Kaieteur News

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ExxonMobil's Saturday Edition NEWS Stabroek block contract not being investigated - Phillips

AIETEUR

June 08, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 22

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Price $80

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Int'l help kicks in for SARA's probe of Canje and Kaieteur blocks Two cops promoted for bravery Grant no further Sergeant Clive Clarke being congratulated

Corporal Mark Grimmond being congratulated

concessions for oil companies until model PSA is finalised

Toddler begs for food, mother allegedly brands her with hot spoon

Trinidad Tender board procurement successfully officer accused of documents renegotiates gas deals tampering, back on job

GRA unearths skulduggery in 'G series' vehicles; closes loopholes How did 4.8M acres offshore Guyana end up in the hands of four companies with no track record in the oil industry? p.

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Saturday June 08, 2019

Wake up Guyana!!!

TUNE IN TO: 99.1 FM 99.5 FM Georgetown | Essequibo

K

Berbice

Today

AIETEUR RADIO

The two Guyana Oil Blocks

The two Senegal Oil Blocks Former President Abdoulaye Wade (inset) who signed away the oil blocks.

Former President Donald Ramotar (inset) who also signed away oil blocks.

What is happening in Senegal, a West African oil producing country

*

The Government of Senegal signed away two(2) oil blocks into the hands of a convicted drug lord.

The new Gov’t who told the people they will investigate and correct the oil blocks deal, eventually sided with the drug lord. This may be shocking, and even too much to digest........ But folks, part of this has already happened in Guyana*

Senegal's new President Macky Sall, after investigation, secretly collected $$$M and said the deal was okay.

*

In 2015, former President Donald Ramotar signed two oil blocks, to four companies who knows nothing about oil.

Now that SARA has begun to investigate the allocation of these oil blocks will President Granger do what Senegal did and say everything is okay?

Listen to Kaieteur Radio for the entire BBC 30-minute investigative exposĂŠ on what transpired in Senegal and you decide if it mirrors Guyana.

What will our new President David Granger do?

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 08, 2019

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Int'l help kicks in for SARA's probe of Canje, Kaieteur blocks T

he State Assets R e c o v e r y A g e n c y ' s (SARA) probe of how former President, Donald Ramotar, signed away two key oil blocks to four inexperienced firms will benefit from international help. This was recently noted

by SARA's Special Assistant, Eric Phillips.

The official noted that SARA has connections with the Stolen Assets Recovery Initiative which is a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that supports international efforts to end safe havens for corrupt funds.

He reminded, too, that Guyana is under the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) umbrella, the only legally binding international anticorruption multilateral treaty. Phillips said that connections with these bodies would be activated for the investigation.

The SARA official added that the agency has several mutual agreements with partners around the world

which will also aid its work.

The official also sought to stress that in all its investigations, SARA is always receiving international help.

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

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

JHI was only registered in Guyana on May 4, and it bought into the block on May 15. It seems JHI was created from nothing as its archived website only started working and listing managers, including John Cullen, on June 10. The general election was on May 11, 2015.

According to documents held by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Secretariat, JHI was only incorporated on June 17, 2015, in the British Virgin Islands. This nation is under no obligation

to provide countries like Guyana with tax information of companies registered there.

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

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

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

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

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

THE KAIETEUR BLOCK Ramotar awarded the Kaieteur Block to Ratio

Labourer, 17, remanded for murder of E'bo teen

A

17-year-old labourer was last We d n e s d a y remanded to prison for the murder of Clive Osborne, another 17-year-old of Supenaam, Essequibo Coast.

The accused, Richard Harrichand, of Lot 15, Ogle, East Coast Demerara, and of Supenaam,Essequibo Coast, was arrested on the June 2 at Good Hope, Essequibo, after stabbing Osborne to death.

On Wednesday Harrichand was charged for the offense of Murder.

He was not required to

plead and was remanded to prison until July 4, at the Suddie Magistrate's Court.

Osborne was stabbed around 19:00hrs on Sunday night.

He died shortly after receiving multiple stab wounds to the head, stomach and abdomen.

It is believed that Osborne's death was also linked to an old grievance between himself and the younger brother of the accused, who was also present at the time of his stabbing.

Killed: Clive Osborne

Energy Limited and Ratio Guyana on April 28, 2015.

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

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

Mr Ryan Pereira is a long time miner in Guyana with no track record in oil. Yet, the last government awarded him (Cataleya Energy) 50% of the block. He recently funded a project in the Rupununi for the Ministry of Natural Resources. He seems to have a close working relationship with past and present Ministry officials.

The Ratio duo's only asset remains the Kaieteur Block. Not a trace of evidence can be found to prove that it has years of experience in the exploration

of oil and gas. (SEE LINK F O R P S A : https://resourcecontracts.or g/contract/ocds-591adf2701587320/view#/pdf) Ratio Energy, which also calls itself Ratio Petroleum, is chaired by Ligad Rotlevy.

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

In October 2018, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and Ratio entered into a Production Sharing Agreement, for oil exploration in an offshore section of Philippines continental shelf, known as SC 76.

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

SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips Of its four assets, Guyana's Kaieteur Block is its largest. (SEE WEBSITE LINK FOR MORE I N F O R M AT I O N : https://www.ratiopetroleum. com/en/about/ratiopetroleum/) This newspaper understands that the Kaieteur Block operators did not submit their audited financial statements and documents regarding beneficial ownership for Guyana's EITI report. The dates of incorporation for the two Kaieteur Block operators were also not provided to EITI. (See link for full report: https://gyeiti.org/wpcontent/uploads/FinalGYEI TIReport-FY2017.pdf)

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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

The threat to the existing school system

S

ome local public schools may not yet have reached the stage of war zones, but they have become hunting grounds for skirmishing, endangering, and intimidating. In terms of the latter, that is an ongoing reality, as influenced by the first two.

The media reports were stark: one girl suspected of being poisoned; then a second in short order. In school of all places? What is going on?

To be sure, the incidents were isolated, but still troubling. When matters could reach this stage: whether negligence, or prank, or peer pressure, or a certain kind of involvement, there is reason to believe that plenty of malice is near.

And with that flourishes the great indiscipline that tempts recklessness. The blood runs thin in the veins of uncontrolled swaggering youth. It goes farther and faster.

A student bashed a head teacher. That has never been heard of before. A grudge between youngsters maybe, and as stoked by some intense degree of rivalry and jealousy. But a principal? This is hard labour. That was on the road.

In the laboratory of classroom, there are sporadic incidents that embroil junior teachers for many reasons: unruliness, proving a point, master of the class universe; showing off, gang rite, menacing rage. These are not of the old school variety quickly corrected. No! What is happening that does not make the news? In the yard? Outside the fence? Who is dealing? Who is resisting? The sense is that dedicated ones are trapped and disadvantaged; teachers intimidated; administrators at sea, and not the requisite role models. Parents are ready to rock and roll. Peers egging on; the girls are watching.

Alpha males striving to exhibit or exert dominance respond to the moment. In a tough crowd, there are always a few willing to push past the danger point to demonstrate they are the toughest around.

Teachers, to some extent, have adopted a passive protective demeanor. It is defensive and carefully distant; the wisdom of discretion. Helps to take through another day, and towards one more day. Some schools can be a semi-combat zone.

In such environments, the questions come in a rush: Any teaching going on? Any learning occurring? Who is watchful and cognizant of the interplays and dynamics at work? And which signal looming trouble that calls for intervention and nipping before matters get out of control?

Who is strong enough? Cares enough?

And out there, Who is at home and concerned enough to be aware? Who being there and alert enough has the strength to take charge and take a stand against wayward offspring?

If the streets are any indication, then there just might be more than teachers can handle. The attitudes and body language are nonchalant on the least offensive end of the scale; the high volumes and higher testosterone on the other end evidence a threatening belligerence that hasten even well-intentioned adults to seek the cover of space and avoidance. Village sacked.

Problem candidates must be addressed. Remedial action embarked upon, however unwillingly. The bad weeds have to be weeded out if only for the benefit of the greater number, the more receptive minds. A child is a terrible thing to leave behind. But a parent-teacheradministrator-social worker-supervisor complex has to be proactive and get after these things. Welcomed duty free concessions granted to senior levels, they were due, now there has to be delivery.

At every step, every level: Partnership, programme and effort; the nonperforming have to be addressed practically; the disturbing and degrading more assertively; too much sugarcoating, too much white-gloved handling.

Somebody has to be bold enough, innovative enough to herd the cats and bell them. Pretending there is no issue, no problem children muddies the mix, deepens the problem. Probably incentivizes it.

We can’t progress if we continue to be led by the incompetent and self-serving DEAR EDITOR, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashleigh E. Jackson penned a letter on 06-Jun2019 where he stated that Jan Mangal (author of this letter) made unwarranted assumptions and arrived at foregone conclusions.

He seems to have forgotten to include the list of unwarranted assumptions and foregone conclusions.

Let’s hope he provides these in a subsequent correspondence. But in case this was not innocent forgetfulness, then we should consider the following: Why challenge someone’s credibility when you have no evidence? Is it because you realise you do not have an argument and your only option is to try to discredit the messenger?

- Why take the side of the foreign oil companies and their local agents, and not the side of the people of Guyana?

Is it because you have been paid or are being paid by companies involved in Guyana’s oil industry for legitimate work?

I recall my letter on Sir Shridath Ramphal (18-Oct2018) and the pointless response of another Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Carl Greenidge.

- Are some of these elder statesmen of Guyana similar to the “king with no clothes” (by Hans Christian Andersen)? Do they exist on a completely false foundation, because they have nothing of moral or economic substance to show for the last 53 years of their stellar contribution to the nation? Or has their sup-

port for past dictators finally started to eat away at their conscience?

For oil to transform Guyana positively and make Guyana the rightful beacon of the Caribbean, we cannot behave like we have been behaving for the last 53 years.

We cannot behave like a banana republic and award oil blocks to non-entities. We cannot kneel and smile back thankfully as the crumbs from the Stabroek Block are dropped on the ground before us.

This is not a time for the status quo and mediocrity.

This is a time for the young people to lead, for the young to aspire to excellence and demand excellence, and for new ways.

The rich world justifies giving us the crumbs of our

own oil because they continue to see us as third world incompetent and corrupt brown and black people, who would squander the oil money anyway. We have to do things differently, tackle corruption and incompetent government, not because of morals, but because we cannot progress anywhere if we continue to be led by the incompetent and the self-serving.

Please remember there is a real risk that our children and grandchildren will be living in a militarised oil state whilst their esteemed leaders in government and the private sector sail around on US$100 million yachts and fly around in their private jets. We cannot let this happen.

Faithfully, Jan Mangal

GYEITI DID NOT FABRICATE DATA DEAR EDITOR, I am sure we are all aware that this is indeed a learning curve for Mr. Adriel Lowe and all citizens of Guyana, including the members of the GYEITI Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) and the GYEITI National Secretariat. The Government of Guyana is committed to EITI implementation.

GYEITI takes this opportunity and extend a very warm welcome to Mr. Lowe and the companies he represents, to actively participate in the work of GYEITI as we build a more robust system to im-

prove governance of the oil, gas and mineral resources of Guyana. GYEITI is of the view that Mr. Lowe and his companies can, indeed, make a meaningful contribution and help us achieve the lofty objectives of EITI in Guyana to benefit all our citizens, In response to a letter authored by Adriel Lowe and published in Kaieteur News on 19th May, 2019, for the benefit of your readers, please note that the GYEITI Report FY2017, which is publicly available online, and on website www.gyeiti.org: i. Does not mention the

name of letter writer, Adriel Lowe ii. Does not mention any of the two companies; Winslow Higgins Enterprises and Higgins’ Mining Enterprises, mentioned in Mr. Lowe’s letter iii. The contact information received from official sources does not match that included in the letter. Hence, attempts to deliver correspondence were unsuccessful. iv.The Report does include Higgins Winslow Theophilus as an individual miner, who made significant

material revenue payments in 2017.

As a result, the report on page 102 states, “The extractive entities that failed to submit reporting templates were:” and the second column of Table 78 is titled, “Extractive entities that did not submit reporting templates”. v. The Report does not state that Higgins Winslow Theophilus ‘refused’ to provide data.

The EITI Report is prepared by an ‘Independent Administrator’ not the GYEITI. Data for the (Continued on page 6)

This treacherous stretch of road needs urgent ies, damage to property and and/or cyclists create same as above attention pedestrians crossing over and between The road stretch is a race vehicles late to get to the airDEAR EDITOR, I would like to make some observations with respect to the stretch of road from the McDoom Gas Station to the arch at the end of Agricola.

Day or night it’s a difficult road to travel, caution must be exercised. Travelling south or north in the right lanes oncoming lights blind you to

the walls. Travelling south on the inside lane trucks parked at the tyre shops and vehicles coming out of access streets and merging into lanes are disasters waiting to happen.

Travelling north and on the inside lane, holes on the road by the police outpost and vehicles parked by popular shops and merging traffic

track up to the Rahaman bend going north and from DSL going south.Speed limits should be proposed, pedestrian traffic lights considered, and wardens for kids and elderly folks implemented.

The economic cost is too high when accidents occur.

Lives taken, inconvenience to commuters, robber-

port, home and businesses, and gasoline consumption, all are significant, and the police are stretched thin at the time, and also when there are shows at the stadium.

I appeal for action to be taken and for solutions to be found as soon as possible.

Sincerely, David Gomes

These are issues which are sufficiently important to warrant an investigation DEAR EDITOR, I have no claim to any expertise when it comes to oil and gas, hence my reliance on those who are technically and legally qualified to speak on the subject.

My concern primarily has to do with the conflicting statements emanating from ‘experts’ on the subject regarding the contract entered into between the government and ExxonMobil. There is a strong body of technical opinion which is of the view that the existing contract is not in the best interest of Guyana and that the country stands to lose billions of dollars if the contract is not renegotiated.

The Government, on the other hand, seems quite comfortable with the contract and there is no indication that it is in any mood to renegotiate the contract.

There are also allegations in some quarters regarding the manner in which the oil blocks were allocated. There is a view that the blocks were hastily given out to companies way below market value and without due diligence.

These are issues which, in my view, are sufficiently important to warrant an investigation by a technically competent body. This body should be politically neutral and there should be full agreement by all stakeholders, in particular the government and political opposition, regarding its composition and remit.

One obvious advantage of such a body is that it will eliminate any room for perceptions of bias when the findings of the investigation are made public.

