Kaieteur News

Thursday June 01, 2017

This economist is mediocre and intellectually dishonest DEAR EDITOR, In his debate on 2016/12./ 19, in the National Assembly, on the 2017 Budget, Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Bharrat Jagdeo spoke of a concept he came across called ‘kakonomics.’ He informed the House that if one was to Google the term, one would learn of its golden rule which is: ‘How low can you go’ and that this concept refers to ‘How to be mediocre and be happy with yourself?’ I immediately recalled the foregoing when I saw Mr. Sase Singh’s letter ‘Ministry of Communities violated the law in Mabaruma’ (KN, May 31, 2017). In this letter, Mr. Singh accused me of acting unlawfully in the appointment of the Mayor of Mabaruma. According to Mr. Singh, ‘the PPP won a majority of the votes in Mabaruma (but equal seats).’He goes on further to say that this ‘is clear evidence that this PNC-led Granger government is committed to an anti-democratic course.’ In actuality the PPP obtained 47 % of the votes cast or 687 votes against 53 % or 777 votes for the APNU+AFC Coalition.

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To answer the charge that the administration is antidemocratic, I wish to inform Mr. Singh that following the ties that resulted in 6 NDCs and in the municipality of Mabaruma, the Coalition offered the PPP for resolution utilizing the democratic formula or for chairmanship going to the side obtaining a plurality of votes cast. This would have seen the PPP gaining chairmanship in 4 of the 6 tied councils, one rejected by the PPP/C. In order that these councils not be left headless I was then left with no option but to make my own decision. As for the charge that I acted unlawfully, this matter is before the court and therefore, not for Mr. Singh to pronounce on. Mr. Singh’s letter invokes race in a vile way and unjustifiably seeks to discredit David Granger in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and CEOs of state entities and which I will address in a separate reply. It is obvious that Mr. Singh is either professionally lazy, intellectually dishonest or both. Ronald Bulkan Minister of Communities

Guyana is on the horizon of a transformation in local football DEAR EDITOR, I am not certain if anyone in the local football fraternity has taken time out to chronicle and document the recent historical challenges and progress made by the local football fraternity. It goes without saying how important this is for the reading public especially fans of the sport and those who are involved in football in one way or another to understand and fully appreciate what has and is happening. We have seen that negative politics and self interests in football almost resulted in our disaffiliation from FIFA and we certain do not want a recurrence of this. In this vein I submit my position which follows. Guyana’s has a proud football history; ask any of the old players and members for Pele, Santos, Camptown, etc, and they will all tell you how proud and excited they were to play and be a part of football. Today Guyana’s football development is getting back on track; we’ve had visits by none other than the President of FIFA – a first for Guyana the President of CONCACAF as well as FIFA Development

Director, all of whom publicly expressed great confidence in the work of the current GFF administration and the progress of football development over the past 18 months and counting. In 2012, just 5 years ago FIFA – football’s international governing and highest decision-making body signaled to Guyana that it was prepared to disaffiliate our football programme due to poor administration, governance, corruption and mismanagement. Save for the actual disaffiliation itself or a temporary ban, this is arguably the most disgraceful situation a FIFA affiliated programme can find itself in. Some of the pitfalls experienced over the 2011-14 period are highlighted below: 1. The GFF President in 2011 was fined and banned for “having breached various articles of the FIFA Code of Ethics” according to FIFA. 2. In 2011 FIFA suspended the then GFF General Secretary for 30 days for what it reported as his involvement in a bribery scandal during a meeting which took place in Trinidad and Tobago. 3. Numerous national players went on strike in 2012,

protesting owed wages for matches, continued mismanagement of football development investment resources, corruption and governance of the sport. Things got so bad that from November 2012 to September 2014, Guyana did not play any international matches. 4. In 2012 the rights of Guyana’s home fixture against Mexico were sold; the match venue was moved from Providence on the East Bank to Houston, Texas. The decision to sell our home rights did not go through the proper decisionmaking protocol, neither is there documentation to show that a vote was taken by the then Executive Committee nor that there were minutes of the meeting. The financial details were not documented and the transactions were not recorded. If this was in the best interest of our players and local football, and was above board why it was shrouded in so much secrecy, and further why players are still owed remuneration? The current GFF administration has launched an investigation, into what might actually re-

sult in the investigation going in a direction. 5. Although FIFA earmarked Guyana for the Goal project in 1999, which if implemented by the then and subsequent GFF administrations would have improved playing and training facilities and realized a modern football stadium for Guyana, this project has never been implemented. It was only in April 2017 that the current GFF administration and President of FIFA, participated in a ceremonial sod-turning to signal the commencement of preparation for the new GFF National Training Centre at Providence which is now part of the FIFA Forward project. Fast forward to October 2014 when FIFA and CONCACAF announced that a Normalisation Committee (NC) would govern Guyana’s football programme until September 2015. The NC’s primary responsibilities were to (1) manage the day-to-day activities of the GFF, (2) adopt a new constitution and (3) lay the groundwork and host elections for a new executive. While the NC successfully completed the foregoing Continued on page 6

As a rice farmer with more than half a century of experience I really feel optimistic when this sum for bag of paddy is mentioned. However, when I think about the practicability of such a scenario I always came up with improbabilities. Firstly rice is sold in a perfect market and most times the world price per ton of rice is the determining factor. This is used most times in deciding the price paid per bag of paddy. If preferential markets are secured, and these are extremely limited and are of a short term nature, then a little more per bag of paddy could be paid. At no time would it ever approach near nine thousand dollars per bag! The Petro Carib deal, where there was an exchange of petroleum products for rice was the most lucrative deal rice was ever given. If all the proceeds had

have translated to over five thousand dollars per bag. This was mentioned on TV by a well-known rice miller. At no time was $9000.00 ever mentioned. Even if there was not the large scale looting of this fund by people who are supposed to be the watch-dogs, then this price of nine thousand would have still been an impossibility. A few days ago there was some kind of liquor promotion. Some singer was singing a song mentioning the election promise of $9000 a bag. While the singer was on stage missiles of rotten eggs rained down on the gathering. One, on whose body one egg disintegrated dispersed in a state of pandemonium. To my mind the whole activity was a treacherous act where without authenticity those involved were tarnishing the image of a government. This government must

government who innocently jailed people for prolonged periods without substantial and authentic evidence. The government must take action on those persons who run around the country spouting such filth. As if we need a hammer man! Ask LFSB what he did to yellow man music when the music was used to disturb one of his meetings. No yellow man until this day. Region 2 is a predominantly rice producing area with good quality paddy and high productivity, and so I thought this is the area such news is most likely to originate. I listened to all TV programmes in Region 2 and was a speaker for many APNU

was such misinformation ever uttered. There are a set of disgruntled people who falsely claimed to have voted for the Coalition and want electoral promises to be honoured, including $9000.00 per bag of paddy. These people are on a well-orchestrated mission to restore the former regime to power so that institutionalized corruption which includes looting of the treasury, murder, drugs and other crimes can once again become the order of the day. The restless urge of these people is already destined to a gloomy future. Nazir Mohamed Region 2

DONALD RAMOTAR SENDS GREETING A restless urge to bring back the PPP so corruption can continue DEAR EDITOR, gone to farmers this would take example from the last and AFC meetings and never ON INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY DEAR EDITOR, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to our Guyanese children, here and in the diaspora. I also extend best wishes to children everywhere on the occasion of International Children’s Day. In the twenty-three (23) years that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic was in office saw our children moving rapidly ahead. Education became a right and not a privilege. We achieved universal primary education and we were on the threshold of attaining universal secondary education. We increased not only the quantity of education but also the quality. So much so that we began to produce the top students in the Caribbean. These came from a wide cross section of schools across the country. Today, those gains are being threatened. School fees

are being heavily taxed. Education materials that were duty and VAT free are now being heavily taxes. This would result in falling standards as well as loss of access for thousands of children from the low income bracket. This myopic and callous behavior of this APNU regime would impact heavily on our economy in the near future. This is so because life has shown us that there is a direct connection between education and socio-economic development. All parents and all progressive and democratically inclined persons must stand up to this assault on our future. Let us save and protect our children to ensure our sustained development. Once more, best wishes to children elsewhere. Donald Ramotar Former President

Dem Boys Seh was insulting to Islam DEAR EDITOR, In the “Dem Boys Seh” column in Kaieteur News’ edition of Tuesday, May 30 2017, reference is made to Mr. Irfaan Ali ‘does eat like a pig....’ Editor I find this analogy distasteful, disrespectful and offensive. Not just because this is the Holy Month of Ramadan but Mr. Ali is a respected Muslim and regardless of our

feelings about him, better decorum and respect for one’s religion and practices should be observed. The pig is a cursed animal in the Islamic religion and to equate a Muslim to this cursed animal is totally out of order. Please, better sensibilities need to be on display in satirical pieces in order not to offend anyone for any reason. Shamshun Mohamed

This is a disrespectful to Muslims DEAR EDITOR, It is very disrespectlu to mock any religion and yesterday’s edition of Dem Boys Seh did just that, being a Muslim I find it very offensive. Narik Alamdadeen

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Another angle to the troubles in the Public Service Union DEAR EDITOR, In reference to the letter published in the May 29, 2017 edition of the Kaieteur News, titled “Patrick Yarde is not in a conflict of interest situation” Please allow me to respond. To first understand Patrick Yarde’s letter which carries the name, Dawn Gardener, you first have to understand that this individual’s entire career is based on conflict of interest issues but believes that he can get away with these injustices at every level. Some examples of such are: - The Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) usually writes the Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU) for donations. Patrick Yarde, Dawn Gardener and Patricia Went would vote to approve these donations, while serving in the position of Directors on the Committee of Management of the GPSCCU and holding the position of President(s) and Staff at the Union. - The current occupation of Head of the GPSU and Acting Chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC), another conflict of interest, where persons who campaign against Patrick Yarde are now at his mercy at the Commission when seeking promotion, transfer, etc. Patricia Went also is serving as a member of the PSC, while being a Staff at the Union. All of these situations currently exist. In the letter, he is absolutely right about the Constitution, however, what he has failed to address is whether the holding of both positions constitute a conflict of interest. Certainly, this is not the first time that Patrick Yarde has chosen to use the Law, Constitution or Rules circumstantially; when it best suits him. Secondly, the unwarranted attacks on Mr. E. B. John are a common strategy used by Patrick Yarde to lash out at individuals rather than

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

dealing with the issues. So yes, Patrick Yarde has won that battle because no one can cuss out more than he can but what I am absolutely certain about is that Mr. E. B. John is more qualified academically than Patrick Yarde. As it relates to the Jones and John job evaluation, it was a blessing for the staff at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) since Mr. John and his Associate presented a document which gave the staff at every level an opportunity to take home a higher net pay than what was their current position or what the Union was negotiating for. It was after examining the contents of the report that the GGMC Management recognized that it would have been too costly to implement. They had wanted to scrap the Jones and John report; so the workers came out in defense of the report and protested to have it implemented. Patrick Yarde was not in Guyana. As usual, he evades a battle when it is to be fought, but returns to take the credit. This is clearly the actions of a questionable fighter, since it is through the workers’ sweat and blood that the battle is won. It was Jermain Hermanstyne and Dennis English, who fully supported the protest by the workers of GGMC, while Patrick Yarde wants to attack Mr. Hermanstyne who has done much more for workers at GGMC than Patrick Yarde has done for them in the past two decades. As it relates to Professor Harold Lutchman and Mr. Joshua Singh, I believe these gentlemen’s integrity speaks volumes of who they are and why their opinion on this issue is of importance. While I am also not a lawyer, I am however intelligent enough to point out that a lawyer’s opinion is an opinion on a matter and nothing else since it can vary from one lawyer to another. Dvane St. John

