was hosted at the Anna Regina Town Council, was attended by members of the Essequibo Hire Car Association, the Regional Chairman, Devenand Ramdatt and members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce. Following the strike on Monday, Minibus and hire car operators insisted that their concerns be addressed by the relevant authorities. President of the Essequibo Minibus Hire car association, Mohammed Namul said that an agreement was signed between the association and the Ministry of Tourism in 2004, permitting the increase of passenger fare in the event the gasoline price exceeds $1000. According to reports reaching this publication, the price per gallon of gasoline on the Essequibo Coast has now increased from $932 to $1054. Minibus and taxi operators on the other hand, now be-
lieve that they have valid reasons for increasing the passenger’s fare, emphasizing that they will be out of business if they stick to the present fare. One operator who spoke on behalf of other drivers explained, “Passengers do not wanna pay more for increase. But if they don’t pay more then we will be out of business… sometimes we drive all the way to Charity and some passengers, instead of paying the full $200, they only want pay $100.” While these drivers appear to be out of options, the regional Chairman suggested that they maintain the old same fare structure, until a decision is made from central government. Ramdatt noted that the majority of the population will be placed under economic constraint, should the fare increase. He underlined the fact that the best option will then be to explore the possibility of having the fuel price decreased. The regional chairman further said that the Regional Administration will write to the Ministry of Business, recommending that the fuel price be reduced. Drivers on the other hand who continue to bemoan this sudden increase in the fuel price, have agreed that they will continue to work with the fare structure until an urgent response is given by the Ministry of Business.
The temporarily repaired structure
The Yamatwao Bridge, in the South Rupununi, Region Nine, has been temporarily repaired allowing residents to access the communities in the area. Hinterland Engineer at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Jeffrey Walcott says that the bridge’s site was cleared of the truck and an excavator, as well as other broken parts, which collapsed the bridge last week. The owner of the truck, Cyril King, has financed the replacement of the decking and the bridge beams. The structure can currently accommodate light vehicles, according to a government statement.
Walcott explained: “The Ministry is currently exploring the design and cost options for the reconstruction of a heavyduty composite bridge which can accommodate heavier vehicles, as well as remedial works to the bridge approach.” The Ministry of Public Security and the Guyana Geology Mines Commission are assisting with further investigations into the matter. According to the release, hinterland road users are being called on to adhere to weight limits, especially during the wet season. Persons who fail to comply will be held accountable, according to ministry officials.
Deportee jailed after stealing from Good amaritans From page 20 an electronic tablet, a hammer, two cellular phones , 20 pieces of curtains, along with $40,000 cash were missing. The matter was reported to the Central Police
Station and an investigation commenced. The accused was subsequently contacted and after interrogation admitted to committing the crime. T h e c o urt was told that some of the articles were recovered in the prisoner’s possession.
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Mae’s apologises to schoolboy, parents P
roprietor of Mae’s Schools, Stacey French, has officially apologised to student Joshua Chacon and his parents. Chacon, who is of Amerindian heritage, was reportedly evicted from the school during a recent Culture Day activity after he showed up in his indigenous attire, which the Mae’s administration deemed to be inappropriate. As a result the school attracted protests and criticism from members of the wider public for ethnic and cultural discrimination. Yesterday the leadership of the school met with officials of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Cohesion to resolve the matter concerning the child which occurred on Friday May 25th, 2018 at the school. Ms. French apologised to the parents of the child, Ms. Karen Small and Mr. Jason Chacon, in the presence of the officials. This was done in the boardroom of the Ministry of Education’s Brickdam office following a meeting with the parents. While making her apology, Ms. French stated that ultimately what is important is protecting children. Both parents accepted the apology given, while Mr. Chacon went further to state that he would like to see more traction to
From right, the parents of Joshua Chacon - Mr. Jason Chacon and Ms. Karen Small - owner of Mae’s School, Ms. Stacey French, and Administrator of the school, Ms. Lucinda Mc Curdy bring awareness to culture in Guyana. Also present at the engagement was Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, Chief Education Officer, Marcel Hutson, Deputy Chief Education Officer (Admin), Ingrid Trotman, Ministry of Education’s Legal Officer, Kelly-ann Payne-Hercules, Private School Coordinator within the Ministry of Education, Doodmattie Singh, Programme Coordinator – Department of Social Cohesion, Culture, Youth and Sport, Sharon Patterson and Administrator of Mae’s Schools, Lucinda Mc Curdy. Hutson stated that to begin resolving the issue, an apology is necessary as well as psycho-social support for
the child. Meanwhile, Ms. Patterson supported the need for psycho-social support and pledged her Department’s willingness to also work with the teachers and staff of the school to ensure they have a better understanding of diversities and to enhance their capabilities to deal with such. The following is a statement issued by Mae’s Schools: “Diversity in education and the creation of educational opportunities for students from diverse cultural backgrounds constitutes the bedrock of Mae’s Schools. As an educational institution we are defined by the belief that a multiplicity of ideas and beliefs, cultures
Deadly high seas attack....
Teenage ‘witness’ charged with murder
More than one month after one of the most deadly high seas pirate attacks in the region, police yesterday charged a teen with murder. However, from all indications the investigators and prosecutors will be using the teen as a key witness in the case. Late yesterday afternoon, police escorted the teen, who was without handcuffs and shackles, to the courtroom of Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus, who read him a murder charge. Nineteen-year-old Alexander De Harte of 79 Village West Coast Berbice, was not required to plead to the indictable charge which states that between April 21 and May 3, while being in Guyana territorial waters, he murdered Tilacknauth Mohabir called ‘Caiman’ during the course of a robbery. The charge was filed under Section Three of the Hijacking and PiracyAct Chapter 10:08.Police Prosecutor Gordon Mansfield told the
Remanded: Alexander De Harte
Nakool Manohar called ‘Fyah’
court that the case file is still incomplete.The teenager is due back in court on June 13 when he will appear at Springlands. De Harte, after being remanded, was quickly whisked away through the back gate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Just
one week ago, businessman Nakool Manohar, called ‘Fyah’ 39, of Number 43 Village, Berbice, was also c h a r g ed with the same murder.He appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh in the Springlands Magistrate’s Court.
