Saturday June 09, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Govt., citizenry will help fashion national interpretation of local content - Harmon By Kiana Wilburg According to oil giant, ExxonMobil, all moneys it invests into the local economy can be considered “local content”. This interpretation is what influenced the list of 227 companies it submitted to the government. While the company has its own version of what local content is, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon says that the government and the people of Guyana will help fashion the “correct interpretation” of local content. The Cabinet Secretary made this remark during his post-Cabinet meeting which was held yesterday at the Ministry of Presidency. There, Kaieteur News asked Harmon if Government agrees with the interpretation of local content as portrayed by ExxonMobil in the list of 227 companies it submitted. The Cabinet Secretary did not comment on Government’s position, but stated that every entity looking at local content will have an interpretation of what it is.
…Meanwhile, ExxonMobil continues to apply its own version
Int’l Local Content Expert, Renee Tissot “We are on the cusp of something that is very good for the country and that is the question of defining for ourselves, what local content is. In that regard, discussions
taking place in the public space will help us in defining that particular issue. But the matter of what it is and what it is not, we will eventually come to that point
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon when we have the legislation debated in the National Assembly…” “I would not like to speculate as to an interpretation, but a publication has been made
about companies benefitting from the investment taking place and beyond that I would not wish to state further,” Harmon asserted. WHAT QUALIFIES
Full CSME implementation…
CARICOM Secretary General tells regional officials to get it done Regional leaders yesterday admitted that there are deep disappointments over the slow rate of full implementation by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME). At the opening of the two–day Stakeholder Consultation on advancing the CSME, CARICOM SecretaryGeneral, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque highlighted the many plans which have been in discussion as far back as 2005. These delays, he explained, are costing the region. “We take too long to get things done in the community,” the Secretary General stated. He added, “It’s either get it done or move onto to something else.” Ambassador LaRocque said that while there was progress on the regional flagship programme, the agenda needed to move along much faster. He advised that regional positions had to be adopted rather than national stances. The CARICOM Secretary General said the consultation needed to produce concrete recommendations to put to Ministers and Heads of Government. Former Jamaica Prime Minister Bruce Golding was
CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque blunt in his assessment, pointing out that the CSME is stuck on a hill, but regional leaders can’t afford for it to stay there. “We have to decide whether we can push it up the hill or allow it roll back down,” Golding stated. Golding highlighted that the important matters have not been placed on the table for discussions and actions. He noted that macro-economic convergence, free movement of people and free circulation of goods are matters that are central to the existence and function of a single market and economy. “Is it that the CSME was over-ambitious? Is it that we
bit off more than we can chew? Did we take into account all of its implications and the net effect it would have and the benefits it would provide, not just to the region as a whole but also for every single member state?” Golding questioned. The former Jamaica PM stated that it would not be fair to blame the CARICOM Secretariat for the implementation issues. He said that the issue of implementation is the focus of national governments, and not the Secretariat. Golding also pointed out that the multilateral agencies that fund many of the implementation efforts of the secretariat are also frustrated with the lack of progress. “I think one has to acknowledge as well that the implementation actions that are required by member states have not been in all cases, simple matters. Some of them are very complex. They require far-reaching policy changes, they require legislative processes, they require executive action,” Golding noted. Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who is also participating in the consultation, called for lowering of expectations on CSME. He did not express optimism that the outstanding CSME mat-
ters will be resolved anytime soon. The Prime Minister expressed the view that the Governance structure may need to be revamped, noting that the region cannot move to deeper integration if it remains ‘unequally yoked’ due to the uneven states of development. Director, Economics Department at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) (Continued on page 23)
On Monday, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo called for the Government to publish the list of 309 companies ExxonMobil said it used last year to support its operations. Instead of this, the Government released on Tuesday a list of registered companies used by the oil giant for the first quarter of 2018. That list includes Kaieteur News, Camex Restaurant Limited, K’s Restaurant, Maggie’s Snackette and Catering, Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, and Pegasus Hotel. But International Local Content Expert, Rene Tissot told this publication that “ads in newspapers and catering and hotel services are low hanging fruits...”
Tissot said it is important for governments to understand the difference between local content and spending that benefits the local economy. The Local Content expert said, “If an oil company wants to do advertising for jobs or advertise something about its local branch in Guyana, then they have to utilize the media in that country. You don’t expect them to put the advertisements in the New York Times. Also, there are some services such as those provided by hotels and restaurants that they just don’t have a choice to use. This is money they would have spent anyway and it benefits the local economy. But please, this is not local content. This is money they would have spent anyway.” Tissot added, “Local Content on the other hand, goes much deeper than this. The heart of Local Content speaks to the development of local skills, the transfer and use of technology, the expansion of local manpower and the growth of local manufacturing. Local Content looks at the ‘value’ of the investment into these areas to such a degree that it is lasting. Local Content in short, promotes industrialization…” The International Advisor said “the depth of the investment and/or the value of the investment are crucial when referring to something as local content.” He also stated that a list with restaurants, hotels and media houses would be best described as “shallow in terms of value creation.” “I would be disappointed to look back 15 years from now and see that local content in Guyana refers to ads in newspapers, catering services etc.”
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
KUDOS TO GWI “Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink,” is from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge in 1798. It explains how a sailor on a stranded ship was surrounded by salt water, which is undrinkable. For decades, people from all across Guyana have experienced this absurdity regarding the lack of potable water in the “land of many waters”. Too many of us grew up without potable water. It is estimated that about 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, most of it in the oceans. However, only one percent is usable by humans and land animals. Obtaining clean water to drink is a problem in many countries of the world, even though water is vital. Between 65-70 percent of the human body is made up of water. People can survive three to four days without water, but a daily intake of about eight pints is needed to stay healthy. For decades, the poor quality of the water supply in the country has cost the taxpayers billions of dollars for drugs, medication and treatment, and millions of lost manhours in production of goods and services, due to illnesses and diseases that may have been transmitted through the use of contaminated water. The inability of past administrations to provide adequate potable water to the residents in the towns and villages has been a problem spanning decades. Yet during that period we must admit that not enough was done to rectify the problem. Many poor children who are adults today had to use boiled water for drinking, given the very poor quality of water that was supplied to them. Whereas, children from wealthy homes used water from filtration systems installed by their parents. Several houses in Georgetown and other municipalities were destroyed by fire because the fire hydrants had no water supply. The Fire Service had to rely primarily on nearby canals and trenches to contain fires. This government, to its credit, saw the need and importance of potable water to the citizens and the health issues that could result from the lack of it. As a result, it mandated Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) under its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Richard Van WestCharles, to solve the longstanding problem throughout the country. So far, GWI has done an excellent job to have potable water in all of the previously un-served areas. Despite the enormity of the problem and the massive deterioration of the water system, it took the CEO and his team less than two years to significantly upgrade the water purification and distribution system in the city, towns and the rural communities. It is a laudable but necessary and imperative initiative with the ability to impact developments in the country, particularly agriculture, mining and the looming oil and gas sector. The word ‘potable’ means safe drinking water; and that water is life is an unquestionable fact which GWI has taken seriously in recent times. The utility company has committed to the task of ensuring potable water is carried from the water treatment plants to the kitchen taps in all of the homes in the city, towns and villages. GWI also has the ability to test its water at various points in the distribution system to determine the level of contamination that occurs after the water has left the utility’s treatment plants. It has equipped regional bodies to independently verify the level of purity of the piped water emanating from its facilities. For all the criticism the company has rightfully received for its shortcomings over the years, the current professional team at GWI deserves kudos in equal measure.
Femicide—The latest Guyanese scourge Dear Editor, Who will stem the tide in the rising femicide? In the absence of a visible concrete plan everything has become seemingly out of hand. In 2015, I wrote an article denouncing the rising femicide, and called on, not only the government but also certain organizations to make efforts to ensure that we stamp out the seeming Guyanese curse—that of our men being responsible for putting our women in the hearse. https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2015/12/05/guyanesewomen-find-themselves-in-acatch-22-situation-2/ To strengthen my point I made an impassioned plea for a moratorium— a move that fell not only on deaf ears, but also on hardened and reluctant minds, as the latest newspaper report revealed the startling fact that 10 Guyanese women at home and abroad have been killed in the first five months of the current year. https:// www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2015/11/03/a-demon-has-entered-the-mind-of-guyanese-
men/ The home has also become a dangerous place for women as well as for children, as almost all cases of femicide and uxoricide occurred in the home after the female either ended the relationship, announced her intention to do so, or was suspected of infidelity. The perpetrators continue to operate with no risk of being punished, as clearly the government has failed to show that it has a constructive plan aimed at stemming the flow. The simplicity of prevailing views point to violence towards women as a form of control, a behaviour intended to ensure obedience and to express authority and power. What then is the underlying explanation for these extreme manifestations of twisted male possessiveness, and blatant absence of emotional maturation? No longer can the government of Guyana, its criminal justice system, and legal advocates explain away this scourge by referring to a single central
variable such as male possessiveness or jealousy. For not only is such a mode of thinking simplistic and partial but outmoded at best. The murders must be viewed and understood as a phenomenon imbedded in a certain variety of factors that amalgamate and create the conditions for murder. How do we deal with love? Or how are we to deal with love? The conundrum lies in the reality that in the name of love, women are no longer desirous of remaining and/or being intimate with their male partners, and in the name of love they are being murdered by these same male partners. It is obvious that the woman is seen as the partner’s whole world and the bane of his existence. Therefore, amorously stated, if his ability to see himself as a human being depends on the female being part of his life, how can he let her go? Love has converted her into a hostage of sorts—a hostage to the life of the male- thereby putting her own life at risk.
The act of committing suicide on account of unrequited love is not an uncommon story. In fact some even regard it as the ideal display of true love. Are lengthy periods of incarceration the panacea? Is the eye for eye rule applicable? What love got to do with it? Love is like a loaded gun! The lyrics of many love songs may be no more than mere superficial clichés about love, but when these same clichés are genuinely adopted with no attention to reality, then it does become a loaded gun. The call is now being sounded for a rigorous reexamination of punishment outcomes for the perpetrators of femicide, as well as the implementation and application of therapy for children who may have been subjected to the ongoing domestic abuse, witnessed or survived the attack that finally claimed the life of their mother. Attributable to the current displayed ineptitude of the (Continued on page 05)
Dear Editor, Having noted the most recent development of what appears to be a controversy over the ethnic composition of the staff and employment practices of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM),I believe there should be an immediate public declaration of its list of employees and related information. I am of the opinion that given the sensitivity of this issue, the national importance of GECOM and the need for it to be fair and unbiased in all aspects of its operations, including employment practices, the onus is for it to make the information public immediately in an effort to prevent a potentially dangerous and divisive situation from escalating. While I believe that meritocracy must be of primary consideration, I reject any notion perpetuated by those who seem to be peddling a particular agenda for a desired outcome, that IndoGuyanese are not interested in seeking employment with GECOM or lack the required competency. Further, I also believe that the issue which was raised by one of the Commissioners representing the Opposition, Robeson Benn, should have been supported by him presenting relevant information being mindful of the national sensitivities. If his assertions are not mere spurious, then his position would have been in-
formed expectedly based upon related information which should have been presented. Similarly the statement by government represented Commissioner, Vincent Alexander,, that the burden of proof lay with the Opposition, is utterly unacceptable and must be seen as a willful attempt to divert from a very serious accusation. With the allegation of influencing the employment process being leveled against at least one Commissioner representing the government and the potential for it to aggravate racial tension, that burden cannot escape the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of GECOM. Given that I, like many others, was not privy to what actually transpired at the meeting during which the issue was officially raised, the expectation would be for all views to be freely articulated with resolution being foremost and corrective mechanisms implements if deemed necessary without delay. GECOM cannot and must not be immune to democratic practices. This responsibility lies explicitly with the Chairman who must at all times ensure that the Commission remains professional despite disagreements. He must not appear as trying to suppress an issue, more especially this sensitive one in question. It is therefore extremely disappointing that GECOM has not yet presented to the
public relevant employment information which could dispute Benn’s assertion. The apparent reluctance thus far opens interpretation for a worrying conclusion of credence to Benn’s statement. Many are extremely concerned over this issue which alleges deliberate attempts to discriminate against Guyanese Indians and remain mindful of similar accusations leveled against the Administration after it assumed office in 2015.
Many cases of firing allegedly because of their race were reported and to date it appears these have been brushed aside. Efforts to prevent any Guyanese, in this case Indians, from being considered for employment or have their information deliberately altered for the same purpose, is a transgression of their constitutional rights, a blatant attempt to marginalized, racial discrimination and a potent (Continued on page 06)
Conduct staff audit at GECOM
Discontinue public ownership of sugar Dear Editor, In a recent letter to the media I strongly advocated the return of the sugar industry to private ownership or management which is independent of the government. Its current status as a nationalized industry has been largely responsible for its sad decline from profitability under private ownership. Now it is limping on virtual ‘life-support’ because of ineffective management, low production, poor productivity and continuing losses. Because no industry can or should continue under such circumstances, I repeated what was also recommended by the Commission of Inquiry into the sugar industry and in this context reminded readers that the industry was indeed performing much better when it was un-
der private ownership or private management contract— an objective fact, not an opinion. I was therefore most surprised to see in today’s (8/6/ 18) Kaieteur News, a rather personal letter by a Patricia Persaud implying that my recommendations were not based on objective facts but on my antecedents in the sugar industry. This, she suggests, were far removed from the struggles of the sugar workers. She apparently has a bias and certainly does not know me; I would therefore recommend that she carefully read my autobiographic account of the sugar industry titled; “A Product of Guyana’s Bitter-Sweet Sugar” which is currently under publication; pro-tem I say not! Nowrang Persaud
Saturday June 09, 2018
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Kaieteur News
A flawed justice system Dear Editor, I would like to piggy back on Kissoon’s column dated Friday 05-08-18 about our backward nation, a nation with no intention to wake up and board the train to a place call sensibility. I know Freddie likes his music, so here is a quote from a song by an English band “The Who’, “Meet the new boss; same as the old boss; we won’t be fooled again”. I sense the frustration, anger and stress he goes through knowing he is doing his best, to bring light to the great injustice, and two tier forms of justice, that take place in our beloved country. I asked the good Lord to show us mercy. First, a look at the article relating to the leniency by the court shown to the murderer, and the accessories before and after this heinous crime which shocked us all at a place called Non-Pareil. Two
girls hatched the plan to kill their father. Folks this takes time; they could have backed out. They did not. They then lured their father to the scene where the murder was going to take place. The accessory after the fact was released for time served, but the accessories before the fact (conspirators) were allowed to walk completely free and board a plane. DPP, this brutal murder would have never seen the light of day but for the sisters. This response of “two persons accepted responsibility”, is nonsensical and occurs only in a country called Guyana. Where but for a nation lost in time that police top brass can commit serious crimes, and stay in their jobs because the Minister Of Security looks the other way, “I need these people because I lack experienced officers to do the job” It is very simple,
He is telling us, “What is good for the goose, is not good for the gander”. We, the citizens, would be put in jail for the same crimes they commited.Torture people and one is promoted, torture people and you get a false confession, but it’s ok. The injustice that goes on in this country every day is shameful, immoral and makes absolutely no sense. It is further shameful when educated people in high positions keep quiet and look the other way, because it does not involve them or their family. The poor people of this country have their backs against the wall as abuse after abuse Is hurled at them from all angles by people in authority who dictate “this is how it will be; you have no say in the matter”. We have a two-tier justice system, one for people with money, and one for people with no money. Jagmohan.