Hydar Ally

Saturday June 08, 2019

Minister Patterson’s logic has led us into this ever-increasing quagmire of power outages and electricity shortfalls

DEAR EDITOR, The Minister of Public Infrastructure Hon. David Patterson took to social media (Facebook) to vent his frustration about the positioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop to Kingston submarine cable; Patterson identified this positioning as a poor political decision by the PPP and as the culprit for this round of power shortages.

Patterson’s perspectives are often interesting, as they offer insight into how his mind works and his own decision making process.

To ascribe a technical decision, good or bad, as a political one, is more reflective of how Patterson has operated than would have obtained under the previous administration.

PPP Ministers of government would accept that the technical peo p l e w o u l d know better than Ministers who are political appointees charged with policy formation and implementation.

The Patterson way of thinking suggests that ministers are infallible, ‘know it all’ entities with abilities to ‘fix’ any issue with personal knowledge and/or intervention.

M i n i s t e r P a t t e r s on’s logic has led us into this everincreasin g q u a g m i r e o f power outages and electricity shortfalls; it began with his soft nationalization of the Wartsila Company that provided a wide range of services to Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

These services included acting as the authorized country dealer for Wartsila, design, procurement, installation and maintenance of power generation engines and units.

I n t h i s p r o cess, the Wartsila company was stripped of its contracts and its 90% of its employees were

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offered jobs with Patterson’s new creation, Power Producers & Distributors Inc. (PPDI).

This decision had three immediate consequences: 1.

Loss of upper management knowledge and proven ability to deliver quality service.

2. The PPP negotiated ‘List minus 17 percent’ price on all spares 3.

The inability to handle design and construction of large new projects, such as the 300MW natural gas facility desired by ExxonMobil.

Editor, in less than two years, this policy decision

by Minister Patterson has led us to the situation where electrical power in the home is a luxury; the prime Wartsila generation sets are all well behind accepted maintenance schedules; where substitute parts are being used in Wartsila engines; where PPDI is not given the 17 percent discount on spares and is forced to join queues for parts and not afforded special status as the local Wartsila company, which had no such issues.

To add to these woes, we have the strange fact that despite years of complaining about the use of China Na-

tional Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CMC) while in opposition, Minister Patterson performed a volteface and now utilizes CMC on a myriad of projects.

It would be interesting to get an explanation on that decision.

In four years no major increase in power generating capacity has been planned, begun or implemented.

The installation of two heavy-fuel containerized generating sets in Charity is hailed as ‘the big success’ in the sector by the APNU/AFC collation.

The lack of foresight used in formulating policy in this critical sector added to the convoluted logic of Patterson, has us all in the dark with vague promises of a ‘fix’ somewhere in the future.

This is as unacceptable as the coincidence of two submarine cables being damaged in one week. Something fishy is in the river and it ain’t the fish!

Respectfully Robin Singh

Our problem is a political problem and it needs a political resolution DEAR EDITOR, I really believe the PNCled Coalition blundered by not calling elections as was constitutionally due following the no-confidence vote of December 21st, 2018.

Over the past six months that the coalition has retained power by resorting to subterfuge, it has demonstrated even more clearly its ineptitude and inability to govern Guyana, and is unlikely to deliver on its electoral promises.

Members of the Coalition have legitimate academic accreditation, yet the construct of their Government is of old wood that makes the buildings rotten and unstable and ready to fall, endangering the lives of its occupants, infested with roaches.

The roaches here are the white collar criminals who are rampant in our society, alongside others.

The Coalition is no longer in control and the Agricola accident has proven that it has not the political will to govern. Its complacency in handling the situation be-

cause of its political implications has added fuel to the escalating crime situation, emboldened deviant behavior, and is made worse by its own self-denial.

Editor, there is a crucial need at this time for clear thinking, on one western front, swarms of Venezuelan refugees are entering Guyana.

Our sovereignty is seriously compromised while internally the capital city is under siege by criminal gangs. Our problem is a political problem and it needs a political resolution.

Fifty-three years have passed since Guyana has become an Independent state, trillions of dollars have been spent by the PNC, PPP and now PNC-led Coalition Government, but economically the country has remained stultified, the vast army of the unemployed has swollen, with more than 20 thousand workers given marching orders under this current Coalition Government comprising the PNC, AFC, WPA. But at the other end of the political spectrum, all these politicians have become

filthy rich and are enjoying the “Good Life”.

The attendant evils make our headlines every day.

What has happened to the good men and women of civil society that once were…?

With the passing of Sister Andaiye we are reminded that there was once a woman who courageously stood up for Human Rights and Justice, for Guyanese women.

Maybe if civil society had demanded Justice for Sheema Manga, the Blackberry cellphone murder victim, things would not have gotten out of hand.

The resort to mob justice is not the way forward in a civilized society, but Guyanese politicians seem to flourish under these conditions. So blinded by their greed and political ambitions that they cannot see the writing on the wall, that it is just a matter of time before the state of lawlessness comes their way.

Yours Respectfully Desmond Alli (General Secretary, Guyana United Artists)

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A Playfield Development Board should be established DEAR EDITOR, The development of sports will continue to limp along at snail’s pace as the National Sports Development Council seems out of sorts in finding solutions, then and now.

This council seems to be overwhelmed, and as such remains incapable of dealing with the foundation for the development of sports in the rural areas where the majority of sports men and women reside.

There can be no serious development of sports with grounds that have not risen from the category of fenced and unfenced pastures only fit for the grazing of animals.

This situation requires the establishment of a board that will administrate the development of playfields and parks all across this dear land of

many waters. This board will then coordinate the efforts of the Neighborhood Democratic Council and the Regional Democratic Council in addressing this very crucial issue.

The policy of leaving the grounds to be developed by playfield management committees in the many communities across the nation has simply failed over the years, because of the absence of human and material resources to develop and maintain these fields.

The ground enhancement committee of the National Sports Development Council is absolutely inadequate to deal with playfields all across Guyana, and is just suited with its limited resource to work with the National Stadium, synthetic track at Leonora and a few grounds

on Carifesta Avenue.

Well-managed playfields in communities help in the reduction of deviant behaviours among youths and helps in combating non communicable diseases that is tearing apart our small population.

Sports and cultural tourism can only become a reality with playfields of high standards that match those of the nations that are doing excellent in this area here in the Caribbean - countries such as Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica, that depend heavily on the Tourism industry.

We can learn from our CARICOM brothers and sisters, who I am sure, will be willing to share their experiences, if we can only humble ourselves and be prepared to learn.

RAS Aaron Blackman

GYEITI DID NOT FABRICATE DATA From page 4 preparation of the report is collected from the government agencies and extractive entities.

After the MSG determines a materiality threshold, extractive entities that fall within the threshold are identified and are given templates by the Independent Administrator to

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Kaieteur News

complete. Using the contact information provided, efforts are made to reach these entities.I n many EITI implementing countries, extractive entities do, unilaterally, submit data and information and participate. The GYEITI encourages all companies and individuals in the extractive sector to be-

come familiar with the EITI processes and support Guyana’s transparency efforts.

GYEITI commends the media for its role in creating greater public awareness and stimulating wider public debate on the governance of the extractive sector The GYEITI takes this opportunity to thank Mr. Lowe for his open and frank letter.

Yours sincerely, Rudy R. Jadoopat, PhD (Economics) National Coordinator, GYEITI

Understanding Creditinfo DEAR EDITOR, Creditinfo, a global credit bureau represented in twentyfour (24) markets, was granted the license in 2013 to operate Guyana’s first credit bureau with the intention of deepening the financial sector through the establishment of a Credit Reporting Industry.

The company’s operation in Guyana was the second to be established in the Caribbean Region at the time and is now one of three (3) fully established and a fourth pending in the OECS. Its key partners and supporters in the development of credit bureau operations consist of prominent international organizations such as the World Bank and the International Financial Corporation (IFC). Our standards and certificates include ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 for Quality Management and Information Security respectively.

The establishment of a Credit Reporting Industry in Guyana was carefully considered to make it easier for both borrowers and lenders in dealing with the issue of inadequate access to finance and the inefficiencies which existed in the credit granting process. According to the World Bank guidelines for the industry [to which Creditinfo subscribes] in markets faced with the challenges of data limitations, overindebtedness and a large portfolio of nonperforming loans ‘credit reporting service providers [credit bureaus] can perform the crucial functions of gathering and distributing reliable credit information, improving creditor protection and strengthening credit markets’.

Hence, the expected effect of Creditinfo in the local market is a ‘reduction of insufficient information [information asymmetry] thus reducing default rates, which in turn should result in lower average interest rates, customized products and services, enhanced competition in the credit market, and ultimately increased access to credit’.

Wide-ranging credit reporting provided by credit bureaus across the globe provides benefits to populations by facilitating access to credit and financial services, especially for traditionally underserved populations.

According to the World Bank 2012 statistics at the time of the establishment of Guyana’s credit bureau, globally half of the world’s working age population was unbanked with 39%in Latin America and the Caribbean and approximately 65% in Guyana.

Providing access to free credit reports is considered one of the company’s first

steps towards financial inclusion as this allows consumers to understand their credit profile and its link to accessing credit.

Utilizing the information therein contained enables citizens to make sound decisions for their own economic benefit.

For consumers, credit scoring holds the key to homeownership and consumer credit and hence the credit report as a tool can be used to improve access to credit for both individuals and SMEs who have so far been underserved or unserved by formal licensed/regulated financial institutions or other forms of lending such as retailers.

With ongoing access to and an understanding of their credit report, consumers can always be informed of where they stand financially, and so be able to make better, and sustainable, financial decisions in order to ensure a stable and healthy financial future for themselves and families.

It is expected that via our current initiatives, we will be able to enhance and contribute to financial inclusion by: Improving consumer and SME financial literacy; reducing over-indebtedness; encouraging responsible borrowing; helping SMEs and individuals build up a credit profile based on their “reputational collateral”; helping lenders expand markets to unserved SMEs and individuals; and in general contribute to responsible lending.

At its meeting in Rome in March 2013, the International Committee on Credit Reporting (ICCR) identified credit reporting on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as a key area requiring further development to effectively reduce information asymmetries between lenders and borrowers, and by this means, contribute in improving SMEs’ access to adequate external financing.

While credit data and other relevant information are more readily available for larger businesses and corporations as well as on individuals, this is not usually the case in respect of SMEs. Therefore, enabling or improving the flow or credit related information as well as other relevant financial information on SMEs can contribute to alleviating financial constraints SMEs often face.

This means ensuring that lenders have accurate, relevant and sufficient information in a timely manner to facilitate assessment of SME creditworthiness.

Research undertaken among financial institutions

globally indicates that the SME Sector could be better served with adequate access to credit history data. However, the key requirements for effectively meeting the finance needs of SMEs include, but are not limited to: (1) unique identification of companies; (2) information availability (financial and other) to build credit history; (3) the leveraging of technology for credit origination through online credit applications and support for mobile finance; and (4) development of credit scoring products with internal and external data.

These are but a few of the issues that Creditinfo is currently focused on in the execution of its mandate.

Additionally, CIG is currently concerned with how it can support financial institutions in expanding credit to the SME Sector through capacity building and awareness raising. Our SME Credit Awareness Promotion which is currently being launched will be implemented during the period July 1 – September 30, 2019 in collaboration with subscribers.

Creditinfo has also developed the framework for a Platform to Support SME Lending and is in the process of negotiating with a key partner in respect of its implementation.

This is a simple to use and transparent process for SME’s to provide sufficient data to enable their credit risk assessment and for potential lenders to SMEs to access such data and conduct risk assessments.

These initiatives are expected to support increased formal access to financing for SMEs through bank lending and trade credit thus contributing to the positive development of the economy.

It is therefore envisaged that at some point in the not too distant future the local market will embrace the full range of risk management services in the interest of further enhancing efficiencies within the credit management process as obtains in more mature markets.

While there will always be more work to be done, the efforts that have gone into and are continuing towards developing the credit reporting industry in Guyana, ought not to be trivialized or discounted.

Creditinfo’s mission is to Facilitate Access to Finance, and we are in a continuous process to evolve and design new best in shape solutions for each market, including Guyana.

Yours Faithfully, Judy Semple-Joseph Chief Executive Officer Creditinfo [Guyana] Inc.

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ExxonMobil’s Stabroek block contract not being investigated - Phillips

By Kiana Wilburg Even though Transparency International Guyana Inc. (TIGI) recently raised concerns about the deal ExxonMobil struck with the Granger administration, deeming it to be fraught with illegalities, the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) will not be investigating the ExxonMobil arrangement.

Kaieteur News confirmed this with SARA’s Special Assistant, Eric Phillips.

Phillips is currently the lead person on SARA’s probe into the suspicious award of the Kaieteur and Canje blocks by former President, Donald Ramotar to firms which have no experience in deep water exploration.

Phillips noted that SARA’s focus on probing oil blocks at this point in time is narrow. It is fixed on the Kaieteur and Canje blocks he said. This newspaper then highlighted TIGI’s points, one of which states that the Exxon Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) allows the subsidiary of the American operator, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), to hold more blocks than the law allows.

But the SARA official said that these and other arguments were already laid out by critics such as Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram

and Oil Consultant, Dr. Jan Mangal.

Phillips said, “I have heard these arguments before but it is not something we are looking into...” He also reminded that the law allows the Minister to grant permission for the company to hold onto the acreage in the case of special circumstances.

He stressed that this very point was already made by Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Chartered Accountant and anticorruption advocate, Chris Ram, was one of the first legal minds here to point out the golden opportunity the government missed or ignored as it relates to the oil blocks being held by ExxonMobil.

Ram had explained that during the PPP’s time, ExxonMobil was given 600 blocks. This is ten times more than what the law stipulates.

The nation’s rules and regulations also stipulate that at every request for a renewal, the company is expected to relinquish half of the oil blocks it started with.

But the PPP made an adjustment to the contract, thereby allowing the company to hold on to the 600 oil blocks. In the new agreement that was signed in 2016, Ram said that Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, failed to address or redress the aforementioned problems.

Taking this into account, Ram

had characterized Trotman as a liability to Guyana.

Ram had noted that unless the Minister can provide a satisfactory explanation for why he failed to correct the wrongs of the past, then he should be removed from office. The Chartered Accountant expressed the view that if Trotman can act in this manner, then there is no telling what else he would not do.

Ram was also asked if in his opinion, there are enough grounds for the Guyana-ExxonMobil PSA to be challenged in the court.