and cultural values enrich the learning experience of our students. We hold deeply the view that respect for and celebra-
tion of the several cultures which make up our country creates a diverse, dynamic environment for our students. On the day of May 25, 2018 there was a most unfortunate and deeply regrettable incident at our school. We recognize that this event created trauma for the student, his family and the community. We deeply regret the incident, and offer our most sincere and profound apologies to the student and his family for the hurt and pain which he suffered as a result. We recognize also that various aspects of the event have been mischaracterized and misrepresented in the media .It was not our intention to hurt, disrespect or degrade such an important part of the beautiful cultural mosaic
which constitutes Guyana. Our primary focus and concern was, and remains, that the unintentional hurt and pain caused by this event be addressed in a manner which not only repairs any damage caused, but reconfirms our commitment to cultural diversity and its importance in the dynamic educational environment at Mae’s. We have engaged and will continue to engage those institutions in our society which are dedicated to protecting and promoting indigenous culture as an integral part of our educational experience. We will continue to strive to provide increased educational opportunities to students from all cultures in an environment of creative dynamic learning, underpinned by discipline and rules.”
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Zdravko Mamic, Croatian football’s Mr Big, given jail term BBC Sport - He is considered the most powerful figure in football in Croatia, but now Zdravko Mamic has been sentenced to six-and-ahalf years in prison for corruption. Mamic was found guilty of siphoning off millions of euros in transfer fees when he was an executive at Dinamo Zagreb.On the eve of the verdict he fled across the border into Bosnia. Among the ex-Dinamo players caught up in the trial is Croatia captain Luka Modric, who was charged with perjury.The Real Madrid midfielder is suspected of having made false statements during the trial, when he was questioned about his 2008 transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. He has not commented on the charge.
Mamic (pictured) on the night before the verdict, maintaining the trial had been unfair. (AFP) The case will not affect his role in the World Cup in Russia later this month. Who is Mamic? Zdravko Mamic was not just chief executive of Dinamo Zagreb, Croatia’s biggest
club, he was also vice-president of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS). For years fans at Dinamo alleged that he and his allies had used their club to make money for themselves by depriving the club of funds from lucrative transfers and evading taxes. Then in 2015 he and his brother Zoran, the Dinamo coach, were arrested. The scandal was brought on to the international stage when Croatian football supporters threw flares on the pitch at the Euro 2016 championships in France. Charged with diverting 116m Croatian kuna (€15.7m; £14m) from the football club and evading another 12.2m in tax, Mamic was later shot and wounded on a visit to his father’s grave. The court in Osijek also handed down jail terms to his brother Zoran Mamic, former club director Damir Vrbanovic,
Thursday June 07, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Your health is likely to be glowing and your physical energy high, Aries. You'll probably want to spend some of your time today working out or otherwise getting some exercise. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Shared activities throughout the day could bring you closer to a friend or lover, Taurus. You might attend a sports event, lecture or workshop, or concert or play. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your self-confidence is likely to skyrocket todayi. Good news about money could reach you while you're at home, causing family members to want to celebrate. CANCER (June 21–July 22) More than one social event could take place in your neighborhood, Cancer, putting you in touch not only with neighbors but also with interesting new people.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A lot of visitors may come to your home today, Libra. Land might be discussed. At some point you'll be reminded of someone from the past and experience a momentary wave SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Expect to hear some great news from relatives or neighbors, perhaps involving money. You could hear this from more than one source, Scorpio, so it's likely true. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The forthcoming completion of a frustrating project could be moved closer by one intense burst of energy from you, Sagittarius. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you might take a trip, Capricorn, perhaps a longdistance vacation. This may have been planned in advance, but it could just as easily be spur of the moment.
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today could bring a lot of physical activity, possibly including workouts, sports, and dancing, as your energy, enthusiasm, and stamina are all high, Leo.
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some interesting insights could steer you in the right direction regarding a goal you've been working toward for a long time. You generally prefer logic to ESP, but today your intuition is so strong that it's difficult to resist.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) A number of children could cross your path today, perhaps at a social event. You might get caught up in their games and momentarily experience being a child again yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Expect to spend a lot of time in the company of others, perhaps running from one social event to another. At least one could end up being helpful to your professional life.
and tax inspector Milan Pernar. None of the accused were in court to hear their sentences, but they have all denied the charges and have the right to appeal. Fans’ prayers answered Guy Delauney, BBC Balkans correspondent The night before the verdict Zdravko Mamic fled to a shrine at Medjugorje in Bosnia-Herzegovina, where he holds dual citizenship. Whatever he did there, supporters of Dinamo Zagreb will feel that their prayers have been answered. They have been protesting against Mr Mamic’s stewardship of the club for years. Dinamo is supposed to be a fan-owned, non-profit organisation. But fans claimed that Mr Mamic and his associates had staged a “silent privatisation”, with the aim of sucking money out of the club.The best-known supporters’ group, The Bad Blue Boys, have been boycotting matches - making for an eerie atmosphere at Zagreb’s Maksimir Stadium. Some formed a breakaway club, Futsal Dinamo.
Benjamin helps... From page 33 has to raise his own air fare to attend the championship and is seek the assistance of the public in making the trip possible. Neron for his part thanked, his uncle for what he has been doing in and around the community, especially among the youths. He stated that he will try his best to make his family and country proud. Mrs. Wilson also expressed similar sentiments to her brother for his assistance. Benjamin has so far for the year donated four brand new racing bicycles to Romello Crawford who received a Fuji Carbon Fibre Road Bike and spear wheels, Curtis Dey and David Hicks and Chameshwar Dhanai, while Shenika Texeira received two wheels. The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) received a new set of uniforms.
Bramble to... From pag 32 is as good as any seasoned all-rounder and did not disappoint the Guyanese selectors who gave him a chance when most of his senior counterparts were called up for West Indies duties. Again, it appears that despite all the off field distractions Guyana’s cricket is on top of its game.