Dear Editor, I have chosen your newspaper to bring to light an injustice that is being perpetrated on some contractors by the National Insurance Scheme. It was good to see this agency stepping up its recovery effort by publishing a list of delinquents in the various newspapers, encouraging companies and individuals to go in and settle their accounts. A few of the featured companies are known to have also been delinquents with the Guyana Revenue Authority since employees would fret
about their tax position or their NIS deductions not being paid over despite same being deducted. What is appalling, though, is a few of these same companies whose names have been published over and over by NIS are still being issued with compliance despite making no effort to settle what they owe which in instances are substantial amounts being owed over a long period of time. I am therefore calling on the General Manager and those in authority to investigate why delinquents are al-
lowed to carry on their businesses despite being heavily indebted to NIS (people’s old age security money) and they prance around doing business earning money and not making an effort to settle with this agency. Who facilitates the issuance of compliances to companies that have no regards for their employees or the laws of this land? It is my opinion as a citizen of this country that NIS needs to reshuffle its employees and put stricter measures in place so as to discontinue the lawlessness and start recovering all that’s owed to it and the people of this country. Thank you Complainant
NIS appears to be toothless
Femicide—The... From page 04 government to halt such abuse of the solitary child-bearing representatives of the future generation may be a disregard for gender equality and female rights.—seemingly the product of a hegemonic gender ideology tolerant of extreme violence against women. A nation continues to weep while the government and justice system appear to be asleep. The wave of femicide would only stop when harsh and unparalleled measures are meted out from the top. Surely the males would continue to kill without fear, since no one really seems to care. However, this fact we must deduce that a generation we will reduce by continuing to eradicate the only sex that can produce. Y. Sam
Government continues to honour agreement Dear Editor, The Guyana Revenue Authority wishes to respond to a letter published in the June 6, 2018 edition of the Kaieteur Newspaper, titled ‘We can’t continue governing with our heads buried in the sand like this’ written by Tony Vieira. There were also allegations in a Demerara Waves article alleging that ‘higher taxation’ was a reason for the closure of BEV Enterprises, a fishing company owned by Bruce Vieira.Contrary to Mr. Tony Vieira’s claim, the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Operators continue to reap significant benefits since 2005 as per the agreement which
was signed between the Association and the Government of Guyana. BEV Enterprises has also refuted the allegation that ‘higher taxation’ is among the factors responsible for the closure of his company. He was quoted as saying “There is no burden. We have very generous taxation arrangements with the government – duty free, tax freewe get export allowances of 75 percent directly.” In a subsequent letter to Kaieteur News, appearing in the June 7, 2018 online edition, Tony Vieira tried to retract his statement, noting that when he wrote the letter he “honestly believed that the government did not grant the request to continue giving the fuel” but that “they were
hemming and hawing about it for months.” It should be noted that GRA’s policy is to ensure that persons granted concessions act in accordance with the terms and conditions under which the tax exemptions were granted. As far as the GRA is aware, BEV Enterprises was utilizing its concessions as per the agreement. Whilst recognizing the rights of persons to pen letters voicing their opinions, the Authority hopes that opinions shared involving matters of taxation will be firmly grounded in facts and not hearsay. Melissa Baird Manager Public Relations Unit Guyana Revenue Authority
Some visiting city-based lawyers shortchanging Region Two residents Dear Editor, There are several reports of lawyers based in Georgetown taking cases from Essequibians and not adequately representing them. Some of these lawyers collect the full fees (amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars) upfront and, after a few appearances, stop showing up in court while the case is still in its early stages. The hapless, vulnerable clients who lack consumer education are taken advantage of by these unscrupulous sharks. They do not know that there is something called a ‘ retainer’ that is paid initially and monies can be paid in installments as the case progresses so they pay in full initially to these lawyers who are aggressive when demanding payment. The result is that persons with outstanding court matters for which they have paid don’t know what to do. One lawyer
even told her client that she is afraid to travel by speedboat, a phobia that was not revealed when she collected $650,000 in the early stages, the full payment. Now she is not available or asks someone without detailed knowledge of the case to stand in for her, as the case remains without closure. This is not an isolated case; others fail to answer their phones and are paid
by both the complainant and defendant, a conflict of interest that is totally unjustifiable. I will write the Guyana Bar Association (if that is the right body) and make formal complaints against these ‘lawyers’ who apparently took the hypocritic oath. Thank you. KaranChand Region 2 resident
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Kaieteur News
If not Victoria, then Wilberforce Don’t credit Queen Victoria for what others did
Dear Editor, I refer to a latter from T. Pemberton captioned “Was Burnham’s slate cleaner than Queen Victoria’s?” Actually I don’t quite understand a few things about this letter and indeed the one he refers to from Gerald A. Perreira captioned ‘Statue of Queen Victoria should be removed’. Perreira’s letter was asking for the statue to be removed from the Law Courts. It’s a difficult question and one which requires some thought. Or does it? Wasn’t the statue once removed and unceremoniously thrown behind the Botanical Gardens? And did we not bring it back? Can anyone answer the question why we brought it back? Q u e e n Vi c t o r i a h a p pened to be the queen of England on the date when slavery was actually abolished, but the British Parliament passed the Abolition Bill in 1833, Q. Victoria became queen of England in 1837 five years after the act was passed, but was indeed the Queen when the abolition came into effect in 1 August 1838. I am not for or against the removal of the Victoria statue, but if we decide as a nation to remove it, then it would be appropriate to put a statue of William Wilberforce there instead. It is a historical fact that throughout the British empire it was Wilberforce who starting from 1770, fought ceaselessly to abolish slavery. He managed to get the trade in slaves abolished in 1807 and then the actual condition of slavery abolished in 1833 when 768,000 slaves
were freed throughout the British Empire. I extracted the below from the internet. “The Abolition of Slavery had come as a result of a campaign that had begun in the 1770s and was supported by all classes but had been led by evangelicals who saw such a campaign as offering them salvation through the saving of others. “The campaign was led by William Wilberforce and Thomas Clarkson and focused on the humanitarian aspects of the slave trade and the terrible conditions in which the slaves were transported across the Atlantic. The campaigners believed that once freed the slaves could lead useful and prosperous lives. Wilberforce and Clarkson joined the sponsors of an experimental colony – that of Sierra Leone founded in 1787to introduce freed slaves to civilization. “The experiment was deemed a success for in 1808 it became a crown colony. The abolition of the slave trade in 1807 was the campaign’s first success but Parliament had passed the act not only for humanitarian concerns but because by 1807 the Atlantic economy was no longer a vital national interest for Britain. Only 150 ships out of 1000 were in 1804 involved in the slave trade and the West Indies’ economy was experiencing a recession due to wartime losses, bad weather, rising slave prices and declining profits and increased indebtedness”. So at the end of the day it was Christians who fought
the hardest to abolish slavery and as such they should be honored by history for their efforts. Sadly, history seems to have forgotten them Wilberforce and Clarkson. I wonder if we are a great enough people, to honor them here and now? As far as Mr. Pemberton ’s letter is concerned, it is the considered opinion of one of Guyana’s most brilliant legal minds that making the Guyana Court of Appeal the final court for all Guyana legal matters, and not the Privy Council in the UK, contributed in no small way to the sad state of our legal system in Guyana today, probably the worst in the English-speaking Caribbean. It is held that the standard of jurisprudence here would have been kept at a much higher level had we left our courts here open to criticisms of the Privy Council when ruling on the performance of the legal system here as the final arbiter in our legal matters, as we sometimes see the CCJ doing now . One recent criticism from the CCJ was that Guyana’s legal matters are taking too long to be determined in our system. The 1980 constitution was the instrument by which this came to pass, so this question from Mr. Pemberton ’s letter “ask the writer this very simple question. Did the late President L.F.S Burnham have a clean slate during his governance of Guyana?” He has a clear answer in so far as the rule of law is concerned. Yours Faithfully Tony Vieira.
Dear Editor, In a letter in today’s Kaieteur News in support of the preservation of the statue of Queen Victoria, Mr Rooplall Dudnath stated: “It was during her reign as Queen of England that she abolished slavery and put an end to the undignified slave trade that some European governments and Monarchs had started and enriched themselves with the exploits. “She also abolished the inhuman indignities of slavery to her credit.” There is so much historical inaccuracy in this statement that it is difficult to know where to begin. 1. First of all the slave trade in the British Empire was abolished in 1806, during the reign of Victoria’s grandfather George III. She became Queen of the United Kingdom in 1830. Having abolished their slave trade, British naval squadrons then searched for and intercepted slave ships of other nations. But (a) that also began before Victoria became Queen, and (b) despite the activity of the British navy, the trade in slaves to the United States and Brazil continued until slavery was abolished in those countries 2. Secondly, the slave trade was started as much by the English as by European governments, and the English were major slave traders. What was described as the “triangular” trade route consisted of ships leaving major ports like London and Bristol with trade goods (guns and ammunition, trinkets, knives
Conduct staff audit at GECOM... From page 04 tool to sow the seeds of disharmony in an already fragile society. Given the triumphal and racially toned utterances of some who are associated with the current government and who seem infatuated to impose one group over the others, this recent development at GECOM can further give credibility to the perception that Guyanese Indians are being targeted thereby imposing a belief that they may not
necessarily belong. This action can serve to further frustrate Guyanese Indians thereby forcing many more to continue to seek solace overseas bringing into question the deliberateness of the said action. Guyanese Indians, like all other groups, have and continue to make invaluable contributions to the building of this nation and any form of discrimination against them will undoubtedly have negative national impact.
Beyond GECOM, the government has a responsibility to intervene, not in piecemeal manner, to address issues such as these. I was pleased at H.E. President David Granger’s comment on the issue that his government does not influence the employment practices at GECOM. While that is most heartening to know, in the interest of national unity and his commendable action of establishing the Ministry of Social Cohesion, he must order an immediate investigation to reveal the truth in keeping with his pro-
clivity for Commissions of Inquiry. Anything otherwise will convey a frightening message to Guyanese Indians and inflict further damage to the already flagging social cohesion efforts. In the interim, mechanisms must immediately be implemented to safeguard the interest of Guyanese Indians who have applied and those who are in the process of applying to GECOM. Sincerely Rajendra Doodnauth New Jersey United States of America.
etc) traveling to trading ports in West Africa where such goods were exchanged in payment for slaves, shipping the slaves to the West Indies and the southern states of North America, collecting sugar, tobacco, cotton and shipping these commodities back to the UK. The UK was enriched by the slave trade far more than other European traders. 3. Queen Victoria did not abolish slavery. Slaves were emancipated in British colonies in the early years of her reign it is true. But she neither instigated the move to emancipate the slaves, nor did she specifically promote that Emancipation. Emancipation was first proposed by the anti-slavery movement; the Emancipation Bill was introduced in Parliament and was passed into law not because Queen Victoria supported it, but because British investors in other regions of the growing empire were opposed to what was seen as advantages enjoyed by West Indian proprietors. And also because Parliament gave in to these West Indian interests to the extent that the Exchequer raised funds through a loan from commercial banks in order to compensate the slave owners for the loss of their “property” i.e., the ownership of human beings. That loan was not finally repaid until the 20th century. Once the Emancipation Bill was passed by Parliament the Queen signed it, as she was required to do; by the 19th century the British monarch no longer had the right to veto an Act passed by Parliament. And that is the sum total of her contribution to the Emancipation of slaves. But this Act abolished slavery in British territories only; and it was not the first abolition of slavery. The French abolished slavery after their Revolution and the establishment of a Republic in 1794, but Napoleon re-introduced it in 1803; it was finally abolished in all French territories in 1828 (all of this was before Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom). Slavery continued and even increased in the United States until 1865. And in Bra-
zil it continued until 1888 (Brazil is estimated to have received 40% of all slaves brought to the Americas). 4. That Queen Victoria abolished the inhumane indignities of slavery is another inaccuracy. After slavery was abolished the plantation owners in the newly acquired British colonies of Demerara, Berbice and Trinidad pressed for the right to import indentured workers. These indentured workers came to conditions that closely mirrored the conditions of slavery, with the sole exception that it was for a limited time, not a life sentence. But these new workers were housed in conditions similar to those of the former slaves, the work was as onerous as it had been during slavery, and their freedom was as curtailed - an indentured servant could not leave his/her assigned estate without the written permission of the estate owner or manager. If he/she were found away from the estate without such permission, the worker could be jailed. Any such term of imprisonment was then added to the period of indenture. And yes, estate agents and overseers established relationships with female indentured workers just as they had done with female slaves. In what way can such conditions be described as an abolition of inhuman indignities? I personally have no objection to keeping that statue in its original place in front of the law courts. Colonialism is part of our history and we cannot erase that. We need to learn about the nature of colonialism, what our ancestors endured, and how that history has marked the colony that emerged into an independent country just over 50 years ago. If we do not understand how we came to be as we are, how do we begin to change and improve? If the statue of Queen Victoria can remind us to re-examine that past in order to understand our present, then by all means keep it there. But do not credit Queen Victoria with deeds that were not hers. Pat Robinson Commissiong
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Chief Justice dismisses PPP challenge to GECOM Chairman appointment
C
hief Justice (ag) Roxane George y e s t e r d a y dismissed a challenge, brought by People’s Progressive Party (PPP/C) executive member Zulfikar Mustapha, to the unilateral appointment of Retired Justice James Patterson as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM, by President David Granger. The highly anticipated ruling came five months after extensive arguments were presented on behalf of the Respondent (the State) by Attorney General Basil Williams, Queen’s Counsel Hal Gallop and Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne, Solicitor General Kim Kyte and State Counsel Judy Stuart, against an injunction filed in the High Court by Mustapha (the Applicant) which sought to rescind the appointment of Justice Patterson as GECOM Chairman, on the grounds of unconstitutionality. Essentially, the Chief Justice (CJ) ruled that under the Constitution of Guyana, the President enjoys the right to reject the list of names provided by the Leader of the Opposition, and appoint someone from the judicial category as Chairman of GECOM, as provided for under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. She therefore dismissed the application filed by Attorneys-at-Law Anil Nandlall, Manoj Narayan and Rajendra Jaigobin on behalf of Mustapha, and awarded cost in the sum of $250,000 to the Respondent. Before delivering a 40page ruling, the CJ addressed two preliminary issues with regards to jurisdiction of the Court in hearing and determining the matter and the Applicant locus standi to make the application. The Respondent had argued that the appointment of the Chairman of GECOM under Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana is not enforceable by the Courts owing to: (i) the maxim ‘expressio unius est alterius’, and (ii) the executive power in the President to appoint a Chairman of GECOM being in the nature of a convention. In other words, the Respondent argued the Court should restrain itself from engaging in the inquiry sought by the application. Despite the Respondent cited several sections of the Constitution, Fundamentals of Caribbean Constitutional Law, among others, the CJ ruled that the Court has jurisdiction to proceed with hearing and determining the
matter since there is nothing ousting or even limiting its inherent jurisdiction. Considering the interest of the Applicant, in his capacity as a citizen and a registered elector, and also considering his capacity as a member of the National Assembly representing a non-governmental party, the CJ ruled that the Applicant does have locus standi to make the application. According to the facts of the matter, on December 21, 2016, Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo submitted a first list of six names to President Granger for him to appoint a Chairman of GECOM. It was on January 5, 2017 that the President informed the Leader of the Opposition that he had found the six nominees on the first list to be unacceptable within the provisions of Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. On March 1, 2017, the Leader of the Opposition requested of the President some of the qualities which he would be looking for in a person who is to be appointed Chairman of GECOM, and by a letter dated March 14, 2017, the President provided a list of such qualities. The Leader of the Opposition on May 02, 2017, submitted a second list with the names of six other persons for the President of appoint to the post. However, a month after the President informed the Leader of the Opposition that he found that list to be unacceptable within the criteria outlined by the Constitution of Guyana. Subsequently, on August 25, 2017 the Leader of the Opposition submitted a third list of six names for the President to appoint a Chairman of GECOM. By a letter dated October 19, 2017, the President informed the Leader of the Opposition that he found the third list to be unacceptable and indicated that he would resort to proviso to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution and, without delay, proceeded to appoint and swear in Retired Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. In arriving at a suitable candidate for the post, the President took into consideration the ruling of the Acting Chief Justice in the case of Marcel Gaskin V AG et al, which was heavily relied on by the CJ in her ruling. Among other things, the Chief Justice ruled that the President can resort to proviso Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana which permits him to act independently to appoint a
Attorney-at-Law Anil Nandlall accompanied by supporters leaving the courthouse yesterday person of the judicial category to be the Chairman of GECOM, which is a person who is presumptively fit and proper. It was for the court to consider only the rejection of the third list, since the rejections of the first two lists were already accepted by the Leader of the Opposition. In arriving at a judgment, the issues regarding the third list were divided into two categories—substantive issues and preliminary issues. For the substantive issues, the court had to decide whether (i) the appointment of Justice Patterson by the President was unconstitutional because the president had no power to make a unilateral appointment once a list of six names was submitted by the Leader of the Opposition; (ii) the President is required to give reasons for deeming the list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition unacceptable. The court also had to decide whether (iii) the President failed to give any reasons for deeming the list submitted by the Opposition Leader unacceptable; (iv) a failure by the President to give reasons for deeming the list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition acceptable makes the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM unconstitutional and therefore null and void and, (v) Justice Patterson is not qualified to be appointed Chairman of GECOM in accordance with and pursuant to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. In dealing with the first issue, the Chief Justice said that it was held in the case of Marcel Gaskin V AG et al, that while it would be expected for the Leader of the Opposition
would submit names of persons who are prima facie fit and proper, that it was the President who will ultimately make the final determination of who is qualified for the post since the list of persons must not be unacceptable to him. According to the Acting
(From left) Attorney General Basil Williams, Queen’s Counsel Hal Gallop and Queen’s Counsel Ralph Thorne were seen conversing moments after the Court ruled in their favour CJ, “This is to say the President has the final say in determining who would be appointed as Chairman of GECOM albeit, either from the list provided by the Leader of the Opposition or pursuant to the proviso, a persons who falls solely within the judicial category.”