The Attorney-at-law had told Kaieteur News, “There are obviously things that are illegal in the contract. But listen, I really do believe that a system should not require or allow a government to en-

SARA Special Assistant, Eric Phillips

Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram

gage in breaking the law and then saying to civil society ‘oh take it to court’ if you want to see a change .

“The law requires Government

to be compliant…What I would like to know is where was the Attorney General, Basil Williams, in all of this?”

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Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tender board procurement GRA unearths skulduggery in ‘G officer accused of documents series’ vehicles; closes loopholes tampering back on job -discontinues registration of A Senior Procurement Officer of the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) who was sent on leave earlier this year after being accused of tampering with bid documents, is back at work.Officials said that Michael De Jonge resumed his duties at the NPTAB’s Main Street office, after apparently being cleared.

However, there have not been any statements from either NPTAB or the government.The case came to the public’s attention earlier this year, after senior officials of NPTAB triggered a probe following reports that certain bid documents relating to a $100M road contract were removed from a secured area and figures were altered upwards.

After reviewing security tapes, the longserving employee who is also NPTAB’s Training Officer was sent on leave.It was reported that several bids came in to the NPTAB with one pertaining to a road contract.

Bids would normally come in three copies.

(Continued on page 24)

Back at work: NPTAB’s Senior Procurement Officer, Michael De Jonge

Years of abuse into the importation and use of certain categories of vehicles has been arrested by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

As of July 1, 2019, the authority says, it will not be registering the Noahs, Voxy, Liteace, Alphard and Regius, all models of Toyota, in the “G” or Goods Vehicles series.

For years now, persons have been importing the minivans and declaring them as goods vehicles.

In so doing, they were granted tax exemptions.

However, instead of using the vehicles in the delivery or other goods related business, the vehicles have been used on occasions for families.

According to the GRA, this has been a loophole used by hundreds of persons to evade millions of dollars in taxes.

The authority in recent notices in Kaieteur News, announced that the granting of tax exemptions for several of the minivans in Toyota and Nissan models will be discontinued come July 1.

The models include the Toyota Noah, Voxy, Liteace, Grand Hiace, Alphard and Regius.

The Nissan Serena will also not be approved. ”Previously persons were allowed to modify and register these vehicles in “G” for goods transportation purposes. In doing so they were able to quality for tax exemptions under the Excise Tax Act. Enforcement checks have, however, revealed that these

popular Noah, Voxy models

GRA will not be registering these Noahs and granting tax exemptions from July 1st, under the “G” series. vehicles are not being used for the purposes intended,” the GRA notice explained.

The authority said that from July 1, 2019, application for the Tax Exemptions Processing and Verification Unit for vehicles registered in “G” will be denied. ”Applications already submitted for processing within the division will be processed but must be fully completed prior to July 1, 2019. Thereafter, those vehicles still being in transit, processed or not having fully completed their release or registration must be retrieved and reprocessed thereby

paying the requisite Customs Duties and Taxes.

The GRA has also been tightening up with its remigrant duty free concession after it became known that persons living overseas were being paid to import vehicles under the guise of coming back to live in Guyana.After receiving a kickback, the importer who would be approved as a remigrant, thus not paying the relevant taxes, would return to his or her overseas home.

GRA has been demanding that remigrants check often with its offices to ensure that they are still in Guyana.

Toddler begs for food, mom allegedly brands her with hot spoon A mother was yesterday remanded to prison by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly after she denied a charge of allegedly burning her two-year-old daughter on the buttocks with a hot pot spoon.

The 21-year-old mother, Kelly Chester, who hails from Lot 56 James Street Albouystown, Georgetown, was arraigned in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where the charge was read to her.

It was alleged that on May 27, 2019 at Lot 56 James Street Albouystown, Georgetown, Chester while being the guardian of her daughter willfully ill-treated her in a manner dangerous to her health.

Police prosecutor, Christopher Morris, objected to bail based on the fact that the defendant poses a flight risk and because of the seriousness of the matter.

He said that the child received burns to her buttocks and bruises to her face from the incident on the day in question.

According to information, on the day in question, Chester was at home on her phone while preparing a meal when her daughter began to pull at her clothing and requested something to eat. As a result of the child’s actions the defendant allegedly dropped her phone.

Chester then reportedly became annoyed when her phone did not power back on after

Kelly Chester

being dropped. The defendant then allegedly spanked the child with the spoon with which she was cooking.

In court the defendant told the magistrate that she did not intentionally burn her child.

However her plea went unheard as the magistrate remanded her to prison and adjourned the matter until June 21, next.

Saturday June 08, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Half naked man found floating Siblings conflict Lands brother in Court- gets four charges in trench aback of Providence Two siblings yesterday appeared before a city magistrate after a three-month dispute concluded with the brother being slapped with four charges. Daniel Boutrin, 19, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before the Senior Magistrate Leron Daly to answer to four charges and he pleaded not guilty to all.The first charge alleged that on January 30, 2019, at 4 D Tucville Georgetown, Boutrin used threatening language towards Randy Greene.It was alleged that on February 17, 2019, at Lodge Housing Scheme Georgetown the defendant used threatening language towards Lancelot Boutrin. Also on that same day at Lot 124 Silver Alley Street, Georgetown he inflicted grievous bodily harm on Travanie Boutrin, his sister. The final charge alleged that on March 17, 2019, at East La Penitence Police Station, the defendant while being in lawful custody of the police for threatening

‘Police officials inspecting the body’

Shocks waves rippled through Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) when a partially decomposed body of a man was found around noon yesterday in a trench that runs through the village.

Students occupying the dormitory of the Lincoln American University School of Medicine in the community found the body floating downwards by students, and police officers were immediately contacted. Residents were clueless as to who the individual was.

The man appeared to be of a mixed ethnicity, bald, and only wearing a pair of striped trousers. The body was removed from the trench after police officers and undertakers from the Lyken Funeral Home arrived on the scene.

On inspecting the body it was discovered that there were multiple abrasions. The body was escorted to the Lyken Funeral Home to await identification and a postmortem examination.

Dem boys seh ...

GPL got blackout, can’t collect light bill money Every now and then de people who running de electricity company does announce that blackout done. Dem does use nice words—‘Blackouts are a thing of de past.’

West Demerara was always in darkness.

Jagdeo rent two caterpillar generators but dem wasn’t enough. Then dem put up a big power station at Vreed-en-Hoop and Donald announce that blackout done fuh good.

Two weeks barely pass and was blackout again. De excuse was that somebody put bad oil in dem engines.

When dem open de new factory in Kingston, Sam was de man in de van. He was responsible fuh electricity. When dem open de Kingston station Sam seh blackout done.

Things suh bad that GPL can’t even collect light bill money. Whole week people going to de office to pay dem light bill. When dem go de cashier tell dem how all de computers down because de office got blackout.

If GPL getting blackout imagine wha it giving de people. De hospital wheh dem always cutting people fuh one reason or de odda getting blackout.

Dem boys was in de hospital when dem prepare a man fur surgery. De man wife kiss him before dem porter wheel him into de operating theatre. She sit down to wait and while she waiting up comes de blackout.

She hear a nurse running out de room and she start bawling. Was more confusion in de Maternity Ward. A lady was getting baby. It was a big fight wid de nurses and de baby. De nurses trying to tek out de baby and de baby refusing to come out in de darkness.

Imagine dem boys was home trying to look at cricket. De match start and just as de man go to bowl GPL tek back de light. Is that same attitude cause Banks to refuse to have anything to do wid GPL. When Banks use to rely on GPL dem use to beg fuh a lower rate.

GPL use to tell dem if dem don’t want de electricity dem can lef it.

Banks put in dem own electricity. Now GPL asking Banks fuh power. You don’t have to guess de answer.

Talk half and don’t wait fuh electricity this weekend.

language, escaped. Police prosecutor Sanj Singh objected to bail being granted to the defendant on the grounds that the defendant was recently released from prison for unlawful wounding.

Travanie Boutrin told the court that the defendant is her brother and he abused and stabbed her before to her right arm. She also stated that Boutrin is a threat to her and her children. The victim further stated that her brother was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment but within two months he came out and stayed by her. She said that he would have made threats that he is not afraid of the law.Acting Chief Magistrate Daly after listening to the facts of the charge and what the victim had to say remanded the defendant to prison until June 21, 2019 when he is expected to make his next court appearance.

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Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The tragic dismissal of Andaiye by the PPP If I don’t write a book, maybe my daughter or someone else will put out a compilation of the literally thousands and thousands of columns I have done on Guyana.

That will be my book. If and when that is done, I would have paid my dues to my country’s history. Subsequent generations will know who was who, who did what that was right and who did what that was wrong.

History has to be recorded. A 16-year-old can pick up the book by Father Andrew Morrison (“Justice: The Struggle for Democracy

in Guyana, 1952-1992”) and he/she will get an insight into the mind of Guyana’s former president, Forbes Burnham.

One can peruse the autobiography of Yesu Persaud and see a picture of the life of Guyana’s economy after the waves of nationalizations in the seventies.

I have done my part in these columns. They are my perspectives of course. But between the subjectivities there are objective portraits. I have sought to highlight the wrongs of history many times in these columns. I am doing so now.

I refer to a letter by Clement Rohee in the newspapers offering a eulogy to Andaiye on the announcement of her death.

There is a line in that missive that distorts history and history must be recorded factually. Rohee wrote; “It is to be regretted that women of the stature, strength and fortitude like Andaiye are denied due recognition for their contribution to the economic and social liberation of the Guyanese people even now with her party being an integral part of the coalition administration. The PPP has to

take some responsibility for this lapse as well, having been in government for 23 years.”

There is a deliberate distortion in that observation by Rohee. A better adjective would be dishonest. I would record Guyanese history by saying the greatest act of political betrayal in the life of this country from the 19th century to present day is the PPP’s contemptuous dismissal of the WPA after the PPP won the 1992 election.

I remember doing a column on this subject with the caption; “Wiped out like a lip print on a shirt.” Contempt is certainly a soft word to use to describe the PPP’s attitude to the WPA after 1992.

The leadership of the PPP, including all of its top leaders, that takes in Clement Rohee himself displayed anger and hatred toward the WPA after 1992. It was the most tragic betrayal of political principles in the history of this country.

The WPA played the major role from 1974 to 1980 when Rodney died on four fronts; weakening the grip of the PNC on power, diluting the strength of racial feelings in the Guyanese citizenry; generating an interest of youths

in politics, and harnessing the post-colonial expectations of the masses into demanding people’s power.

Even on the international level, the PPP’s struggle for free and fair elections was not as effective as organizations such as the WPA, GUARD, and the Catholic Church.

The nastiness towards the PPP was vehement. Three times I wrote about an encounter with then GeneralSecretary of the PPP, Donald Ramotar, at the Bakewell establishment on Albert Street.

He was coming out, I was going in.

He said a most shocking thing about the political makeup of Andaiye. This was a woman who fought alongside the PPP for over two decades. No doubt Ramotar echoed what other leaders of the PPP thought of Andaiye.

Rohee identified Andaiye as a person whose human rights contribution the 23year-old PPP administration failed to recognize by some public honouring act. This is barefaced obfuscation. The 23-year-old regime of the PPP comprising five presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Jagdeo and Ramotar - showed undiluted

Frederick Kissoon

contempt in those 23 years for Andaiye and her revolutionary colleagues in the WPA, some of whom have since died without recognition.

From President Jagan right up to President Ramotar, the WPA was ridiculed as a party that couldn’t win seats in a general election. Rohee and the PPP gloated for 23 years at the WPA electoral showings and were emotionally disinclined to engage the WPA on any level whatsoever.

One recalls the notorious spat between President Cheddi Jagan and the WPA when Jagan appointed Clive Thomas as a minister and the WPA rejected the offer. The WPA said the offer should come within the framework of discussions between the two parties allowing WPA to make its choice.

From the moment that happened, the relationship between these two revolutionary friends died a “permanent” death. Rohee is beyond being shameless.

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Man wanted for 2013 Albouystown ‘gold chain’ murder nabbed in Berbice Although the Commander of ‘B’’Division Paul Langevine has since claimed that he has no knowledge of wanted man Muammar Jabbar’s capture in Berbice, the PRO of the Guyana Police Force, Jairam Ramlakhan, confirmed to reporters that the man was nabbed in Berbice two days ago and was transported to Georgetown for questioning.

Jabbar was wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Tolasicy Marshall called “Talo” that occurred on August 20, 2013 at James Street, Albouystown.

When Langevine was contacted, he told Kaieteur News, “I have no knowledge of that.” When asked if he could check to confirm that Jabar was arrested, he again said, “I was asked this question before and I have no knowledge of it.” The Officer in Charge of Crime in the division also said he was not aware of the arrest.

A wanted bulletin was issued for Jabbar in August 2013 after he reportedly stabbed Tolasicy Marshall to death in 2013.

Initial reports stated that the two had a heated argument in relation to an issue about money and gold jewellery. Marshall was reportedly dealt several stabs to

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

Captured: Muammar Jabbar

Killed: Tolasicy Marshall, called “Talo”

the chest by Jabbar.

According to information, Jabbar was reportedly given some money by the dead man’s brother to make a gold band and chain, but those items were never produced, nor were the money returned.

Some relatives had stated, then, that Jabbar relayed to them that he utilized the money to purchase weed and had promised to repay the money. Again, that never happened, allegedly.

Marshall approached Jabbar on several occasions, seeking an explanation as to why the items

had not been produced, and when those would be ready; but, like his other relatives, he was told the items would be produced.

As time went by persons noticed Jabbar sporting a gold chain, prompting Marshall to approach him about his money and gold jewellery.

One thing led to another and the fight ensued, causing Jabbar to stab Marshall several times.

The victim was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he succumbed and Jabbar went into hiding.

No-Confidence Motion appeal…

CCJ petitioned to hear new evidence on Charrandass Persaud The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has concluded hearing arguments in the consolidated appeals in the no-confidence motion cases.

However, the CCJ in an order granted on Wednesday indicated that the matter will be opened to take new evidence which was recently made available to Attorney General Basil William. The CCJ says that the evidence is credible and may have an important influence on the outcome of the appeals.

The evidence has to do with a programme titled Conflict of Interest of Guyana posted on YouTube in which expelled Alliance for Change (AFC) Parliamentarian, Charrandass Persaud, was reportedly heard admitting that he was fully aware that people with dual citizenship were not allowed to sit in the National Assembly.