This man was paid more than $10 million to prosecute me DEAR EDITOR, Initially, my instinct told me to refrain from further dialogue with Anil Nandlall, for he seems bent on listening to those dishonest and demonic little wild animals jumping up and down in his confused and idle mind. In other words, everything he utters is just a figment of his badly damaged imagination. I guess, that’s the after effect of waking up and not having the sort of political power he’s accustomed to, or reading some outdated law books. Mr. Editor, I wish to now heed the advice of my granny who believes that when confronting wild animals, or cantankerous individuals, they must be ‘treated like the disgusting and inconsequential flies that always seem to be nibbling at the rear end of elephants.’ In other words, a simple brush off is not enough. So, here is my rather brief letter in response to Anil’s dotishness; “Mark Benschop blames the world rather than himself for his actions.’ (Kaieteur News - May 17, 2017) Mr. Editor, there’s nothing that I need to blame the world for, and neither have I in my first response to Anil. However, as expected, Nandlall wants to remove himself and the PPP from the scene of the crime, and to make it appear as if there’s no evidence that

they played a role in my years of persecution by the then PPP regime. In fact, it is true to say that the whole world knows what they have done by their nefarious actions, not only to me but to hundreds of other Guyanese. Nandlall’s idiotic and farfrom-reality view about my so-called treason charge, is a typical example of how a guilty person reacts when confronted with hard facts. Thus, his jumping onto the rooftop of Freedom House is another feeble attempt in proclaiming his ‘innocence’ to the world by singing in his usual constipated sounding voice a horrible version of Shaggy ‘It Wasn’t Me.’ That said, it’s interesting to note that in his response, he didn’t say to the world that he was paid over $10 million to persecute me, lived lavishly at the Pegasus Hotel, had an unnecessary entourage of police security, etc. all of which cost taxpayers, I’m sure, in excess of $50 million. He didn’t say to the world that 11 out of the 12 jurors returned a Not Guilty verdict, he didn’t say that of the over two dozen police and presidential guards who appeared as witnesses that only two of Jagdeo’s personal bodyguards echoed the same conflicting lies (‘am sir judge, abbee see and hear Benchak tell dem people fuh go in ah

compound and tek ova’) and it’s not surprising that he conveniently removed himself from allegedly being in contact with the lone juror who is said to have received numerous phone calls from himself and others, waving a dollar sign. Yeah, the world knows why he omitted those crucial facts from his silly response. It’s funny that Anil would shamelessly state that ‘…in a normal society with a fair and unbiased jury, Mr. Benschop would not have only been convicted of treason…’ Mr. Editor, imagine that statement coming from someone who used millions of taxpayer’s dollars for a personal family matter, someone who in a taped conversation threatened to physically harm dozens of reporters and staff of the Kaieteur News, someone who made lewd sexual comments about a female reporter, someone who allegedly threatened Mr. Courtney Crum-Ewing whilst protesting in front of the Attorney General’s Chambers (yes, the world knows that Courtney was assassinated not so long after those alleged threats were made on his life), someone whose bodyguard/driver is allegedly linked to the assassination of the activist, someone who is charged with stealing $2M worth of law books, etc. Surely, in any other society, Anil Nandlall would not have even come close to be-

ing the Attorney General, plus he could have possibly been wearing an orange jumpsuit for some of the above mentioned crimes if properly pursued. After all, Nandlall should be aware that there are still many unanswered questions. In closing, I’d like to inform Anil and ‘the world’ that despite his antics and denial of my persecution by him and the PPP. At least, someone with some degree of decency (and one who played a crucial part in the fabrication and implementation of my treason charge) Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, the now Minister of Security, has since offered me an apology by saying; “Mark, we in the PPP knew that you didn’t commit any act of treason, or anything close. However, Jagdeo so badly wanted to put you away in jail. So, we had to come up with the treason charge….and I’m sorry for the role I’ve played…” Yet, this may not be enough to keep the dishonest wild fly away from nibbling on the elephant’s rear end. And hopefully, the next time the fly attempts to quote a US President, that the quote is actually from a US President, and not a businessman. Ow, po Anil holding on to rotten ropes in order to be relevant. Mark A. Benschop Former Political Prisoner

Guyana is on the horizon of a transformation in local football From page 5 tenure, its work led by its Chairman, who only a few months prior to overseeing the GFF elections publicly declared his allegiance to a national political party and whose name was listed as a member and candidate of said party contesting the national elections, was besmirched by concerns about lack of financial transparency during the NC’s tenure. There were also allegations about questionable commercial contracts and concerns about the Chairman’s neutrality following the institution of last minute requirements for contesting teams and candidates. The latter perception was fuelled by alleged and argu-

ably continued public affiliation to the runner-up faction that contested the 2015 GFF election. Although football development has seen considerable progress and the encouragement of FIFA over the past 18 months or so, a new controversy has emerged. This time it purportedly has to do with a decision taken by the GFF in 2016 to expand the Elite League from 8 to 10 teams, the two additional teams being Top XX of

Linden and Victoria Kings. Coincidentally most of the members of Team Unity that contested the 2015 GFF elections but lost 12-10 to Te a m I n t e g r i t y w h o s e elected members comprise the current GFF Executive Committee have collectively put forward a case that the GFF acted outside its constitutional mandate and infringed on the Elite League original contract signed by the Normalisation Committee.

I will have more to follow in a follow-up letter, Mr. Editor. Mike Archer Editor’s note: In a response to the queries on the moving of the MexicoGuyana match to the US, Mr. Franklin Wilson has provided a detailed statement which was carried in the Wednesday edition of this newspaper under the caption; “All Relevant Info on Guyana-Mexico match in Possession of GFF- Wilson.”

Sad lamentation on the state of our legal profession From page 4 staffed from funds borne by taxpayers. Yet, the stories of tax evasion by some lawyers would be comical if the matter did not involve criminal conduct. In the past, it did appear that there was a class bias in tax administration that treated the small business person and the employee less favourably than professionals. There should be no discrimination in tax administration and it would be a great day when the annual reports of the Revenue Authority start disclosing statistical information on the tax

contribution of various categories of taxpayers. The new Council will also be aware that the profession is often confronted with legislation and executive action that are considered bad in a democratic state and in some cases, a violation of the Constitution. In this regard, it was a particularly bad year for the Bar Association. Hobbled by issues concerning its President, the Bar Association was silent, unable or unwilling even to make a statement, let alone take legal action. Had the butcher in Henry VI by Shakespeare been liv-

ing in contemporary Guyana, he would not have found it necessary to advocate “…let’s kill all the lawyers”. He would soon realise that the lawyers have put the profession into cold storage. The men and women who will vie for election to lead the profession over the next year or two will be undertaking a formidable responsibility. I wish them well. But only if their objective is to serve the society that grants them an elevated status, and not as an embellishment of their CV’s. Christopher Ram Former President, Guyana Bar Association.

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Kaieteur News

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Lawyer flays state of legal profession in Guyana A new leadership for the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) was elected yesterday, but the legal profession is facing some harsh criticisms from one of its own. In a scathing Letter to the Editor published today, outspoken lawyer, Christopher Ram, warned that the new executive of the association will have its work cut out. Citing a number of things which has raised his concerns, he explained that the law provides for a Legal Practitioners Committee, comprising lawyers only, which has responsibility for overseeing the conduct of the members of the profession. However, despite the good work of a few members, the committee has been largely ineffective, Ram argued. A lack of resources, commitment and courage to deal with the “egregious infractions by some members of the profession,” has not been helping the situation. He pointed out that he recently learnt of a matter in which a lawyer committed what amounts to a fraud on the courts. The matter was known to other lawyers but they were reluctant to raise the issue. The lawyer was also critical of what he

Attorney-at-law Christopher Ram

Kamal Ramkarran is new Bar Association President Attorney Kamal Ramkarran is the newly elected President of the Guyana Bar Association. He was chosen during an election held at the Supreme Court of Judicature yesterday. Ramkarran replaces Gem Sanford– Johnson, who retained the post for one year. Sanford –Johnson had succeeded Attorneyat-Law and Chartered Accountant, Christopher Ram. The newly elected Bar Association head is the son of former Speaker of the National Assembly, Ralph Ramkarran, he is expected to serve in that post for the period 2017 -2018. Additionally, the new Bar Council elected includes Robin Stoby SC as Vice President; Teni Housty - Vice President; Devindra Kissoon – Treasurer; Pauline Chase – Secretary; Faye Barker - Assistant Secretary and committee members, Raj Poonai, Jamela Ali, Sanjeev Datadin, Mark Waldron, Rexford Jackson and Brenden Glasford. According to information reaching this newspaper, at least 80 lawyers were present at the time of the elections.

Kamal Ramkarran is the new Bar Association president

New Civil Procedure Rules already having positive effect on judiciary The newly-implemented Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) of 2016, brought on stream earlier this year, is already yielding positive changes in the area of judicial case management. Under the new guidelines, a number of mechanisms were adapted towards providing speedy hearings and an end to what would have been lengthy civil trials. One such mechanism is the Fixed Date Application (FDA). Under this method, matters are fast-tracked or heard and disposed of shortly after the date filed; from the date it is filed, a date is fixed for hearing. In accordance with the rules, the court is guided by a timeline to layout a schedule to have matters heard within days after it was sought. Additionally, according to the information outlined in

CPR 2016, when a proceeding is to be commenced by way of an FDA the applicant (person applying to the court) must, attach an affidavit of all of the evidence upon which he/she relies; and attach a draft of the order that the Applicant seeks to have the Court make. Where the FDA is urgent and made without notice, it need not be served and the Registry must schedule it to be heard on the day after it is issued” “Where the FDA is made without notice, it need not be served and the Registry must schedule it to be heard within 4 days of being issued. In the cases of urgent FDAs made on notice, the Registry must schedule it to be heard within 7 days of being issued and the application must be served at least 4 days before the date scheduled for the

hearing.” In any other case, the Registry must schedule it to be heard within 28 days of being issued and the application must be served at least 7 days before the date scheduled for the hearing, unless these Rules, a Practice Direction or the Court, otherwise permit. Additionally at the hearing of a FDA, the Court must, proceed to determine the application based on the evidence before it; or if there is insufficient evidence to determine the application on its merits, dismiss the application; or otherwise proceed as if the FDA was commenced by way of Statement of Claim and conduct the hearing as a first Case Management Conference. Where an FDA must proceed as if it was commenced Continued on page 8

described as stories of case files being ducked - there seems to be some truth about them. Ram’s complaints, indeed, would come at a time when there have been complaints against lawyers, lodged with this newspaper and at other fora, about unethical practices of some lawyers. “Lawyers are bound by a Code of Conduct under the Legal Practitioners Act, but many, it seems, pay little attention to its prescriptions, confident that they will get away with whatever. Even when lawyers are found “guilty”, the strongest punishment they face is being told to refund the fees or money paid to them by their hapless clients,” Ram claimed in his letter. He said that in a civilised environment, such action would require publication. “Here in Guyana, there is no more than whisper among lawyers while the offending lawyer is free to continue the offending practice. My recommendation would be for the Legal Practitioners Committee to be headed by a retired judge enabled with capable fulltime staff, and for all its findings to be publicised. The public needs protection from unscrupulous practitioners.” Ram was also critical of the fact that for 14 years, lawyers have blocked statutory provisions (the Fiscal Enactments [Amendment] [No. 2] Act, 2003) aimed at bringing them more securely into the tax net. In other words, many were not paying their fair share of taxes. “Professionals in Guyana, including accountants and doctors, seem to have an allergy to paying taxes, but what makes the legal profession stand out is that the members ply their trade in court buildings provided, maintained and staffed from funds borne by taxpayers. Yet, the stories of tax evasion by some lawyers would be comical if the matter did not involve criminal conduct.” The lawyer, who also writes a blog, noted that in the past, it did appear that there was a class bias in tax administration that treated the small business person and the employee less favourably than professionals. This should cease. “There should be no discrimination in tax administration and it would be a great day when the annual reports

of the (Guyana) Revenue Authority start disclosing statistical information on the tax contribution of various categories of taxpayers.” With regards to the GBA’s elections, Ram noted that the elections yesterday will have focused less on the association’s financial report or the council’s report for the past year, and more on the elections for the council for the ensuing year. “A year in which the Bar Association and the wider profession have witnessed, oxymoronically, both much happening and nothing happening.” He urged the new council to be aware that the profession is often confronted with legislation and executive action that are considered bad in a democratic state and in some cases, a violation of the Constitution. “The men and women who will vie for election to lead the profession over the next year or two will be undertaking a formidable responsibility. I wish them well. But only if their objective is to serve the society that grants them an elevated status, and not as an embellishment of their CVs.” Meanwhile, activist and newspaper columnist, Freddie Kissoon, was especially harsh in his comments, noting that the Legal Practioners’ Committee has to be a farce is a small country like Guyana. “When you have a society with a small number of lawyers, then they all know each other. Over the years, they would have crisscrossed, maybe in ways that make them grateful to each other. How then can you ask the same people to discipline their colleagues that come in front of them? It is a caricature for which there should be changes to the law.” He argued that there should be a name change to the Legal Disciplinary Committee and should comprise a majority of members who belong to other professions, including academics, religious figures, doctors and even retired judges. “My respect for the Bar Association is almost non-existent and I have expressed that sentiment in my columns over the years. We have maybe three or four lawyers who pay any recognition to human rights violations.”