In relation to the second issue, the Respondent had contended that there is no basis under the Constitution for the President to provide reasons for finding the list and/or persons included therein unacceptable, since there is no duty to state (Contiuned on page 24)
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Kaieteur News
One year later…
30 megawatts of solar, hydro, wind power by 2020 - Minister Patterson
Guyana turns to Estonia to create digital roadmap G
G
uyana plans to es tablish a digital roadmap by engaging the European nation of Estonia, which is considered one of the most advanced digital societies in the world. Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes made the disclosure yesterday at the opening of the eighth annual Caribbean Civil Society Dialogue at the Marriot Hotel, Georgetown. “We are going to do a consultancy with Estonia so that we can do and implement a roadmap. I am saying to you that by the end of next year…by 2020, there is going to be a total of 200 [Government] services that citizens require and businesses require online,” Minister Hughes stated. In June 2017, Cabinet members benefited from a presentation from Dr Arvo Ott, Executive Director of the e-Governance Academy in Estonia. Additionally, Hughes, and Floyd Levi, Chairman of the National Data Management
A u t h o r i t y ( N DMA), attended an e-Governance Conference in Estonia. Then in January, Minister of State, Joseph Harmon was paid a courtesy call by a delegation from Estonia, which included a member of the Estonian President’s Advisory Committee on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) campaign, Marianne Mikko. Hughes has spoken very highly about Estonia’s e-Government programme, and yesterday disclosed that Guyana will utilize the country’s expertise. She told participants at the conference that businesses should have access to services online, which will save time and money. PREPARE The Minister urged participants to come up with practical solutions to the many challenges that face the region. Hughes shared that Government is providing the enabling environment through liberalization of the telecommunications landscape.
Through the opening up of the sector, Hughes said, more private sector companies can get into the business of providing services, whether it is internet or phone, especially in the hinterland, rural and poor communities. “You will have before the end of the year to design your business model to say…provide internet in a particular Rupununi community or several other areas. I hope that I am going to see those applications coming into my Ministry,” the Minister stated. She encouraged the private sector to get onboard with the digital improvements taking place in the country or risk getting left behind. The one-day conference was attended by over 100 persons, including members of civil society from Guyana, Suriname, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean Countries. The theme for this year’s dialogue was “Digital (Continued on page 22)
Saturday June 09, 2018
overnment has an nounced an ambi tious plan to develop up to 30 megawatts in renewable power by 2020 for hinterland communities. The projects, utilizing loans, grants and monies from the Government coffers, will target both solar, wind and small hydro electric projects between Regions 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9. Yesterday, Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson, at a post-Cabinet press conference, said these will be constructed in the three new towns - Bartica, Lethem and Mabaruma - as well as Mahdia and several interior locations. In Bartica, a 1.5-megawatt solar farm, with storage will be constructed with funding provided by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at a cost of US$3.8 Million. The project will commence sometime this year and will last for 18 months. A micro hydro power project of one megawatt will be constructed at Ituribisi with funding under the Guyana REDD Plus Investment Fund (GRIF) at a total investment
cost of US$5.22Million. The time frame for implementation is two and half years. Technical assessments and other studies are ongoing.Minister Patterson said too that a 2.2 megawatts dual hydro-system, using the Moco Moco and Kumu Falls, Region Nine, will be constructed. The funding will be received through the United Ar a b E m i r a t e s a n d t h e GRIF. The project time is two and a half years. In Mabaruma, Region One, the installation of a 0.4-megawatt solar farm with storage is ongoing with funding of US$1.3Million provided through the National Budget. This project, the Minister said is slated to be completed in August. A US$1.8Million Photovoltaic system is also slated within 18 months in Mahdia, Region 8. And Government has given private developers up to the end of July to secure financing for the 2.2-megawatt Tumatumari hydro project. Minister Patterson said Government will enter a power purchase agreement with the
company if they are successful. If not, the government will take over the project, which is anticipated to cost US$4.4Million. Funding has been secured to commence the hydro project in Kato, in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) and the Hope Beach Wind Farm project remains on the cards. In addition, a micro hydro of 0.02-megawatt, also funded through the National Budget at a cost of US$200,000 will commence in Mabaruma during the third quarter of this year. Completion is anticipated for mid-2019. These and other renewable energy projects will be undertaken this year. Further, Minister Patterson said, as a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Guyana will benefit from a US$15Million line of credit, from which Government plans to power several Indigenous communities. The Ministries of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and Communities have been (Continued on page 22)
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Round and round it goes, where it stops nobody knows
G
uyana’s latest roundabout is impressive. But it would have been much better if it was part of an overall national transportation plan aimed at solving the myriad issues of transportation, including traffic jams, parking and road safety.Nonetheless, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure must be congratulated for the Kitty Roundabout which is located at one of the busiest road junctions. In 2007, the PPPC administration had spent in excess of US$1M in a major
deal with the Indian government to provide traffic lights. These lights helped to ease road stress and chaos at many major junctions within the country. Ten years onwards, the traffic lights have become redundant because of the rapid increase in vehicular traffic. The massive influx of vehicles in the country meant that instead of ensuring an easier flow of vehicles at major road junctions, these traffic lights are attracting long queues. The problem is most acute on the West Bank of
Demerara at the junction to the Demerara Harbour Bridge and along the East Bank of Demerara. Police ranks have to be deployed daily to various points to help control the heavy flow of traffic, especially during peak hours. Man-hours are being lost because commuters are spending too long getting to work. Roundabouts have become a solution to the traffic congestion. Many countries, such as Barbados, have long dispensed with traffic lights in favour of roundabouts. Trinidad and
DEM BOYS SEH
Copying foreign things does mek people cry
In de world of fashion once a big one do something everybody does follow. People see Meghan Markle wid a bag and before people could blink all de bag sell out. Guyanese was people who you couldn’t ketch wid patchy clothes. And if dem clothes tear dem throw it away. Up comes some foreigner wid a jeans that tear and de next thing you know all dem women looking fuh tear up clothes. Dem ain’t wearing this tear-up clothes in dem house, dem dressing up and going to party wid it. That is de thing that mek dem boys realize that Guyanese waiting fuh see who gun do something suh dem gun follow. Dem boys remember years ago Guyanese use to eat
only foreign things like grapes and apples and prunes and things like that because was foreign things and foreign people use to eat dem. That is how dem drink whisky and bourbon wha dem does call brandy. And de police use to lock up people fuh mekking bush rum and de magistrate use to jail dem. De argument was that if people mek bush rum then de foreign likker can’t sell and de government wouldn’t get tax. Is de same thing mek nuff Guyanese running to de States and Canada. Some of dem trying to run back but dem can’t even go near Donald Trump airport. Dem like de moth that get attract to de flame and when dem get in is fire in dem tail. Well Exxon come and an-
nounce that it doing business at Bourda Market, all of a sudden people flocking Bourda Market. Dem boys been deh de odda day trying to buy greens and all sell out. When dem boys go by Shanta is de same thing. Exxon also got people buying out Shanta puri because dem read how de foreign company doing business wid de roti place. Up comes a lady to announce that she name get call. Dem boys believe that she think people gun rush to she to give she wuk.Same way dem have people who believe that because dem newspaper name get call dem gun sell plenty newspaper. Talk half and don’t follow everything foreign.
Tobago is moving to do the same. Therefore, there is, within our backyard, the experience of deploying roundabouts to help alleviate the problem of traffic buildup at junctions. Roundabouts are one way of doing away with traffic lights. It allows for the quicker movement of traffic in all directions at busy junctions. It would be inexplicable if the Ministry of Public Infrastructure were to place traffic lights at Guyana’s latest roundabout. That would defeat the very purpose of having a roundabout. The Kitty Roundabout is operating quite smoothly so far. Guyanese drivers are among the most undisciplined in the world, but they will recognize that it is better to stick to the rules when using the roundabout, because everyone benefits since there is less waiting time and less build-up of traffic. The Kitty Roundabout is not Guyana’s only roundabout. There is one right in the heart of the city, and it was hoped that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure would have followed its Kitty development with developing the roundabout at
the junction of Church Street, Main Street and Avenue of the Republic. That particular roundabout has long had traffic lights. A design similar to that of the Kitty Roundabout would help alleviate the weekday traffic congestion in that area. Instead, roundabouts are going to be established at two other locations. The ad hoc approach to roundabouts is self-defeating. What Guyana needs is a comprehensive national traffic management plan for the entire country, one that goes beyond the mere management of roadtraffic flow. The plan must fix other road problems. There is a problem with parking, and not just in Georgetown. Many streets in villages and wards are extremely narrow. And with more and more persons buying vehicles, many vehicles have to be parked at nights on these narrow roads, thereby constricting the flow of traffic. Parking will have to be banned on some roadways because of their narrowness, and some of these roads will have to be converted into oneway streets. A comprehensive road traffic plan has to address the issue of safety. There has
been a dramatic decline in head-on accidents on Carifesta Avenue since a median was installed. This is one of the engineering solutions needed for major public roads where head-on collisions often involve fatalities. The installation of medians separating oppositeflowing traffic will drastically reduce road accidents on these highways. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure should, where possible, install medians on all of Guyana’s main public roads. It is the best investment which can be made to save lives and reduce accidents. In as much, therefore, that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure deserves congratulations for developing the Kitty Roundabout, it needs to examine the larger transportation concerns within the framework of a national transportation plan. Otherwise, its approach will end up involving ad hockery.
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Saturday June 09, 2018
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN
Guyana’s pathetic state of journalism
T
he Attorney-Gen eral made an obser vation that is pregnant with political controversy - a referendum may be needed to change the sentence structure for possession of small quantities of marijuana - but like every serious action in this country, our journalists fail to followup. I stopped my subscription to the Guyana Press Association. I don’t want to be part of that formation anymore. And the reason is because a majority of our journalists I do not respect and admire. I think they are not professionally competent. They do not elevate one of the world’s great professions - journalism Of course not all; there are those who try. Those few
want to bring journalistic investigation to Guyana. I do not see where all the training goes that our journalists get. Each year, there are foreignsponsored training programmes. Yet look at the state of our journalism. My position on the seawall roundabout is that it changes nothing. A journalist cannot take that position. I can as a columnist, but a journalist can only ask questions, and that is what journalism is partly about. When the authorities invited the journalists to see the roundabout, do you know not one question was asked? Talking about the roundabout; I took my wife to see it on Thursday morning on our way back from downtown. On the roundabout I was in my lane waiting to give way
to the lane that has priority over mine, when an SUV driver was wrongfully honking his horn for me to move on. After moving, a mini-bus driver flew past me instead of waiting his turn. But let’s return to the state of journalism. I am not putting Leonard Gildarie in front of other journalists because he works at the newspaper I write for. He deserves mention because he showed the interest that is obligatory of media workers. I did a column in which I quoted Minister Trotman as saying that President Granger made three AFC executives ministers without the actual input of the AFC. Trotman could be right or wrong, but it was a curious statement. Gildarie came to me and said that it was interesting
and he wanted to follow it up. He did. He published a story on it with interviews. He was the only journalist that did so. Such a development in any country would have had widespread reaction from the media. The President has taken the portfolio of oil from the Ministry of Natural Resources and it will be situated in the soon to be created Department of Energy. No journalist has pursued the story with the AFC, enquiring if the president is allowed to reshape the portfolios of AFC ministers, based on what is laid down in the Cummingsburg Accord. Pick up any issue of the top newspapers from around the world and you will see the words, “a source told the newspaper.” Go online to the New York Times and Washington Post right this minute, and you will see how many stories have been published due to unnamed sources. Right now the New York Times is quoting an unnamed source as telling the newspa-
per that the telephone conversation between Trump and Macron on tariffs was a sour one. I am telling this nation that an impeccable source in the AFC leadership told me that every major AFC leader is not in agreement with Granger taking the oil portfolio from Trotman’s ministry. This is a journalistic gold mine, but our “well trained journalists” who have been beneficiaries of foreign training, have shown no interest. The outgoing president of the Guyana Press Association was Neil Marks, who at the time was also the Sunday editor of the Guyana Chronicle. Marks dropped an article by David Hinds that criticized President Granger’s handling of the publication of the findings of the Walter Rodney Commission. I interviewed Marks formally for my column. He said he was uncomfortable with the Hinds piece, so he passed it on for a decision to his editor-in-chief, Nigel Williams. Marks chose not to speak
Frederick Kissoon to me again despite several calls to his cell. I wanted to know what he was uncomfortable with and why. The Guyana Press Association had a president who censured a columnist’s opinion of the attitude of the country’s president toward an important event, and the journalistic community was happy to retain him as the head of their association. No journalist has seen it fit to get a definitive statement from the President about not meeting the press regularly. There is no journalistic investigation into the literal joke that the WPA has become in the eyes of the Guyanese people. There is no other backward country like Guyana.