In an affidavit sworn to by State Solicitor Jennifer McCalman, she said that during the programme Persaud was asked by the moderator, “Did you know that you could not sit in Parliament because of dual citizenship or whatever reason?”

According to McCalman, Persaud responded, ”I knew that people with dual citizenship could not hold a seat in parliament. That was a given; thats a constitutional article that we cant get away from. What I did in fact argue, and when I told Khemraj, I said I have a Canadian passport. Khemraj said, Rass with you; a lot of people have Canadian passports. Look at Gail Teixeira and thats what he said.” Further, the State Solicitor said that she recognized Persaud from the video because she has known him for over 19 years since they studied together at the University of Guyana. She said that she was informed by

Charrandass Persaud Williams that he is familiar with Persauds voice having heard him speak in the National Assembly.

According to McCalman she was also informed by Williams and verily believes that he was unaware of the programmes until June 3, 2019 when it was brought to his attention by one Sean Ramdeholl. She pointed out that in order to make out its case at the CCJ, Williams relied on circumstantial evidence to infer that Persaud knew he could not vote in the National Assembly on December 21, 2018.

Nevertheless, she stated that Williams shared the link to the video with Belizean Senior Counsel, Eamon Courtenay, who advised that an application should be made to the court for consideration of the new evidence.

Describing the programme, McCalman said, “The programme was styled a town hall meeting and persons were allowed to call into the programme. Mr Persaud called into the programme and when he did his picture and name were placed on the screen and his voice could be heard.

“From what I heard and observed Mr Persaud spoke

freely and appeared to be relaxed and open in his responses to the issues raised with him.”

Thus far, Joseph Harmon, Carl Greenidge, Rupert Roopnaraine and Dominica Gaskin held ministerial positions in the government. They all resigned because they were dual citizens.

Opposition Parliamentarians Odinga Lumumba, Adrian Anamayah and Gail Teixeira, were also dual citizens.

In a split decision, Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justice of Appeal Dawn Gregory held that 34 votes, which constitute an “absolute majority” of all members of the National Assembly, were needed for a motion to be successfully p a s s e d .

The Appellate Judges held that in calculating the “absolute majority”, the 65 members of the National Assembly had to be divided by two, which would result in 32.5, but since the .5 represents half and there is no half-member, that number needs to be rounded off to 33, and add one more, making the majority 34an absolute majoritywhich is needed to topple a government.

The Court of Appeal essentially reversed a ruling made by Chief Justice Roxane George who held that 33 votes were needed for the motion to be successfully passed. The Chief Justice had ruled that its passage should have triggered the immediate resignation of the President and Cabinet.

On May 9 and May 10, the CCJ heard arguments in the appeal. Thereafter, President of the Court Adrian Saunders said that the court will take some time to deliberate on a judgment and notices will be sent for decision.

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

DEMTOCO rakes in $2.9B in profits despite tougher tobacco regulations The Demerara Tobacco Company which is charged with providing marketing support to the British American Tobacco Group brands sold in Guyana recently recorded $2.9 billion in pre-tax profits.

According to the company s annual report for 2018, this represents a significant 14.4% increase compared to the year 2017, and the highest growth in profits for the company in five years.

In addition, the companys shareholder value was demonstrated by a 16.3% growth in earnings per share over the prior year.

This is despite the tougher tobacco regulations that have been set out across the coun-

try. The Tobacco Control Act of 2017 is an international public health treaty and a guiding framework for the global fight against the tobacco epidemic. The National Tobacco Act enacted in Guyana mandates the adoption and the implementation of a series of tobacco control policies that make it one of the most complete tobacco control laws.

Those laws are as follows; One-hundred percent smoke free environments in all indoor public spaces, indoor work spaces, public transportation and specified outdoor spaces to protect people from exposure to tobacco smoke; a ban on all forms of advertising,

Demerara Tobacco Company

promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products; health warnings featured on 60% of tobacco product packaging, including images; a ban on sale of tobacco products to and by minors; prohibition on

vending machines sales; and a ban on the manufacture and sales of toys and candies, and any other goods in the form of tobacco products.

Director of the Department of Non-communicable Diseases and Mental Health of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr.

Anselm Hennis, stated, “The adoption of this Bill is not only a milestone for public health in Guyana; it is a tremendous advance for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the entire Region of the Americas.

“This achievement is a powerful demonstration of

the critical importance of political leadership to protect the health of every citizen.”

According to PASHO, tobacco is responsible for seven million deaths per year worldwide. This includes 900,000 persons who die from diseases related to exposure to tobacco smoke.

If current trends continue, tobacco will kill ten million people per year by 2020. Seventy percent of these fatalities will occur in less-developed and emerging nations.

Over fifteen percent of the adult population currently smokes and more worryingly, the results of a Global Youth Tobacco Survey conducted in 2015 revealed that 14.8% of adolescents aged between thirteen and fifteen years also use tobacco.

Grant no further concessions to oil companies …until model PSA is finalised Jagdeo Government shouldnt be granting concessions to oil companies in the near future.

If concessions are to be granted, let them be guided by the Model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) after it is finalised. This is the advice of Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo to government.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jagdeo was responding to questions about awards of oil blocks to several oil companies.

The Transparency Institute Guyana Initiative (TIGI) has criticised the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) Government signed with Exxons subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) for the Stabroek Block, as “illegal, irretrievably flawed” and “either the result of grand corruption or grand incompetence.” The contentions raised by TIGI are that the PSA is in contravention with the Constitution and the Procurement Act. The Institute also complained about the lack of ring-fencing provisions in the contract.

The contract is said to have given too many concessions to Exxon.

Concerns have been raised for some time about whether the contract is advantageous for Guyana, with calls being made for a rene-

gotiation, while others say that renegotiation isnt an option if a contract is found to be illegal in the first place.

Jagdeo is saying that no further concessions should be granted to oil companies until Guyanas PSA is complete because the contract with Exxon has set a precedent for how contracts are made with other companies.

He has said that no oil companies should be granted the concessions that Exxon was granted. Jagdeo now supports three independent probes into the award of oil blocks for the Kaieteur, Canje and Stabroek blocks. He was asked whether the Stabroek block should be rescinded from Exxon; he said that an investigation would decide that. “If this government found reason to renegotiate the Exxon contract and make it even more lucrative, in my view, than 1999, there has to be a reason why we can review all those exploration contracts that were issued when we come to the production stage because now we have five billion barrels of proven oil out there,” Jagdeo said.

He said it was upsetting to him that Government “was rushing, in the parliament, to accord similar concessions to what Exxon got when we said No future companies should get the same”. Since the year started, Government has al-

ready granted concessions to several oil companies, in accordance with the agreements made on the PSAs. Those include Tullow Guyana B.V., Repsol Exploracion Guyana S.A. and Ratio Guyana Limited on the Orinduik, Kanuku and Kaieteur Blocks respectively.

“Every week, we were saying Why not put a hold on that until you have the model production sharing agreement?”

Jagdeo said.

The last time the public has heard of that PSA was early last month when Energy Department Head, Dr. Mark Bynoe, said that the fiscal clauses contained in it will have to be reviewed by two key agenciesthe Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of Finance.

This move by the Energy Department is in keeping with one of the key recommendations of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which had stated since 2016 that the Ministry of Finance and the Guyana Revenue Authority should have primary responsibility for the wording and interpretation of fiscal and tax provisions of the model Production Sharing Agreement.

Bynoe had said that provisions within the PSA are very strong and will likely be the best model contract ever.

It is unclear when the model will be completed.

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday June 08, 2019

GPL's new board installed

A

fter more than year, the Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) finally has a new Board of Directors.

On Thursday, the new board was installed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.

The new board comprises of Rawle Lucas - Chairman, Reggie Bhagwandin, Kirk Hollingsworth, Morsha JohnsonFrancis, Gillian Pollard, Elena Trim, Dr. Mahender Sharma, and Komal Ramnauth.

The newly appointed Board Members will serve for a period of two years, effective May 1, 2019.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 08, 2019

PAGE 17

Full Court meets to honour new Senior Counsel

By Feona Morrison

C

ourt sessions scheduled for yesterday were suspended at the High Court in Demerara where a special sitting of the Full Court was held to honour the five recently appointed Senior Counsel (SC). The careers of those honoured span over 120 years. Those elevated to silk robe and admitted to the Inner Bar are Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack, Mr. Stephen Fraser, Mrs. Carole James-Boston, Mr. Robert R a m c h a r r a n a n d M r.

Rajendra Poonai.

Yesterday, Chancellor of t h e J u d i c i a r y Yo n e t t e Cummings-Edwards, Chief Justice Roxane George, Justices of Appeal, several puisne' judges of the High Court, retired judges, Attorney General Basil Williams S.C., Speaker of the National Assembly, Barton Scotland and several members of the legal fraternity joined the honourees' relatives and friends in celebrating their milestone.

Williams was tasked with presenting the newly appointed Senior Counsel to the Full Court. He explained that the longstanding lawyers are versed in several areas in law. Added to that, he said that there has never been a complaint about their conduct to the Legal Practitioners Committee.

Williams disclosed that Mrs. Ali-Hack was able to

pursue her legal studies with the aid of a government scholarship she obtained in 1986.

Further, the Attorney General noted that in her over 10 years as DPP, Mrs. Ali-Hack has remained fair and impartial. She has appeared in over 100 cases at the High Court and Court of Appeal. He said that the DPP has lectured to Magistrates and lawyers and was pivotal in the establishment of the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara and Berbice, as well as the drafting of the Code for Prosecutors.

According to Williams, Mr. Fraser has been admitted to practice in countries a part of Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The Attorney General added that Mr. Fraser's legal practice has taken him to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the Judicial Privy Council (JPC). Mr. Fraser, who he said has a wealth of knowledge and experience, is a managing partner in the Fraser, Housty and Yearwood Law Firm.

Williams said that Mr. Ramcharran served as a clerk in the Magistrate's Courts before being admitted as a mature student to study law at the University of Guyana (UG). Upon completion of his Legal Education Certificate (LEC), Williams said that Mr. Ramcharran went into private practice. He was also appointed a Magistrate.

Williams told the Full Court that Mr. Ponai is

Senior Counsel Mr. Robert Ramcharran k n o w n f o r i n t e g r i t y, competency and professionalism.

He added that this Senior Counsel is also the holder of a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Economics and is a qualified Arbitrator. He was also elected as a committee member of the Guyana Bar Association in 2017.

Mrs. James-Boston, Williams said, obtained her law degree from the University of the West Indies and works as a partner at the Boston and Boston Law Firm. He stated that she has a wealth of knowledge and is specialized in areas such as family, commercial, land and estate law.

She was one of the founding members of the Guyana Association of Women's Lawyers (GAWL) which was founded in 1987 with the primary aim of

The new Senior Counsel. From left: Mr. Rajendra Poonai, Mrs. Carole James-Boston, DPP Mrs. Shalimar Ali-Hack and Mr. Stephen Fraser giving legal advice and assistance to women in the society. Describing the ceremony as an auspicious one, Justice George reminded the Senior Counsel of their obligations to the bar, bench and legal fraternity in assisting that justice is dispense in a fair manner.

Justice George, who herself is a Senior Counsel, said that the title of Senior Counsel is bestowed on eminent jurist who have displayed a high quality of service in the legal profession, and also in their knowledge on the law.

According to Justice George, Senior Counsel are essentially the backbone of the legal profession and should continue to guide and mentor junior lawyers whom she acknowledged for turning out in their numbers yesterday.

The Chief Justice said, “It is important for junior counsel to appreciate the importance of ceremonies like this…It is necessary for junior lawyers to understand the importance of commanding

respect in the profession…”

The Chief Justice reminisced on her interactions with the new senior counsel. She spoke of their unselfishness and their (continued on page 19)

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 08, 2019

Saturday June 08, 2019

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Bristow awarded BPs contract in North Sea Bristow Group announced a new contract to support BPs oil-and-gas operations in the North Sea, the first such award the company has logged since declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May. The five-year contract began May 13 and was announced May 31. It calls for Bristow to deliver a “fully integrated aviation solution” to BP plc. from bases in Aberdeen and Sumburgh, according to a report of the www.rotorandwing.com Bristow has several helicopters operating in Guyana, servicing demands of ExxonMobil oil operations.

As a result, the company is creating new pilot and crew positions. It will use existing Sikorsky S-92s combined with fixed-wing support provided through Eastern Airways to fulfill the contract.

“We recognize BP plc. has placed its trust and confidence in Bristow and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards every day and at all times, while delivering an efficient and best-in-class solution to help BP achieve their business objectives,” said Matt Rhodes, director of Bristows U.K. and Turkmenistan oil and gas operations.

“This award further builds on Bristow’s success in the region, adding to two additional long-term contracts recently secured operating from our Aberdeen hub.”

The offshore services provider on May 11 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. All of Bristow’s

businesses are operating in the ordinary course and are anticipated to continue to do so for the duration of the Chapter 11 process, the company said in financial filings.

On May 15, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas approved Bristows motions for nearly $6.3 million in “first-day” relief, including authority to pay employee wages and benefits, vendors and suppliers for goods and services in the near future.

The company has 3,000 employees worldwide, including 558 in the United States, Trinidad, and Guyana who would con-

tinue to receive wages and benefits under the “first day” relief. Other than Trinidad and Guyana and Bristow’s two Cayman Islands subsidiaries, the Chapter 11 protection would not apply to Bristow’s non-U.S. entities. “As of May 10, 2019, we had approximately $155 million in aggregate cash on hand, including the proceeds of a $75 million term loan from a group of Bristows senior secured note holders that was made prior to filing,” Adam Morgan, a Bristow spokesman, wrote in an email. “This level of liquidity is sufficient to run our business, and we expect to

Full Court meets to honour new...

From page 17 thirst for exploring the law. She also spoke of their passion for research, reliability and Mrs. Ali-Hack's advocacy for women's rights.

All the Senior Counsel was given a chance to address the forum. They detailed their struggles and high points in getting where they are. They all promised to uphold the values and morals of this noble profession and pledged their support towards Guyana's jurisprudence.

Recently elected President of the Guyana Bar Association, Teni Housty, extended congratulations to the new Senior Counsel and committed to working with them.

However, Housty stressed that there needs to be more clarity and certainty in the appointment process of Senior Counsel. According to

him, the absence of these undermines the appointment process.