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Regional economic decline blamed for reduced GTM profit The Guyana and Trinidad Mutual Fire and Life Insurance Company Inc. (GTM) has mainly attributed its reduction in profit for 2016 to economic challenges which led to a decline in the demand for life insurance. Chairman of the GTM Board, Mr. R. L. Singh in his ‘Review of the Report and Accounts for the Year ended December 31, 2016’ said that these challenges are not specific to Guyana, but are also being faced by branches in other Caribbean jurisdictions. Singh made these statements at the company’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday at the Georgetown Club, Camp Street. He said that in Guyana’s case, the company made a profit of $83M for the year 2016, compared to $329M in 2015, a reduction of $246M. However, Singh said that the disparity between 2016 and 2015 was due to the sale of equity investments in 2015, thus increasing income by $249.54M in that year. Giving more figures, the Chairman said that GTM made a surplus of revenue over expenditure of $352M before the adjustment for the movement in actuarial liabilities, compared to $587M in

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Kaieteur News

2015. In his analysis of the company’s performance, Singh said that as with most life insurance companies across the Region, last year proved to be quite challenging for GTM, even though the individual life market remains largely untapped. He said that work done by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) show that there is low penetration for individual life insurance across the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Guyana, with just under five per cent and three per cent respectively. According to Singh, due to the economic position of Caribbean countries, insurance companies are finding it difficult to achieve levels of premium growth enjoyed previously or increased market penetration. Despite this, the Board Chairman said that he is pleased that GTM has recorded a growth in gross premiums of $97.27M or six per cent over the previous year. “Of this sum, $43.24M or 44.45 per cent emanated from Guyana and St. Lucia, $40.31M or 41.44 per cent. Though the majority of these premiums were generated

from sale of individual life products, health insurance has far greater potential and your company has taken steps to further expand its health portfolios.” Further, the Chairman reported that total claims for the year reached $626.6M of which $476M was due to health claims. He said that the St. Lucian branch alone incurred 48.5 per cent of the overall health claims for the year. He reported that investments by the company are limited to fixed deposits, government-backed bonds, treasury bills and mortgages to sales and administrative staff. Singh added that the company will continue to scan the environment for new secured long-term investment opportunities that will not place GTM’s financial security at risk. Focusing on Guyana’s performance, Singh said that over ten years ago, the Caribbean branches were outperforming local operations one year over the next. “This is no longer the case. GTM Guyana has recorded an average annual growth of approximately 13.22 per cent in gross premiums over a period Continued on page 21

Report of COI into detention, release of vessel handed over to Govt.

Brigadier (Retired) Bruce Lovell (right) makes a point to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon as they peruse the Commission of Inquiry Report. Minister of State Joseph Harmon yesterday received the Report from the Commissioners of the Commission of Inquiry (COI), which was established by President David Granger on March 31, to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the entry into, the interception, detention and subsequent release of an unnamed private maritime vessel in the sea space of Guyana. The Commission was asked to report the findings and recommendations to the President, who is the Head of the National Security Committee. Accepting the Report from Head of the Commission,

Brigadier (Retired) Bruce Lovell, Minister Harmon said that the Government takes the issue of national security seriously and, as such, it is committed to examining the contents contained therein. “I trust that the Report that the Commission has presented will assist us in making some important decisions in the security architecture of this country and that it will assist us in making decisions, particularly as it relates to the fight against narcotics trafficking,” Minister Harmon said. Brigadier Lovell, in an invited comment, said that inquiries are important particularly in matters of national in-

terest. “Inquiries do what any good journalist would do and that is to answer the Five W’s and the one H; the Who, the What, the Where, the Why and the When and it also goes a bit further and seeks to recommend what should be done to prevent any further occurrence. So this inquiry has done just that. In our recommendations we look at a number of systematic issues, doctrine, organisation, training, leadership, personnel, facilities and, of course, policies,” he said. The other members of the Commission were former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Winston Cosbert and Continued on page 9

Missing caretaker…Police to pursue DNA testing To determine whether the human bones found among burnt debris on a farm at Silicone Green, Kuru Kuru, on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway are those of the farm’s missing caretaker, Bishundial Vasquez, investigators will pursue DNA testing. The bones were discovered on May 17 last when ranks went to investigate the disappearance of 63-year-old Vasquez of Friendship, East Bank Demerara. The police also found the elderly man’s long boots in a nearby creek. Yesterday, the caretaker’s son, Deonarine Vasquez said that after the first set of bones were found, the police went back to search the creek and

found more bones. It is suspected that the remains might be those of the missing caretaker. Police had also

found a marijuana farm about 10 miles from where the discovery was made. They believe that Vasquez’s sudden disappearance had something to do with the marijuana farm. The father of three had been missing for about a week before the bones were found and it was during a second search that ranks made the discovery. Kaieteur News understands that the elderly man went missing during an alleged break-in at the farm where a boat engine was reportedly stolen. When investigators first went to the farm to look for the man, they found his slippers, a shovel and salt bag next to the creek. Continued on page 23

From page 8 by way of Statement of Claim, the Court must mark the FDA on its face as proceeding as a Statement of Claim and the Applicant must be referred to as a Claimant and any Respondents must be referred to as Defendants.

According to the CPR 2016, at the hearing of the FDA, in addition to any other powers that the Court may have, the Court may award costs. The new CPR laid in the National Assembly in November 2016 replaced Guyana’s existing rules, which

dates back to 1955. The changes have brought the new rules in line with similar rules in the Caribbean. The 187-page document contains procedures for settling civil matters and making payments both in and out of court.

Missing caretaker Bishundial Vasquez

New Civil Procedure Rules already...

Thursday June 01, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

China power China is a global power. It may not be a superpower, but it is powerful enough for its tentacles to be reaching across the oceans. China is on a mission of domination of the global economy, which will see that country become the driving force within the economies of countries. The Jagdeo administration was keen on supporting Chinese investments in Guyana, so much so that the citizenry laws were relaxed to facilitate Chinese nationals wishing to become permanent immigrants in Guyana. If Jagdeo’s love affair with Chinese investments had persisted, Guyana may have found itself gobbled up by such investments. The Chinese model which was being pursued here is the same model which is causing headaches in Sri Lanka. It is

not a model of economic benevolence. China has an internationalist posture in which it is building all manner of projects in developing countries. At first, this was merely seen as China offering ‘sweeteners,’ so that it could have access to resources needed to fuel its economic growth, which at one stage was in excess of 10%. That growth is slowing, but the China juggernaut is moving apace. China is using its political and business clout to penetrate into other economies, and this model is being seen as opening the doors to a possible economic takeover of countries. The BBC this past week did a story about Chinese investments in Sri Lanka, a country in which the two Asian titans, China and India, are competing for dominance.

The model China is pursuing in Sri Lanka is the same model that the Jagdeo administration was seeking to impose on Guyana. Jagdeo wanted to build a deep water harbour. This would have most likely been built with Chinese money. China built a port in Sir Lanka costing almost one billion US dollars. The port is fast becoming a white elephant, just like the sugar factory built with Chinese money at Skeldon. China built a convention centre in Guyana; it did the same in Sri Lanka. China built a new airport in Sri Lanka and the people of that country are still waiting on the deluge of flights that they were told would be forthcoming. Workers have little work to do because of the limited air traffic. It is only a matter of

Dem boys seh...

Dem crooks really fleecing de government Fuh years people accustom to robbing de country. Dem would do everything to avoid paying dem full dues. Some of dem cut deals wid Customs officer and pay a fraction of de duty. Then there was people who bring in cars. Some bring in de car in pieces and pay duty like if dem was paying fuh spare parts. De real smart ones bring in cars and heavy equipment cross de border. When de car come in de people put on a number plate from some old car and drive it. De trick is to bribe de people who checking de vehicle when is time to change de licence. That way de car operating pun de road although de serial number don’t match de number plate. Is de same thing wid dem bulldozers, scrapers, trucks, skidders, draglines, excavators and things like that. People does see dem wukking in de bush and pun dem project. Dem boys seh if only GRA check dem would see that dem don’t have a record of some of these equipment. Dem boys hear that Statia get smart and he calling in all dem heavy equipment. Since he put out he call, dem boys see nuff vehicle

driving like if dem going to Brazil. Is hide dem big operators trying to hide dem vehicles. One man seh if Soulja Bai want to mek back de money fuh de country, all he got to do is offer a reward fuh information. He would hear so much that before you wink de government would be able to pay dem public servants better. Some of de people who bring in de equipment smarty was bareface enough to cover over de marking pun de side after dem switch number plate. BaiShanLin was one. And while dem boys talking bout scampishness, dem apologizing to dem genuine Muslims. Some Muslims call in to seh how dem boys insult dem and dem boys sorry. Dem boys get a woman vex although dem wasn’t talking bout she. Is only because dem got a law mek dem boys ain’t call de woman name. But de one who get upset must know that is not she and dem boys sorry fuh de pain she feel. Talk half and help Soulja Bai get dem fake equipment.

time before that airport is handed over to the Chinese. China is financing the extension of Guyana’s airstrip, even though there are no guarantees that the extended runway will attract increased passengers and goods to justify its costs. The APNU+AFC government was opposed to this project when in opposition, but is now supporting it. Sri Lanka has run up a huge debt because of the loans it has taken from China to build infrastructure, including the new port. The government was forced, under the crippling burden of the debt, to swap the debt for shares in the port, which means that China now effectively has major shares in the facility, suspected to be about 80%, according to the BBC report. China then bought up huge swathes of land near to the port to establish industrial and commercial parks. This very idea was on the table for Guyana before the May 2015 elections. Large acreages of land were set

aside for the establishment of industrial parks to be built by and for Chinese investors. This is the way that the China model allows for the seizure of economic influence. It loans money, when the debt accumulates, the governments are forced to extend land and business concessions to Chinese companies which complete the economic domination of the country. China is also building a new city – yes, you read me right - a new city to dwarf that of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. The city is being built on reclaimed land. So eventually China will

have its own city in Colombo which, reeling from high debts, will have little choice but to concede to an eventual Chinese economic takeover of the country. The APNU+AFC government has to understand the new internationalism of China. It is no longer about obtaining resources to fuel economic development in China. It is now about extending Chinese economic domination to the rest of the world.

Report of COI into detention, release... From page 8 Christine Bailey. The vessel was discovered in Guyana between February 11 and 14. The inquiry was to investigate the roles played by the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard in the detention and release of the vessel. A few days later, US and Trinidad law enforcement officials stopped another vessel and seized over 4 tonnes of coke, one of the biggest in two decades. It was suspected that first vessel had cocaine but was allowed to leave by local officials.

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Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Parliament and the judiciary should put a stop to this idiotic nonsense Since I was a small boy, I heard my father talking about people hiding when they see the marshal coming to serve court papers. That was more than fifty years ago. Since then this asininity goes on. This is what I know, and if it has changed, then can someone please tell me. When the court gives an order, whether injunction or other type of writ, it only becomes effective if the marshal puts it in the hand of the person who the court made the decision against. I heard this talk since I

was small that when people run away, the order cannot be served, thus the person whom the court wants to have the order defeats the purpose of the court decision. I have grown up and I see it today. Once the marshal turns up, people disappear and the next thing you hear is the talk that it has not been served. I have seen such action umpteen times. And it has happened in my life and you are not going to believe who encouraged that nonsense. In the mid-nineties, I applied for an injunction to stop

UG from admitting law applicants until same came in front of the Board of the Faculty of Social Sciences of which I was a member. This was after I received complaints from the father of a crying applicant who contended that her friend at The Bishops’ High School got lower grades than her yet she was accepted. I never saw that year’s applications in front of the Board. I was granted the injunction. I went to UG with the marshal to serve the writ on the then Head of the Law Department, Calvin Eversley. Mr. Eversley saw us coming and went into another office and locked himself away. You are not going to believe this, but it was the former Chancellor, Aubrey Bishop (who was a law professor at

UG at the time) who went into Mr. Eversley’s office and instructed the secretary not to receive the writ. From that day, I never spoke to him again. I was born in the yard in which he lived in Wortmanville. My parents were tenants of his parents. He knew my siblings well, but I never spoke to Aubrey Bishop from that day onwards. Here was a former Chancellor and to think of all people, such a person trying to defeat the workings of the judicial system. The secretary refused to accept the writ. We went back to Georgetown. Anil Nandlall was my lawyer (really did like Anil in those days) and he insisted that the marshal put the writ on the desk in front of the secretary.