Anti-smuggling Customs officials shot….
Two detained, injured suspect sought
Two persons have been detained for Thursday night’s incident which left two Customs officers nursing pellet wounds. According to the police, they have started investigating the shooting incident which occurred around 21:50hrs Thursday at Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara.Police confirmed that two officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) received gunshot injuries to their right and left hand, respectively. “The Enforcement Officers received treatment at a private medical institution and were sent away. Up to this time no arrest made,” the police said.That statement was sent early in the day. Police said that investigations revealed that soon after the officers arrived at a house and were making enquiries of its owner, two vehicles approached and the occupants discharged several rounds at them. Reportedly, one of the weapons used to fire at the Customs officials was a shotgun. The GRA officials “adapted tactical positions and returned fire; as a result the vehicles sped away.” Yesterday, GRA’s Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, disclosed that
his staffers are doing “okay”. He said that two persons were picked up, with one on the run.It is believed that this third man was injured after the Customs officials returned fire. The Customs officials were reportedly on the East Coast area to halt a smuggling operation, Kaieteur News was told.The stretch of area, including Bee Hive, is well known for its smuggling drop-off points. Meanwhile, GRA in a statement, said that three Law Enforcement and Investigation Division (LEID) Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) were the target of gunfire during an anti-smuggling operation on Thursday. “Acting on information received, around 21:00hrs, a team of officers coordinated an approach to intercept a motor vessel and motor vehicles suspected to be transporting uncustomed goods (a quantity of alcoholic beverages and foreign chicken) in Beehive, East Coast Demerara.” During the exercise, GRA said, the officers observed a white Toyota motor car turning into the street and stopping in front of the house that was under surveillance. “The occupants of the motor vehicle exited and proceeded to maliciously
shoot at the LEID Officers with an undisclosed number and caliber of firearms. LEID Officers were forced to take evasive action and defensively returned fire in the general direction of the perpetrators with their GRA issued firearms.” The shooters then retreated to their motor vehicle and sped away, which allowed LEID Officers to regroup and exit the location safely. “It was then realized that two of the officers sustained injuries with what appeared to be shotgun pellet wounds to their arms and leg. The matter was immediately reported to the Police.” According to GRA, despite the constant threat to their lives, LEID Officers of the GRA continue to fearlessly execute their duty in an effort to safeguard the country’s revenue and curb the scourge of smuggling. “The authority is enlisting the cooperation of the general public in providing information and assistance in apprehending persons involved in these illegal activities.” A number of persons were arrested in connection with this incident, GRA disclosed. In the past year, GRA has stepped up its anti-smuggling campaign, netting large hauls of chicken and liquor.
Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Guyana’s resources being squandered because of Govt.’s incompetence - Jagdeo By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell
O
pposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo thinks it would not take much effort from an oil company to make rings around the APNU+AFC government. Jagdeo firmly believes that the government is incompetent. He said Government’s ineptitude is most glaring in the way it is going about sharing and preparing Guyana for an oil and gas industry. Jagdeo made several points during his recent press conference to show how he arrived at this conclusion. The politician pointed to the fact that the government is still to come to grips with the intricacies of a Sovereign
Wealth Fund (SWF). Jagdeo also pointed to the fact that while Guyana is fast approaching first oil, there is still no final Local Content Policy, “and we have seen the sort of definition they have for local content.” Jagdeo also said that government exhibited its incompetence when it accepted the US$460M pre-contract cost from ExxonMobil without even conducting a simple audit. The Opposition leader highlighted too, that the government does not seem to know its head from it foot when it comes to other gasrelated issues. He said that when he met with ExxonMobil representatives, he posed some questions about gas that the com-
pany refused to answer. He said that ExxonMobil told him that the company is yet to carry out a study. “Trotman says he is very benevolent and very, you know, a great person, a religious man. He asked ExxonMobil to meet with me to give me a briefing. So I must, you know, pay homage to Trotman for that mercy. Well, the thing is, I think I met ExxonMobil about three times in the past three years,” said Jagdeo. However, the Opposition Leader said that he wasted no time at the few meetings and sought to get real answers for pressing issues in the embryonic oil and gas industry. Jagdeo was keen to note that unlike certain government ministers who, he said
did not adequately represent Guyana, “When I come to a meeting I am not a dodo.” The Opposition Leader said that during his second meeting with Exxon Mobil, he asked if a study was done to determine what would be the value in terms of bringing gas to shore as opposed to having it re-injected into the wells He said, “One time they brought in the big team… I asked if they studied the value in terms of incremental oil that we can get from pumping the gas.” Jagdeo said he asked whether that value of rejecting the gas could be compared with bringing all the gas onshore to be developed, “not only for power but for downstream industries for exports.”Jagdeo revealed,
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo “They (ExxonMobil officials) said they did not do this comparison. I am not even sure if government asked about the comparison, because that is how you approach these issues…I get worked up when I talk about this, be-
cause we are squandering because of incompetence, we are squandering this patrimony. We worked hard to get to this stage. It could be transformative, but because of uselessness we are squandering everything.”
Ambassador Ten-Pow elected VP for upcoming UN General Assembly Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow, Permanent Representative and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Guyana to the United Nations, has been elected by acclamation as a Vice-President of the upcoming 73rd UN General Assembly. Also elected were representatives from Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Iraq, Japan, Namibia, Panama, Qatar, San Marino, Spain, Sudan and Ukraine, along with five permanent members of the Security Council — China, France, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ten-Pow began his career in the Foreign Service of Guyana in 1980 as Desk Officer for Venezuela and later Head of the Frontiers Division. He joined the United Nations in 1986 as a Translator for French and Spanish and served for a number of years at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile. Upon his return to headquarters in 1991, he served successively as Reviser, Training Officer, Chief of the English Translation Service and Acting Director of the Documentation Division of the United
Ambassador Rudolph Michael Ten-Pow Nations. During the period from 2013-2015, he joined the World Bank in Washington DC as Senior Programme Manager for Conference Services, returning to the United Nations in 2015 as Acting Director of the Documentation Division and later as Special Adviser to the United Nations Coordinator for Multilingualism. He has served as Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2016.
Saturday June 09, 2018
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US$460M pre-contract costs will be audited - Minister Patterson By Kiana Wilburg Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson revealed yesterday that the government will be conducting an audit on the US$460M pre-contract costs. He was at the time, responding to questions posed by this newspaper on the matter. During a post-Cabinet press briefing which was held at the Ministry of the Presidency, Minister Patterson noted that the government intends to audit all cost recovery bills submitted by ExxonMobil. The Minister was also asked to state why the government failed to conduct an audit of the pre-contract costs before it was entered into the contract. Patterson briefly stated, “We can audit at any time. Putting it (US$460M pre-contract costs) into the contract does not mean it is un-
Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson auditable.” Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram was one of the first persons who issued a call for the
pre-contract costs to undergo a special audit. In his recent writings, Ram said that there is need for a
Berbice double murder/suicide...
Mom, daughter died from fractured skulls Two days after the murderous rampage executed by an enraged husband and father who subsequently ended his life at Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice, the autopsy was completed and the results are out. Performed by a Government Pathologist, it revealed that 38-year-old Bhindomattie Seetaram called ‘Kameel’ died from shock and hemorrhage with lacerations to the brain compounded with a fractured skull. Her daughter Aniela Khan, 21, also died from shock and hemorrhage with lacerations to the brain and a fractured skull. Jainarine ‘Rado’ Seetaram, the man who murdered them died from asphyxiation due to self suspension. He had been found hanging. On Wednesday, at approximately 9:30am, the neighbourhood of Glasgow and the entire Berbice went into deep shock with the news that a woman and her daughter were murdered by a man their own husband and father. Jainarine Seetaram, armed with a hammer and kitchen knife, went berserk and launched the deadly attack on his wife as she lay helpless in their hammock. She was battered in the head with a ham-
Aniela Khan mer until she was unconscious then he slit her throat. His two children, Aniela and Mahesh, 11, who were upstairs witnessed the entire ordeal, but just when they thought they could calm him down, in his rage turned his attention to his son. The boy managed to escape after his father tried to hit him with the hammer, he ran to his grandmother’s residence a street away and informed her of the attack. The man during that time savagely bashed his daughter’s head in with the hammer as well. By the time
Bhindomattie Seetaram called ‘Kameel’ young Seetaram arrived with his grandmother, both women were lying in pools of blood in the bottom flat of the house where they were attacked. Their killer escaped into the nearby canefields and subsequently hung himself at an abandoned house, some 500 meters away from the crime scene. The young boy is currently in the care of relatives.
Chartered Accountant, Chris Ram special audit to be done on the pre-contract costs, since, based on his analysis, several things aren’t adding up. He said that this is necessary, as the sum can be recovered by ExxonMobil without the approval of the Minister. NOT ADDING UP With the use of financial statements, Ram was able to show how ExxonMobil’s precontract cost opens itself to much question and suspicion. He noted that ExxonMobil is represented by three companies as the contractor for the Stabroek Block: Esso, CNOOC and Hess. Using the financial statements of Esso and CNOOC he pointed out a few important figures. At December 31, 2015, Ram said that Esso had property, plant and equipment (PPE) of $10B and losses of $12B of which $9B or 75 percent was incurred in 2015. In Esso’s financial statements, there is an amount of $1B under Exploration costs in 2015 being an un-
explained credit. “Now, even if we were to make the unlikely assumption that all of Esso’s expenditure constituted legitimate pre-contract cost to December 31, 2015, at its highest, Esso’s portion of the $92 billion (US$460 million pre-contract cost) would be $23 billion. Ram also noted that CNOOC at the same date had PPE of $16B and losses of $8B, making a total of $24B. He said that the financials of CNOOC describe the $16B as expenditure on “Exploration and Evaluation assets consisting of exploration projects which are pending the determination of proven or probable reserves.” The Chartered Accountant said, “Forget for a moment that this is another clear violation of the ringfencing principle which seeks to match expenditure to projects. It means that the burden and risk of exploration has been shifted from the oil companies to the taxpayers of Guyana. As the fired US FBI Direc-
tor, James Comey would say, ‘Oh, Lordy!” Ram further stated that the combined expenditure of Esso and CNOOC at December 31, 2015 was PPE of $26B and reported losses of $21B, giving a total of $47B. In United States Dollars, using a $200 rate, Ram said that this gives a total US$245 million, well short of the $460 million that the Government has accepted in the Agreement with ExxonMobil. To make up the total of US$460 million, Ram said that Hess alone would have had to spend, in contract costs, some US$215 million or approximately $46B. He said, “That defies logic and credulity. But there is more. It must be a stretch that the pre-contract cost of CNOOC which only entered the sector in Guyana in late 2014 would have incurred greater contract cost than Esso. And an even greater stretch that Hess, which signed with Esso in late 2014, would have spent nearly as much as Esso and CNOOC combined.” Ram continued, “One would recall that Esso signed its first Petroleum Agreement in 1999, 15 years earlier, and it is the company which has been reporting all the oil discoveries. That either CNOOC or Hess which entered the sector in late 2014 would be outspending Esso arouses particular interest...” Having looked at the available information, the Chartered Accountant said it is hard to avoid the conclusion that the US$460 million cannot be explained on any rational basis. Ram stressed that the only satisfactory and acceptable resolution of this matter is a special audit independently undertaken.
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Finance Minister submits Treasury Memoranda to Cabinet Finance Minister Winston Jordan has submitted to Cabinet, Treasury Memoranda for the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. Members of the media were informed of this during a post-Cabinet press briefing that was hosted by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon yesterday. Harmon said that Cabinet noted the efforts of the Finance Ministry to address the concerns of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) which conducted an independent analysis of the financial transgressions documented in the Auditor General’s annual reports. The Cabinet Secretary said that the Finance Ministry offered detailed responses for queries regarding every ministry and administrative region. He said that Cabinet also noted the conclusions of the Memoranda which stated that there was excessive waste, abuse and mismanagement of public resources. Harmon pointed out that there was also the lack of transparency, accountability and full compliance with the Audit Act, Procurement Act and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act during the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. The State Minister said, “I understand it to be one of the most detailed responses by the government in over 25 years to a list of queries by the Public Accounts Committee. My understanding is that responses in the past were about two pages and these today are 10 to 12 pages responding to the queries.” The Cabinet Secretary said that the documents will be laid in the National Assembly soon, and members of the media will have an opportunity to examine the extent to which the Ministry of Finance
…reports note excessive waste of public resources under PPP rule
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan responded to the PAC’s queries. PREVIOUS REPORTS The Treasury Memoranda released by the Finance Ministry for the years 2010 and 2011 also speak to financial mismanagement which took place during the era of the PPP. To address issues of overpayments, the coalition administration took a decision to have the names of delinquent financial officers published in the Auditor General’s annual reports as well as have them surcharged for said overpayments they signed off on for contracts. The Government said it remains cognizant of the need to improve the procurement practices, with a view to having value for money. It said, “Government has apprised Heads of Budget Agencies of the Auditor General’s concerns and has invited the Auditor General,
as an advisor, to its meeting with the Heads of Budget Agencies, at which he reiterated his concerns. Circulars have been issued to instruct Heads to refrain from such practices if they do, and to inform them that not doing so would be in violation of Sections 10, 15 and 85 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act.” The Government said that it continues to take such violations seriously, and has taken other measures to address the matter. It noted that it will continue to monitor continuously, contracts across agencies as well as the unmitigated resoluteness by the PAC when dealing with agencies that did not set up procedures in the execution of contractual works. The Government also intends to hold meetings involving PAC, the Finance Secretary, Accountant General and the Auditor General with a view to discussing and arriving at decisive strategies aimed at enforcing protection mechanisms as well as the institution of disciplinary action against defaulters. There will also be employed engineers and established field audits to give the necessary technical capabilities and oversight. Officers will also be required to give detailed reports when signing off on works. These reports are now expected to include photographic evidence before, during and on completion of projects. Government has also moved towards the development and implementation of a policy intended to address the prompt application of insurance and performance bonds.
GRA denies high taxation caused BEV closure The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has disagreed that high taxation contributed to the impending closure of BEV Processors, o n e o f t h e c o u n t r y ’s biggest fishing companies. The company’s owner, Bruce Vieira, 67, announced this week that he is winding down operations in midJ u l y, a f t e r 3 4 y e a r s i n operation. The businessman said that lower prices, stiffer competition, and deadlines for new regulations and certification for Guyana, forced him to make the decision. He denied that taxation on the fishing sector spurred his decision. However, with 380-plus workers on the breadline, there have been rumours. Yesterday, GRA said it
has seen a letter by Tony Vieira, brother of Bruce Vieira, who believed that the non-renewal of a fuel concession may have helped in deciding the fate of BEV. To n y Vi e i r a l a t e r retracted the statement. GRA insisted that the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and S e a f o o d O p e r a t ors has continued to reap significant benefits since 2005, from an agreement which was signed between the association and the Government. GRA pointed to statements of BEV which refuted reports that “higher taxation” is among the factors responsible for the closure of the company. “There is no burden. We have very generous taxation
arrangements with the government – duty free, tax free - we get export allowances of 75 percent directly,” the owner was quoted as saying. GRA made it clear that its policy is to ensure that persons granted concessions act in accordance with the terms and conditions under which the tax exemptions were granted. “As far as the GRA is aware, BEV Enterprises were utilizing its concessions as per the agreement.” The company is seeking to place its workers in Noble House, another fishing company at Eccles, among other places. The company will be paying its benefits and has already given workers six weeks’ notice.