Justify, early 4-5... From page 31 feeling I was due for the 1.” Jockey Mike Smith will need to use Justify’s speed to get him away from the starting gate before the rest of the field comes over on him along the rail. “It’s all you can hope for,” Baffert said. “He is on the inside, so he can sort of dictate what’s going to go, what’s happening.” Wearing a Mets jersey with his name on the back, Baffert tossed out a ceremonial first pitch at Citi Field before the Mets hosted the Orioles. His throw from in front of the mound was high to infielder Luis Guillorme, who rose up to catch it. Justify and Bravazo, trained by Lukas, are the only two horses that will have run in all three Triple Crown races. Bravazo was sixth in the Derby and came running late to finish a half-length behind Justify in the Preakness. “One of these horses or two maybe has to run a little bit better than you would expect them to, mine included [to win],” Lukas said. Baffert has another horse
in the race: Restoring Hope, the third-place finisher in the Wood Memorial. Smith rode him in his last race on the Derby undercard, but will be replaced by Florent Geroux on Saturday. Gronkowski is a 12-1 long shot, no doubt attractive odds for his part-owner Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots tight end. He and teammate Tom Brady have wagered together at the Derby in past years. The Britain-based colt is a newcomer to the Triple Crown trail. He got sick and missed the Derby and has been waiting to make his U.S. debut in the grueling Belmont. The field for the 150th Belmont in post position order with jockeys and odds: Justify, Smith, 4-5; Free Drop Billy, Robby Albarado, 30-1; Bravazo, Luis Saez, 8-1; Hofburg, Irad Ortiz Jr., 9-2; Restoring Hope, Geroux, 301; Gronkowski, Jose Ortiz, 121; Tenfold, Ricardo Santana Jr., 12-1; Vino Rosso, John Velazquez, 8-1; Noble Indy, Javier Castellano, 30-1; Blended Citizen, Kyle Frey, 15-1.
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Malteenoes reintroduces Academy during School vacation In 1993 the Malteenoes Sports Club inaugurated the first ever Cricket Academy in the West Indies with the Malteenoes Cricket Academy which spanned the duration of July/August school Vacation with accommodation provided for out-of town players. This year’s Academy is scheduled for two weeks from July 23 and MSC President Winston Semple acknowledged the important of the Academy. “It’s going to be a lot of hard work with short period for planning but this is important for developing young boys and girls both on and off the field. Funding the programme is the most challenging aspect and we (MSC) are presently seeking sponsorship to fund different areas of the Academy,” said MSC President Semple. In 1992, Michael Welch, who was at that time the General Manager of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, negotiated and secured a grant from Northern Telecom and this enabled the
Club to construct the accommodation on the ground floor of the building for housing the proposed Academy. With the blessings and support of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB), the Malteenoes Cricket Academy was launched in July 1993 in recognition of the Club’s motto “Our Youth, Our Future”. It was inspired by the fact that cricket in Guyana and the West Indies seemed to be a game where the basic skills, knowledge of the game, confidence and pride were being taken for granted in all quarters with no apparent prescriptions nor blueprints for remedial action. MSC’s principal intention was to add to the National grid at least 150 young proud confident individuals on an annual basis. The plan was for the GCB to take it over after the first three years but this did not happen resulting in the Academy being run by the Thomas Lands club up to 2003. The Academy produced Test players Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ryan Ramdass and
Malteenoes Sports Club where the event would be hosted. Narsingh Deonarine along with former USA Captain Steve Massiah who played two ODIs for the US, whileAzeemul Hannif and Ricardo Mohamed played
First-Class Cricket. Karran Ganesh, Sauid Drepaul, Ravi Sarwan, Bachan Balram, Colin Murray, Karran Ganesh and Vishal Arjune all played National
Youth Cricket. After a break the Academy was reintroduced in 2016 on a much smaller scale but was again interrupted last year due to the unavalibity of Coaches
who were occupied with CPL duties. Registration forms can be had from the Malteenoes Club or call 225-6509 for more information. (Sean Devers)
Archery Guyana Coaches in Region 1 Conduct Introduction Session On Monday the 28th of May, the North West Secondary School in Mabaruma, Region 1 hosted an introduction to Archery in School programme. Two of the Region’s recently certified Level One Coaches, Mr. Ainsworth Pritchard and Mr. Carl Albert conducted the introduction session at the School. Speaking about the importance of archery in schools as one of the newest events that will be taking place this year to encourage involving young students in sports in the school system was Head Mistress of the School Ms. Roeady MartinezPritchard. She was also very interested in this new sport and couldn’t wait to have a feel what it is like to be an archer. She stated, “The Regional Education Officer Mr. Nigel Richards and the District Education Officer Mr. Marti DeSouza were both part of this introductory session and they were so happy that this discipline will soon come into the school system and we know many of the students are very anxious to learn about archery. It was a great experience.” Archery Coaches Sir Albert and Sir Pritchard will be meeting and working with the other Top Level Primary Schools across Region One.
Archery Coaches, on left, Mr. Ainsworth Pritchard demonstrates the draw and on far right looking at the form, Mr. Carl Albert.