He did that. Eversley turned up in court on the day of the case. What idiotic nonsense this county puts up with that unless you serve the writ on

Frederick Kissoon the person and unless the person takes the writ into his/ her hand, then the court order cannot be acted upon. So you block my driveway. I got an injunction. You heard that. You go out of the country for six months and I cannot use my driveway. Why can’t I give the writ to your spouse or one of your children when I am at your gate? What is wrong with giving the writ to the secretary of the CEO? She cannot refuse it. If she does then she

should be arrested. That is a court order, and it is such an important document that she must inform her boss that the court has a paper for him after she collected it. What happens if you ring the bell, the man and his wife peep out, see the marshal and decide not to collect the document? Is that how the law operates? If that is the procedure then the judiciary and Parliament must bring a stop to it immediately. One marshal told me that he doesn’t play. Once he sees the person and the person insults him and refuses to take the document, he puts it on the ground in front of the person and leaves. He then reports to his superior what happened. A marshal should not be insulted when acting as a messenger for the court. It should be a criminal offence. As I observed above, I grew up knowing that the person has to receive the writ in his/her hand. I would like to know if the law allows for the marshal to drop it off at your office or workplace or deliver it to next of kin. In a civilized society that should be the norm. Is Guyana a civilized society?

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

“We have had too much impunity for corruption” -TIGI Head says accountability needed for billions squandered

TIGI Head, Dr. Troy Thomas By Kiana Wilburg Head of Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI), Dr. Troy Thomas believes that there has been too much impunity for corruption. According to the University Lecturer, accountability is needed for the billions squan-

dered over the years on projects which are of no use today. His invited comments came in wake of an article that was previously carried by Kaieteur News which showcased just some of the ways in which taxpayers’ money was wasted over the years. Some of these projects include the controversial Fibre Optic Cable and the Skeldon Sugar Factory. With this premise in mind, Dr. Thomas sought to outline from the start that those moneys which would have been spent or borrowed for projects in some cases, do not belong to government officials. “They aren’t the ones who would be repaying it. And that means any decisions that they make that would involve tax dollars or taxpayers repaying loans in the future, they need to be accountable for it.” The TIGI Head continued, “Anytime a project basically goes to waste or you invest in something that does not deliver on the promise that the project had, then it represents a waste of tax dollars and that is a serious issue.” Dr. Thomas added, “I think people need to be held accountable and when we start holding people accountable, people will start

43 road deaths for the year trigger new campaign It is only May, and already, 43 persons have died as a result of road accidents across the country. With this in mind, the Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) will be launching an education awareness campaign tomorrow. The campaign is called “White Night” and it was chosen to divert the public from the regular drunk driving campaign. White Night means no traffic police will be sleeping on nights during this event consisting of road blocks and road safety education awareness - set to take place. Instead, they will all be out and about keeping the streets safe. For the event, the proposed road blocks will be on Vlissengen Road and Sheriff Street (A Division), Bushlot, Albion, Rosehall and Springlands, Berbice (B Division), Sparendaam and Ogle (C Division), Vreed-en-Hoop and Leonora (D Division), McKenzie (E Division), First and Second Avenue, Bartica (F Division) and Anna Regina (G Division). The White Night Campaign will be held on June 2nd, 30th; July 28th; August 12th; September 1st, 30th; October 27th; November 4th, 12th 24th and December 15th starting at 22:00hrs. Ramona Doorgen, Coordinator from the GNRSC said that the road blocks will be setup at different locations across the country to educate and sensitize the public on road safety. Traffic Officers from all

Ramona Doorgen, GNRSC Coordinator Divisions, members of GNRSC, Government Ministers and the Commissioner of Police, Seelall Persaud, are likely to be at these exercises. These persons will join the police at the various road blocks assisting with education awareness by sharing information to motorists by way of flyers and bumper stickers.

Breathalyzer tests will also be done. The aim of the campaign is to encourage all road users to decline from driving under the influence of alcohol or designate a driver or stay away from drinking and driving. “It is very important for the Ministry of Public Security, the GPF and GNRSC to address the drunk driving situation in the country, even though we are at a decrease in road deaths and crashes,” Doorgen said. Kaieteur News was informed that the GNRSC with the support of the Ministry and the Guyana Police Force are working in an effort to see a continuous decline in road fatalities. Most of the times, these accidents are due to driving under the influence of alcohol and the lack of road safety education. The road safety council is hoping meet the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020, reduction of death by 50% by the year 2020.

to be more careful about the decisions that they make. If there is no accountability then nobody feels responsible for this.” The University lecturer also alluded to the point that in the absence of accountability, some would feel that “the money is there so they can squander it.” Dr. Thomas said that if corruption is involved, that is another issue as well. In this regard, he commented, “We have had too much impunity for corruption. And that is why I think to a large extent it has continued unabated or it has been so rampant in the past. I mean if you think of the position that Guyana has had on the (Transparency International) Corruption Perceptions Index, it seems clear that there is rampant corruption. Yet, we have not seen people, especially in high positions, being sanctioned, considering the frequency with which things would have occurred.” Dr. Thomas said that since the change in government there have been a few cases as it relates to addressing corruption. He noted, however, that it is a small number, considering the list of things which would have been pointed out in the forensic audit reports. He acknowledged however that the forensic audit reports are “a different standard of evidence” or a “different standard of proof”

compared to what would be required in court. “Nevertheless, we have to find ways of dealing with that. People need to be held accountable. And it does not matter for the citizens at large, which political party you support. If you support the party in power then you have to hold them accountable. There is no political party—and this is my view— that is out there to do what is best for me. I believe that they will do what is best for me if I am vigilant and if I press for it to happen,” Dr Thomas stressed. He continued, “There needs to be accountability and part of that is for people to face whatever penalties are in place whenever they do things like that; because the taxpayers have to pick up the pieces at the end of the day.” Dr Thomas added, “Somewhere down the line, you may have a child, and that child may have a child and what do you know? That child that your child had is still repaying for the mistakes that were made while you were around as a young person.” With this in mind, Dr. Thomas implored that it is imperative for one to look at the repercussions and how deep they can go. “We cannot allow politicians to play with our future and that part of it where they do these things and they get away without facing the consequences, that part is hurtful.”

PAGE 12

PAC hears…$56M in medical supplies yet to be delivered since 2013 The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) heard on Monday last that the Ministry of Public Health is still to receive, since 2013, over $56M in drugs and medical supplies from six companies: - International Pharmaceutical Agency; Meditron Scientific Sales; PAHO; Bryden PI Ltd; Caribbean Medical Supplies and Henry Schien. It was related that the ministry contracted the six companies to deliver the supplies, but as of the end of May this year, the outstanding supplies are yet to be received. During Monday’s session Permanent Secretary (PS) of the Ministry of Health Collette Adams was asked to explain why the drugs were not received although the suppliers were paid. The PS said that her ministry is currently addressing the issue and a number of corrective measures are now

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

being instituted. Adams said that she has recently written to one of the errant suppliers asking that the issue be dealt with. Additionally, the PS said that one supplier indicated that they have no outstanding supplies for the ministry, as they have already delivered the drugs. However when the Auditor General (AG) did an audit of the affairs of that ministry, there were no records to validate what Adams told the PAC. Chairman of the PAC Irfaan Ali told Ms Adams that what she explained could not be true, since the AG said otherwise. Adams explained that a process of reconciliation is ongoing at the Medical Management Unit (MMU) and the accounts department to verify if the drugs were indeed supplied. Another PAC member, Nigel Dharamlall, took umbrage to Adams’ explanation and indicated that if the AG’s office found that the drugs were not delivered, it meant that there was no verifiable document to conclude that they were.

Dharamlall said that the issue the PAC is addressing, points to problems not only with the suppliers, but it gives the impression that there is a total breakdown in management at that ministry. Chairman Ali enquired from Adams what systems are currently in place to prevent a recurrence of the issue. Adams said that a new procurement board is being set up and the appointment of its members rests with the Public Service Ministry, and she projected that the new board will be operational by July. At this point, committee member Juan Edghill said it was “all well and good to talk about what is to be done” but he was interested with what is being done at present. Edghill said that he is c u r i o u s t o k n o w, s i n c e $1.8B was expended in 2016 on drugs and medical supplies and there seems to be no proper systems in place to verify if drugs were delivered. He bemoaned the length of time it has taken the ministry to address the issue although they knew what prevailed before with the suppli-

ers many years ago. He said what was being ventilated at the PAC gives a good indication of the state of affairs at the Ministry of Public Health. Mirroring Edghill’s sentiments, Chairman Ali said that the ministry needs to get its act together so that similar issues do not confront the institution in the future. He also questioned the need for the reconciliation, and believes it might be an exercise in futility. Ali told the PS that when the new board is created, no efforts should be spared to address the plethora of problems that now confront the institution with regards to drug supplies. Adams in response said that greater emphasis will be placed on contract management and suppliers will be held accountable whenever contracts are awarded. The PS admitted that the situation is not a pleasing one, but many of the issues that have bedeviled the ministry are a rollover from years past. However she assured the PAC that everything will be done to resolve the issues.

Suspect in deadly “wife beating” attack turns self in

Adesh Mulloo (left), and Gomattie Ramsingh in happier times. After several days on the run, the suspect wanted in connection with the alleged violent physical attack that resulted in the death of his lover has turned himself in to the authorities. Adesh Mulloo of Number 58 Village turned up in the presence of his Attorney Mursaline Bacchus on Tuesday at the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam. This was confirmed by Divisional Commander Ian Amsterdam. Amsterdam disclosed that Mulloo has since provided a statement to his Attorney and the authorities are working with that information. Meanwhile, a Post Mortem

examination that was conducted yesterday by a Government Pathologist revealed that Gomattie Ramsingh died of blunt trauma to the head, damaged spinal cord combined with other severe internal and external injuries about the body. The Commander underscored that this essentially rules out any claims made that the woman would have fallen from the stairs of her Number 58 home. Ramsingh had shared a relationship with the susupect for over a year. Investigations are ongoing.

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Sewage tanker bomb kills at least 80, wounds hundreds in Afghan capital Reuters) A powerful bomb hidden in a sewage tanker exploded in the morning rush hour in the center of the Afghan capital on Wednesday, police said, killing at least 80 people, wounding hundreds and damaging embassy buildings. The victims appeared mainly to have been Afghan civilians. The bomb, one of the deadliest in Kabul and coming at the start of the holy month of Ramadan, exploded close to the fortified entrance to the German embassy, wounding some staff, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. Pictures showed the embassy building with its windows ripped out. One Afghan security guard was killed and others were likely among the dead, Gabriel said. A spokeswoman for the German foreign ministry said the bomber’s target was unknown. “Such attacks do not change our resolve in continuing to support the Afghan government in the stabiliza-

tion of the country,” Gabriel said. Basir Mujahid, a spokesman for city police, said the explosives were hidden in a sewage truck. He also suggested that the German embassy might not have been the target of the blast, which sent towering clouds of black smoke into the sky near the presidential palace. “There are several other important compounds and offices near there too,” he told Reuters. The blast, which shattered windows and blew doors off their hinges in houses hundreds of meters away, was unusually strong. No group had claimed responsibility by late Wednesday afternoon. The Taliban, seeking to reimpose Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster by U.S.-led forces, denied responsibility and said they condemned attacks that have no legitimate target and killed civilians. Islamic State, a smaller militant group in Afghanistan seeking to project its claim to

a global Islamic caliphate beyond its Middle East base, has previously claimed responsibility for high-profile attacks in Kabul, including one on a military hospital in March that killed more than 50 people. The NATO-led Resolute Support (RS) mission in Kabul said Afghan security forces prevented the vehicle carrying the bomb from entering the heavily protected Green Zone that houses many foreign embassies as well as its headquarters, also suggesting it may not have reached its intended target. A public health official said at least 80 people had been killed and more than 350 wounded. Germany will cease flights deporting rejected asylum seekers to Afghanistan in the next few days, a German official confirmed. Germany began carrying out group deportations of Afghans in December, seeking to show it is tackling an influx of migrants by getting rid of those who do not qualify as refugees.