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 09, 2018
PAGE 17
SOCU prepares to charge Singh, Brassington for selling Sanata Complex below value
The owner of Queens Atlantic Investment Inc., Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop One month after two of the highest ranking officials of the previous People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government were slapped with charges of Misconduct in Public Office, Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutors are prepared to institute another charge against Former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and former head of National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) Winston Brassington. Ye s t e r d a y , S O C U
Prosecutor Lawrence Harris appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before Acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus with the new charge. However the men were not in court for the matter to be read to them by the Magistrate. The two men are already facing three similar charges of Misconduct in Public Office. However Justice Franklyn Holder has put a temporarily halt on those criminal proceedings against the Former Ministers. This ruling has halted
Former President Bharrat Jagdeo Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan from proceeding with the matters, until the hearing and determination of the substantive challenge
Charged: Ex-NICIL Head, Winston Brassington over the validity of the charges which is before Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George. (Continued on page 19)
Charged: Former Finance Minister Ashni Singh
Kaieteur News
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Farmer jailed for eight grams of ganja gets High Court bail Almost three weeks after a city resident was jailed three years for just over eight grams of marijuana, sparking public outrage, a lawyer who is appealing his case, pro bono, has managed to get him bail. Confirming yesterday, attorney-at-law Nigel Hughes said that his client was placed on $40,000 bail by the High Court, pending his appeal. Carl Mangal, 27, of Princes Street, Lodge, a farmer, was found with 8.4 grams of marijuana. As the amount was over the limit which would be deemed as possession, Mangal was automatically jailed for three years by Chief Magistrate, Judy Latchman, when he appeared on May 21. The case immediately sparked criticisms, with widespread calls for law changes. The sentencing brought
the spotlight sharply back on a contentious issue, with deep division as to whether marijuana should be legalized and to what extent. Social activist Mark Benschop appealed to his lawyer, Mr. Hughes, who decided to take the case pro bono (without charge), filing an appeal against the conviction and sentence of Mangal. In a statement after the filing, Hughes had said that t h e r e h a s b e e n considerable, justified alarm at the imprisonment of this and other citizens for lengthy periods of time for user quantities of cannabis. He noted that it was only two years ago when another citizen was imprisoned for possession of user quantities and smoking utensils. A draft Bill was presented by Michael Carrington, a Member of
The convicted Carl Mangal (left) is being defended pro bono by attorney-at-law, Nigel Hughes Parliament for the Alliance For Change, for consideration in the National Assembly. According to Hughes, in an effort to seek national consensus and across-thefloor support for the Bill, the Leader of the
Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, was approached to support the draft. ”He agreed to permit a conscience vote on the Bill, as he expressed the view that sentencing was harsh. The Leader of the Opposition publicly articulated this position.” Hughes pointed to a statement of the AFC, the smaller of two factions that make up the governing coalition, which called for no jail for small ganja possession cases. ”Now that the AFC have said that their party supports the amendment to the Act, perhaps the AFC along with those members of the Opposition who are sufficiently aggrieved by this odious piece of legislation, should vote to amend the Act, instead of waiting on further travesties of justice to occur,” Hughes urged. He believes that the AFC coupled with a plurality of members of the Opposition can
amend the Narcotics Act. Meanwhile, the case, according to Benschop, is not just about Mangal, but for hundreds of others in his situation. ”Hence, it’s time for the government and opposition to vote on the Marijuana Bill that’s before Parliament since 2016,” Benschop said in a Facebook post. The AFC, in a statement on the matter, said it was not objecting to the removal of custodial sentences for possession of small quantities of marijuana. ”The Alliance For Change expresses its outrage and deep concern following the sentencing, to three years’ incarceration, of 27-yearold father and poultry farmer, Carl Mangal, for the possession of eight grams of marijuana.” The AFC said it recognizes that the magistrates are constrained by the law with regard to the issue of custodial sentencing for possession of small quantities of marijuana. ”The party renews its call to all legislators to move with alacrity in upgrading the laws of Guyana to ensure that custodial sentences for small quantities of marijuana are removed from the books in their entirety.” The AFC said that custodial sentences serve, in large measure, to criminalize young people, particularly young men who have been caught with small quantities of marijuana – an offence which is a mere error in judgment and not
representative of criminal behaviour. AFC reminded that MP Carrington, since 2015, brought a Bill to the National Assembly for debate, but it has since been languishing on the Order Paper, being deferred time and time again. ”The time to act is now. We must no longer sit idly by and allow our young men and women to be sentenced to several years of jail time alongside hardened criminals, murderers and rapists. We will not be found complicit in destroying the lives of our young people and wounding our society rather than acting to heal it.” The AFC also announces that it will commence plans to host, in the near future, a national symposium on the issue, at which all stakeholders and sectors of society will be invited to deliberate and exchange views.” The city magistrate’s court had erupted after the poultry farmer was jailed for three years. Mangal admitted to the charge, which alleged that on May 18 at Princes Street, he had the illicit substance in his possession. In the courtroom, the Magistrate told upset family members of Mangal that her hands are tied. ”I gave him the least sentence which is three years. He could have been sentenced to between three and five years. If you feel bad about this, the most you can do at this point of time is appeal the sentence, that’s the option that is open to you. I can’t do anything.”
Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Accused in deadly Manchester melee prays, walks free The accused in the “Dutty Sunday” melee back in 2015 outside the Guinness Bar Night Spot in Manchester Corentyne that left two men dead and three seriously injured has been freed. Bhiron Robertson called “Bouse “33 of Liverpool, Corentyne was on trial before Justice Brassington Reynolds and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court. Robertson was freed after the jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty on both counts. He was facing two charges - one of manslaughter and another of felonious wounding. One of the charges was that on December 27, 2015, at Manchester Village, he killed Mark Simon called Mark Lane, 28, of Liverpool Village. Robertson, who was initially hospitalized following the melee, was also indicted for the wounding of Samuel Fraser, called “Charlie”, 32, of Liverpool Corentyne. Simon was reportedly hacked to death outside the Guinness Bar night spot at Manchester during the brawl. The brawl ended an ongoing tug-o-war between the two men over a woman called Ann or “Fluffy Tail” that ended in the melee that included cutlasses, knives and other implements at the “Dutty Sunday” free up. Apart from Simon, Kempton Gray, called Tappin, 23, of Alness, Corentyne, also died. While apart from Fraser, Gary Tyndall, of Courtland, Corentyne, and Robertson, were also wounded and hos-
Bhiron Robertson was seen praying in court yesterday. He walked out a free man. pitalized. Justice Reynolds took several hours to sum up the testimony to the jury and directed the panel on the points of the law. The jury subsequently retired and took just about one hour before returning with their unanimous verdicts on both counts. When asked if he had anything to say, Robertson who was seen praying constantly during the trial and with hands raised during the jury deliberations, said thanks to this attorney, the jury and the judge. Justice Reynolds in speaking to the now freed man told him he must thank the jury for their verdict. He
asked him if he believes in God and told him that he should use the opportunity to change his life. “We were not there, only the Lord knows what transpired. You must be counting your lucky stars. The sentence for a crime like this is life in prison.” Justice Reynolds then told the accused that he was free to go after admonishing him to change his life and convert his “Dutty Sundays” to clean Mondays to Sundays. Robinson was represented by attorney at Law Arun Gossai. The State’s case was presented by attorney at law Tuanna Hardy.
SOCU prepares to charge Singh... From page 17 On this fresh charge that was brought to the court yesterday, Brassington and Singh are being accused of wrongdoing in the Sanata Textiles deal with Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. is owned by Dr. Ranjisinghi ‘Bobby’ Ramroop and Dr. Randy Singh, who are close friends of former President Bharrat Jagdeo. The new charge against the duo states that, “Dr. Ashni Singh, being and performing duties of Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited, a company owned by the Government of Guyana; and Brassington, being and performing duties as the Chief Executive of NICIL, a company owned by the Government of Guyana, between October 26, 2010 and December 20, 2010 at Lot
126 Barrack Street, Kingston, Georgetown, by way of Agreement of Sale and Purchase, acted recklessly when they sold to Queens Atlantic Investment Inc, Sanata Texiles Complex, with building and erections thereon, that is to say, Parcel 4702, Part of Plantation Ruimveldt, situated on the East Bank Demerara, being 18.871 acres, being $697,864,800.00 plus VAT, knowing that the said property was valued at the sum of $1,042,403,500.00, and was therefore being sold at a price that was grossly undervalued, thereby creating a breach of their duties”. Attorney-at-Law Stanley Moore, who is one
of the lawyers representing the defendants, told the court that his clients were not aware that they were to appear in Court; hence they will be notified and will be present on the next court date. SOCU Prosecutor Harris told the court that the new charge was filed on Thursday. Magistrate Marcus adjourned that matter until June 29 when the duo are expected to appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the charge to be read to them. Last month, both Brassington and Singh were slapped with three charges for Misconduct in Public Office and were each granted $6M bail.
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
Guyana still awaiting response from Suriname in piracy attacks Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan says Guyana is still awaiting a response from the Surinamese authorities in relation to the request made for statements from witnesses in the latest
piracy attack. Speaking to media on Thursday, Minister Ramjattan said the request was made to Suriname, but officials here are waiting on the police there to honour
that request, according to a government release. “The requests have been made, but I have not gotten back with them, but my treaty officer in the ministry told me there has not been any response just yet,” the Minister explained. According to the Minister, the Surinamese authorities have their work to do and so does Guyana, “They have to make sure that it is accurately taken. I am certain that we will get that back very shortly. I will give a call to the minister to find out what’s happening”, he added. Late last month, Minister Ramjattan had said Guyana could soon make an official request to the Surinamese government, to have an estimated seven persons who may have information on the recent piracy attacks on
Guyanese fishermen, provide same to the local police. According to the Security Minister, more information was needed before the investigation could be fully completed. There are some seven witnesses in Suriname, but according to him, that number can increase during the course of the investigation. On April 27, a piracy attack which took place off the Atlantic Coast of Suriname, left sixteen fishermen missing and feared dead. The bodies of three of the missing fishermen were later salvaged while two others washed ashore. According to survivors, they were assaulted with machetes and forced to jump into the sea by the assailants. Two Guyanese have been charged here and in Suriname a number of them remain in custody.
Minister, Khemraj Ramjattan
Govt. announces review of Rusal’s bauxite contract
The taskforce is being led by Minister Simona Broomes (third from right). The first Rusal taskforce meeting was held to discuss how the administration will handle the repercussions of recent US government sanctions against the company that employs over 500 Guyanese. Rusal, one of the largest aluminium producers in the world, has a large bauxite operation based in
Aroaima and Kurubuka, Upper Berbice River, Region 10. The decision was taken by Cabinet to establish the body to track and monitor the situation. The seven-member task-force headed by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, will address ongoing labour concerns and avert
any potential crisis. According to Minister Broomes, “Going forward, we will do what needs to be done.” She explained that the taskforce will be guided by the words of President David Granger, “Treat our people right and obey our laws.” Other members of the taskforce include Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma; President of the Guyana Bauxite and General Workers Union, Lincoln Lewis; Member of Parliament, Audwin Rutherford; Ministry of Social Protection’s Chief Labour Officer, Charles Ogle; Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira and Secretary Alicia James. It was decided that the group will visit the operation
sites in Berbice and Linden in the coming weeks to speak with the employees and assess the work environment. The group will report directly to Cabinet on the way forward. The decision was also made to have the contract, inked in 2010 under the previous administration, thoroughly examined. Minister Broomes added that the government has already begun talks with neighbouring countries on the way forward for the bauxite industry. The taskforce plans to meet fortnightly, a government statement explained. Workers have been complaining of a running battle with the company over working conditions.
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 09, 2018
Eleven sexual offence cases out of 23 matters presented at Demerara April Assizes - DPP terminates 13 others
S
exual offence cases made up 11 of the 23 cases that were presented during the Demerara April 2018 Criminal Assizes, which came to an end on Friday. However, only four of the accused were convicted. They have been given lengthy sentences, including life imprisonment in one case. The 11 sexual offences were presented by State Counsel Narissa Leander, Tiffiny Lyken and Abigail Gibbs before Madam Justice Barlow in the Sexual Offences Court. In four of these cases, the accused were found guilty by jury verdicts and sentenced respectively to 52 years imprisonment, life imprisonment, 25 years and seven years imprisonment. In another three cases, the virtual complainants testified before judge and jury that they did not wish to proceed with their matters. Justice Barlow then directed the juries to return formal verdicts of not guilty. Of the remaining four cases, one accused was remanded back to prison to await a new trial after his jury failed to reach a verdict. The accused in the three other cases were acquitted by their respective jury. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) nolle prosequi 13 other sexual offence cases, after the virtual complainants indicated that they did not wish to give evidence. Of the remaining cases presented, 10 were for the offence of murder and two were for attempted murder. MURDER AND MANSLAUGHTER Ten matters, including eight for murder and two for manslaughter, were presented before Justice Sandil Kissoon. The eight were pros-
ecuted by State Counsel Mandel Moore and Lisa Cave. In five of the cases of murder, the accused persons pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. Three of the accused were each sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, while the other two were respectively sentenced to 14 years and 22 years imprisonment. Of the three other cases, one accused was sentenced to 33 years imprisonment after the jury unanimously found him guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter. Another accused was acquitted by a jury. In the one remaining case, the jury failed to reach a verdict. This hung jury resulted in the indictment being nolle prosequi by the DPP because the accused had hung jury verdicts, in April 2014, December 2015 and May 2018. The other two cases presented before Justice Kissoon were for the offence of attempted murder. In one case presented by State Counsel Lisa Cave and Shawnette Austin, eight jurors voted for a not guilty verdict while the remaining four voted for guilty. State Counsel Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt presented the other case, which ended in a hung jury, with nine guilty and three not guilty. Two cases for the offence of Murder were presented before Justice James BovellDrakes. One of these cases was presented by State Counsel Seeta Bishundial and Shawnette Austin. The accused in this trial was sentenced to 22 years imprisonment after the jury returned a majority verdict of guilty for the lesser offence of manslaughter. The other case which was prosecuted by State Counsel
Mandel Moore and Seeta Bishundial ended in a hung jury. The Demerara April Assizes had commenced on Tuesday 3rd April, 2018. A total of 242 cases were listed to be heard, but only 37 matters were disposed of. BERBICE ASSIZES Meanwhile, Berbice February Criminal Assizes commenced on Tuesday 6th February, 2018, before Justice Brassington Reynolds, who sat from the month of April. Ninety six cases were listed to be heard. Five have been presented by State Counsel Tuanna Hardy. They include one for causing death by dangerous driving, two for the rape and another two for manslaughter. The accused in the matter of Causing Death By Dangerous Driving was indicted on 12 counts. He was found guilty by a majority jury verdict and sentenced to nine years on each of the 12 counts. The total sentence of 108 years will run concurrently. In one of the two rape cases, the accused was acquitted by the jury. The other accused was found guilty and will be sentenced on Monday, June 11. The two other matters presented were for the offence of manslaughter. In one case the accused was acquitted by a unanimous not guilty verdict. The accused in the other trial was found guilty and will be sentenced on Monday, June 11. The DPP nolle prosequi three matters, one for the offence of rape of a child under 16 and two others for attempt to Commit Murder. The complainants in these matters indicated in writing they did not wish to proceed with their matters.