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Muguruza condemns Sharapova Tactical change helps Halep to worst Slam loss in six years reach French Open semis Paris (AFP) - Garbine Muguruza thrashed Maria Sharapova 6-2, 6-1 to reach the French Open semi-finals yesterday, condemning the Russian to her worst Grand Slam defeat in more than six years. The Spanish third seed, who was the champion in Paris in 2016, will face either top seed Simona Halep or two-time major winner Angelique Kerber for a place in Saturday’s final. Sharapova, playing at Roland Garros for the first time since 2015, suffered her most one-sided defeat at the Slams since a 6-3, 6-0 loss to Victoria Azarenka in the 2012 Australian Open final. “I am very pleased to be in another final in Paris,” said Muguruza who has yet to drop a set in the tournament. “I was up against a great player so I had make sure I brought my best tennis.” Sharapova, who missed the 2016 tournament because of a doping ban and last year after she was refused a wild card, was broken six times, committed 27 unforced errors and won just five points on her own serve in the second set. It was just her fifth loss in 25 Grand Slam quarter-finals. Muguruza pounced on an error-plagued Sharapova start to lead 4-0 with a double break. Sharapova never recovered from serving up three
Too tough: Garbine Muguruza celebrates after victory over Maria Sharapova (AFP Photo/Eric FEFERBERG) double faults in the first game. By the end of the first set, the five-time major winner had won just eight points against the Muguruza serve and failed to carve out a single break point. Muguruza only hit five winners in the opener which was more than enough against the erratic Russian who reached the quarter-finals for the first time in three years when old rival Serena Williams handed her an injury-enforced walkover. Sharapova, 31, was broken in the opening game of the
second set which she immediately retrieved. However, it was just a brief respite as 24-year-old Wimbledon champion Muguruza claimed a quick double break for 4-1, backed up by a hold for 5-1. It was all over in the next game when Sharapova sent another backhand out wide. In today’s other semi-final, US Open champion Sloane Stephens will take on fellow American Madison Keys in a repeat of the 2017 final at Flushing Meadows.
Golden Jaguars prepare for CONCACAF Nations League with Brazil training in August Georgetown: The Guyana Men’s National Football Team will warm up for the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers later this year with an intensive “train and play” trip to Brazil in August. The national squad encampment will involve extensive training in Rio de Janeiro and friendly matches against local teams. The encampment kick starts a busy schedule of competition and training for the Golden Jaguars, following the appointment of former Jamaica international Michael Johnson as the new National Team Head Coach. Johnson’s immediate target is to guide Guyana to its first appearance at a CONCACAF Gold Cup, in 2019. “One of the key development objectives of the GFF is to ensure that our national teams have the full calendar of playing and training time needed, in order to achieve the improved performances
and results we all want to see,” said GFF Technical Director Ian Greenwood. “Under the guidance of Head Coach Johnson, with longer encampments and a ‘train and play’ trip to Brazil, the Golden Jaguars will be in the best shape they have ever been going into the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers later this year.” UEFA Pro Licence holder Johnson, the highest qualified head coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars, is now working with the GFF Technical Department to prepare the national team for upcoming CONCACAF Nations League qualifier fixtures against Barbados, Turks & Caicos and French Guiana. Johnson will be in Guyana today for discussions with the technical team, and to start putting his programme in place. The Golden Jaguars will be encamped in Guyana be-
fore each of the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers, which coincide with FIFA international windows. The camps are scheduled to take place at the new GFF National Training Centre at Providence, with Guyana’s first dedicated, all-weather football pitch due to enter its final stage of construction shortly. The 2018 fixtures for the men’s national team include: · September 8 CONCACAF Nations League qualifier v Barbados (home) · October 13 CONCACAF Nations League qualifier v Turks & Caicos (away) · November 20 CONCACAF Nations League qualifier v French Guiana (away)The GFF plans to host six national training camps per calendar year – four during FIFA international windows and two further camps outside of those windows, with the possibility of encampment in the UK.
PARIS (Reuters) - Top seed Simona Halep fought back to triumph in a bruising French Open quarter-final against Germany’s Angelique Kerber and stand two wins away from her first Grand Slam title. The Romanian, who lost in last year’s final at Roland Garros, defeated Kerber 67(2), 6-3, 6-2 to book a clash with Garbine Muguruza in the last four. World number one Halep made a slow start, misfiring on her first serve and spraying her groundstrokes wide early on in a duel that lasted more than two hours, before steadily wearing down her opponent. “I rushed too much at the beginning,” Halep told a news conference. “It was tough because her ball is very low, and you don’t have many chances to finish the points from there.” Going into the second set, Halep changed her tactics “I didn’t play flat any more, more top-spin, and I made her run a little bit more,” she said.Halep, who has lost all three of her Grand Slam finals — including the Australian Open, to Caroline Wozniacki, in January — arrived in Paris on a hot streak, reaching at least the quarterfinals in her last nine claycourt tournaments and losing only one set on her way to facing Kerber in Paris. But it was the German who
Romania’s Simona Halep in action during her quarter final match against Germany’s Angelique Kerber. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier) started the stronger, out-hitting her rival with lethal accuracy, to win the first four games as Halep struggled to find her serving rhythm and peppered the tramlines with unforced errors. Slowly the normally aggressive baseliner clawed her way back into the contest, winning three straight games as both players struggled to hold serve in a marathon opening set. Kerber eventually prevailed in a tiebreak, but Halep came out all guns blazing in the second, firing baseline bullets at her opponent, who tried to cling on against the onslaught. But by the third set Halep had broken the German’s de-
fenses — and her resolve — as she banged in 76 percent of her first serves, with only half the unforced errors of her opponent. “It’s tough against her. (It) shows me that I have enough patience, I have enough power inside to stay calm,” Halep said. Halep’s win knocked Caroline Wozniacki out of the race to be number one in next week’s rankings, and set up a winner-takes-all match against Spain’s Muguruza in Thursday’s semi-final. A Grand Slam win in Paris would bring redemption for Halep, who lost in the 2017 French Open final against Jelena Ostapenko after leading by a set and three games.
Justify, early 4-5 favourite in Belmont Stakes, to break from inside post Associated Press - NEW YORK — Something Bob Baffert always dreads has come true ahead of the Belmont Stakes: Justify drew the No. 1 post for the colt’s bid to sweep the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner was made the early 4-5 favourite in the 10-horse field for Saturday’s race. Baffert is not a fan of the inside post for his horses, no matter what the race. “I never do like to draw the rail, but my horses seem to live in it,” he said Tuesday. “We have it, we can’t change it. We’ll deal with it.” Justify is the odds-on favorite to claim the Belmont Stakes, and horse racing’s second Triple Crown since 2015. Here are the full odds and post positions for Saturday’s race. And history may be on Justify’s side.