The ceremony concluded with remarks by Chancellor of the Judiciary Yonette Cummings-Edwards. She urged the new Senior Coun-

40

sel to build on their strengths, to sharpen their competency and to continue giving advice to junior lawyers and judges.

The Chancellor advised them to identify those areas that are lacking in the justice system.

maintain sufficient liquidity throughout the restructuring process to maintain our business operations, including paying our employees globally.”

Bristow CEO Don Miller said that his company’s operations will continue as usual during the Chapter 11 process.

Miller said that Chapter

11 “will allow us to strengthen our balance sheet, achieve a lower and more sustainable debt level and emerge as a stronger company.”

PAGE 20

Drug dealers nabbed, one pleads guilty, jailed for three years A woman, her son, daughter, her son in law and a family friend were on Wednesday nabbed by police with a quantity of narcotics at their home.

The house which is a known drug block was placed under surveillance by cops who received certain information.

Around 22:20 hrs on Wednesday the police moved in and arrested the five persons who were found on the premises at the time.

At home were Bebi Yasim, 46, a vendor of Lot 17 Ferry Street New Amsterdam, Berbice, Godfrey Daniels 18; Ashley Rogers, 21, Gatesha Daniels, 20, and Andrew Adams, 39, all of the said address.

A search was conducted and the police found a bucket in a bedroom on the second flat of the two-storey wooden house. The bucket was opened and the cops found a quantity of compact leaves, seeds and stems sus-

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

pected to be cannabis.

The suspects were told of the offence, arrested, and taken into custody at the Central Police Station where the seized material was tested and weighed and found to be 1.5 kilograms of cannabis.

The suspects were subsequently charged when they appeared on Thursday before Magistrate Renita Singh in the Whim Magistrate’s Court on the charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Andrew Adams pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to three years in jail.

The others Yassim, Daniels, Rogers and Daniels pleaded not guilty and were placed on $25,000 bail each.

The matter has been postponed to June 27 and the case transferred to the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court.

Prosecution closes case into Dutty” and “Guitar murder trial The prosecution has closed its case after calling its last four witnesses in the murder trial of the two men who are accused of the 2016 killing of Caitanya Kishundyal, called “Haribol”, of Lot 28 First Street, Swamp Section, Rose Hall, Berbice.

The men on trial are Sadif Persaud, called “Guitar”, 21, of Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, and Daniel Mc Clennon, called “Dutty”, 22, of 163 Second Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne Berbice. They are on trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court.

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

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

After he was shot he was

picked up and rushed to the Port Mourant Hospital, before being transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital and then the GPHC where he succumbed.

The final prosecution witnesses Sergeant Philbert Wilburg , Detective Corporal Emanuel Davidson and Constable Chetram testified to receiving certain information concerning the crime.

They spoke of their continued investigation and arrest. Davidson testified to being present when Persaud gave a statement which was taken by Detective Sergeant Lawrence Thomas.

He said the man stated that he was with Mc Clennon, Oracle, Ringo and two others when Kishundyal was shot by Mc Clennon. He acted as the lookout, he said.

The men were grilled during cross examination by Defence Council Sasha Roberts. During her examination there were a number of discrepancies which she brought to the court’s attention.

Ms. Roberts also pointed out that no weapon was found, No pellets were presented although the doctor

said six were removed from the body. No crime scene photographs were presented and no confrontation was held between the two accused although they were both in custody.

Attorney Roberts also tried to discredit the prosecution evidence that Persaud signed the statement.

Earlier the Prosecution called Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh to the Witness Stand. He gave the cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to gunshot injury. He said that six pellets were removed from the dead man’s body.

When the defence opened their case Persaud told the court that he “doesn’t know about the story”. Mc Clennon gave evidence from the witness stand and denied knowing anything about the matter.

He maintained that at the alleged time of the shooting he was at home with his brother.

The defence also called Prison Officer Virgin Richmond to support its case about the signature of Persaud.

The matter is continuing.

Undetermined’ cause of death for man fished out of Pomeroon Last Wednesday a postmortem examination was carried out by Doctor Nehaul Singh, on the body of Malandru, called Warrau,’ at the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary. The pathologist said that the cause of death was “undetermined.”

Based on reports, the dead man’s body was seen floating in the Pomeroon River early Saturday morning, by a housewife. The body was subsequently brought to Charity, Essequibo Coast, and then taken to Charity Morgue.

Further investigations indicate that Malandru was apparently homeless, since he will spend his nights on vending stands within the Charity market. Kaieteur News understands that the man went missing shortly after boarding a fishing vessel at Charity, bound for sea. Following the discovery of the man’s body, no relative has come forth to claim the body. The postmortem examination on Wednesday was witnessed by a rank of the Guyana Police Force. The body remains at the mortuary awaiting burial.

Homeless man pickets labour department for pay allegedly owed This man, Randolph McAdams, has resorted to picketing the Department of Labour, pleading for help to claim funds he said are owed to him.

Adams told Kaieteur News that, from August 2016 to February 2017, he worked at Waini Back Dam in the Cuyuni River for a gold miner named Ken Jerrick.

He said that he is yet to be compensated.

Adams said that he went into the business years ago to improve his livelihood because he has been homeless for several years.

He claims that the work he did during that period included cooking, baking and washing dishes for over 30 men, as well as cleaning, and chopping firewood.

Adams said that Jerricks “pay man” underreported

the work Adams did for him to the Ministry of Labour.

Though Adams claims he provided proof of Jerricks dishonesty to a lawyer, he told Kaieteur News that the lawyer said he came too late for his problem to be rectified.

Adams claims that Jerrick paid him only a small fraction of the $2.8M he is owed, and that he is owed about $2.46M more.

Saturday June 08, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

$71M in equipment donated to maternity ward at GPHC

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), as a loan to the government, on Thursday, handed over equipment totaling $71M, to the Maternity and Pediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

This was done under the Maternal and Child Health Improvement project that was launched by Senior Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence. She had stressed the need for the project even as she exp r e s s e d concern about Guyana’s high rates of maternal and infant mortality.

Infant weighing scales, ECG machines, crash carts, hospital and pediatric beds and incubators were just some of the maternal and pediatric equipment that were purchased with the US$8M loan.

The money is aimed at arresting the scourge of infant of maternal morbidity and

mortality.

Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, Collette Adams, explained that the purpose of the contribution is to upgrade the hospital facility and to strengthen the performance at the hospital since it is the main hospital in the country.

She said that the donation would enhance the maternal health service, since other facilities in Guyana seek external assistance from the GPHC to deliver efficient aid to patients.

The Consultant Obstetrician and Head of Gynecology, Dr. Lucio Pedro, stated that the Maternity Ward has been awaiting the arrival on the important equipment for some time, and he is grateful to the government for their contribution towards his unit.

This was the first batch of equipment distributed to the hospital. A second donation is mentioned to be donated in 2020.

Some of the maternity equipment donated to the ward’ This IDB- backed initiative is said to support an indepth revision of all guidelines, protocols, and strategies related in health of women of reproductive age, pregnancy, delivery, emer-

Two cops promoted for bravery

Two courageous policemen who were injured during the course of their duties on Monday, February 18, and on Thursday, May 30, 2019, respectively, and whose heroic acts have been widely publicized, were on Thursday promoted by Police Commissioner, Leslie James.

Corporal Clive Clarke who has over ten years of service, and is stationed at Brickdam Police Station, was elevated to the rank of Sergeant.

He said that with being promoted, his performance would only become even greater.

He was shot during a recent confrontation in Lodge with three bandits who were killed.

Constable Mark Grimmond, who is stationed at Eteringbang and was escorting the body of a United States Missionary when the singleengine aircraft crash landed aback of Canal Number Two, W.B.D, was promoted to Corporal.

An emotional Grimmond said that he was very much elated for his first promotion, having so far served the force for eight years.

Both ranks have been discharged from hospital and are recuperating.

The occasion was held in the Commissioner’s Conference Room in the presence of officers of the Force’s Performance Group who were meeting at the time and who have all congratulated the ranks and wished them a speedy recovery.

Commissioner James who also extended best wishes to the ranks’ families, said that outstanding performances by ranks would always be rewarded by the Force.

Sergeant Clive Clarke being congratulated.

Corporal Mark Grimmond being congratulated.

gency care ad postpartum challenges.

The program also envisages a focus on specific needs of adolescents, men and indigenous peoples.

The project also intends to provide quality reproduc-

tive maternal neonatal care; strengthen the supply chain for contraceptive methods and drugs and blood products; and all processes relating to planning, procurement, storage distribution, monitoring and evaluation, new man-

agement practices will become time sensitive.

The bank’s financial help will also fund improved collection, systemization, reporting and use of generated data to improve the quality of health information.

PAGE 22

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Kaieteur News

2 acre- V/Hoop WCD #6216918/697-7731 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.

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LEGAL NOTICE 1 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-531 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-531

LEGAL NOTICE 1

LEGAL NOTICE 1

LEGAL NOTICE 2

BETWEEN (SOOKDEO) INDRA PERSAUD nee SRIPERSAUD Petitioner – and- (SOOKDEO) RAMDEO Respondent To the Respondent RAMDEO SOOKDEO Last Known Address Zeelugt Squatting Area West Coast Demerara Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 18th day of April 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by INDRA PERSAUD SOOKDEO nee SRIPERSAUD the Petitioner in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 20th day of May,2019 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of her Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issue of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online)

to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 22nd day of May, 2019

the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FUTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28(twenty-eight) days after the date of the second and final publication of this Notice TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 15th July,2019 at 10:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtizious in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays

LEGAL NOTICE 2 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-383 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-383 BETWEEN (BACCHUS) SAVITRI nee PACHAI Petitioner –and(BACCHUS) AIZAM Respondent AIZAM BACCHUS Last Known Address Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, Guyana TAKE NOTICE that on the 22nd day of March, 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by SAVITRI BACCHUS nee PACHAI the Petitioner/Applicant, in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 15th day of May,2019 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) consecutive Saturday issue of the Kaieteur News Newspaper, a daily Newspaper printed, published and circulated in and around Guyana and on the Worldwide Web (Online) AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents.

AND FUTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28(twenty-eight) days after the date of the second and final publication of this Notice TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Monday the 15th July,2019 at 9:00am before the Honourable Madam Justice Sandra Kurtizious in

Dated the 16th day of May, 2019

LEGAL NOTICE 3 2019-HC-DEM-CIV-FD-460 IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE FAMILY, DIVORCE AND MATRIMONIAL JURISDICTION FAMILY DIVISION PETITION NO. FD-460 BETWEEN (GANISHAM) DEWAN Petitioner –and(GANISHAM) PADMOUTIE Nee BEHARRY Respondent TO: PADMOUTIE GANISHAM nee BEHARRY (Last Known Address) Lot 240 Plantation Housing Scheme Enmore East Coast Demerara TAKE NOTICE that on the 5th day of April, 2019 a Petition for Divorce was filed against you by DEWAN GANISHAM the Petitioner/ Applicant, in the Family Division of the High Court in Georgetown, Demerara AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that as part of an Order made on the 13th day of May,2019 the Petitioner was directed to effect service of his Petition on you by publication of this Notice in two (2) Consecutive issues of a daily Newspaper printed, published and of general circulation in and around Guyana.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire you may appear or attend in person or by your duly authorized agent or Attorneyat-Law at the Registry of Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara where you will be issued with a certified copy of the Petition together with related documents. continued on page 23

Saturday June 08, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Berbice woman still missing after husband dragged her from friend’s home A Warren Village, East Coast Berbice woman is still missing after her husband reportedly dragged her out of a friend’s house on Tuesday.

Still missing is Dhanmattie “Jenny” Sumara, who was last seen being dragged by her hair out of a friend’s yard by her husband, Martin Baker. He was at the time broadsiding her with a cutlass. Sharda Goodhan told reporters that the couple was embroiled in a police matter which resulted in Baker being arrested and spending some time in custody. He was subsequently released on Monday afternoon.

He went straight to the house where Sumara and her two children were staying. He had a conversation with the woman and left shortly after but returned the next day, intoxicated and armed with a cutlass.

“The man come and kick open the door and he pull the gyal on she hair and broadside she and carry she away,” Goodhan said.

At that point she grabbed

LEGAL NOTICE 3 CONTD

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

Husband: Martin Baker

Missing: Dhanmattie Sumara

her kids and Sumara’s kids and sought refuge at a neighbour’s house because she feared that Baker would return.

As time elapsed, Baker’s bicycle was found at the head of a track leading to the backlands but the couple was nowhere in site.

Kaieteur News understands that Baker had filed a report that Sumara had stolen his passport but when

Sumara was summoned to the station, she twirled the story around and claimed that Baker had assaulted a minor. This led to his arrest.

A medical examination of the minor revealed that there was no assault and Baker was released on station bail.

By then Sumara had already moved out of the home to her friend’s house.

Police are still searching for the couple.

Accused serial bandit freed of robbery charge An accused serial bandit yesterday walked out of the Georgetown Magistrates Courts smiling after he was freed by the Acting Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on a robbery charge.

Mark Blackman was on trial before the magistrate for allegedly robbing Vesta Puran of cash and other valuables while he was armed with a gun.

The incident allegedly occurred on February 3, 2018.

Yesterday Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus ruled that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence against Blackman for a conviction therefore, she found him not guilty of the charge.

She stated that the victim in her testimony to the court provided a poor description of the person who robbed her. She added that the police

claimed to have surveillance footage of the incident. However; it was not presented to the court.

According to a police report, the accused while out on bail for a robbery matter, robbed the victim.

It was said that Puran was trailed from a commercial bank to her business place. When she left her business place she headed to a shop where she was reportedly confronted by the accused.

As she was approaching the cashier the accused allegedly came from behind brandishing a handgun and relieved her of $50,000 in cash, a Samsung cell phone and important documents before making good his escape.

Blackman has been accused of multiple armed robberies and of being in possession of firearm and ammunition.

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AND FUTHER TAKE NOTICE that if you desire to Defend this Divorce, then upon receipt of the certified copy of the Petition, you must file an Acknowledgement of Service, Notice of Intention to Defend (Forms are available at the Registry) Answer and/ or Cross Petition in the Registry of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown, Demerara within 28(twenty-eight) days after the date of the second and final publication of this Notice TAKE NOTICE that the divorce is fixed for Directions Hearing on Tuesday the 9th June,2019 at 9:30am before the Honourable Madam Justice Kurtizious in the Directions Hearing Room of the Family Division of the High Court at Georgetown.