The Berbice February Session will conclude on June 18, 2018 ESSEQUIBO Meanwhile, the Essequibo May Criminal Assizes commenced on Tuesday 15th May, 2018 before Madam Justice Margaret Kurtzious. Sixty cases are listed to be heard.
State Counsel Tamika Clarke has presented one case in which three accused have been indicted for the offence of murder. This trial is in progress. The DPP nolle prosequi four matters for sexual offences. In three of these cases the accused have died while
the complainant in the other one case has also died. The Essequibo Assizes continues. DEMERARA JUNE CRIMINALASSIZES COMMENCE The Demerara June Criminal Assizes commenced on (Continued on page 24)
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Kaieteur News
Saturday June 09, 2018
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2 & 3 bedroom fully furnished luxury apartments short and long term rental Tel# 6642143,691-1432,666-7028 Display rack, space & parking lot to rent. Contact# 624-6783 Fully furnished apartment in South (AC, Cable & Internet) #689-5877/223-4390 2 bedroom apartment $50,000 monthly. Middle road La Penitence. Contact# 666-9534
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ 698-1134. One General Domestic, must know to cook. Apply @ Keyfood, next door to Post Office, McDoom One Financial Investor for mineral land in the Mazaruni area. Phone: 672-8844 Pastry Chef, apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St. Drivers, Porters, Office clerk. Apply to Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd Survival Wholesale Depot Drivers with car, private/hire to work @ New Taxi base in Central Georgetown. Call: 6088294/610-8294
VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 RZ Minibus BNN excellent condition. Call: 233-3430 (1) 4x4 Tundra Excellent condition $2 Million #6181395/639-2490 One enclosed canter 3 ton wide base, Good condition #604-0204/264-0041 1 Nissan,long base canter, excellent condition. Price $1.1 M Neg. Contact 628-4436 2 Hino 30 seater bus in excellent condition. Contact Bobby Realty. #679-2497
Female workers wanted just finish writing CXC exam 2018. Call: 622-5518 Seamstress and Tailor. Contact: 689-5877/223-4390 Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm Experienced canter driver wanted for water canter & 1 experienced Porter Contact: 622-5428 Part time cook and security wanted. Contact # 231-5857/ 231-5866 1 Bus driver. Route 42. Tel# 685-0569/604-7018 A babysitter to work 5 days a week @ a residence in Eccles. Contact# 660-9136 for details. One experienced bulldozer operator to work in interior. Call: 223-7165
VACANCY One professional seamstress at an expanding company, working experience is required. Age 28-45. Contact#672-4695 Female supervisor 35-55, male desks staff 30-48 233 South road, Lacytown. Tel#225-0198. Experience waiter/waitress, chef/assistant cook. Call us 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff Street. One general domestic, One gardener. Apply @ R.Sookraj & Sons. 108 Regent Street, Georgetown. 1 girl for cleaning & ironing. Call: 231-0734 Wanted male and female to work in interior salary $80,000 monthly. Call: 6741767/693-2138
1 experienced cook. Call 6238654 between 8-4pm. Husband & Wife to live on farm in Mahaicony. Call: 6244633 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818
DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 226-3693DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494 LEGAL NOTICE PETITION #127-P NO -P 0F 2018 (BERBICE) IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF J U D I C A T U R E (DECLARATION OF TITLE) NOTICE GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED, a company incorporated in Guyana under the Companies Act 1991 of the Laws of Guyana and having its principle place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown Demerara, has presented a Petition for a Declaration of Title by Prescription to the Property described in the schedule hereto. Any person intending to oppose the said Petition must within one month oppose from the date of the first publication of this notice, file in the Registry of the High Court of New Amsterdam, Berbice and/or Georgetown, Demerara, notice of his/her opposition and an affidavit or affidavits together with a notice on the said GUYANA WATER INCORPORATED . A copy of the plan can be inspected at the High Court Registry, New Amsterdam, Berbice, during office hours.
Corner Lot Diamond, EBD Land 61’x110'- House 30’x50' G$32M Furnished Serious enquiries only. #613-6631/6182603 3 story commercial building,120ftX60ft Building 62ftX30ft Location- Lot 1486, Plot B Herstelling, EBD, reduced price Contact: 6093777/686-0522
Nigel Niles and/or Tiffany David Attorneys-at-law for the Petitioner
From page 8 Transformation for the Caribbean: How technology and innovation are improving people’s lives”. The conference received support from the Inter-American Development Bank. Topics covered included digital transformation and industries for the future, innovation and the future of work, the use of innovative technology and data to assess the impact of climate change and the role of civil society in promoting digital economies.
30 megawatts of solar.. From page 8 tasked with identifying these villages. These, he noted will be utility scale installations rather than roof top solar, to ensure entire villages are powered. It is anticipated that 4 megawatts of power will be achieved from that project. Total investment in renewable energy since 2017 has amounted to some US$7.7Million. Patterson said that the attention on renewable energy had been the focus of the administration from day one and is being viewed as a pillar of a green economy. LEGAL NOTICE cont’d SCHEDULE Plot ‘Well Site’ being a portion of Lot 42 (b) Section ‘A’ Eldorado or Lot No. 50 West Coast Berbice, Guyana as laid down and defined on a plan by L.L Rutherford Sworn Land Surveyor, Dated 17th day of October, 2016, and recorded in Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission on the 21st October, 2016 as plan number 65220 Dated New Amsterdam, Berbice This 4th day of April, 2018 MEMORANDUM The address and service of the Petitioner is at its place of business at Vlissengen Road & Church Street, Bel Air, Georgetown, Demerara.
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 09, 2018
Car runs off Harbour Bridge retractor span onto pontoon
This was the highly unusual situation at the Demerara Harbour Bridge after 6pm yesterday. The car reportedly came off the ramp at the retractor span too fast and slid over the side onto a pontoon, fortunately. No one was reportedly hurt. (Gordon Moseley photo)
CARICOM Secretary General tells ... From page 3 Dr. Justin Ram urged that the major focus should be on implementation. He added that new ways of working and a greater level of accountability needed to be found to tackle the implementation deficit. There also needs to be planning laboratories, and plans and budgets had to be communicated to the regional populace to elicit feedback and buy-in, he underscored. Panels throughout the day examined matters such as what the CSME objectives and priorities should be and the private sector and labour. Today’s consultation will focus on free movement of persons and public awareness. The findings and recommendations from the consultation are intended to be con-
Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves
Former Jamaica Prime Minister, Bruce Golding
sidered by the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) and also to inform the review of the CSME being undertaken by the
CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government which will continue in a Special Session at its upcoming meeting next month.
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Eleven sexual offence cases out of 23... From page 21 Tuesday 5th June, 2018 with Madam Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, Justice Sandil Kissoon and Justice James Bovell-Drakes. 223 cases have been listed to be heard. During the months January to May, the office of the DPP appeared in 22 cases in the Guyana Court of Appeal. The State was represented by Assistant DPP Teshana Lake, Assistant DPP Diana O’Brien, Assistant DPP Dionne McCammon, Senior State Counsel Stacy Goodings, Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer, State Counsel Shawnette Austin and State Counsel Seeta Bishundial. Of these 22 matters, three Appellants were allowed their appeals and had their convictions and sentences set aside and the charge for murder was substituted with the lesser offence of manslaughter. Two had their sentences varied to 20 years each while the other one had 12 years imprisonment imposed. Four other appellants had their appeals allowed in part to appeal against their sen-
tences which varied from 25 years to 18 years, 31 years to 24 years, 24 to 22 years and four years to one year imprisonment. Four other appellants had their Applications to Appeal against conviction and sentences dismissed. One other appellant had his appeal against his sentence for Causing Death by Dangerous Driving dismissed; however based on the aggravating factors, the Court of Appeal substituted the sentence with a $300,000 fine. There were six applications for bail pending appeal; of these six, three applications were granted while the other three were denied. One matter was struck out because the Court of Appeal ruled it was a matter for the full Court. Two matters were withdrawn. Meanwhile, in one other matter the Court did not convene because the convict who was sentenced to 76 years imprisonment for the offence of murder and had appealed against his conviction, committed suicide by
hanging. Counsel for the respondent and appellant were informed of this by the Registrar of the Court. The Demerara Full Court sat 11 times during the months February to May. Deputy DPP Sonia Joseph, Senior State Counsel Stacy Goodings, Senior State Counsel Natasha Backer, Assistant DPP Dionne McCammon, State Counsel Shawnette Austin and State Counsel Orinthia Schmidt appeared in matters for the offences of Causing Death By Death Driving, Possession of Narcotics for the Purpose of Trafficking, Driving A Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol, Disorderly Behaviour and Driving A Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol, Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm and Felonious Wounding. The Full Court granted five Applications to appeal against convictions and sentences. Four other appellants had their Applications to Appeal dismissed while two Applications to Appeal were withdrawn.
Saturday June 09, 2018
Chief Justice dismisses PPP challenge ... From page 7 reasons at common law, and that the cases demonstrate that the courts will interfere only where bad reasons have been given. The CJ however ruled that the President ought to have and should have given reasons for his rejection of the third list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition in order to have properly sought to activate the proviso. As it relates to the third issue, the court reminded that the Respondent submitted that the President did, in his final letter dated October 19, 2017 to the Leader of the Opposition disclose certain factors upon which the reasonable or rational exercise of his discretion was based, in resorting to the proviso, being that it was done in the “public interest” and to avoid “further delay”. “The reasons of “public interest” and to avoid “further delay” serve to explain why the President may have sought to resort to the proviso and the appointment of Justice Patterson as Chairman of GECOM having rejected the third list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition as being unacceptable. I therefore conclude that these reasons cannot be referable to explaining the unacceptability of the list and I therefore hold that in effect no reasons for rejection of the third list were given,” the Chief Justice said. In examining the fourth issue, the Chief Justice referred to a framework provided by the President in the letter dated March 14, 2017 to the Leader of the Opposition by using information about the third list of persons according to their curriculum vitae.
She said that the persons on the third list included Major General (Rtd) Joseph Singh, Mr. Teni Housty, Mr. Sanjiv Datadin, Ms. Annette Arjoon, Mr. Onesi LaFleur and Mr. Krishndat Persaud, all make up both the judicial and non-judicial category. GROUNDS CHALLENGING APPOINTMENT The Chief Justice said that the applicant’s arguments that Patterson was not fit and proper for the post because he was a pall bearer at a “political segment” of the late President Desmond Hoyte’s funeral lacked clarity in what is meant by the term political segment. “This objection is disingenuous and may even be considered ludicrous, suggesting as it does that paying respect to a departed colleague, friend of relative would mean that one subscribes to the political views and affiliation of the deceased.” According to her, the applicant in the form of an exhibit submitted that Khemraj Ramjattan, then member of the PPP, at the time of Mr. Hoyte’s funeral, was also a pall bearer. She added that Mr. (Bharrat) Jagdeo, now Leader of the Opposition and then President of Guyana, also made remarks at the funeral. In this regard, the CJ noted that it was difficult to see how the applicant could seek to use this example, but suffice it to say that Justice Patterson was or is affiliated with the PNC. She further said the applicant’s arguments that Justice Patterson was not fit and proper because he misrepresented his appointment as Chief Justice
in Grenada on his curriculum vitae could not stand, since she was provided with exhibits to support that Justice Patterson served as acting Chief Justice in the island nation. “This evidence does indicate that Justice Patterson acted in such capacity, which is not dissimilar from person who acted as Chief Justice and Chancellor in Guyana for more than a decade—a notorious fact.” The Chief Justice also ruled that the appointment could not be dismissed on the grounds that Patterson was an Advisor to the Government and a Christian activist because several persons on all three lists submitted by the Opposition Leader possessed those same qualities. “Similarly, Mr. LaFleur, a nominee on the third list, has been a pastor and had held a senior position within his church. The Applicant himself has cast a shadow on Mr. LaFleur’s suitability by labeling Justice Patterson, who appears to have significantly less experience in religious bodies and work, as a Christian activist and thus unsuitable for the post of Chairman of GECOM, “the CJ added.In addressing a submission on behalf of the Applicant which relies on a quote from Marcel Gaskin V AG et al, where the CJ stated that although a person may be fit and proper person to be appointed, he/she may nevertheless be unacceptable because it may be known that the person is not in the best of health or is otherwise unable to stand the rigours of being Chairman of GECOM, the Court noted that the Applicant adduced no evidence to substantiate that Justice Patterson was in such a position.
Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
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New Zealand make the highest ODI total of all time ESPNcricinfo - New Zealand women amassed 490 for 4 - the highest total in all ODI cricket - to smash records and Ireland women at the YMCA Cricket Club in Dublin. They threatened to break the 500-run barrier when they were 471 for 4 in 49 overs. Seventeen-year-old Amelia Kerr - the fourth New Zealand batsman to cross 50 - drove the first two balls of the last over through extra cover for fours. She followed it with another four to the long-on boundary, but could manage only seven off the last three balls. In response, Ireland folded for 144 in 35.3 overs as New Zealand secured the fourth-biggest win in women’s ODIs - by 346 runs. They achieved the biggest win - by 408 runs - when they ran up 455 for 5, the previous highest total in ODIs, in
Christchurch in 1997. Ireland will also be concerned about Isobel Joyce, who did not bat in the chase after bumping her head on the ground while fielding. She had bowled just one over in the first innings. It was captain Suzie Bates and No. 3 Maddy Green who set the tone for New Zealand’s mammoth score with quickfire centuries - 151 off 94 balls and 121 off 77 balls respectively. Bates and debutant Jess Watkin started with a blistering 172-run opening partnership off 18.5 overs at a run rate of 9.13. The stand ended when Rachel Delaney, a substitute fielder, pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at deep square leg to dismiss Watkin for 62 off 59 balls. Bates, who was on 89 off 59 balls then, went on to score her 10th ODI hundred, off only 71 balls. Only Australia
captain Meg Lanning (11) has more ODI centuries than Bates. She reached the landmark when she tucked legspinner Gaby Lewis to the leg side for a single and got a hug from team-mate Green in the middle. In the next over, Bates was reprieved on 113 when Louise Little dropped a return catch that went high. Bates further added 38 to her tally before 17-year-old legspinner Cara Murray, also making her ODI debut, drew Bates out of her crease and had her stumped in the 30th over, and New Zealand were 288 for 2. Murray also dismissed Amy Satterthwaite, but ended up conceding 119 runs - the worst figures in all ODIs. Three other bowlers Lewis, Little, and Lara Maritz - gave away 92 runs each while new-ball bowler Amy Kenealy went for 81 in nine
Saturday June 09, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Generosity is one of your best qualities, Aries. You have the uncanny ability to give without expecting anything in return, and you gain a great deal of power and light from this generosity. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Every once in a while everyone must analyze his or her life. But you tend to be too pessimistic when you ponder yours. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You'll have to use a cunning strategy today. The day will be tense and delicate. Some of your friends may try to put some pressure on you to obtain certain things. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today, Cancer, you'll become quite introspective and reflect on your life. You probably heard some discouraging news concerning someone close to you, and it could leave you feeling blue. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Have your friends ever told you that you could be a great teacher? At home, you're the one who's talking all the time. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You've been working hard lately and giving a lot of your energy to others, Virgo. Today you're feeling tired. There will be tension in the air throughout the day. You may feel that certain people that you considered friends now disappoint you.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today, Libra, you'll undoubtedly ask yourself a lot of questions. You tend to be rather introverted, and you typically need a great deal of freedom. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) You'll be the savior of the day. Your wisdom and patience will be your best assets today, Scorpio. You'll be of great help to those around you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You shouldn't work as hard as you do. You might have a lot of energy, but your body needs to rest from time to time. There is more to life than work. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You'll be lost in your thoughts today, Capricorn. The celestial atmosphere is right for enabling you to ponder a frustrating aspect of your life. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) People around you might have been expecting a bit more cooperation on your part. You could be nicer and more concerned about their needs. It seems that you've been ill-tempered recently. You like acting this way occasionally. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If it were up to you, you'd rather stay in bed reading than confront the world. Deep inside, however, you know you need to socialize. You feel that you can't be left out of society.