Since 1905, a leading 23 horses have won from the No. 1 post. The last to win from there was Empire Maker in 2003 when he spoiled Funny Cide’s Triple Crown bid. “He is so talented, I think he can dictate the race,” Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas said of Justify. “That is the thing that makes him very tough to beat. He can pick his spots. He is the key to how all of us run.” Justify won the first two legs of the series from the No. 7 post. He ran on sloppy tracks both times and the forecast for Saturday calls for a 60 percent chance of rain. This time the No. 7 hole went to Tenfold. The colt was a fast-closing third in the Preakness and is 12-1 for the Belmont. Hofburg was made the 92 second choice. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the colt finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby and skipped
the Preakness. The only other horses with single-digit odds are Preakness runner-up Bravazo and Vino Rosso, both at 8-1. Vino Rosso finished ninth in the Derby and didn’t run in the Preakness. Baffert is seeking a second Triple Crown victory in four years. American Pharoah ended a 37-year drought when he completed the sweep in 2015. He broke from the No. 1 post in the Preakness. In the 2010 Kentucky Derby, Baffert had the favorite with Lookin At Lucky, who broke from the No. 1 hole. The colt was pinned to the rail and had nowhere to go until a late run helped him finish sixth. He won the Preakness. “Everybody is always joking in my family, [wife] Jill is always saying, ‘They should just put you in the 1-hole and just draw the rest of the race,’” Baffert said. “I had a (Continued on page 29)
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GABBFF Senior Nationals Dowrich props up Windies after batsmen flatter to deceive now set for Parc Rayne Event Centre on July 15 next The battle lines will be drawn come July 15 next when the Guyana Amateur Body Building and Fitness Federation (GABBFF) hosts its marquee event, Senior Nationals at the new venue, Parc Rayne Event Centre, located at Rahaman’s Turn, Houston, Eats Bank Demerara. President of the federation Coel Marks yesterday informed Kaieteur Sport that the cost to rent the original venue is prohibitive so alternative arrangements had to put in place, thus the new venue. This year’s competition is expected to be intense with the usual gladiators expected on stage. Reigning champion, USA based Bruce Whatley who got past the previous champion Kerwyn Clarke is not expected to have an easy walk this time around as Clarke and other contenders are currently in preparatory mode ahead of what is anticipated to be a fierce showdown. The Men’s Physique segment of the competition is also expected to be fanatical with the likes of reigning champion; Yannick Grimes set to be tested by rivals including Emmerson Campbelle. Marks has indicated that he is expecting a much better response from female athletes for this year’s competition and the federation is expected to pay visits to the out of city areas in the coming days. Admission for Parc Rayne on Sunday July 15 is $2,500 with muscle flexing set to begin shortly after the official
Reigning Mr. Guyana, Bruce Whatley. opening at 19:00hrs. Meanwhile, the Central American and Caribbean Championships are set for Mexico City from July 27-29 and Marks has notified that some athletes have already been selected including Yannick Grimes and Emmerson Campbelle for the Men’s Physique competition. Kerwyn Clarke will be seeking top honours in the Body Building category and
would be joined by two more athletes who will be shortlisted following next month’s seniors. On the distaff side, already set to take the stage are Alisha Fortune and Chandani Khan for Bikini and Women’s Physique. GABBFF Executive Member, Ms Junica Pluck would be part of the Management Team accompanying the athletes to Mexico. (Franklin Wilson)
Bramble to Captain Windies Invitational team in Global Canadian T20 tournament The Guyana Cricket Board and Cricket Guy Inc. can again claim that whatever they are doing to Guyana’s cricket is working. The on field performance of Guyana Jaguars in the CWI Professional Cricket League has resulted in Four (4) consecutive Regional titles, paving the way for numerous players being selected to the Windies Senior and A teams. Now, deservingly, Anthony Bramble has been selected to captain an invitational Windies team to the Canadian Global T20 Tournament. While not yet officially confirmed, Kaieteur Sports has been reliably informed that another Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford has also
Sherfane Rutherford been named in the squad of young West Indian stars to showcase their skills in this inaugural tournament, the latest on the international T20 calendar. Bramble, known for his calm and simple character, has quite a good cricketing brain
and can be seen during regional matches directing traffic from behind the stumps in a Dhoni like fashion. A prolific scorer who can up the scoring rate in a flash, while also batting through a long inning, He plays club cricket for Albion Cricket Club and captains his franchise team in the Jaguars League. Bramble also played for the Clark Road Cricket Club in Trinidad before being summoned for national duties replacing Derwin Christian a Guyana’s first choice wicketkeeper. Sherfane Rutherford, a find for the Jaguars, is a 19 year old all- rounder and an asset to any team. Last season Sherfane proved that he (Continued on page 29)
P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad, CMC – Several West Indies batsmen got starts but failed to carry on, leaving wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich to hold the innings together, on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka here yesterday. Opting to bat first in good conditions at Queen’s Park Oval, the Windies finished the day on 246 for six, with the right-handed Dowrich unbeaten on a compact 46 and tail-ender Devendra Bishoo yet to score. Stroke-maker Shai Hope produced a classy 44 and captain Jason Holder struck 40 while Roston Chase and Kieran Powell both gathered 38. Pacer Lahiru Kumara was impressive, leading the Sri Lanka attack with three for 57. We s t I n d i e s p r o v e d their own worst enemy, squandering the advantage every time they looked poised to take control of the innings. They suffered an early blow when they lost usually prolific opener Kraigg Brathwaite for just three with four runs on the board, caught at the wicket off seamer Suranga Lakmal in the third over of the morning. In a beautiful exhibition of seam bowling, Lakmal beat Brathwaite with the first two balls of the over, got him to defend the third one before finding the edge off the fourth, with wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella snaring the offering diving to his right. There was no fairytale comeback for Devon Smith. Playing his first Test in three years, he also fell cheaply for seven after adding 36 for the second wicket with Powell. He spent nearly an hour-and-a-half at the crease without much of the strike before failing to beat Kumara’s throw from short mid-wicket to Dickwella, as he and Powell attempted a sharp single. On 40 for two, the Windies flourished in the second hour as Powell and Hope then entertained in a 40-run third wicket stand. Hope, quick on the pull and stylish on the drive, punched nine fours in a 90ball knock which required 127 minutes. Powell, meanwhile, who has failed to capitalise on a string of starts since his