Trump accused of plagiarising family crest

(BBC) It may not be the most dramatic scandal facing Donald Trump this week, but the US president has been accused of branding his US commercial properties with a stolen coat of arms. Mr Trump’s heraldic arms is a near-identical copy of one registered in 1939 by Joseph Edward D a v i e s , t h e N e w Yo r k Times reported. The copy, printed on everything from golf carts to socks, made a single small change: where the original said “Integritas”, now it says “Trump”. Davies was an American diplomat and husband to Marjorie Merriweather Post, who built the Mar-aLago resort that now belongs to the president, and

where presumably he first saw the coat of arms. The similarity was spotted by Davies’ grandson, former US senator Joseph Tydings, on a visit to the resort. He told the Times he had not given permission to the Trump Organization to use the arms. It drew the attention of heraldic officials in Scotland when Mr Trump attempted to brand a new golf course in Aberdeen with the adulterated arms. They noticed that he hadn’t registered it with the Court of the Lord Lyon, which approves all applications for arms and has authority to litigate against anyone using a design improperly. An application to trademark the Trump copy with the College of Arms, the

authority for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, was rejected after the college noted that the design had been lifted from an existing coat of arms. The motto, changed by the Trump organisation, does not technically form part of the design, making the two identical in the eyes of the authorities. “We would never allow this as a new coat of arms,” said John Petrie, Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms at the college. “There needs to be at least two lineal differences from something that’s been granted in the past.” The fact that Mr Trump had changed the colours of the crest to black and gold was not considered sufficient, Mr Petrie said.

PAGE 21

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Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

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La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.5M, $1.2M, Farm $3.5M, Uitvlugt -$2.7M, Tuschen:$1.2M, $5M, Herstelling-$3.5M.Call:666-2326

Solar Panel, USA Made, Size 39X77 300 watts -$65,000. Call: 657-2304 Pure breed Geman Shepherd puppies, 1 black pure, 3 black & tan, 6 weeks old. Call: 6135955/ 626-0953 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call: 225-9032;647-2943;6045198 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231 Sale @ The warehouse, Lot 1 Melanie Public Road, E.C.D. Tyres: 445, 65, 22.5, 1400/20 new, 295, 80, 225. Call: 6985203 1 Industrial Bread Slicer. Call: 626-6190/689-3840 1 Transported property. Call: 265-3586 2 Used 71/2 tons air conditioners. 1 Brand New York air blower 71/2 tons. Call: 226-1768/641-4952 Aluminum Ceiling suitable for restaurant/kitchen with all installation accessories. 1300sqft. Call:226-1768/641-4952

New rice-field pump with 20’ canvas conveyor and drive shaft sold with 1 stihl motor blower -$500,000. Call: 638-1829

VACANCY Cook, Baker and articulated hauler/dump truck operator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Cal: 618-2020

La Parfaite Harmonie: $1.4M, $1.6M, $1.8M, Farm -$3M, Uitvlugt -$3M, Tuschen -$1.2M, $5.5M, Herstelling -$3M. Call: 604-6724 or 686-9608

Lorry Drivers and Salesmen, preferably from East Bank Demerara. Salary Negotiable. 266-4427 Male & female workers: accountants, mechanic to look after drink machine. Call: 330-2399

12 House lots 80X60 at Plantation Schoonard: water, light and roads, 1 min from Harbour Bridge. Call: 6152346/627-3443

One supervisor (computer literate) two housekeepers to work shift systems at Harmony Inn. Call: 668-0306, 694-7817

35 Acres located in Port Kaituma. Call: 619-5173

One teacher to privately teach a child, salary -$100,000 based on experienced & qualification. Call: 623-1615

Providence - $4.8M, Farm$2.8M, Herstelling -$3.5M, Uitvlugt -$2.6M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.6M, Zeelugt $1.8M. Call: 684-5822/651-1969

Porters, apply in person to Alabama Trading, Georgetown Ferry Stelling, Stabroek. General Domestics, must able to prepare vegetarian meal, apply at Alabama Trading, 65 Robb St Bourda.

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999

Tacoma & Tundra Chassis, Engine & Transmission, suspension, cabin, doors, Titan engine, CD players Etc. Call: 695-6461 or 639-7758 MASSAGE

LAND FOR SALE

VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 BMW 318I -$2.3M, Never register. Contact# 592 6500402 / 603-1402 1 Mitsubishi 7 1/2 ton Dump Canter, 1 Mitsubishi Fuso 7 1/2 ton Canter. Never Register!!! Contact#592 6500402/603-1402

Welder/Fabricator. Have Technical background & atleast 3 years’ experience. Apply: Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site. Machinist. Have Technical background & atleast 3 years’ experience Apply: Technical Services, 18-23 Eccles Industrial Site.

Unregistered 1 Passo 2010 Black -$2.1M negotiable, 2 Vitz 2010 Pearl White & Pearl Pink -$2.3M negotiable each. Call: 649-7771/ 690-7155 Unregistered: 1 Nissan March 2010, Black with alloy wheels -$2.2M negotiable. Call: 6497771/ 690-7155 Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pitbull – Call: 650-7501 Unregistered 2011 Tacoma, Crash Bar, Step. Rims, alarm, 2008 new model Raum. Call: 695-6461/ 639-7758 Not working vehicles for sale, 1 small bus, 1 canter, 2 cars, 2 motor bikes, 1 bobcat. Call: 227-4377/624-6013 Just in from UK Leyland DAF 145, 150 Flatbed 7.5 tons, immaculate condition. Call Terrence: 698-5203 FOR RENT Upper flat for rent 3 bedrooms in Atlantic Gardens- Call: 2274377/227-0613/624-6013 2 Bedrooms house to rent at Recht Door Zee, W.B.D $35,000 monthly. Call: 6839369

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 Recently-built 2-Storey concrete building (1,245 ft2) Parfaite Harmonie $7.9M neg. Contact 231-9690 For details. Recently-constructed 2-Storey concrete building (2,030 ft2) Tuschen $7.5M neg. Contact 231-9690 for details. House & land at Mon Repos -$19M. Call: 645-8543 Aubrey Barker -$21M, Hadfield - $17M, Diamond- $3.5M, Grove, Land of Canaan, Schoonord, Queenstown, Enterprise, Good Hope. Call: 231-7850/ 618-7483 Property @ the corner of 172 Zohora St. & Market St. Better Hope, East Coast Dem $12.5M neg. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only. 2 Story building with extralarge land in well built $74.5M. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only. Continued on page 23

Thursday June 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Climate mitigation and resilience efforts must begin at the community level – Harmon Minister of State, Joseph Harmon yesterday said that even as climate change is addressed at the national level as a part of Guyana’s ‘green’ development policy position, communities must also be equipped with the necessary tools, training and knowledge since this is where the effects are most felt. The Minister was at the time delivering the feature address at the opening ceremony of the United Nations Environment (UN Environment) Regional CapacityBuilding Workshop on Supporting Countries to advance their National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which was held at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence East Bank Demerara. Minister Harmon, while addressing Permanent Secretaries from the various Ministries and representatives from Climate Change focusedagencies across the Caribbean said, “We must ensure that we integrate climate risks and adaptation measures not only in development plans for our economic sectors, but also facilitate decentralisation from national to our regional and community level plans, for resilient communities and infrastructure.” The Minister said that Guyana is considered particularly vulnerable to climate change. He noted that six of the country’s ten administrative regions are within the low coastal plain, which in some areas is more than one metre below mean high tide levels. Further, he noted that a

significant percentage of housing settlements, infrastructure and much of the main economic activity, including the agricultural sector, are found on the coast. “Due to our inherent characteristics, Guyana is regularly affected by flooding caused by heavy rainfall or overflowing riverbanks; drought on an annual basis heavily influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation; and salt water intrusion for great distances in our rivers, such as the Mahaica River and the Pomeroon, influenced by tidal differences during the dry season. “While most may only consider the flood risk of the coast, our hinterland region is also exposed with the most recent flood occurring just

From page 8 If indeed the remains are those of Vasquez, investigators believe that there might be a bigger picture relating to the man’s death, and that the robbery was staged. ”Someone knew he was the only one on the farm, so they had time to discard his body, and the person went to great lengths to get rid of the man’s body,” one investigator said. It is believed that the man might have been killed while on the camp and his killer(s) used the salt bag to take the body to the creek where they burnt it and then discarded some of the remains in the creek. Vasquez had been working with the owner of the farm for more than two years. The caretaker’s daughter, Reshma Bisundial said that her father had made contact with her early in March, when he informed her that he was heading to work. The elderly man would usually spend about three months at the farm before returning home to spend

about a week with his family. Bisundial said that on May 11, last, her father’s employer visited her home and informed her that the man was missing. ”They said when they tried calling him, they couldn’t get on to him, so they had to go in and they discover the place break and some stuff missing,” the woman said, while adding that she was informed that her father’s bag and personal items were also missing. Vasquez’s employer first made the missing person report after which his daughter went to the station. ”After we made the report, we went in there to look for him and we found his slippers, a shovel and a salt bag near the creek,” the woman recalled. She said that a relative went to one of the cellular phone companies to check whether they could track her father’s phone, but they were informed that that was not possible, because the phone had been off for more than a week.

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon addressing the participants yesterday.

Missing caretaker…Police to...

over a week ago in Region Eight...Affecting six villages and over three thousand individuals,” Harmon said. These natural hazards are expected to increase due to projected temperatures increase and rise in sea together with higher storm surges, the Minister posited. Harmon said also that government recognises the importance of reducing the country’s risks and increasing its resilience to climate change. To demonstrate government’s commitment to increasing Guyana’s resilience, Harmon outlined the various actions which have been taken by the Government

thus far for the integration of climate risk into national development planning, policies and programmes. He noted that the State has elaborated in its Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement unconditional contributions for adaptation and is undertaking the following initiatives: Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management/Disaster Risk Reduction in the Agricultural Sector; Sea and River Defence Resilience Project; and the Sustainable Agriculture Development Programme. The Minister also said that Permanent Secretaries were selected for this training because they are the chief planning officers at the Government Ministries and therefore, must be equipped with the knowledge and training to include climate change resilience and mitigation strategies into their plans and projects. In this context too, Minister Harmon said that Guyana’s vision for a ‘green’ economy, which is also geared at combating the effects of the climate change and global warming phenomenon, is a great boost to the global fight. “This will be further supported with technical assistance through Green Climate Fund NAP readiness support, for better integrated planning on the coast and capacity building to develop a coastal

community resilience plan, also with the support of UN Environment,” he said. Meanwhile, Head of Caribbean Sub Regional Office of the United Nations Environment Programme, Mr. Vincent Sweeney, in his remarks, said that the workshop is part of the joint UNDP-UN Environment global project to support national adaptation plans. He noted that the initiative started in 2013 with a first phase to support the development of national adaptation plans in least developed countries. “The objective here is to strengthen capacities for the elaboration of these plans, and in this sense, this initiative has the support and experience of the Regional Gateway for Technology Transfer and Climate Change Action in Latin America and the Caribbean (known as REGATTA). REGATTA’s main objective, as the name suggests, is to strengthen capacities, and promote and exchange knowledge on climate change technologies and experiences in the areas of mitigation and adaptation for the Latin American and Caribbean region,” he said. Ms. Shabnam Mallick, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Guyana, in her remarks, said the workshop is a demonstration of the UNDP’s commitment to providing support to developing countries in their quest to adapt to climate change.

From page 22

FOR RENT PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Prime Business Place to rent on Sheriff Street, for offices only. Call: 627-6740/227-8644 3 Bbedrooms bottom flat apartment, fully refurbished -$65,000 monthly with 2 months security. Call: 2201583 between 7am-5pm only. One bedroom apartment, PVC ceiling, tiled floored, corner spot -$40,000, preferably couple. Address: 25 Craig St C/Ville. Call: 223-1332 Rooms in Alberttown. Call: 225-3234 One two bedroom apartment rent located in Diamond New Scheme -$45,000. Call: 2162339, 676-6313 One house to rent @ Atlantic Gardens. Call: 6778860/ 614-9060

PAGE 24

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Jamaica records four consecutive years of economic growth KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica recorded four consecutive fiscal years of economic growth, following an estimated 1.1 per cent outturn for 2016/17, the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), has said. PIOJ Director General, Dr. Wayne Henry, says last year’s figure was underpinned by growth of 2.8 and 0.6 per cent, respectively, recorded in the goods producing and services industries. This, he noted, despite the January to March 2017 quarter remaining flat, consequent on an estimated 0.5 per cent increase in the services industry and 1.1 per cent decline in the goods producing industry. Henry told reporters the projected growth for the 2017/18 fiscal year will range between two and three per cent, based on increases in the goods producing and services industries, with the prospects for the April to June quarter being “generally positive”. He said the latter outlook

was based on anticipated strengthened performance of most industries, relative to the corresponding quarter in 2016. Henry said that the industries that contributed to the 2016/17 out-turn included agriculture, forestry and fishing, which recorded 11.1 per cent growth; electricity and water supply, up 2.5 per cent; and hotels and restaurants, which climbed 1.5 per cent.He said however, the sectors contracting were mining and quarrying, down 5.7 per cent; and producers of government services, which declined by 0.1 per cent. “The 2016/17 fiscal year estimate is lower than the initial projection of 1.6 per cent. This is attributed to the downward revision in the performance for January to March 2017,” the Director General said, noting that a lower-than-anticipated outturn was recorded for agriculture, which declined by 2.5 per cent; mining, which

contracted by 10.8 per cent; and manufacturing, 1.1 per cent. Henry explained that these out-turns resulted from adverse weather conditions and factory downtime. He told journalists that the two to three per cent forecast for 2017/18 was based on projected increases in the goods producing and services industries. “This baseline forecast is largely predicated on the resumption of operations at Alpart, Jamaica’s largest alumina refinery. Consequently, growth in the mining and quarrying industry is forecast at 40 per cent,” he said. Additionally, Henry said increased economic activity was expected to be supported by an increase in global growth. But he said this augurs well for Jamaican export industries, strengthened investor confidence, and favourable weather conditions that would facilitate improved agricultural production.