Suzie Bates and Maddy Green get together. (Sportsfile/Sebdaly) overs. The loss of Bates did not slow down New Zealand. Green, whose previous best ODI score was 46, smoked her maiden international century off 62 balls, while Kerr scored an unbeaten 81 off 45 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. Kerr added 76 for the fifth wicket in 38 balls to bring her side to within 10 runs of 500. Notably, this match was played on the same pitch where New Zealand had chased down 137 in 11 overs without losing a wicket on Wednesday. Seamer Hannah Rowe made light work of Ireland’s openers before offspinner Leigh Kasperek ran through the middle and lower order with career-best figures of 4 for 17. She had dismissed captain Laura Delany (37) and
Thiem ends... From page 28 to break serve.Thiem’s massive forehand allowed him to race into a 5-2 lead in the tiebreak. But the Austrian got nervous and wasted several set points, one of them when he shanked a routine volley at 64. “When I missed that volley it wasn’t a very nice feeling. It was destructive a little bit,” Thiem, who won two claycourt tournaments this season, said. His huge serve helped him to save set points too and he finally gained the upper hand to take a two-set lead. Thiem went for the jugular in the third set and after racing to a 4-0 lead in double quick, he finished off the job to reach his first Grand Slam final.
Jennifer Gray (35) - the only two Ireland batsmen to pass 20. The entire Ireland side managed only 18 boundaries while Bates alone hit 26.
Scores: New Zealand women 490 for 4 (Bates 151, Green 121, Kerr 81*) beat Ireland women 144 (Delany 37, Kasperek 4-17) by 346 runs.
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Kaieteur News
Minister Norton visits LABA/YBG Linden Regional ailing sports journalist U-19 schools basketball bounces off today at MSC hard court
Minister Dr. George Norton greets former Sports journalist Rene Stoby. Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. George Norton greeting former Sports journalist Rene Stoby. DPI, Guyana - Former sports journalist Rene Stoby who is battling a mystery illness was visited yesterday by Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. George Norton. Stoby’s illness has made it difficult for him to walk or speak so he wrote on a note pad addressing the minister: “I guess you would not be watching the World Cup at 704,” reminiscing on the times they would be at the popular bar. Norton brought medical, dietary and hygienic supplies
to the Beterverwagting home of Stoby’s mother Joanie James who takes care of him on a daily basis. “I am happy that I am seeing him alive… I do hope that this is not the end and because of the nature of these sicknesses, the neurological disorder or a disorder in the nerve component, they always have some devastating event on the life of the patient and this is a similar situation that we have here,” Norton noted.James said her son’s condition continues to get worse. The sum of US$10,000 is needed for Stoby to travel
to the United States for treatment. However, only about US$4,000 has been raised thus far. A GoFundMe account has since been set up at www.gofundme.com/raisingfor-rene. Stoby started to experience muscle spasms in 2016 while he was employed as a journalist at the Guyana Times. The spasms were extremely painful and eventually he was forced to leave the job. Two years on and doctors are yet to diagnose the illness since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been ruled out.
Thiem ends fearless Cecchinato’s run to reach French Open final PARIS (Reuters) - Austrian Dominic Thiem’s rise to the top continued when he ended unheralded Italian Marco Cecchinato’s run to reach the final of the French Open with a 7-5 7-6(10) 6-1 win yesterday. The seventh seed, the first Austrian man to reach a Grand Slam final since Thomas Muster triumphed at Roland Garros in 1995, will take on either Argentine fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro or 10-times champion Rafael Nadal. Cecchinato, the world number 72, played fearlessly and used his whole arsenal of claycourt weapons, but he came up short against the only player to beat Nadal on his favorite surface this season. The 24-year-old Thiem, the youngest man since Nadal to reach the final in Paris, ended the contest on his first match point with a fore-
hand winner. “Maybe the experience helped a little bit but the big key was the second set tiebreak because it was very close and I saved I think three set points,” said Thiem. “If lost that tiebreak it would have been a very close match I think and I didn’t want that. “Of course it’s very important to have a good recovery now. I’ll watch the other semi-final to study... my opponent and then it’s full power on Sunday.” Cecchinato, who was suspended for match-fixing in 2016 before being cleared on a technicality, proved to be no pushover even though he had never won a match at a major before this year’s French Open. NERVES SETTLED Thiem was the aggressor early on and he broke in the
first game before holding to love for a 2-0 lead. Cecchinato’s nerves settled and the Sicilian unleashed some trademark backhand winners but Thiem had too much pace and power. Cecchinato mixed it up with drop shots and gradually found his range to set up three break points at 4-3, which Thiem saved thanks to his strong first serve. The Austrian netted an easy volley to give another opportunity to Cecchinato, which he seized, forcing his opponent to a backhand error. Thiem sent Cecchinato scurrying around the court before breaking decisively for a 6-5 lead with a lovely forehand winner. He then held serve to bag the first set.The second set turned into a tight tactical battle with neither able (Continued on page 27)
The Linden Amateur Basketball Association will bounce off its Schools Under19 Basketball championship this afternoon with a triple header which will see the contesting schools in action on day one at the Mackenzie sports Club hard court. After clinching a sponsorship deal with Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) to ensure that the tournament which should have been played during the Linden Town Week, but failed to attract sponsors, Youth Basketball Guyana jumped to the LABA’s assistance and plugged in a monetary award with the championship trophy, two basketballs and a pair of nets to ensure it was staged. As this deal was made on Thursday, Banks DIH also came on board and will supply refreshments for the players and officials as the Mackenzie Sports Club Committee of Management also gave permission to have the tournament held after some fruitful deliberations with the club’s top brass at very short notice. Youth Basketball Guyana Director Chris Bowman said he was also willing to give assistance towards helping the youth basketball develop and noted the role of the associations are central to helping the sport regionally. Bowman remarked: “They can scout new players from such a tournament. We would anticipate persons from clubs would step up to work with these schools players as coach or assistant coach as there are many areas in which they can give assistance,” as he pledged his organisations continued support for youth basketball development. The LABA’s Secretary, Joseph Chapman, who received the donation, was in high praise of Youth Basketball Guyana. He said as soon as it became necessary to find a major sponsor Youth Basketball Guyana rendered the necessary assistance and for this the LABA is respectful of their role in
Joseph Chapman (right) collects part of the sponsorship package from YBG’s Chris Bowman. furthering the promotion of the sport among youths. He said as always Banks DIH also came and agreed to refresh the players during the championship which will be staged with triple headers the first three playing days due to the time frame for which they are working to produce the top three teams for the grand YBG National Basketball Festival in Georgetown from June 24, two days after the final of the Linden Regional tournament is played. When the tournament continues next Monday and Wednesday, there will also have three matches played and after that it will be double features, Chapman said. Beverage giants Banks DIH has also thrown in its support for the LABA Secondary Schools Basketball competition with their Powerade and aqua mist water for the players for which Secretary Chapman said he was grateful as Banks DIH continues to be a strong supporter to their tournaments. The cooperation given by the Regional Education Office was also a factor to
have the tournament played Chapman said as they were quick to give it their blessings. The Linden Regionals has to be played within a two week period with eight playing days. This begins this afternoon when at 13.00hrs Mackenzie High face Christianburg Wismar Secondary and that will be followed by the Harmony Secondary versus Linden Technical Institute at 14.30hrs with the third game featuring New Silvercity Secondary against Wisburg at 16.00hrs. Action continues on Monday and Wednesday with more triple headers after which it will be double headers almost every other day, until the tournament final is played the following Friday June 22 at the tournament venue the MSC hard court. Chapman said it must be encouraging that the MSC Management Committee also saw the need for the championship and made the venue available for the tournament’s duration which signals their commitment to promote sports also among the school children.
Pre-Father’s Day football competition Shootout and Football com- cash prizes will be at stake. The Cash prize is sponfor teams in the area on tomorrow petition which includes Better Hope, sored by Big Pop Habeed, Carry Tomorrow, from 08:30hrs at the Vryheid’s Lust playfield, the South Turkeyen Sports Committee and Black Stallion Football Club will host a pre-Father’s Day five-a-side Penalty
Vryheid’s Lust, Sophia and Plaisance among others. Teams are allowed a maximum of six players and they will pay a pittance of $3,000 to enter into the competition where trophies, medals and
Cargo and the Region Four Democratic Council, while the trophies will be provided by Tent City, Trophy Stall Bourda Market and the medals are sponsored Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell and Family.
Saturday June 09, 2018
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Dolphin Swim Speed Club claims Sea Otters Inter Club title Dolphin Speed Swim Club chalked up 445 points the emerge champions of the Sea Otters Inter Club meet which was held recently at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliedaal. Sea Otters placed second with 433 points ahead of Dorado Speed Swim Club 427, Orca Speed Swim Club 232, Silver Shark Aquatic Swim Club 173 and Torpedo Swim Club on 155. Shafeerah Lewis, Ricardo Spencer, Ariel Rodrigues, Jeron Sookram, Noel Raekwon were among her outstanding swimmers with Lewis winning the girls 8 and under 50m backstroke in a time of 43.53, while Spencer claimed the boys equivalent in 54.91. Rodrigues won the girls 9-10 50m backstroke in 40.10 before Sookram claimed the boys 9-10 50 m backstroke in 43.22. The girls 11-12 50m backstroke was taken by Aleka Persaud in 34.30, Rakewon captured the boys 11-12 50m backstroke in 33.11, Donna Carter claimed the girls 13-14 50m backstroke in 43.41 and Leon Seaton Jr carted off the boys 13-14 50m backstroke in 30-46. The girls 15 and over 50m backstroke was taken by Xiomara Getrouw in 30.88, while Daniel Scott claimed the boys 15 and over 50m backstroke in 30.26. Lewis registered another win the girls 8
Outstanding swimmers with their hardware following the presentation. and under 50m breaststroke in 53.05, Eon Mc Clean won the boys 50m breaststroke in 1:03.50 while Kayla Hardy claimed the girls 9-10 50m breaststroke in 43.11. Micah Chichester took the top podium spot in the girls 9-10 50m breaststroke in 44.55, while Aleka Persaud claimed the girls 11-12 50m breaststroke in 39.47 and Raekwon took the boys 11-
12 50m breaststroke in 38.06. The girls 13-14 50m breaststroke was won by Sifia Pinol in 42.93 while Leon Seaton won the boys equivalent in 35.69. Jamila Sanmoogan won the girls 15 and over 50m breaststroke in 31.65; Daniel Scott claimed the boys 15 and over 50m breaststroke in 31.65. Veronica Persaud won the girls 8 and under 25m freestyle
in 25.50, Eli Gouveia won the boys 8 and under 25m freestyle in 23.08, Neveah Brower carted off the girls 910 25m freestyle in 21.47, Harry Robinson claimed the boys 9-10 50m freestyle in 19.18 Janaisi Nurse won the girls 11-12 25m freestyle in 25.97, Timothy Souvenir claimed the boys 11-12 25m freestyle in 19.86 while Ariel Rodrigues took the girls 9-10
ExxonMobil U-14 football tourney kicks off today The ExxonMobil boys’ and girls’ under-14 football competition begins this morning with the March Past and action in the boys’ division from 10:00hrs at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground on CARIFESTA Avenue. Marian Academy will play Uitvlugt, Dolphin Sec-
ondary come against Ann’s Grove, Bishops playing Annandale, Carmel against Ve rg e n o e g e n a n d N e w Campbellville face Brickdam. In the second half of the opening day, Tucville will play Queenstown Secondary, Chase will battle St John’s College, North Ruimveldt will
See below the complete fixtures for today’s play. 6/9/2018 11:00 hrsTutorial 11:00 hrsMarian Academy 11:50 hrsDolphin Secondary 11:50 hrsCharlestown Secondary 12:40 hrsBishop High School 12:40 hrsCarmel Secondary School 13:30 hrsNew Campbellville 13:30 hrsTucville 14:20 hrsChase Academy 14:20 hrsNorth Riumveldt Multi 15:10 hrsEast Riumveldt 15:10 hrsKingstown
match skills with School of the Nations, East Ruimveldt will come against St George’s and Kingstown will contest South Ruimveldt in the final opening round match. Troy Mendonca who is Co-director of the organisers, Petra, noted that with the smaller number of female teams (which adds to eight as
compared to the 24 male teams), their competition would not start until the third week of action. In this space, he posited, the Guyana Football Federation will conduct some training for the females and courses for their coaches in an attempt to fine tune everyone skills.
Round 1 Ministry of Education Ground vs Buxton Youth Development vs Uitvlugt Secondary vs Friendship Secondary vs Ann’s Grove vs Annandale Secondary vs Vergenoegen Secondary vs Brickdam Secondary vs Queens Town Secondary vs St Johns vs School of the Nation Secondary vs St Georges Secondary vs South Ruimveldt Secondary
Match # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
100m freestyle in 1:16.10 and Jeron Sookram carted off the boys 9-10 100m freestyle in 1:17.46. Ethan Gonsalves claimed the boys 11-12 100m freestyle in 1:03.29; Donna Carter claimed the girls 13-14 100m freestyle in 1:08.93 and Leon Seaton won the boys 1314 100m freestyle in 57.69. Jamila Sanmoogan took the top podium spot in the girls 15 and over 100m
freestyle in 1:05.12 while Daniel Scott claimed the boys equivalent in 56.49. Aleka Persaud won the girls 11-12 50m butterfly in 31.25, Raekwon claimed the boys 11-12 50m butterfly in 32.11, while Leon Seaton carted off the boys 13-14 50m butterfly in 28.62. Nikita Fiedtkou won the girls 15 and over backstroke and 100m freestyle.
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
GPF ‘B’ Division renders Juicy Juice / EBF A U13 League EBFA assistance to family of young unveiled cyclist Beyonce Ross
The trophies and medals at stake.