Kieran Powell played a graceful innings up front, as opposed to the two openers ©AFP return to Test cricket a year ago, counted six fours off 68 balls in just over an hour at the crease. He looked a certainty for a half-century when, against the run of play, he inside-edged a drive at Kumara and lost his leg stump. Chase joined Hope to see the Windies safely to lunch without any further loss at 99 for three and ensured Sri Lanka remained wicket-less for an hour following the resumption, as they staged a 54-run, fourth wicket partnership. Hope, in particular, rode his luck. He was caught behind off a no-ball in the first over after lunch from seamer Lahiru Gamage, before he had added to his interval 29. Two overs later, he was adjudged lbw also to Gamage on 33 but was reprieved by DRS, with replays showing an inside edge as he played back. However, his luck finally deserted him in the second over following the drinks break when he was caught down the leg-side by Dickwella, gloving a lifter from the lively Kumara. Chase, who faced 82 deliveries and struck five
fours, followed with 13 runs added when he was caught at slip by Angelo Mathews, edging a forcing back foot shot off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, 20 minutes before tea. His dismissal left the Windies tottering somewhat on 147 for five but Dowrich and Holder combined in a 90-run stand to dig their side out of trouble. On 153 for five at tea, West Indies grabbed the advantage in the first hour after the interval as the Barbadian pair emerged from a slow start to score freely. Dowrich, dropped on 16 at slip by Mathews off off-spinner Dilruwan Perera, has so far faced 131 deliveries in nearly 3-1/4 hours while Holder counted four boundaries off 91 balls in a shade over two hours at the crease. Dropped on 38 by Roshen Silva at slip off Kumara, Holder added only two more before perishing two overs later, caught at the wicket toe-edging a drive at a full length delivery. He was initially given not out but eventually sent on his way after Sri Lanka took recourse through DRS.
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BCB provides stipends to National Female Cricketers “Represent us with pride, passion and discipline. The Berbice Cricket Board is proud of each one of you and I urge you to be good ambassadors of the legacy of Kanhai, Butcher, Solomon, Fredericks and Kallicharran. The Berbice Cricket Board intends to make Berbice Cricket, the role model in the Caribbean and it is my sincere hope that you would reflect that status.” Those were the words of President of the Berbice Cricket Board to nine female cricketers selected to represent Guyana at the Cricket West Indies Female Tournament to be held in Jamaica from the 10th to 25th June. The President handed over US$450 ($90,000) to the nine Female National Players who are part of the Team. They each received $10,000 (US$50) from the Berbice Cricket Board to assist them during their stay in Jamaica. Foster, in handing over the stipends to the players, recalled that on his election, he pledged that the Berbice Cricket Board would assist all players selected to represent Guyana. The Berbice Cricket Board had in April, 2018, had pro-
vided $200,000 to Under-15 and Under-19 Female Players and would early next month, provide stipends to the Berbice Under-17 and Under19 Players who would represent Guyana at that level. The Berbice Cricket Board, he noted is the only County Board in Guyana to assist its cricketers via the Financial Stipend System and this is being done as a morale boost to the players. Foster spoke at length about the importance of discipline and the need for the nine Berbice players to look out for each other as they strive to bring glory to Guyana. The Berbice Cricket Board’s boss informed the players that the two weeks Cricket Tournament would be vital to their cricketing career as outstanding individual performance could result in players being selected to represent the West Indies. He urged the players to play as a united team and to retain their focuses. He assured the Female Players that the Berbice Cricket Board would be investing heavily into their careers with special emphasis being placed on arranging Coaching
Chairperson of the BCB Special Events Committee Angela Haniff (left) pose with the Female Cricketers. Missing is Sabrina Munroe. Programmes, organising cricket tournaments and hosting personal developmental programmes. The Berbice Cricket Board would also start preparation for next year defence of its Inter-county Titles as soon as the players return by organising Elite Training Sessions with Level III Coach Winston Smith as part of the
Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Countywide Coaching Programme. The Berbice Female Team would also be involved in several practice matches against selected Male Under-15 and Under-17 Teams. The players who collected the $10,000 financial stipend were Katana Mentore, Tremayne Smartt,
Sabrina Munroe, Shemaine Campbelle, Erva Giddings, Shabika Gajnabi, Melanie Henry, Plaffiana Millington and Sheneta Grimmond. The highly talented Campbelle who has represented the West Indies in 71 ODIs hailed the support of the Berbice Cricket Board and noted that it was the first time in her cricket career she had re-
ceived a stipend from her County Board. The West Indies Player stated that every Berbice Cricketer was very proud of the Berbice Cricket Board and the work it was doing. She pledged that the nine Berbice Players would make the Ancient County proud and bring back the Title to Guyana.