Finance Minister announces increased taxes By Marie Claire Williams BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Finance Minister Chris Sinckler Tuesday announced a series of tax measures and the divestment of state-owned entities, aimed at reducing the fiscal deficit and boosting Barbados’ foreign exchange reserves. Presenting the 20172018 budget to Parliament, Sinckler announced a significant increase in the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) which was introduced in September 2016, from two to 10 per cent, effective July 1. The levy was imposed on imported goods and domestically manufactured goods, in a bid to finance the burgeoning cost of health care, as well as to assist with maintaining a clean environment. Sinckler told the House that like Value Added Tax (VAT), the NSRL has become an efficient tool for gathering tax revenue, “but without many of the many

of the administrative and process challenges of the VAT. “It is also a preferred method of revenue generation because it exempts critical sectors as per its original design, is charged predominantly at the port on imports, and compounds the VAT for additional coverage. “It can also have a dampening effect on imports, hence reducing the demand for foreign exchange, shifting the consumption patterns more towards domestic consumption and production,” Sinckler said. The increased levy is expected to yield additional revenue of BDS$291 million (One Barbados dollar =US$0.50 cents) for a full financial year, and BDS$218 million for the remaining nine months of the current fiscal year. The declining foreign exchange reserves has also been a major source of concern for the Freundel Stuart administration.

In the last calendar year, foreign exchange cover fell from 13.6 weeks to 10.3 weeks at December 2016. Sinckler reported that the latest figures from the Central Bank of Barbados indicate a slight improvement in the import cover to 10.7 weeks at the end of March 2017, and current levels now stand at $749 million at the end of last week, representing 11 weeks of import cover. This measure is also expected to raise an estimated BDS$52.5 million over the remainder of the current financial year, and BDS$140 million over a full financial year,” Sinckler said. Effective July 1, the Freundel Stuart administration will also increase excise tax on gasoline by BDS$0.25 cents per litre, and on diesel by BDS$0.24 cents. Government is also moving to recover outstanding taxes through a tax amnesty, under which an estimated BDS$25 million is expected to be recovered.

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Fed official says U.S. immigration crackdown could hit economy (Reuters) The Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigrants will likely weaken overall U.S. consumer spending and economic growth as those targeted for arrest increasingly choose to stay home and save more, a Federal Reserve policymaker said on Wednesday. Millions of immigrants “are not going out and shopping, they are staying home, they are afraid if they go out they are not coming home,” Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan

said when asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s months old directive. “On the margin - and it’s too soon for the data to pick it up, but you hear it anecdotally - I believe we are going to see it, I believe those people are more likely to save than to spend,” he added at the Council on Foreign Relations. “And those two effects have some muting effect on consumer spending and therefore GDP growth.”

Husband files for separation from former teacher Mary Kay Letourneau (CNN) The same month he would have celebrated his 12-year wedding anniversary, Vili Fualaau — one half of the couple whose love story captivated national audiences — filed for legal separation from his wife and former sixthgrade teacher, according to court documents obtained by CNN. Mary Kay Fualaau, formerly Letourneau, was a married 34-year-old teacher and mother of four in Seattle in 1996 when she began an affair with Fualaau, her 13-year-old student. Letourneau gave birth to her young lover’s child before she went on to serve more than seven years in prison on charges related to

their sexual relationship. Soon after she was released from prison in 2005, the pair got married in Woodinville, Washington. It’s not clear what led Fualaau to file the petition. Whitney Gardner, attorney for Vili Fualaau, says he has no comment at this time, and requests privacy for his family. CNN could not reach Mary Kay Fualaau or her representative for comment. Vili’s signature on the document is dated May 8, but the petition was filed in King County Superior Court in Washington May 9. In the filing, Vili, who had two girls with his wife, says the children are no longer

dependent, and jurisdiction over the children does not apply. The filing also acknowledges the couple did not file a pre-nuptial agreement or separation contract. Vili states in the petition that neither spouse owns any real property, and asks the court to divide any personal property fairly. They currently live in the same house, according to the document. Vili did not want an Order for Protection, he indicated in the document. Under the section of the filing that asks the petitioner, Vili, if he wants the court to issue a restraining order as part of the final orders in this case; he answers “reserved.”

Malaysia Airlines plane turns back after cockpit entry bid (BBC) A Malaysia Airlines plane has been forced to turn back to Melbourne airport after a passenger tried to enter the cockpit. Flight MH128, bound for Kuala Lumpur, was forced to return “due to a disruptive passenger”, a statement from the airline said. The airline said that the flight landed safely and the passenger was apprehended. The passenger reportedly claimed to have explosives. But Malaysia’s Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz bin Kaprawi said “it was not a bomb but a powerbank”, according to the AFP

agency. The passenger appeared to be drunk, he said - but was overpowered by the plane’s crew. An eyewitness calling himself Andy told Melbourne’s 3AW radio station that 10 minutes into the flight “I could hear this idiot saying that he wanted to go in to see the pilot”. The man refused to sit down, and threatened to “blow the plane up”, he said. “The staff screamed out ‘I need some help, I need some help’. So I jumped up, undid my buckle, and approached him,” Andy said.

Regional economic decline blamed... From page 8 of five years.” He reported that for the financial year 2016, GTM Guyana recorded a surplus of $227.84M and net profit of $26.18M following deduction for movement in actuarial liabilities. Singh expressed his confidence that despite external challenges, the company will continue to improve its production, loss and expenditure ratios and profitability. Singh said that there was an increase in investment income in 2016 of $9.2M or 4.9 per cent when compared to the previous year. Performance was also hindered due to Britain’s first steps towards

leaving the European Union, the Chairman said. According to him, this move resulted in temporary turmoil in stock markets around the world, most of which eventually rallied to trade higher than before. On the other hand, the Pound Sterling was not so fortunate, since it would have suffered its worst devaluation in recent history. He said that companies which held Pounds Sterling experienced this effect immediately, including GTM. “The effect of the devaluation is reflected in the Statement of Profit or Loss and Other Comprehensive in-

come under the line item, ‘Currency exchange loss.’” Addressing the performance of the Eastern Caribbean entities, Singh said that these jurisdictions are not without challenges. “Though your Company’s Eastern Caribbean Branches continue to achieve growth in premiums, persistently high health claims and management expenses, particularly in St. Lucia have overshadowed their efforts.” Again, the Board Chairman is enthusiastic that with the improvement of economic conditions, production will improve at those branches which will be reflected in their performance ratios.

Thursday June 01, 2017

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Kaieteur News

We Believe in Holistic Development Veteran Margaret Court says tennis ‘full w h a t y o u ’ l l g e t r i g h t Navratilova and several Austities would be for the long their best foot forward, From page 27 through that sport,” she tralian players including every market where they term, Noel intimated that pointing out that not every of lesbians’ Samantha Stosur, Nick said. operate and Guyana is no different. ”We believe that development comes in various forms and fashions. The human potential and human capital of a country is one of the most important things. We believe in holistic development and one of the areas that we focus a lot on is sports and education not only in Guyana but regionally.” Sharing that the partnership with the three en-

they will be seeking ways to further develop and expand the tournament with Selman’s return to the company. ”We have a few ideas on how we are going to increase that partnership, we believe that this tournament is very important not only to youth development but as he {Selma} said the development in the communities.” Noel encouraged the teams and players to put

team can win. ”At end of the day we are all winners because we have developed the country some more and we have developed the region which is even more important for us. I would like to commend the organising committees, the teams and even the communities who would be supporting and the fans out there because this has obviously not been a one off competition.” (Franklin Wilson)

Thursday June 01, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make changes regarding your friendships. Tone down and put some of that hard earned cash into a safe, long-term investment. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Look into some personal changes. Your childlike quality may get you into big trouble today if you neglect your responsibilities. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) It might be time to do some of those chores at home. Self-deception is likely. Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't be too quick to sign documents. Beware of someone who is trying to make you look bad. Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Trips will be exciting. Someone may be trying to damage your reputation. Your lover probably won't put up with your behavior. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't play on your partner's emotions. Your emotions may be hard to control if your mate is forcing you to undergo drastic alterations in your relationship. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life.

LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Use your creative abilities to come up with new ideas and directions. Take time to visit someone who has been confined due to illness. You can help sort out problems that friends are facing. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) You may find it impossible to get the rest you require. Hidden assets can be doubled if you play your cards correctly. If everyone wants to do their own thing, let them. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Entertain those who can provide you with valuable information and knowledge. Start sending out those resumes. You can make gains if you work in conjunction with others. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) You may have difficulties while traveling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives. Don't let your mate bully you into thinking that you owe them your time and your life. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You will also encounter individuals who can help you further your goals. Your ideas may be a little ahead of their time; don't push them, instead just continue working on development. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Don't put your professional reputation on the line. Patience will be of utmost importance.

(Reuters) Australian 24time grand slam winner Margaret Court said on radio yesterday that tennis was “full of lesbians”, courting controversy again just a week after expressing her opposition to same-sex marriage. Court, who is now a pastor, told radio show Vision Christian Radio: “Tennis is full of lesbians, because even when I was playing there was only a couple there, but those couple that led, that took young ones into parties and things.” “And you know, what you get at the top is often

T&T not ... From page 26 pull off their first victory over the senior Sunshine Girls in 33 years. T&T are ranked ninth in the world netball rankings, three places higher than Barbados, but without competitive netball in almost two years, Cooper said the upcoming series would be used mainly to gauge their level of their preparation. “We’re ecstatic to finally have some international competition since our last feature was back in 2015. It’s been long overdue,” she noted. “We have been training for a while so facing Barbados will not only show us where we’re at, but also see some new faces introduced to the squad and I’m really excited to see the combination of experience and youth.” The National Cycling Centre in Couva will be the venue for the series, with the second game scheduled for Saturday and the final one for Sunday.

Defending champ... From page 30 in the contest by her serve, winning 72 percent of all her first service points. “In all of these long rallies, it’s really important to have a robust serve, to have a little more robustness and don’t rush things,” she said. She needed just over two hours to overcome Kontaveit, who by that time had run out of steam, slapping a backhand wide. “I refused to feel I was being defeated. I knew I could turn things around. I knew that if I insisted with my strategy I could succeed,” Muguruza said.

“We’re there to help them overcome. We’re not against the people.” Court drew public criticism last week after writing an open letter saying that s h e w o u l d n o t f l y with Qantas Airlines due to its support for same-sex marriage. World number one Andy Murray, 18-times grand slam champion Martina

Kyrgios and Jamiee Fourlis expressed disapproval of the 74-year-old’s comments. Navratilova has called for the Australian Open venue Melbourne Park Stadium, which was named Margaret Court Arena in 2003, to be renamed. Stosur has suggested that players may choose to boycott the venue during the January tournament.