IN DEFAULT of your filing an Acknowledgement of Service/Notice of Intention to Defend Answer and/or Cross Petition the Court may proceed in your absence and may make any Order it considers appropriate, including granting the Divorce.

The Registry of the Family Division of the High Court is located at the Law Courts, [Georgetown, Demerara]. The office is open to the public between 8:00am and 3:30pm Mondays to Thursdays and 8:00am to 2:30pm on Fridays except on public holidays and on such other days as the Registry is closed.

Dated the 14th day of May, 2019

Vacancies exist for (1) Hotdog Cart operator. Food handlers certificate required. Call: 6034981 Deskstaff, Receptionist 25-45 yrs 233 South Road Lacytown/ 225-0198 Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Supervisor for Xenon Hotel in Essequibo. Contact#2235273/74

Plantain, Pine, Dry Coconut & Passion Fruit to supply with.

Tel#687-3538 / 666-7503 whatsapp

General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook.

Apply with 2 references.

KeyFood McDoom village

One Car/Van driver with mechanical experience 45 yrs.

Tel#227-1830

WANTED

VACANCY Looking for a job & educational services? Contact The Job Centre 43 Croal & Alexander Street or call 5024002/600-8457 Driver/Expediter. Contact# 223-5273/74 1 clerk to assist in Accounts Dept & Cashier duties.

Experience an asset. Apply Mike’s Pharmacy, Bel Air. Vacancy exist for Administrative Assistant.

Send email to: Georgetown@gmcg.global, closing June 30th 2019

Experienced General Domestic cook & clean 5 days per week, recommendation required, EBD. Call: 662-7701

One legal computer clerk, 1 maid/cook, must reside in Mahaica/Mahaicony area.

Phone 624-7087. Email: husainsaphier@yahoo.com

(1) 2002/2006 Toyota Allion or Premio. Contact #685-8980

Office Clerk 25-45 yrs old.

Please call #616-6988

Handy man to work on farm, live-in. Tel #687-3538/626-1157

Watchman to work in Georgetown, must be 60 years of age or older, free place to live. Salary $25,000.

Call: 265-7550

(1) One male able-bodied clerk.

Contact #231-2029 / 616-5954

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Trinidad successfully renegotiates gas deals

Trinidad Guardian — Prime Min-is-ter Dr. Kei-th Row-ley has walked away from his two-week long trip to the US, Nether-lands and the UK with favourable terms for the coun-try’s en-er-gy sec-tor.

This is ac-cord-ing to a release from his of-fice. He met with Shell in The Hague, Nether-lands, BP in Lon-don and EOG Re-sources and BHP in Hous-ton, Unit-ed States.

Ac-cord-ing to his release, Prime Min-is-ter Rowley said that over one year, the Gov-ern-ment’s em-powered ne-go-ti-a-tion team had suc-cess-ful-ly ne-go-ti-at-ed a com-plex deal with the two ma-jor en-er-gy play-ers, Shell and BP. “The par-ties went in-to the ne-go-ti-a-tions with some-thing of val-ue and found a way for-ward that gives us all the eq-ui-table returns that we are en-ti-tled to...the par-ties re-newed their com-mit-ment to the con-tinu-a-tion of ne-go-ti-a-tions be-tween the em-pow-ered ne-go-ti-a-tion teams to move now to phase two of the nego-ti-a-tions which will be focused on the fu-ture of Atlantic LNG and the re-struc-

Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley tur-ing of same.”

Dur-ing his meet-ing with Shell at their head-quar-ters in The Hague, the par-ties reached agree-ment on a num-ber of items. These includ-ed the set-tle-ment of out-stand-ing lega-cy claims be-tween the par-ties, ex-tensions of var-i-ous Pro-duction Shar-ing Con-tracts and an agree-ment on an enhanced rev-enue for the govern-ment based on an eq-uitable share of rev-enue between both par-ties, with an in-creased Gov-ern-ment take.

Their meet-ing al-so looked at oth-er as-pects of Shell’s busi-ness which, Rowley said, “would un-lock con-

tin-ued de-vel-op-ment of its growth agen-da in Trinidad and To-ba-go that would also ben-e-fit the peo-ple of Trinidad and To-ba-go.”

The Prime Min-is-ter dubbed the agree-ment made be-tween T&T’s Gov-ernment and Shell last week as his-toric.

He said, “It sig-ni-fies an abil-i-ty by us to sit at the ta-ble and via mu-tu-al respect come to an agreement in a very com-plex envi-ron-ment to the ben-e-fit of the peo-ple of Trinidad and To-ba-go.”

He thanked both BP and Shell for their com-mit-ment and open-ness to ne-go-ti-ating with T&T.

Tender board procurement officer...

From page 8 Following the matter coming to the Board’s attention, it was reported that on two copies of the bid documents, the figures were altered to reflect a higher bid for the contractor.

The investigations included review of security tapes to the secured area.

Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, had made it clear that he will not tolerate wrongdoings with the government instituting a number of measures to protect the country’s tendering system for public contracts.

Over the years, it is estimated that billions of dollars are lost from contracts as a result of shoddy work and collusion.

This matter was handed over to the police and the

Public Procurement Commission had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction that it was never officially brought to its attention from the inception by the NPTAB. In this recent case, there was a recording between a staffer and voice purporting to be De Jonge discussing the matter.

Minister Jordan had made it clear that from his information something irregular happened and that it is something that this administration does not tolerate.NPTAB is the body through which bids for government contracts are opened, recorded and processed. There had been accusations of wrongdoings in the past with the Coalition Government announcing plans to clean up the system.

With regards to the recording

of the staffer and the Procurement Officer, the work colleague, whose name was mentioned on the tape, admitted that he was given $20,000 on the day that the Procurement Officer was allowed to enter the restricted r o o m .

The almost eight-minute tape indicates that the staffers were careful when they met, knowing that an investigation involving the Deputy Finance Secretary of the Ministry of Finance was underway.

NPTAB has largely been silent with a number of staffers raising questions.

Yesterday, a spokesperson of the Director of Public Prosecutions, said that it had not considered a matter involving De Jonge for the period April to June from the police.

Saturday June 08, 2019

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Saturday June 08, 2019

Saturday June 08, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Norman stuns Lyles in Rome to triumph in 200m

Noah Lyles of the U.S., Michael Norman of the U.S. and Italy’s Filippo Tortu in action during the Diamond League Men’s 200M. (REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini)

ROME (Reuters) - Michael Norman held off a late surge from fellow American Noah Lyles to win the men’s 200 meters in a world leading time of 19.70 seconds at the Rome Diamond League on Thursday.

Lyles had vowed to “shock the world” with his performance in the Italian capital but finished two hundredths of a second behind his compatriot albeit in a season’s best time.

“I still have a lot of technical issues with myself, like be patient,” the 21-yearold Norman said after setting a meeting record with his personal best time.

“I did not have any expectations coming into this race. I just want to improve

Rain washes...

Saturday June 08, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Today you could feel a rush of sensual passion and desire, Aries. You may want to get together with a love partner in the evening, but not be able to do it right now.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Some problems might arise with equipment that you use at home or with the structure of the house, Taurus. Appliances might go on the blink or the plumbing or electricity could require repairs.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Some disturbing news could come today, Gemini. This isn't likely to concern you directly. It's apt to be something about the world situation that might eventually reflect indirectly on you.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) A rise in your income could lead to a transformation in your values, particularly where business is concerned.

You could be opening up to the vast potential for prosperity that exists now.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Stress, strain, and a little conflict within a business, romantic, or creative partnership could have you toying with the idea of ending it. Don't do anything rash right now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Today, Virgo, you might feel a little insecure about your state of physical fitness. You could decide to make up for any lack of exercise over the past few weeks. This is fine, but take it slowly.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A friend may be going through some pretty big changes, Libra, and come to you for a sympathetic ear.

The problem is that you might be a little stressed yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Too many demands placed on you by others could have you feeling used, abused, and stressed, Scorpio. You might come close to losing your temper. That isn't necessary.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Today you might have thoughts of expanding your horizons, perhaps on a monumental level, Sagittarius. You might consider traveling or even moving to a distant place.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Today you may receive some information about how to increase your income in a short period of time. This information may or may not be valid. Be cautious.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Relations with partners of all kinds - business, romantic, creative - might be somewhat strained today, Aquarius.

You and the other parties involved may have been under a lot of stress.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Stress due to overwork might be causing your energy to flag somewhat today. You might even feel a little under the weather.

This is a great day to stay home and recover.

From page 26 before beating England by 14 runs at the same venue on Monday.

Sarfaraz remains confident Pakistan can still push for a last-four place in the 10-team tournament despite the Sri Lanka washout. “We have great team spirit and our confidence is on a high after the win against England,” he said.

Sri Lanka crashed to a 10wicket defeat against New Zealand before pulling off a 34-run win against Afghanistan in a rain-affected game.

The call-off in Bristol upset fans who had travelled to watch the game.

“We came from Lahore to watch this match and it proved a damp squib,” said Farhan Malik. “We lost a crucial point because we were sure of beating Sri Lanka.”

GCU&SA training...

From page 28 these sessions an examination will be administered with Certificates being presented to the successful candidates.

Trainers will include International Umpire Nigel Duguid and in addition to those interested in a career in Umpiring, Cricketers, Administrators, Coaches, Media Personnel and Cricket enthusiasts are also invited to attend.

Registration fee is $1,000 and interested persons can make contact with GCU&SA President Arligh Rutherford on 622-6969, Kelvin Morris 664-5657 or Stephon Josiah on 645-2596.

myself and not chase a time.”

Jamaica’s double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson won the women’s 100 meters in a world leading 10.89 seconds as she overcame Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith in the final 50 meters.

Asher-Smith (10.94) was nonetheless pleased with her first attempt at the 100m distance this season.

“The race wasn’t what I expected, and I had a really fast start which is really good,” she said.

“Opening the season with sub 11 seconds isn’t bad at all, especially when I’m still feeling a little rusty.”

American Donavan Brazier caught Botswana’s Nijel Amos in the final straight to win the men’s 800m by 0.02 seconds in a thrilling finish, recording a world leading time of 1:43:63.

“Nijel always sets the pace for the races but I knew I could come away with a win,” said Brazier. “Recently, I’ve had some really close races, but this is a great winning time.”

Ethiopia’s women’s 1500m

world record holder Genzebe Dibaba set a world leading 3:56.28 to finish ahead of Britain’s Laura Muir (3:56.73), while Germany’s Malaika Mihambo won the women’s long jump with a personal best of 7.07m.

Russian Sergey Shubenkov, competing as a neutral athlete, pipped Andrew Pozzi to the line to win the men’s 110m hurdles in 13.26 seconds after a strong start from the Briton.

Angelica Bengtsson set a Swedish record to win the women’s pole vault with 4.76m, while in the men’s high jump home favorite Gianmarco Tamberi could only muster 2.28m to finish fourth, with Ukraine’s Bohdan Bondarenko winning with 2.31m.

American Omar Craddock triumphed in the m e n ’s t r i p l e j u m p w i t h 17.50m, while there were dominant wins for Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser in the women’s 400m and Daliliah Muhammad of the United States in the women’s 400m hurdles.

PAGE 28

Hamilton fastest in first practice in Canada MONTREAL (Reuters) Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton clocked the best time in a dusty first practice session for the Canada Grand Prix yesterday as Mercedes broke in an upgraded engine.

It was business as usual for Mercedes as Britain’s Hamilton lapped the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve with a fastest time of one minute 12.767 seconds, 0.147 ahead of Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas.

Mercedes have dominated on every circuit this season, with Hamilton and Bottas winning all six races, crossing one-two in five of them.

Five times world champion Hamilton sits 17 points clear of Bottas at the top of the standings and served notice that he will again be a threat as he bids to equal Michael Schumacher’s seven Canadian Grand Prix victories between 1994 and 2004.

Charles Leclerc was third quickest for Ferrari, who have

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the Monaco Grand Prix after the race.

(REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo) yet to get in gear this season but are hoping to provide a bigger threat to Mercedes on a power circuit that plays to their strengths.

Leclerc’s team mate Sebastian Vettel, who won from pole here last year, could only manage the fifth best time behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Several cars spun in the opening session on what Verstappen complained was an “insanely dirty” track.

Antonio Giovinazzi was involved in the most serious slip up when he spun his Alfa Romeo into the wall midway through the session, briefly bringing out the virtual safety car.

Nadal too tough for Federer...

From page 27 over Federer since beating him 6-1 6-3 6-0 here in 2008.

“I don’t find any sparring partners... playing like Federer. There are no two people like Federer on this planet. Luckily, actually,” Nadal said. “It’s incredible, congratulations to Roger... incredible to play at that level aged 37.

“He’s probably the best player in history, it’s a great pleasure to play with him.

“Him and me know each other. We played many times against each other. But these are matches where we can always find this small plus, this additional shot.

“And when I play against Roger, I always expect the best from him.”

The wind barely dropped all match with both players buffeted throughout, and rubbing grit from their eyes from time to time.

It hardly made for exceptional tennis, but both men pulled off breathtaking shots worthy of their status as two of the sport’s greats.

“It is true that today was

Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

a little bit too much,” Nadal said. “So difficult to control the situation and understand the things that were going on court. But I think my personal feeling is I played a great match with those conditions.”

TOUGH CONDITIONS While the conditions were tough for both men, as Federer wistfully reflected, the gusts probably knocked the wind out of his game more than Nadal’s.

“It was incredibly windy,” Federer said. “So you’re trying to see how much can you do or can you not do? Are you playing flatter or with more spin? Are you keeping the ball in play? Are you going for stuff? I think that was basically the story of the first set, more or less.

“Holding serve against t h e w i n d w i t h R a f a ’s quality on the return is just really hard, you know? He barely misses any. And then when he’s in the rally, he plays with great spin on the forehand, great sort of

control on the backhand side.

“So it’s just really hard to find holes, especially in the wind, if you’re trying to hit through the ball, which is really difficult, actually.”

He continued: “It was just crazy. No excuses, but it was crazy.

“I don’t think I played poorly in the wind today.

It’s just it’s tough on clay.

You know, you’ve got to try to take on the half volleys, too, all that stuff.

It just adds to the equation.

He’s the best clay court player, so I can accept that.

It’s not a problem.”

Nadal has now won 24 of the pair’s 39 meetings, and his triumph gives him a shot of moving closer to Federer’s men’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles. The Spaniard sits on 17.