Allicock and ‘Superman’ Benjamin helps family member for Caribbean Teachers Union Lewis settle for South America Games bronze medals C/ships in Bermuda As the saying goes blood is thicker than water and it runs in the family. Those adages can be used to mean a number of things. But national cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin did not limit his benevolence to outsiders alone but assisted one of his family members also. Benjamin, who represented Guyana, now resides in Canada and returns to Guyana on a regular basis. He continues to ride on both circuits. He has assisted several of his countrymen who are not so fortunate in whatever ways possible including donating racing bikes, cycling gear and other equipment. He recently donated an undisclosed amount of cash to his nephew Neron Wilson to assist him to participate in the upcoming Caribbean Teachers Union (CUT) Athletic Championships in Bermuda during the upcoming school holidays. The young man who is just nine years old is a student of the Port Mourant Primary School. He lives at Fyrish Village and has already shown all the attributes of
Neron Wilson receives his cash from his Uncle Former national cyclist Wilbert Benjamin, while his mother Nandy Benjamin-Wilson also shares the moment. being an outstanding athlete like his older relatives with some winning performances both at home and overseas. He is the national schools athletics champion at the U10 level winning the 100meters. Young Wilson seems destined for glory; on vacation in New York last year he represented Jersey City at the
Interstate athletic championships and won. The presentation was done at the Benjamin Sports Stores and Fitness Gym and Wash Bay at Lot 220 Courtland Village, Corentyne Berbice. Wilson was accompanied by his mother Nandy Benjamin-Wilson. Wilson (Continued on page 29)
Guyana’s boxing duo of Keevin Allicock and Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis had to settle for bronze medals when they contested the semifinals of the 2018 edition of the South America games in Bolivia. Allicock assured Guyana of its first medal when he stormed into the semi- finals of the bantamweight division on Saturday. Allicock defeated Lucas Garcia of Uruguay by a 3-2 margin and came up against an Argentine in his semifinal match. The high altitude conditions, which make the air thin, took its toll and Allicock was seen to tire during the second round and his opponent capitalized to up the tempo and gain the decision. Manager/coach Terrence Poole had earlier indicated that Allicock was finding it difficult to get accustomed to the high altitude and weather. Meanwhile in the light welterweight division, ‘Superman’ Lewis who had defeated Venezuelan, Christian Madena, in his quarter-final match to ensure that Guyana will leave with at least two medals, lost in the semifinal
From left, Coach Terrence Poole along with Keevin Allicock and Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis pose in Bolivia. after his fight was halted. Poole indicated that the stoppage was very questionable because Lewis was making a fight of the contest and was at a loss as to why the con-
test was halted. The fighters will now have to focus on their CAC Games quest to go better than the bronze medals they have won now.
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Annandale, Diamond Sec eager to go after each other in REO Inter Secondary finals - Regal Sports to assist teams and players The 2018 Inaugural REO Inter Secondary School Cricket Competition final for teams in Region Four will be held tomorrow at the Everest Cricket Club ground. The top two teams who made it to the finals in the 16 team competition are set to clash with the winner taking the REO/ Devcon Construction trophy. Annandale Secondary, arguably the best team on the East Coast, will clash with Diamond Secondary who can also be considered as the best team on the East Bank of Demerara in the one day two innings final. However, while Annandale Secondary and Diamond Secondary will be clashing to determine, who the champion school is: today the two losing semi-finalists will battle to determine who would claim third place. Hope Secondary who many felt would have beaten Annandale in the Semi-finals will seek to correct the blunders they made in that encounter. The school which is known for producing one of West Indies best players in Shivnarine Chanderpaul will seek to demonstrate that their defeat against Annandale was due to them being complacent. They will meet the final team in the competition, Friendship Secondary. While no one may have predicted Friendship secondary meeting this far in the competition, they have demonstrated that combined team efforts and a strategic plan is all that is needed to get to the highest
REDO Ms Tiffany Favourite-Harvey, Diamond Captain Philip Mc Turk, Annandale Captain Daniel Prashad and REO Pauline Lucas holds the REO/DEVCON Trophy that both teams are vying to win. level. However, while Friendship may be considered as a weak team, their showing against Diamond secondary would dismiss such myths as they tied that match but lost out owing to Diamond’s better average. Friendship will seek to demonstrate that them reaching this far was no accident and will seek to avenge their loss to Diamond secondary, while Hope’s secondary redemption path will seek to know if they are indeed filled with hope of showing that they can end the competition with a deserved third place. The four schools in the last two matches are expected
NSC to host Swim Meet for PWD attending Special Schools tomorrow The National Sports Commission will be sponsoring the annual Swim Meet for Persons with Disabilities attending Special Schools. Competition will be held at the Colgrain Swimming Pool on Friday June 8, 2018 commencing at 09:30hrs.The Swim meet is organized by Sports Organiser, Wilton Spencer who has scheduled eighteen events for various categories of swimmers. Age categories include
40
15 years &Under, 16 years and Over and Open for male and female. Events include freestyle and backstroke for capable individuals. Persons who cannot swim will be competing in Open Aquatic Walk and Flotation events. Persons with Intellectual disabilities, physically challenged and deaf swimmers will be showing off their abilities in their respective events.The public is invited to attend. Admission is free.
to be backed by supporters of their respective schools as they all seek to end on a high so as to enhance their bragging rights. Ten special prizes will be distributed along with the top four prizes after the match. Among those expected to grace the finals are Regional Executive Officer (REO), Ms Pauline Lucas, Regional Education Officer (REDO) (ag), Ms Tiffany Favourite-Harvey, Regional Chairman, Ms Genevieve Allen, RDC officials, sponsors and other officials. However, the eagerness by the captains of both finalists are evident as they
are desperately seeking to claim this inaugural title thus writing their names into the annals of the RDC’s history as the first school to claim the REO title. “We’re a school that focuses a lot on sports and sports development and therefore we are very confident of winning this title as we started the competition with a mission to claim the title one match at a time and we are almost there, just one more match,” Annandale’s Captain Daniel Prashad said. He pointed out that despite the fact that Diamond Secondary has a West Indies under 15
player in Mavindra Dindyal his team is not moved by this as they are confident that what is done on game day in question is the sole deciding factor in determining the outcome of the game. He stressed that like Diamond Secondary they have a West Indies Under 15 player in Chanmdrapaul Ramraj adding that Romel Datterdean is a national player also. “Each team will have eleven players on the pitch so our focus is to ensure that our elven players deliver collectively. We are not putting all of our hope on one individual player but rather on the entire team as this is a team sport and we will play it that way,” Prashad added. Meanwhile, Diamond Secondary’s captain, Philip Mc Turk noted that his team members are upbeat about winning the competition, the school’s confidence was boosted recently when they won the East Bank finals of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) organised National School’s Cricket competition for a fourth consecutive year thus ruling the East Bank. “We have been winning several matches and competitions over the years and this will be treated like just another match as we remain confident of winning it,” Mc Turk said. The Diamond Captain noted that they are eager to capture this inaugural title as the feeling would be greater to known that their names are being written in history as the inaugural champions. “That’s a feeling that cannot be sub-
stituted and the fact that the REO lives in Diamond we’re much more determined to show her that while we are neighbours, her trophy will not leave Diamond as we are the team most worthy of lifting that trophy aloft,” an elated and confident Mc Turk said.The third place and finals matches are being sponsored by Lloyd Britton thus resulting in the matches being played at Everest Cricket Ground. It was also revealed that Managing Director of Regal Sports, Mahendra Hardyal has come forward and announced that he will be making some major donations to some schools and a number of players who he said, has shown significant prospect in going very far in the sport. As such, he has indicted that he will be making these presentations on Friday after the finals. “As a sports enthusiast I feel compelled to help in fostering and further develop these youngsters who I am confident of once given the opportunity will go very far. As such, Regal Sports intends to continue lending assistance and support so as to ensure that they can achieve their true potentials and as a sports lover I will play my part,” he declared. The Sports enthusiast is expected to grace both the third plans and finals. Hardyal commended the region on what he said is an innovative and very good ‘move’, adding that he is prepared to lend support and assistance in anyway.