PAGE 28

Pregnant Serena Williams steals show as sister Venus advances at French Open

Serena Williams at Roland Garros, yesterday chatting to her coach Patrick Mouratoglou. (Photo: AP/Petr David Josek) Serena Williams may be pregnant, that doesn’t mean she would give this year’s French Open a miss. The 23-time major winner, who is expecting her first child with her fiancé, co-founder of Reddit Alexis Ohanian, in the fall, calmly watched her sister Venus play at Roland Garros from a shaded area on the main Court Philippe Chatrier, her long-time agent, Jill Smoller, by her side. Williams’ last match had been the Australian Open finals in January, where she won an Open era record 23rd slam against Venus, so understandably her return to the tennis world turned into a bit of a reunion. After Venus reached the third round with a straight-sets defeat of Kurumi Nara, 6-3, 6-1, players and former competitors including France’s Natalie Dechy came over to say hello, pose for selfies and have a chat. Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena’s longtime coach, also joined her in the stands in between his broadcast commitments for pan-European broadcaster Eurosport. Serena Williams, the 2002,

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Venus Williams moved to the third round of Roland Garros with a straight-sets defeat of Kurumi Nara of Japan. (Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images) 2013 and 2015 French Open winner, isn’t the only big star absent from the women’s draw at Roland Garros this year, making it one of the most wide open in years. VictoriaAzarenka,aformerworld No. 1 and two-time major winner, will make her return from mater-

Sluggish Tsonga pays price for not matching Olivo’s energy (Reuters) Renzo Olivo’s energy and hunger for success cost Jo-Wilfried Tsonga a place in the second round of Roland Garros, the French 12th seed said after his shock exit by Argentine yesterday. Tsonga, 32, bowed out after saving three match points in the only game played on day four of the tournament after the match was interrupted by fading light on Tuesday, eventually losing 75, 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4 to the 25year-old Olivo, who is playing in his first French Open. “He really wanted to do his best and it showed,” Tsonga told reporters. “He’s young. He’s angry. It’s his first Roland Garros, so for him it’s something huge. Yeah, he took his chance, and he did it. “He was full of energy.” Tsonga acknowledged that he had struggled for rhythm after making 73 unforced errors during the contest. “I didn’t have the best feeling yesterday or even today,” he added. “I never really found the right pace... (but) I fought with the weapons I had. I gave my best all the way to the end. “The ball didn’t really leave my racket the way I would have wanted it to, and if I knew what went wrong, I would have changed it. The ball didn’t seem to go exactly where I wanted it to. That’s it.” Tsonga’s victory at last

Argentina’s Renzo Olivo shakes hands with France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after winning their first round match. (Reuters/Benoit Tessier) week’s Lyon Open put him in contention to become the first Frenchman to lift the Musketeers’ Cup since Yannick Noah in 1983, and the irony of falling at the very first hurdle was not lost on him. “Last week I won my first-ever clay tournament and today I lost at the French Open. It’s the paradox of tennis,” he added.

“What I’m interested in is the future, and I hope I’ll play better in the next tournaments. “Tennis runs in cycles. There are victories. There are disappointments. I think the most important is to remain as (emotionally) stable and consistent as possible... because if you work well, you’re always rewarded at some point. “If it’s not today, it will be another day.”

T&T not intimidated by in-form Barbados

nity leave at Wimbledon, while Maria Sharapova, a two-time Roland Garros winner, was denied a wild card by the French tennis federation upon her return to tennis following a 15-momth doping ban. (Forbes/Danielle Rossingh)

Gatlin still aiming for the top at U.S... From page 30 sprinter.” Track & Field News magazine agrees. The publication lists Gatlin ahead of collegiate star Christian Coleman and 23-year-old Ronnie Baker, the Prefontaine Classic winner and U.S. indoor champion, in the 100 meters. Statistically, though, Gatlin does not rank among the world’s top 20 this season despite being Usain Bolt’s chief challenger in recent years. He has dipped below 10 seconds once, a wind-aided 9.97 seconds in finishing fifth at last weekend’s Prefontaine Classic, after being fourth (10.14) at the Doha Diamond

League meeting and winning in Kawasaki, Japan (10.28). “A chain reaction” of injuries are a major reason, Gatlin said. Attempting to train with an ankle out of line led to calf injuries, which prompted problems with his quadriceps. Overcompensation there resulted in groin problems, said the 11 times Olympic and world championship medalist. Not even in 2010, when he returned from a four-year doping suspension, has training been so difficult. “This season is going to test my fortitude mentally and physically probably more than any other season,” said the 2004 Olympic champion.

“I had to stop training over a series of 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. That’s how far behind I was. “It was not a straight three weeks but on and off. Parts of March and parts of April.” He is healthier now, but to avoid a setback, Gatlin said he would not race again until nationals, where he will declare for the 100 and 200 but likely run only the shorter race. “I don’t want to go and it be a dogfight, and I am fighting three rounds to make sure that I win or make the team,” he said. “I want to come knowing that I am the man to beat.”

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad - CMC – Captain Joelisa Cooper says in-form Barbados will hold no fear for Trinidad and Tobago when the two sides meet in a Netball threeTest series starting here tomorrow. Speaking against the backdrop of Barbados’ recent impressive outing against re-

gional powerhouses Jamaica, Cooper said while T&T would not be at full strength, they were still confident of getting the better of the visitors. “A few of our original players from World Cup are not here with us but we’re not fazed. We’re ready. We just have to remain disci-

plined and execute,” Cooper told the Guardian newspaper here. Barbados were outstanding in the recent three-Test series in Kingston which finished drawn 1-1. They tied the opener 44-all, lost the second 40-34 before rebounding to win the final Test 43-31 and (Continued on page 25)

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Sport in schools must become a priority it increases functional literacy - Dr. Mohamed - Digicel expects another exciting year By Rawle Welch “Every child must have equal rights and opportunities to participate in organised activities and sport in schools must become a priority because it increases functional literacy,” Dr. Wazir Mohamed said during his address at yesterday’s Launch of the 7th Annual Digicel Schools Football Competition. Dr. Mohamed, who is the Special Technical Adviser in the Ministry of Education, Culture & Sport and who deputised for Minster Dr. Rupert Roopnarine in what could be termed a frank presentation, bemoaned the lack of sports activities within schools and pleaded for an urgent shift in policy. These remarks came shortly after he congratulated Digicel for its continued support towards the development of sport. The distinguished official added that it is time for us as (parents, guardians and relevant stakeholders) to give back children their childhood. He was referring to the education system which is plagued with the burden of

extra lessons thereby robbing the children of the opportunity to participate in sports. This he said affects their ability to be well rounded students and even went as far as offering himself, Dr. Roopnarine and many other outstanding Guyanese scholars as examples of those who were not affected by participation in sports. “We should use history as a guide to ensure that our playgrounds are effectively utilised.” He called on parents and communities to take up that oversight role in ensuring that the schools their children attend function properly. Director of Sport Christopher Jones, who left his World Challenge Day activity to be present at the occasion, too recognised the work being done by Digicel and offered the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) unmitigated assistance should they require such. “They (Digicel) are leading in the development of our young people and we at the Commission have recogined their efforts so I want to say

Some of the participants from schools pose with uniforms and balls that will be used in this year’s competition. here today we are committed to offering assistance wherever it is needed,” Jones stated. He spoke of lights being donated to communities all around Guyana, citing the hinterland community of

Waramadong as a beneficiary of the Government of Guyana goodwill. Jones closed by asking the participating schools to exhibit the usual high standard of discipline and skill throughout the competition.

We Believe in Holistic Development - says S.M Jaleel’s Caribbean Brand Manager, Andre Noel

RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster (2nd left) presents a token of appreciation to S.M. Jaleel & Co. Caribbean Brand Manager Andre Noel in the presence of GBC General Manager Robert Selman (center), Essequibo Cricket Board President Faizul Bacchus (right) and Chandrapaul Tickaram of Enterprise Busta Sports Club. With the aim of reenergising the cricket brand through the Busta Champion of Champions sponsorship after a one year hiatus, S.M. Jaleel & Company Caribbean Brand Manager, Trinidadian Andre Noel posits that his company believes in holistic development of the human

resource. Noel was giving brief remarks at yesterday’s launch of the annual Busta Champion of champions Cricket competitions that would be held in Berbice, Essequibo and East Coast Demerara. The respective competitions have been on the shelf for one year fol-

lowing a new General Manager that was appointed by the company to replace the long serving and Founding Manager, Robert Selman. Surinamese Marc Telting’s tenure did not work out for the year he was in charge so the indefatigable Selman was summoned by

S.M. Jaleel to take back the reins at the Guyana Beverage Company Inc. which he brought into being some 26 years ago. Noel like Selman reiterated that their company has always been interested in the development of the country in (Continued on page 25)

Head of Marketing Jacqueline James, whose brainchild it was to conceptualise the event, in her remarks spoke of how exciting the previous years were, adding that as the title sponsor they expect another thrilling year. She disclosed that the mere fact that every year there is increased participation bears testimony of the tournament’s growing popularity, but more importantly the opportunity that is afforded players and communities to understand each other’s culture and custom. According to James, over 160 schools will participate in this year’s competition with games scheduled for all the Regions, while the public will have the chance to be more engaged as the games are played. “Because we want the public to be more engaged every year, we will be offering a chance for them to benefit from our giveways,” James told the gathering. She acknowledged the support given by entities such as the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), the Guyana Referees Council, the Ministry of Education and NSC

among others. Tournament Co-ordinator Sherwin Osborne gave an overview of the tournament rules and players eligibility, informing that schools that contravene those regulations will be expelled immediately. He urged schools to play by the rules and ensure that the tournament is played fair. Third Vice-President of the GFF Thandi McAllister in her presentation highlighted the contribution of Digicel in relation to the Strategic Plan of the governing body which according to her has aided in the further development of the sport. “Digicel’s contribution has worked well for us and we will be making available our Technical Development Officers and Youth Coaches throughout the tournament,” McAllister promised. She added that grassroots football is important towards attaining the goals and achievements of the Federation and Digicel’s input is highly appreciated. She too called on the participating schools to play fair and be good ambassadors. The Launch was conducted at the West Demerara Secondary School.

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Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

St. Agnes overcome St. Stephen’s

tudents from the various schools prior to the start of the day’s play. St. Agnes defeated St. Stephen’s by nine wickets when the National Sports Commission Ministry of Education Al Sport and Tour Promotion 20th annual Primary Schools Windball tournament continued recently at the National Gymnasium. Playing in the male category, St. Stephen’s batted first and scored 66 without loss. Jequan Cole got 44 and Joseph McIntosh 18. St. Agnes responded with 66-1. Kikhil Carter struck 58.North Georgetown went down to St. Pius by 26 runs. Batting first, St. Pius posted 72-2 with Damion Ifill scoring 29 and Deshan Dummett 25. North

Georgetown were limited to 46-1 in reply. Akon De Santos made 35 and Shaquan Walters 12. Enterprise beat J. E. Burnham by 10 wickets. J E Burnham made 30-2, batting first while Enterprise responded with 34 without loss; Ryan Morris hit 32. St. Anne’s defeated St. Margaret’s by 10 wickets. St. Margaret’s batted first and got to 34-7; Joel Lakhan took three wickets. St. Anne’s replied with 37 without loss. Kester Singh made 28. Graham’s Hall got the better of F.E. Pollard by 21 runs. Grahams Hall scored 66, while F. E. Pollard made 45 in reply.

Rome Athletic overcome Sandpipers by 52 runs Rome Athletic defeated Sandpipers by 52 runs when the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association Sterling Products Ltd T20 tournament continued on Sunday. Rome Athletic posted 1723 after they decided to bat at Laluni. Sheldon Chapman

made 49 and Rohan Lall 39; Abhilash Deokie and Roopnarine Ramsundar had one wicket each. Sandpipers responded with 120-8. Deokie made 33, while Ramsundar contributed 28. Kevin Ross captured 4-16 and Shaquille Moseley 3-20.

Algoo’s ton leads National... From page 31 stumps knocked out at 217-7 The Essequibians lost Sachin Persaud (8) and Mark Ramsammy (4) with the score on 16 but Persaud, playing some audacious shots joined forces with Campbell and took the score to 104 before Persaud, who was missstumped off of Nedd on 27, charged Sinclair and was stumped.

Campbell continued to play his shots before he was removed by the miserly Sinclair at 186-5 and when Jones held out to deep cover off Shultz a run later, Shultz bowled Sampson (0) and Singh removed Kelon Davis (1), Williams (14*) ensured the game could still have been won in the last over but a good penultimate over ensured that two was required.

In the female category, Graham’s Hall beat St. Gabriel’s by 10 wickets. ST Gabriel’s took first turn in the middle and got to 43-5. Dominique Joseph made 22 and Tihana Yaw 14. Bowling for Grahams Hall Crystal Lewis took all five wickets. They replied with 46 without loss. Alecia Elcock top scored with 29. In other matches, Thomas Moore made 41-2 with Shaquana Codrington scoring 16, and Abeni Glasgow 10 against St. Anne’s who responded with 47-2; Melissa Clarke got 42. S o u t h R u i m v e l d t batted first and made 68-5. Shania Sealey hit 38; Zakiua Pinder and Anya McKenzie picked up

two wickets apiece. North Georgetown responded with 70 without loss. Naomi Barkoy and Stassia Jerio stroked 35 and 28 respectively. St. Angela’s posted 66-1 with Carletta Ross scoring 27. Tucville scored 70-1 in r e p l y. R a y a n a P e t e r s m a d e 3 3 a n d Deshanna Lewis 20. Stella Maris managed 85-2. Rachel Jones got 29. St. Stephen’s replied with 89 without loss. Odelli Strawgh struck 54, while Kezia Parkinson made 24. St Agnes were limited to 44-3; Annieera Alim made 20. Defending champions St. Pius replied with 46-0; Karen Jupiter scored 28 and Donna Lowe 13.