To do so, however, he may need to beat world number one Novak Djokovic who himself is on 15 Grand Slam titles. The Serb meets Austrian fourth seed Dominic Thiem today.

Court switch made it feel unlike a semi-final, says Konta PARIS (Reuters) Johanna Konta said her 7-5 7-6(2) defeat by Czech Marketa Vondrousova had not felt like a French Open semi-final after it was played 24 hours late and on a halfempty small showcourt.

Wednesday’s deluge in Paris left organizers with a big scheduling headache and led them to squeezing in all four singles semi-finals yesterday when more rain was forecast.

With the men’s semi-finals occupying Court Philippe Chatrier, as is usual on the second Friday of the tournament, the delayed women’s semis were switched with Konta and Vondrousova put on the new 5,000-capacity Court Simonne Mathieu.

In a bid to allow both women’s finalists to have the same recovery time for Saturday’s title decider, Ashleigh Barty and Amanda Anisimova played at the same time on Court Suzanne Lenglen.

WTA Tour chief Steve Simon said the scheduling was “unfair and inappropriate” and while Konta did not use it as an excuse, she was clearly miffed at playing such a big Grand Slam match away from the main showcourt.

Asked if it felt like her two previous Grand Slam semifinals, played on Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena and Wimbledon’s Center Court, the British player said: “In terms of the surrounding and the occasion, probably not.

“Obviously I’m aware in what match I’m playing and what round. But, yeah, in terms of where we were, probably not.

“To be honest, I think the way it looks probably speaks for itself more than anything.”

Konta said she had not been consulted about the switch to Simonne-Mathieu court.

“If the organizers do not feel that (women’s semifinals) are something that can

Britain’s Johanna Konta reacts during her semifinal match against Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic. (REUTERS/Vincent Kessler)

Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic celebrates winning her semi final match against Britain’s Johanna Konta. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier) be promoted and celebrated, then I think it’s the organizers you need to have a conversation with, not me, because I did my job and I did my job well.”

It was a frustrating day for Konta as she was bidding to become the first British woman to reach a Grand Slam final since 1977.

She had Vondrousova 3-5 15-40 down in the first set but on her first set point, she charged in and blazed an easy

volley long with the court at her mercy.

She also blew a 5-3 lead in the second set.

Asked about the swing volley she missed and which proved to be a decisive moment in the match, she said: “That’s what I would do nine times out of ten, and probably nine times out of ten it probably would go in,” she said.

“I definitely don’t regret anything I did out there.”

Rain washes out PakistanSri Lanka World Cup match AFP - Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was left frustrated after Friday’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled following persistent rain in Bristol.

The game was scheduled to begin at 10:30 (0930 GMT) but was eventually called off in the afternoon, with both teams being awarded a point.

It is the first match at the World Cup in England and Wales to be abandoned without a result.

Both teams now have three points, with one win and a loss apiece.

It was a blow to Pakistan’s bid to reach the semi-finals and Sarfaraz said: “As a team we really wanted to play this match, especially after gaining momentum with the win against England. It is

unfortunate that we were not able to play.

“Our next match is against Australia. Like other teams in the tournament they are also a tough opponent and they also have momentum as they have won their first two matches.”

Pakistan lost to the West Indies by seven wickets at Trent Bridge (Continued on page 25)

Saturday June 08, 2019

Sinclair strikes second consecutive ton Kevin Sinclair struck his second consecutive century when the West Berbice Cricket Association, Anil Lalsa Construction Company two-day tournament continued recently.

Batting first at Bush Lot, Bath were bowled out for 90 in 33.2 overs against Achievers. Masiah Persaud and Kapil Armogun scored 18 and 15 respectively. Bowling for Achievers, Kevin Sinclair continued his outstanding performance with the ball taking six for 30 from 13.2 overs, while Andrew Dutchin had three for 28 from his 14 overs.

In reply, Achievers posted 250 for four declared.

Sinclair struck his second consecutive century-103 which contained nine fours and fours sixes and added 95 for the opening stand with Collis Noble who made 21.

Andrew Dutchin continued his fine form scoring his second half century in as

Kevin Sinclair many innings with an unbeaten 51, while Odel Miller made 29 not out and Shamal Angel 23.

Bowling for Bath, Kapil Armogun, D. Seecharan and C. Anandiram had one wicket each. Bath, batting a second time, were in more trouble at

the end of the first day’s play as they finished on 74 for seven, trailing by 86. Sinclair has so far taken four for 15, Christopher Bissoon two for 22 from six overs and Andrew Dutchin one for eight from four overs. The match continues today.

African soccer boss free after corruption questioning M A R S E I L L E / PA R I S (Reuters) French authorities released the head of African soccer’s r u l i n g b o d y, A h m a d Ahmad, after several hours’ questioning as part of a corruption investigation, a source at t h e p r o s e c u t o r ’s o ff i c e said yesterday.

The 59-year-old president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was detained by authorities at his hotel in Paris on Thursday but released by the investigating magistrate in the evening, the source told Reuters.

That left Ahmad, a former cabinet minister in his homeland Madagascar, free to leave France.

“There’s no judicial control or home detention,” said the source, who is tracking the case.

Ahmad was reported to world governing body FIFA’s ethics committee by then CAF generalsecretary Amr Fahmy in March for alleged corruption and harassment.

Fahmy was fired.

The allegations followed a string of scandals related to FIFA’s practices in Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia in recent years, which have led to the indictment and jailing of numerous senior football administrators.

The French source said Ahmad was questioned

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

over accusations of “active” and “passive” corruption, money laundering and belonging to a criminal organization.

Neither he nor a lawyer representing him could be reached for comment despite multiple attempts.

There was no immediate response from CAF either.

Ahmad, who is also a vice-president of FIFA, had been in Paris for the organization’s congress, where its newly re-elected president Gianni Infantino said his institution had finally shed its “toxic, almost criminal” image.

“ERADICATING WRONGDOING” In a statement yesterday, FIFA requested more details on Ahmad’s case while saying all allegations must be investigated.

“As a matter of due process, everyone has the right to the presumption of innocence, but as the FIFA president reiterated yesterday, FIFA is fully committed to eradicating all forms of wrongdoing at any level in football,” it said.

“Anyone found to have committed illicit or illegal acts has no place in football.”

A document sent on March 31 by Fahmy to the F I FA e t h i c s c o m m i t t e e accused Ahmad of ordering his secretarygeneral to pay $20,000

bribes into accounts of African football association presidents. At the time, Ahmad did not respond to requests for comment on the allegations.

FIFA then launched an investigation into Ahmad.

The internal document also accused Ahmad of harassing four female CAF staff, whom it did not name; violating statutes to increase Moroccan representation within the organization; and overspending more than $400,000 of CAF money on cars in Egypt and M a d a g a s c a r, w h e r e a satellite office was set up for him.

The document also accused Ahmad of costing CAF an extra $830,000 by ordering equipment via a French intermediary company called Tactical Steel, rather than directly from manufacturers.

It was not immediately clear whether the link to Tactical Steel in France was the cause of the French investigation.

Tactical Steel, which is based in La Seyne-sur-mer near Marseille, said it had no immediate comment to make.

In April, its president Sabine Seillier said Tactical Steel had won a CAF c o n t r a c t l e g i t i m a t e l y, complied with French law and not been involved in any kickbacks.

Brathwaite “frustrated” with officiating during Windies defeat NOTTINGHAM, England, CMC – West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite has criticised the poor standard of umpiring that marred Thursday’s 15-run World Cup defeat to Australia at Trent Bridge.

The 2016 Twenty20 World Cup final hero described the officiating as “a bit frustrating” and said some of the decisions had been “dodgy”.

The Caribbean side were forced to resort to DRS on four occasions to overturn umpiring errors, and TV replays also showed that New Zealand official Chris Gaffaney missed a huge Mitchell Starc no ball the delivery prior to Chris Gayle’s dismissal.

Had the no ball been spotted, Gayle would have benefited from a free hit.

Instead, he was trapped lbw, with reviews revealing a marginal decision with the ball clipping leg stump.

“I don’t know if I’ll be fined for saying it but I just think that the umpiring was a bit frustrating. Even when we were bowling, we thought a few balls close to head height were called wides,” he complained.

“And obviously three

decisions … as far as I can remember being dodgy, it was frustrating and sent ripples through the dressing room.

To lose Chris in a chase of 280, who can probably get 180 of them himself obviously, broke the start that we wanted to have.

“But the umpires do their job. They try to do it to the best of their ability, we as players go out there to do our job as well.”

Gayle was the first beneficiary of two successive howlers from Gaffaney in the third over of the West Indies run chase from Starc. The veteran left-hander was first adjudged caught behind and then given out lbw off the next legitimate delivery, decisions that were overturned by DRS. Captain Jason Holder also suffered the same fate at the hands of Sri Lankan umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge when he was twice given out lbw – first in the 30th over and then by 36th over – before DRS once again came to the rescue.

Brathwaite said both the umpiring and West Indies’ luck with the technology at times had left him mystified.

“I just think that for West Indies, we don’t have to use all our reviews and that some of the other teams get a

chance to use theirs because every time we get hit on our pad, the finger goes up. When we hit the opposition on their pad, the finger stays down,” he contended.

“So we have to use our reviews and it’s always missing and then we have to use our reviews when we’re batting as well and it’s always clipping. I’m not a technology person, I don’t know why that happens. I can just say what I have seen happen over the past few years.”

Holder said West Indies had been “unlucky” with the officiating but opted to steer clear of the controversial issue.

“I think I’ll just say I just found ourselves a bit unlucky to be on the other end of all the decisions. I guess honest mistakes from the umpires,” he said afterwards.

“I don’t want to get into the officiating part, but it’s just ironic. I don’t even know what to say about it but it is a funny situation where all of them went against us, and then we had to review them, but I guess that’s part of the game again.”

West Indies came up short in their pursuit of 289 for victory, ending on 273 for nine off their 50 overs.

Chris Gayle (right) stands alongside partner Shai Hope after challenging his lbw decision by DRS during Thursday’s match against Australia at Trent Bridge.

Nadal too tough for Federer, reaches 12th French final PARIS (Reuters) - Before this French Open semi-final match-up it had been all about the dizzying numbers and statistics, but once great foes Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal stepped on to the Roland Garros center court, all that mattered was both men’s preternatural ability to strike a small yellow ball.

Yesterday, it was Nadal’s swinging, looping, whipcrack style which prevailed

over Federer’s finesse and near-perfect timing as he reached his 12th Roland Garros final 6-3 6-4 6-2.

The Spaniard had never lost to Federer in their five previous French Open meetings, but hadn’t beaten the Swiss in their last five matches overall, a run stretching back five years.

Something had to give.

But for all the anticipation, in the event it

was Federer ’s winning streak that gave way — with no little brutality.

Simply put, the swirling, gusty winds inside Court Philippe Chatrier far better suited the Spaniard’s style which has more safety built in, his heavily topspun shots clearing the net by some distance, and it resulted in his most onesided Grand Slam triumph (Continued on page 26)

PAGE 30

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All Saints Primary, Corriverton Primary among victors All Saints Primary and Corriverton Primary were among the victorious teams when the 22nd annual National Sport s Commission, AL Sport and Tour Promotions, Banks DIH, Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region Six End of School Year Primary School Windball Cricket Champions Trophy commenced recently.

New Amsterdam Primary asked All Saints Primary to bat and they made an imposing 58 without loss from

their allocation of five overs.

Michael Newland Jr made 37 which included five fours and two sixes, while Fead Hussain contributed 17 including two fours.

In reply, New Amsterdam Primary could only muster 25 from their allotted overs with Esan Gilgeous getting nine; Jayden Trellis took two for two.

Corriverton Primary opted to bat against Skeldon Primary and posted 36-2 with Peter Mc Lean scoring 14; Hemant Mobin took 2-7.

Rampant France thrash Korea in World Cup opener

Skeldon Primary managed 31 for 5 in reply. Luke Singh made 11; Neil April took 1-4.

Crabwood Creek Primary were limited to 15 for 8, batting first; Rakesh Hoopchand had 1-3.

In reply, Massiah Primary, the Upper Corentyne defending champions got to 16 with out loss in 1.2 overs.

In the Lone Girls match played, Crabwood Creek Primary scored 31 without loss, while Skeldon responded with 32-1 off 4.1 overs.

Letter to the Sports Editor

Here’s my report to the Guyanese public Dear Sports Editor, My name is Carlos Petterson the Powerlifting athlete that has been suspended for 12 months due to a strong fit event that I attended in Barbados last May. Before getting into that, firstly I would like to say thank you to my sponsors; Jamie McDonald (Fitness Express), Lucas Matos (Space Gym), Charles Ramson Jnr., Guyana Power and Light (GPL), Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI), etc...for believing in me and for giving me the opportunity to travel to Helsingborg Sweden for the World Classic’s Powerlifting Championship.

However, it is with great regret that I will not be allowed to participate in this prestigious event. I was recently informed by the

Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) that due to my participation in the Strong fit event that was held in Barbados May 4th- 5th 2019 where I neglected to inform the Federation of my plans to participate it has caused me to be suspended for a period of 12 months.

The GAPLF has stated that I had breached the Federation’s constitutional rules by not informing them first and for this I am very sorry because I would have disappointed everyone who believes in me. I made an appeal to the Federation (GAPLF) to reconsider this course of action or at least allow me to participate in Sweden then reinstate the suspension because as athletes we need some form of discipline for our actions

and because I was unaware that an approval was needed by the Federation for me to take part in such an event.

The appeal was denied and I’m very disappointed but this is to make me a better, stronger person who can share his experience with other athletes to ensure that they don’t make the same mistakes by not seeking approval from the governing body.

Finally I want to apologize to my Sponsors, Fans, Friends, Family and the entire country for disappointing everyone since I will not be able to represent at this Year’s World Classic’s Powerlifting Championship.

‘Humbleness is greatness, stay focused and keep working hard’.

Carlos Petterson

Corona Futsal Final

Back Circle, Tiger Bay clash tonight in Corona Final With two unlikely teams set to contest the final of the fourth annual Corona Futsal Competition 2019, the showdown is expected to be monumental the evening. The captains of Tiger Bay and Back Circle both declared their respective teams as winners.

Co-Director of the Petra Organization, promoters of the event, Troy Mendonca, said today’s final will be an event that every football fan will want to witness.