Superintendent DeHearte (left) and other ranks along with members of the young athlete’s family. The Guyana Police Force ‘B’ Division led by Deputy Commander, Superintendent Wayne DeHearte and Community Relations Officer, Inspector Margaret Grosvenor yesterday, rendered financial assistance to the family of 15-year-old cyclist Beyonce Ross of Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice. Ross, a three-time junior gold medalist at the National School Championship was
April last, was diagnosed with a non-malignant (cancerous) brain tumor at the center of the brain. Superintendent DeHearte in making the donation at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation comforted the mother of Ross, Yonette Clarke and urged her to be strong during this period; he also urged her to continue praying for prayers can move mountains. Ms. Clarke, a mother of
five, thanked the Guyana Police Force for this kind gesture and urged the Force to pray for her only daughter because; “God can make miracles happen” and “if Lazarus could have been risen then my only daughter can be healed.” The financial assistance was made possible by Commander ‘B’ Division, Assistant Commissioner Lyndon Alves and the ranks under his command.
Sureia Manufacturing under the popular Juicy Juice brand has partnered with the East Bank Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( E B FA ) t o sponsor the association’s Under-13 League which will kick off shortly. Yesterday, at the sponsors Eccles, Industrial Site headquarters, CEO and Founder, Frank Sanichara, in the presence of Brand Manager Selwyn Bobb, EBFA President Franklin Wilson, Secretary Wayne Francois and Executive Committee Member Devnon Winter expressed delight at being associated with the EBFA through sponsorship of the U13 League. ”We’re happy to be part of this process and to be a sponsor of this football competition especially for kids.” Having been approached by Wilson to get on board, Sanichara said that he had no hesitation in getting on board noting that his company’s pleasure in giving back to kids.
”One of the things is that it is important for, not only my company but other companies to be involved in youth development. I must compliment the EBFA for the work that they have been doing. By doing this we can always keep the kids busy and keep them away from the streets, from drugs and at the same time they’ll be able to live a much healthier life. Juicy Juice has also been a very popular brand and we are happy that the company has joined with us and the East Bank Footb a l l A s s o c i a t i o n . I t ’s a 100% juice so there is no added sugar and there is much more benefits for kids to be using Juicy Juice.” The young businessman also stated that it is important to promote healthy products for kids: “Diabetes has been an epidemic not only in Guyana but around the world and I would like to see kids using much healthier products.” Wilson extended thanks
to Sureia and Juicy Juice for accepting the association’s offer to play a part in the development of the youths who will be ultimately aiming to don national colours in the future. ”I know for a fact that they are going to love this tournament, as you would have noticed that the trophies are huge by U13 standards. We want to encourage persons along the East Bank to support juicy juice because the more you support, the more the company would be able to give back not only to east bank football but to football beyond the shores of east bank.” The top four teams would be rewarded with the top three receiving medals. The Most Valuable P l a y e r, H i g h e s t G o a l Scorer, Best Goalkeeper and Best Coach would also be rewarded. More details on the competing teams, rules, venue and fixtures would be released in the new week.
MILO Football Skills Tournament on today at Police ground
The senior Police officers and members of Beyonce Ross’ family offer a word of prayer for the young lady.
In 2016 FC Barcelona and NESTLÉ MILO® officially announced a 4year sponsorship deal. The agreement is based on a shared vision to promote healthier lifestyles through physical activity among children, especially during their foundation years, 7 to 12 years old. Through the partnership, these two wellknown brands will conduct a series of initiatives across Asia, Oceania, Africa and Latin America, with the aim of impacting over 22 million
youngsters. In GUYANA, NESTLÉ Caribbean Inc hosted the MILO® Football Skills Tournament as one of its initiatives to advance this mission. The first installment was hosted in August 2017 and saw participation of over 160 kids from Guyana vying for the top spot of the tournament for the grand prize of a trip to the Barca Academy in Barcelona Spain. The kids were drilled on various skillset and who scored the highest points secured the grand
prize. This year the event will be held today, Saturday 9th June, 2018 at the Police Sports Club ground, Eve Leary from 9:00am. The young footballers (boys and girls) between the ages of 7-12 years old will be judged on the following skillsets: passing, dribbling, composure, running and control. All winners must be 12 years old or younger as at December 31st 2018 and must be available to attend the training camp in October, 2018.
Saturday June 09, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Audacious Powell helps Windies dominate SL PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Kieran Powell’s audacious, unbeaten half-century underlined West Indies’ dominance of Sri Lanka yesterday’s day three, as the hosts installed themselves as heavy favourites to win the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval. Starting the day with the upper hard, West Indies bowlers remained clinical to bundle Sri Lanka out for a paltry 185, and secure a healthy first innings lead of 229 runs. The left-handed Powell then hammered an elegant 64 to propel the Windies to 131 for four at the close, an overall lead of 360 heading into today’s penultimate day. Powell faced 80 balls in nearly two hours at the crease, stroking six delight fours and two sixes, as West Indies turned the screws on Sri Lanka leaving them with a mountain to climb to save the encounter. The Windies bowlers had earlier maintained the advantage, taking the last seven Sri Lanka wickets to fall for the addition of 154 runs. Starting the day on 31 for three, Sri Lanka found themselves in further turmoil in the morning’s third over when Roshen Silva was bowled off his pads by seamer Kemar Roach (2-34) after adding four to his overnight one. Tottering on 43 for four and in need of a partnership, the visitors found salvation in a 78-run, fifth wicket stand between captain Dinesh Chandimal who top-scored with 44 and wicketkeeperbatsman Niroshan Dickwella who made 31. The right-handed Chandimal was circumspect
West Indies left-hander Kieran Powell drives during his unbeaten 64 yesterday’s third day of the opening Test. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)
throughout, counting five fours in an innings lasting 121 balls and nearly three hours while Dickwella, a left-hander, struck three boundaries in a 79-ball knock. Chandimal appeared set to take his side safely to lunch when he slashed at the first ball of the final over before the break from Shannon Gabriel (2-48), and gave Roston Chase an easy chesthigh catch at point. On 125 for five at the interval, Sri Lanka were not afforded the chance to rebuild on the resumption, as they lost their last five wickets for 60 runs. Dickwella hesitated over a sharp single and was run out about half-hour after the break by Kraigg Brathwaite’s direct throw from mid-on at 140 for six, and Rangana
Herath (5) survived 15 balls before tugging a short ball from fast bowler Miguel Cummins to substitute Shimron Hetmyer at midwicket. Dilruwan Perera was snared by Shai Hope at short leg off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for 20 before Cummins, who finished with three for 39, claimed the last two wickets as Sri Lanka’s innings closed 25 minutes before the scheduled tea interval. With West Indies opting not to enforce the follow on, openers Devon Smith (20) and Kraigg Brathwaite (16) put on 36 for the first wicket, though neither suggested permanence. Veteran Smith struck three fours in a 30-ball innings but was out in dis-
appointing circumstances. He enjoyed a huge slice of luck when he was bowled off a no-ball by Suranga Lakmal but then played on to the very next ball, driving at a wide, innocuous delivery. Brathwaite was caught by wicketkeeper Dickwella diving in front of first slip, after edging a punch off the back foot at enterprising pacer Lahiru Kumara (2-28), leaving West Indies on 55 for two. And Shai Hope followed cheaply for one one with the total on 75, brilliantly caught by Kusal Mendis jumping high at second slip, off Kumara. Powell counter-attacked, however, unfurling an array of pristine off-side drives as he put on 44 for the
fourth wicket with Roston Chase (12), to stem the fall of wickets. Taking a liking to Kumara, Powell twice stroked the rightarmer for boundaries in one over before top-edging a pull over the keeper’s head for six, a few overs later. He moved into the 40s
with an immaculate straight drive off the same bowler before smashing off-spinner Dilruwan Perera for a straight six, to raise his fifth Test halfcentury off just 59 balls. Powell lose Chase for 12 near the close, bowled by one from left-arm spinner Herath which kept low.
Bounty Farm XVs GDF play Caribs today for title The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) will have an action packed weekend as they conclude their 2017 season and kick-off their 2018 season subsequently. The ever exciting Bounty Farm 15’s tournament will close off the season with Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Caribs 15s going head to head this afternoon from 16:30hrs. A likely win today for second place GDF against table stragglers Caribs will allow the army men to retain their 15s title. Unofficially, they are second with 31 points, while Panthers are in the lead with 33 points. On Sunday, the Hornets and the Panthers will scrum to commence the 2018 Bounty 15s League.The action will continue the following weekend with Panthers and Caribs clashing on Saturday, June 16 and GDF and Hornets going head to head on Sunday, June 17.After a break, play will resume on the weekend of July 7 and
8, with Hornets and Falcons facing off first on the Saturday and then rivalry between GDF and the Panthers will be fueled with their clash on the Sunday.Moreover, the GRFU has announced their training schedule as it leads up to their international engagements. The national 7s and 15s teams training will kick-off on July 14. While the 7s team departs on July 28, the 15s team will continue their preparations until their departure on August 22. Training sessions will run into September, so as to keep players fit for their Rugby Americas North (RAN) Sevens Championships slated for September 22 and 23 in B a r b a d o s . The GRFU has three international engagements, inclusive of the Casco games from July 29 to August 4 in Barranquilla, Colombia; then Americas Rugby challenge from August 25 to September 2.
A line up during a Guyana Defence Force (Green) and Pepsi Hornets game on last month at the National Park Rugby field.
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Saturday June 09, 2018
Kaieteur News
South American Games
Baird resets national record as Guyana cop five medals
Leslain Baird on the podium before receiving his silver medal for the Javelin throw event. Leslain Baird set a new national record of 79 meters en route to earning a silver medal in the Javelin throw event on Thursday at the South American Games being held in Cochabamba, Bolivia. He was tied for second with Argentina’s Braian Toledo with the winner from Colombia, Arley Ibarguen throwing 80m.
Guyana’s medal count remained at five following the penultimate day of the Games with Winston George placing fifth in the men’s 200m final on Thursday after snaring a bronze medal a day earlier in the 400m event. The national 400m record holder narrowly missed gold in 45.67s, just off the Brazil’s Lucas Carvalho’s winning time of 45.61s and silver
Guyana’s bronze medalist Jenea McCammon (right) along with winner Genesis Fernandez of Colombia (centre) and Peru’s Diana Alava on the podium after receiving their 100m hurdles medals. medalist, Yilmar Madera (45.64s) of Colombia on Wednesday. Other medalists for Guyana’s 11 member contingent included hurdler Jenea McCammon along with boxers, Keevin Allicock and Colin ‘Superman’ Lewis who all finished with bronze. McCammon won her bronze medal in
13.39s in the women’s 100m hurdles. She was led by fellow podium dwellers, Genesis Fernandez (13.08s) of Colombia and Peru’s Diana Alava (13.36s). Boxers, Allicock (bantamweight) and Lewis (light welterweight) also earned bronze medals for the Golden Arrowhead after losing their respective semi-final bouts.
Annual Independence NSC Swim Meet for PWDs
St Barnabas Special School produce special perforce to take C/Ships A much larger turn out than last year cheered on the young swimmers with disabilities yesterday as the National Sports Commission (NSC) Annual Independence Swim Meet for Persons with Disabilities (PWD) at the Colgrain Pool yesterday with St. Barnabas Special School emerging as Champion team. It was a wonderful day for the ‘Special Needs” Children from five schools as they engaged in keen competition in the pool and the delight of the winners was a sight to behold. Instilling self confidence in differently abled Children is critical in their mental development and yesterday event went a long way in accomplishing that. When Director of Sport Mr. Christopher Jones presented the 2017 PWD ‘Woman of the Year’ Award to Faithe King of St. Barnabas, she received a standing ovation from the vocal teachers and parents present. After the meet, the Organsiers expressed satisfaction with the Level of participation and informed that more schools participated this year with St Barnabas Special School dominating; with five
Faith King from St. Barnabas was presented with the Sports Woman of the Year PWD Award 2017 from Director of Sport Mr. Christopher Jones (left). Gold, four Silver and five Bronze Medals. King was outstanding for the Champion School copping a Gold and a Silver, while Rohit Lowtan, with a couple of Gold Medals for Open Doors and Davena Nauth who had two Gold Medals for St Barnabas Special School were the outstanding Swim-
mers yesterday. Diamond Special School with three Gold, four Silver and five Bronze Medals finished second to St. Barnabas Special School. Gifted Hands (1 Gold, 5 Silver, 3 Bronze), Open Doors (5 Gold) and HB Davis Special School (1 Gold, 1 Silver) followed in that order. (Sean Devers)
Stephaney Fraser was very vocal during the Girls action yesterday.
Kaieteur News
Saturday June 09, 2018
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UK Software firm 1E supports cricket clubs Former national middle distance star Waveney Benn was once again instrumental in getting the support of UK firm 1E to contribute to the development of sport in her homeland Guyana. Benn, who dominated the local scene in the late seventies and early eighties, before migrating to the UK, has been making the annual pilgrimage to give back to young athletes, but this time she has ventured into other disciplines as well. On Wednesday last, Benn, who represented Guyana with distinction at the regional level, made a timely donation to representatives of two cricket clubs, the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) and the Malteenoes Cricket Club (MSC) with the main objective being the further development of young players. DCC was represented by former West Indies and Guyana all-rounder Roger Harper, while MSC’s Shawn Holder was the recipient on the club’s behalf. The former middle distance star has over the years contributed significantly to athletics and even though she emphatically stated that she has not abandoned her sport of choice, the urge to support
other disciplines on this particular trip was too overwhelming to resist. “No I have not abandoned track & field this is the sport that did a lot for me, but I just felt that this was the time to offer my support to other disciplines and I decided to solicit the assistance of my employer 1E and fellow staffers so I’m here today to present cricket bats to the two clubs that were recommended to me,” Benn said. This is not the first time that the UK Software firm 1E has supported Benn in her endeavour and according to her; CEO Sumir Karayi expressed delight in extending his goodwill once again. Benn also acknowledged the support given by her fellow staffers, who she revealed did not hesitate when asked for their support. “I have an excellent relationship with my Company and Staffers and I would like to extend my gratitude to all of them, especially to Mr. Karayi and Denise Shillito, we are a family.” The easy going Benn disclosed she would always search for ways to give back ever since she left Guyana so whenever the opportunity presents itself for her to
-former national middle distance star instrumental
Former national middle distance star Waveney Benn (centre) poses with fellow staffers and the cricket bats in the UK shortly before she returned to Guyana. return her mission is always to share something. Reflecting on the source of motivation, Benn informed that it stemmed from the fact that during her career she too sometimes did not have the adequate footwear and clothing and she made a promise to help poor athletes so that their talent would not go to waste.
However, she insisted that the ones she really loves to help are those who portray the right attitude and commitment because they remind her of her own approach and dedication to sport. She thanked the Software firm for its timely support and wished that the relationship grow from
The Club reps pose with the donation
strength to strength in the future. The CEO she said was very supportive of her venture and promised to continue assisting her, especially knowing that it is for a good cause. Meanwhile, Harper thanked the track & field star for venturing out of the sport she loves on this occasion to
assist another and this he said says a lot about her, adding that it is indeed a tremendous gesture. Holder in his response echoed similar sentiments, adding that Guyana needs many more Waveney Benns and urged that more overseas-based Guyanese, especially those who have played sports to give back.
rt o p S
Audacious Powell helps Windies dominate SL P. 31
West Indies players celebrate a wicket during the Sri Lankan innings yesterday. (AFP)
Juicy Juice / EBFA U13 League unveiled P. 30
Juicy Juice Rep. Selwayn Bobb (2nd right) hands over the winning trophy to EBFA Secretary Wayne Francois. Others in photo from right are Frank Sanichara, Devnon Winter and Franklin Wilson. 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.