BCB secures Double-Wicket Tournament Sponsorship for Upper Corentyne Newly elected President of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster has secured sponsorship for a DoubleWicket Cricket Competition for teams in the Upper Corentyne Area. The sponsorship would be officially launched by the Berbice Cricket Board during the first ever Upper Corentyne Cricket Association Award Ceremony on Sunday, at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Foster, during a Face the Public with Clubs in the Upper Corentyne Area in April, had made several commitments. The commitments included obtaining sponsorships of 20/20, 40-Over and Double-Wicket Competitions for Upper Corentyne teams, providing balls for teams, arranging coaching sessions
Hilbert Foster BCB President and organising an Award Ceremony for Players. With the launching of the Double Wicket Sponsorship, valued at just under $200,000, Foster would have fulfilled all of his promises in just three
months. The Double-Wicket Competition would attract pairs from twenty eight clubs based in the Sub-Association, while the finals would involve the hosting of the Quarter-finals,
Semifinals and Finals on the same day. The Berbice Cricket Board President at the launching would also be handing over cricket caps to the two First Division Teams in the Area, Cricket balls to twenty Clubs and Educational Posters to 28 clubs. Foster is also expected to officially launch the Upper Corentyne Cricket Hall of Fame. The sponsor of the Double-Wicket Competition would be Surendra Ganesh of Nand Persaud Ganesh Packaging. Former West Indies Captain Ramnaresh Sarwan is the official sponsor of the 40Over Tournament, while Sueria Manufacturing Ltd is the sponsor of the 20/20 Tournament under its Magic Moments Brand.
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Junior cyclist doing New GFF Head Coach to visit Guyana today Guyana proud overseas
Romello Crawford celebrates atop the podium.
N
ational Cyclist R o m e l l o Crawford is doing Guyana proud overseas. Crawford is presently campaigning in the United States with success. Crawford who has been in ripping form in Guyana was recently selected to represent the country in the Pan American U-23 cycling championship which was held in Argentina on the 5th and 6th May. After participating in the Pan American games he decided to travel to the United States and compete in as many races as possible to gain more experience and improve his skills. During the Memorial Day weekend cycling events in the USA, the Guyanese cyclists suffered mixed fortunes, in the USA (Tour of Sommerville) events. Success came in the lower and master’s category with Romello Crawford winning the Category 3, 4 Event on Saturday. Crawford who hails from Fyrish Cortland area on the Corentyne, Berbice returned to place 3rd in the category 2 / 3 Race at Sommerville on Sunday. Competing in the same event was Stephano Husbands. In the master’s
category, James Joseph finished in 2nd place on Saturday and 3rd on Sunday. Crawford who recently received a Brand New Carbon Fibre Racing Bicycle from village and former national cycling champion Wilbert Benjamin did not gain
much success in his participation in the Pan Am Games in the high altitude of Argentina. Reports are due to the cold and high altitude Crawford began bleeding through his nose and mouth and dropped out of the event with two laps to go.
Michael Johnson, the new Head Coach of the Senior Men’s National Football Team, will visit Guyana today to meet the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and football stakeholders, and to visit the new FIFA-funded GFF National Training Centre currently under construction at Providence. The GFF in a press release stated that the 44 year-old Johnson, a former Jamaica international and English Premier League and Championship veteran, is the highest qualified national coach in the history of the Golden Jaguars, with a UEFA Pro Licence and the League Managers Association Diploma in Football Management. His references for the role included former England Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Premier League and the English Football Association. ”We look forward to hosting Michael this week as we introduce him to the local football fraternity and immediately get to work on taking the performances of our national team to the next level,” said GFF President Wayne Forde. ”Michael’s appointment is a big statement of intent, and sends a strong signal to our players and to our regional opponents. It also speaks volumes about the visible progress we are making in rebuilding the image of football in Guyana,
Michael Johnson - player and in developing the game.” Johnson’s first competitive game in charge will be a home fixture against Barbados in the CONCACAF Nations League qualifiers on 8th September, as Guyana seeks to reach its first ever CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament in 2019. The all-weather National Training Centre pitch at
Providence – part of Guyana’s first dedicated, national facility for football, funded by the FIFA Forward programme – is on schedule to be completed in time to host national squad preparations for that match. Johnson will also visit the Leonora Track & Field Centre today, which has staged recent CONCACAF international matches.
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Dowrich props up Windies after batsmen flatter to deceive P. 32
Jason Holder took his side to a relatively safe position by the last session ŠAFP Wicketkeeper-batsman Shane Dowrich plays stylishly through the off-side during his unbeaten 46 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
GABBFF Senior Nationals now set for P. 32 Parc Rayne Event Centre on July 15 next
Lahiru Kumara had one of his best days in Test cricket, constantly troubling the batsmen with a combination of pace and movement ŠAFP
Bramble to Captain Windies Invitational team in Global Canadian T20 tournament Anthony Bramble
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Hail to the Champs! GABBFF President Coel Marks with the respective category winners following Seniors, 2017.
Golden Jaguars prepare for P. 29 CONCACAF Nations League with Brazil training in August Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.