Both Back Circle and Tiger Bay although reaching the quarterfinal and semifinal stage on previous occasions have never met each other in a final.

In the 2019 edition, both sides have showcased good fighting spirit, which will

make for a thrilling final.

Back Circle and Tiger Bay are battling for a chance to cop the half a million dollar grand prize. The loser in that encounter will have to settle for the $250,000 second place prize. The third place showdown will feature Bent Street and Future Stars vying for $125,000. While the fourth place team receives $75,000.

Dean Alfred, who leads the goal scorers table with 15 goals, is a good contender for the MVP prize which is a Hero Honda 150cc motorcycle that is being sponsored by the official local distributors of the brand; Rose Ramdehol Auto Sales, located on South Road.

Top Brandz is the major sponsor of the event under their Corona Beer brand.

GCU&SA training classes commence on June 18 at DCC The Guyana Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCU&SA) will hold a training Course on the Laws of Cricket from June 18, 2019 and every Tuesday and Thursday for

two months.

Classes will be held from 17:00hrs each day at the DCC Pavilion and at the conclusion of (Continued on page 25)

France’s Griedge Mbock Bathy celebrates with teammates prior to the goal being disallowed by VAR vs Korea Republic in their Group A encounter. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson)

France’s Griedge Mbock Bathy shoots at goal vs Korea Republic in their Group A encounter. (REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) PARIS (Reuters) - A rampant France smashed South Korea out of sight yesterday to open their women’s soccer World Cup campaign in irrepressible style with a 4-0 victory that sent a warning to all other teams with a design on the trophy.

It was one-way traffic all night in a packed 45,000-seater Parc des Princes as the French launched wave after wave of attack at the hapless Koreans, running out easy winners to stamp their authority on Group A of the FIFA extravaganza.

“We started well, it was the way to go we made it easy for ourselves. It was important to score a second goal before the break, we did even better,” France coach Corinne Diacre told a news conference.

“We knew there would a be a lot of emotions tonight, we dealt with it perfectly. You can only transcend yourself when you hear 45,000 people sing La Marseillaise,” woman

of the match Wendie Renard told reporters.

France skipper Amandine Henry controlled the midfield with a firm grip and deft touch, while strikers Eugenie Le Sommer and Delphine Cascarino were constant threats.

From the very first minutes South Korea struggled to get out of their own half and Le Sommer set the tone after nine minutes when she slammed a shot past Korean keeper Kim Min-jung into the roof of the net to send the stadium into raptures.

France had all the play, and thought they had doubled their lead after 27 minutes when Griedge Mbock Bathy slammed a volley home, only for the video assistant referee to rule it out for offside two minutes later.

Renard made amends after 35 minutes, the powerful central defender thumping a header home for her 21st international goal. She added another headed goal to make it 3-0 on the stroke of halftime

of what was rapidly becoming a non-contest.

The Koreans were being outclassed in every department, and trudged off at the break having barely ventured out of their own half.

Korea desperately scrambled to keep the French at bay - just - and with the result in no doubt French coach Diacre looked to preserve some of her star names for later action, taking Cascarino off in the 70th minute, replacing her with Valerie Gauvin; and replacing Amel Majri with fellow defender Eve Perisset four minutes later.

Just as the Koreans thought they had somehow kept the French at bay for the second period, Henry added to the tally, slamming a rightfoot shot curling into the Korean net from the edge of the area for 4-0 and a fitting finale.

Norway take on Nigeria in the other Group A game in Reims today.

Saturday June 08, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

The GSSF’s El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup

Latchana and Phang create Match upsets The Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation celebrated its 5th anniversary by successfully hosting the annual El Dorado Trading Cup, a very special Steel Challenge event sponsored by El Dorado Trading Inc., the Licensed Gold Dealers of Lot 136 Young Street, Kingston, Georgetown who continued to give their unfaltering support to the G.S.S.F. The prestigious El Dorado Trading Cup is a Challenge Trophy which has been on the prize table at an Annual match since 2015 to commemorate the Guyana Sport Shooting Foundation’s anniversary.

After every match the winner’s name together with the year is inscribed on a plaque attached to the Cup. On Saturday June 1, 2019, 12 shooters endured the poor weather conditions and thoroughly enjoyed four exciting stages of Steel Challenge. Shooters took part in two divisions; Limited and Production.

Only shooters in the Limited division competed for the highly desired El Dorado Cup, which defending shooter Mr. Ryan McKinnon has held on to since the inaugural event of its kind in 2015.

Each stage consisted of 5 steel targets, which were set out in a standardized fashion, with one being

dedicated as a ‘stop plate’ which is shot last. Shooters were required to shoot each of the four stages five times, and were timed using an electronic timer. Times are then inputted into a software (PractiScore) which tracked and tallied all of the shooters’ performances. The objective of each shooter is to shoot the 5 targets as quickly as possible.

Shortly after the last shot was fired, the scores were tallied and competitors gathered around the presentation table, anxiously awaiting the news of their performance.

Mr. Andrew Phang, GSSF’s Board Director presented the trophies for the Match as the eagerly anticipated results were released surprising all as follows: Limited Division: 1st – Rajiv Latchana (Time: 79.36 seconds) 2nd – Pravesh Harry (Time: 81.86 seconds) 3rd – Ryan McKinnon (Time: 84.09 seconds) Production Division: 1st – John Phang (Time: 100.72 seconds) 2nd – Vidushi PersaudMcKinnon (Time: 118.69 seconds) 3rd – Michael Blake (Time:

121.96 seconds) At the Presentation Ceremony, thanks were extended by the Match Director to the Match Committee and Officials for ensuring the usual efficiency and high safety standards with which the match was run.

The GSSF would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Managing Director and member, Mr. Tamesh Jagmohan and the Management of El Dorado Trading Inc. for the continuous sponsorship of this Annual Steel Challenge Cup. The Foundation also wishes to thank the Guyana Defence Force, Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West, Commissioner of Police Mr. Leslie James, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ms. Maxine Graham, OC Superintendent Mr. Guy Nurse, the ranks of TSU and the GPF Armoury and the Guyana Police Force and the Media.

Over the years, the GSSF has been organizing regular Steel Challenge matches which follow the rules of the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA), a sister body of the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA).

For more information on the G.S.S.F. and Complete Results on the match, please visit our website www.GuyanaSportShooting.com.

Rajiv Latchana (right) receiving the El Dorado Challenge Cup from Mr. Ryan McKinnon.

Sheltez Tennis Club hosts fourth Annual Junior Independence Tournament The participants pose for a photo with their prizes won at the event.

National Coach Shelly Daly and the Sheltez Tennis Club hosted the fourth edition of the Junior Independence Tournament. The tournament ran from May 3rd, to June 2nd.

The tournament featured four categories U10, U12, U14 and U18.

The U10 category was included in the categories after a two year break and the U14 category was for the first time played at the international level.

There were a total of 45 entrants from Guyana and Suriname. The U10 and U18 categories were played from May 4th – 11th at the National Racquet Center and the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club. While the U12 and U14 categories were played Results: Category Winner U10-Boys Nathan DeNobrega U10-Girls Kayesha Harding U12-Boys Iyaaz Posse U12-Girls Paula Kalekyezi U14-Boys Vadeanand Resaul U18-Boys Viraj Sharma U18-Girls Afruica Gentle Consolation: Category Winner U12-Boys Bruce Chan U14-Boys Vincent Akaamba

at the Le Ressouvenir Tennis Club and the GBTI Tennis Courts.

The tournament was played on a round Robin and knock out format.

A feed – in consolation was done for the U12 and U14 which allowed players to play all three days and allowed for more matches also.

In conclusion, the closing ceremony was done followed by the presentation of trophies and prizes.

The Sheltez Tennis Club and GLTA would like to extend sincere gratitude to the GBTI for the provision of their facilities, Blue Life Water for provision of water throughout the tournament, Homesafe Security, B.K & Sons Poultry Farm, and Parents.

Runner up Atlav Ahamad Nakisha Williams Jair Akaamba Menikshi Jaikisson Jeremiah Kalekyezi Joshua Kalekyezi Kalyca Fraser Runner up Aarush Moorjani Anish Sharma

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Saturday June 08, 2019

Kaieteur News

Objective achieved even as Guyana go down to Bermuda 1-0 Despite going down to host Bermuda by a 0-1 margin at the National Sports Centre on Thursday night, Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson has disclosed that the objective of getting a better understanding of his team ahead of the Concacaf Gold Cup was achieved.

Stating that he is excited with what he would have seen, especially in the second half, the lone goal of the match was conceded in the 37th minute of play and scored by Donte Brangman whose well-placed shot across the goal beat Alex Murray to the far post.

Johnson said he saw what he wanted to see: “Absolutely, I thought the second half there was only one team, first half we didn’t really come out firing but I expected that, there’s nerves, people want to prove their position they’ve got on the team, but we settled down in the second half and we played some good football.”

“As I’ve always said it’s not about the results for me,

Action in the match between Guyana and Bermuda on Thursday evening at the Bermuda National Sports Facility.

Johnson continued. “I’ve seen a lot of things that I want from the second half now being played in our next friendly; so I can see progression from the first half where they were edgy and nervy towards a more confident, more composed team, second half. So we’re heading in the right direction,” he added.

The match, which saw a total of six substitutions being made, brought with it some encouraging individual performances, Johnson disclosed: “There was some good individual performances which excites me when I can see the jig saws in my mind coming together.”

Following the first half, Johnson revealed that the

half time dressing room talk was centered around him telling his charges that they need to play, believe and be confident in themselves.

“We’ve got to keep hold of the ball and we’ve got to have more pressure on their back line, which I thought we did in the second half and we asked questions. There were a couple of opportunities that

could have left or right and it’s a goal; this is a good team and they need to now believe in themselves as a team which I thought was more evident in the second half.”

Johnson, quizzed on if he would be able to get that message across to his charges for the next friendly against Haiti next week, expressed confidence in so doing.

“As I said to you always, the friendlies for me is about finding out things, tonight (Thursday) I found out so much that would one, enable me to coach and position our coaching methodology a different way, individually and also as a team but now I am starting to see personnel that actually coming to the forefront of it so I’m excited for it.”

GSCL Inc Independence Cup set for tomorrow at Everest Recognizing that the weather in Georgetown is perfect for softball cricket, the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc (GSCL) will stage its annual Independence Softball Cup tomorrow June 8 at the Everest Cricket Club ground beginning at 09:30hrs.

The four-team tournament, which is for teams comprising players 45 years and older, will bowl off with semi-finals action simultaneously on two pitches after which the two winners will clash in the grand finale from 14:00hrs.

There will be lots of prizes on offer for outstanding performances while there will also be live ball-by-ball commentary for all in attendance.

The May/June rainfall is having its effect on grounds in the city but the management of Everest Cricket Club (ECC) recently enhanced the ground’s drainage capacity and also built-up the outfield making it perfect for ‘under-arm’ bowling that will also lead to excitement galore.

The in-form Regal Masters will begin as favourite for another title but will be strongly c h a l l e n g e d b y M i k e ’s Wellman, Ariel Masters and Fishermen Masters.

Just a week ago, Regal Masters won a similar tournament with Unnis Yusuf cracking a century, while David Harper was also in destructive form hitting a rapid 93 which

allowed the men in yellow and green to overcome Wellman Masters in a onesided final at Malteenoes Sports Club.

The Independence Softball Cup organized by the GSCL Inc is being used as much needed preparation for players and teams heading to New York for the annual New York Softball Cricket League Independence and Legends Cup which is set for June 28 to 30.

Regal Masters are the defending champions in the Master’s category and will be looking to continue their winning ways both locally and in the ‘Big Apple.’

Trophies for the tournament have been sponsored by Trophy Stall, Bourda Market.

President of the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Inc Ian John (right) and Devi Sunich of Trophy Stall pose with some of the trophies for Sunday’s tournament.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 08, 2019

GBTI Open servers off at their Court - Tournament to run from June 7 - 23 GBTI, GTA officials & players at the opening of the GBTI Open Tennis tournament yesterday.

By Sean Devers he tenth annual ‘GBTI Open T e n n i s tournament began with the opening ceremony yesterday at Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Lawn Tennis Court in Bel Air Georgetown and runs from June 7 - 23.

Participants will engage in seven categories and matches will be played from 4:00 – 10:00PM on week days and from 9:00AM to 10:00PM on the weekends.

Players will battle for supremacy in the Men’s and Ladies Singles, Men’s and Ladies’ doubles, Mixed Doubles, Over-35 and O-45 Singles, Novices Medley and Boys and Girls Singles.

Addressing the small gathering under an overcast sky, GBTI’s Executive D i r e c t o r Tr i n i d a d i a n Richard Isava said GBTI was pleased to be associated the GTA, noting that the Bank supports Sports development in Guyana.

“The Bank sees the importance of youths and is happy to provide an avenue for them to express their talent.” Isava noted.

GTA’s Vice-President Cristy Campbell, who is also the number one ranked player, extended gratitude to the GBTI for continued partnership on behalf of the tennis fraternity.

“This year is extra special, as it marks the 10 consecutive year of our premier tournament. GBTI has been our friend beyond this tournament, offering use of their facilities at Bel air and Diamond for practice and other tournaments. I’d like to wish all the other players an injury free tournament and I hope camaraderie is reciprocated

T

throughout the tournament,” Campbell said.

Campbell thanked the parents and the Media for their continued support.

GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda said GBTI is delighted to be a part of this premier Tennis tournament for the 10th consecutive

year. “ We will continue to partner with the GTA and ensure that the Sponsorship is very fruitful and expands as we reaffirm our commitment to this tournament,” Binda added.

Also saying a few words was GTA President Samuel Barakat before Dominic

Fraser faced off with Adesh Khayyam in the opening game of the Men’s Singles.

To u r n a m e n t a c t i o n continues today at 9:00AM to 2:00PM with matches among the juniors, while from 2:00 – 4:00PM the Novices battle each other before seniors take to the Court from 4:00 – 10:00PM.

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Objective achieved even as Guyana go down to Bermuda 1-0

First half action between Guyana and Bermuda on Thursday evening at the Bermuda National Sports Facility.

The El Dorado Challenge Cup 2019 Prize Winners from left: Ryan McKinnon, Pravesh Harry, Rajiv Latchana, John Phang, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon and Michael Blake.

The GSSF’s El Dorado Trading Steel Challenge Cup

Latchana and Phang create Match upsets Rampant France thrash Korea in World Cup opener 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.