Annual Busta Champion of Champions is back - GBC Robert Selamn returns to the helm By Franklin Wilson Founder Manager of Guyana Beverage Company Inc., a subsidiary of S. M Jaleel & Company, Robert Selman has returned to the helm of his baby after being out for one year and with his return in February last, has come the return of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club Annual Busta Champion of Champions cricket tournament. The 72-year-old Trinidadian Selman, who has served the parent company for 52 years, was summoned to take back the top position at the GBI which was under Marc Telting’s stewardship for one year. During this time, the annual Cricket Festival which are also held in Essequibo and on the East Coast by Busta Enterprise Sports Club were not held. With Selman’s return, he has injected life back into the competitions much to the delight and appreciation of the three entities which were present yesterday at the company’s headquarters, Diamond, East Bank Demerara for the launch.

Describing the love of cricket as a passion of his and a true West Indian fan, win, lose or draw, Selman reminded that his company {GBC} operates on the belief that they must give back to the people and one way of doing so is through the mediums of sports and education but not through parties. ” To d a y t h e y o u n g people needs guidance, idle hands will do idle things. So if they have nothing to do they will find themselves in the wrong place. So we at the GBC under the Busta brand have been sponsoring cricket for many years in Guyana and today I have brought all three of our major competitions, together.” ”I am happy to say because of our sponsorship we have produced good cricketers and we will continue to try and sponsor and produce good cricketers.” Selman noted that over the years the competitions have been run without any incidents and he is hoping that they continue in this vein. Many Guyanese players

have been plying their trade in the Twin Island Republic and Selman said he is committed to seeing players with the requisite potential be given the opportunity to play and earn at a higher level in Trinidad. ”I am very happy to be back here in Guyana and with the help of our sponsorship we are giving back to the people of Guyana and their continued support of our brand the more we would be able to spend. ”I want to let you all know that as long as God gives me health and strength and while I am around here, we will try to continue to sponsor this cricket.” Set to bowl off in early August with the top eight clubs in the Ancient Company set to battle, Secretary/CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), Hilbert F o s t e r, y e s t e r d a y d i s closed that the winning club will take home $100,000 with $50,000 set aside for the losing finalist along with trophies. Among the teams set to battle are Rose Hall Town

Gizmos and Gadgets, Tucber Park, Upper Corentyne, Young Warriors and Blairmont. Foster also noted that the final would be broadcast live on National Communications Network Radio, whilst the tournament would also be used as another platform to promote the club’s Say No to Drugs, Crime, Suicide, Alcohol and Yes to Sports, Education, Religion and Life messages. Selman, who was the first recipient of the club’s highest award, the ‘Dolphin Award of Excellence’, Foster noted deserves a standing ovation for his passion towards the sport and the investment in Essequibo, East Coast and Berbice with regards to the advancement of the sport. ”I would like to express gratitude to Mr. Selman for making my difficult and tiresome job as CEO easy and for the role he and Busta have played in the careers of Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club players the likes of Shemaine Campbell, Erva Giddings, Assad Fudadin, Royston Crandon, Esuan Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair and dozens of others.” The format of the competition will be decided upon Foster stated.

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Teams begin to arrive for South America Junior Championships Athletes began arriving yesterday for this weekend’s South American Junior Championships that will be held at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora this weekend. Athletes representing six countries arrived at 2:00pm at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. According to reports, another 95 athletes are scheduled to arrive today. Brazil is fielding one of the largest teams at the Championships with 38 athletes and the team’s Coach, Fernando Reis, is of the view that team will be dominant. “It’s different for us, the culture is close to Brazil, but very different. The guys are very happy, to have a change of Championships is good f o r u s . We p r o m i s e champions, so everybody will be a champion. We have good athletes,” Reis said. He informed that some of the athletes will be going to the World Championships in England and World Youth Championships in Kenya. Brazil are the defending overall champs of the biennial competition with 39 medals, including 17 gold medals the last time the Championships was held in Ecuador. The Brazilian Coach singled out sprinter Lorraine Barbosa Martins as a standout athlete who will be expected to deliver results. He said his team is largely made up of seasoned athletes who have performed at the South American Junior

Argentina arrive at the CJIA for the South American Junior Championships.

Brazil pose for a photo opportunity after arriving for the South American Junior Championships. Championships before. In addition to Brazil, a 20-member delegation from Argentina also arrived, while

Colombia had five athletes with another 21 scheduled to come in today. Uruguay came with five athletes while

Chile was expected last night. The athletes were escorted to the Ramada

Georgetown Princess Hotel on the East Bank where all of them will be housed during their stay in Guyana.

Athletes from Suriname, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru are expected to arrive today.

Isinbayeva quits as anti-doping chair after international pressure: Ifax ( R e u t e r s ) Tw i c e Olympic pole vault c h a m p i o n Ye l e n a Isinbayeva has resigned as chair of the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), the Interfax news agency reported — a move that may help Russian athletes return to i n t e r n a t i o n a l competition. Isinbayeva was under pressure to quit as head of RUSADA’s supervisory council after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) called for her removal, one of four steps it said were necessary for RUSADA to retrieve its right to oversee the testing of Russian athletes. “I will work and implement anti-doping

programmes. I am simply transferring my seat to a new chairman,” Interfax cited Isinbayeva as saying yesterday. Isinbayeva added she would remain a member o f R U S A D A ’ s supervisory council despite her resignation as chairwoman. I t w a s n o t immediately clear how WA D A r e s p o n d e d t o yesterday’s development. R U S A D A w a s stripped of its WADA accreditation after a report published in November 2015 accused it of systematically violating anti-doping regulations. A majority of Russian athletes are set to miss the world championships in

London in August if a separate but related ban a g a i n s t t h e c o u n t r y ’s athletics federation stays in place. Other changes WADA is demanding from RUSADA include drug testers being allowed access to closed cities where it says athletes continue to evade testing, access to athletes’ biological passports, and the implementation of a conflict of interest policy. I s i n b a y e v a ’s appointment last December outraged WADA because she was an outspoken critic of the decision by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to ban Russian track and field athletes

from international competition. That decision kept the athletes, including Isinbayeva, from competing in the 2016 Olympics. Isinbayeva retired soon afterwards. While formally banned, some Russian athletes hope to compete internationally as neutrals. Fifteen athletes, including 2015 world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, have so far been cleared to compete in international competitions after satisfying the IAAF’s doping review board that they have been training in an environment that passes the necessary antidoping requirements.

Yelena Isinbayeva

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Thursday June 01, 2017

Afghans start with win despite Charles 50 Agassi stars as Djokovic romps to second-round win

Opener Johnson Charles hits to leg during his half-century against Afghanistan in the Twenty20 warm-up match at Warner Park on Tuesday night. (Photo courtesy WICB Media) BASSETERRE, St Kitts, CMC – Twenty20 World Cup star, Johnson Charles, stroked a half-century but was the only bright spark as Afghanistan opened their limited overs tour of the Caribbean with a 12-run victory over the WICB President’s XI here Tuesday night. Chasing a modest 116 at Warner Park, the President’s XI could only muster 103 for nine off their 20 overs, with opener Charles gathering a typically robust 53 off 44 deliveries. However, the right-hander was the only batsman to pass 15 and just one of three in double figures, as the run chase lost impetus in the middle overs. They were slumping at 31 for three in the seventh before Johnson combined

with wicketkeeper Devon Thomas (13) in a 40-run fourth wicket stand to revive the innings. The hosts were then seemingly well poised at 71 for three in the 14th but once Charles, who struck five fours and two sixes, became the second of off-spinner Mohammad Nabi’s two wickets, the innings fell away with six wickets falling for 30 runs. Teenaged leg-spinner Rashid Khan was the best bowler with three for 11 from his four overs while left-arm spinner Amir Hamza chipped in with two for 17. Earlier, Afghanistan rallied to 115 for nine off their 20 overs, with opener Usman Ghani top-scoring with 33 from 34 deliveries with four fours and a six.

Fast bowlers Miguel Cummins (3-19) and Sheldon Cottrell (3-24) finished with three wickets apiece while left-arm s p i n n e r Ve e r a s a m m y Permaul picked up two for 25. The Afghans face West Indies in the first Twenty20 International of the threematch series here tomorrow at 7:30 pm (Eastern Caribbean time). Scores: AFGHANISTAN 115 for nine off 20 overs (Usman Ghani 36; Miguel Cummins 3-19, Sheldon Cottrell 3-24, Veerasammy Permaul 2-24). PRESIDENT’S XI 103 for nine off 20 overs (Johnson Charles 53; Rahmat Shah 3-11, Amir Hamza 2-17, Amir Hamza 217).\

Gatlin still aiming for the top at U.S trials (Reuters) Even at age 35, Olympic silver medalist Justin Gatlin believes he is the 100 meters favourite at n e x t m o n t h ’s U . S . nationals/world championships trials. Younger runners have been faster this season, and nagging injuries have made this perhaps the most difficult spring ever for the Florida-based sprinter to train. Yet Gatlin, in a telephone interview, said he is ready to be number one at the June 22-25 U.S. nationals in Sacramento, California, that will determine the American team for August’s world championships in London. “I would consider myself the man to beat,” the four times 100 meters national champion told Reuters on Tuesday night.

Justin Gatlin (USA) of USA reacts. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson) “When it comes to trials and nationals I usually step

up and am the dominant (Continued on page 26)

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his second round match against Portugal’s Joao Sousa. (Reuters / Gonzalo Fuentes) PARIS (Reuters) He may be carrying a little more around the middle than in his Roland Garros pomp, but the star appeal of Andre Agassi was undeniable at the French Open yesterday as his new charge Novak Djokovic romped to a second-round win. Almost as many cameras were trained on the U.S. tennis star as were trained on Djokovic throughout the latter’s 6-1, 64, 6-3 dismantling of Portugal’s Joao Sousa. Reigning champion Djokovic teamed up with

1999 champion Agassi in a dream-team player-coach combination just before the start of the tournament. Already the signs were good on Court Suzanne Lenglen. There was a spring in the step of the world number two that had seemed missing in recent months. “Well, that’s what these ‘Super-coaches’ give you,” former world number one and triple French champion Mats Wilander told Reuters. “They help you with all the little things. Obviously, they know what it is like,

they know what you need to be a champion.” Djokovic looked every bit a champion as he controlled his opponent throughout, with Agassi closely monitoring from courtside, a look of concern occasionally clouding his mien. But Agassi needn’t have worried. Having raced through the first set in a little over half an hour, second seed Djokovic established his rhythm and then just pulled away. He next meets Argentine Diego Schwartzman in the third round.

Defending champ Muguruza survives Kontaveit scare PA R I S ( R e u t e r s ) Defending French Open champion Garbine Muguruza had to claw her way back from a set down to survive a scare from talented Anett Kontaveit and move into the third round with a 67, 6-4, 6-2 win. It was a slow start for the Spanish world number five, but she eventually worked her way into the contest, growing in confidence as the game progressed to set up a third-round match against Yulia Putintseva. “I think I was a little bit nervous when I started off, because I knew she was going to be a tough opponent. She was very quiet, very relaxed, and I had to calm down.” “So it took me a while to get things back under control,” said the 23-yearold, who was beaten by the Estonian in Stuttgart just last month. The Spaniard looked in real trouble when Kontaveit, ranked 53rd in the world and in stellar form that has seen her reach the final in Biel and

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza celebrates during her second round match against Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit. (Reuters/Benoit Tessier) the quarter-finals in Rome, took a one-set and 2-0 lead.

Muguruza was kept (Continued on page 25)

Thursday June 01, 2017

Kaieteur News

Hand-in-Hand U-19 Cricket

Algoo’s ton leads National U-17s to exciting last over win over E’bo

Alex Algoo is dropped on one by Navindra Persaud off his own bowling and made E’bo pay with a 72-ball 119 at Eve Leary yesterday (Sean Devers photo) By Sean Devers A magnificent 72-ball 119 from 16-year-old Alex Algoo spearheaded the National U-17s to an exciting last over victory over Essequibo in almost darkness at Eve Leary yesterday in the rain affected second round of the GCB’s Hand-in-Hand 50-over U-19 Inter-County Cricket tournament. In a game reduced to 28 overs per side due a fourhour late start caused by overnight rain, the National U-17s elected to bat on a hard track which kept a bit low on a sluggish outfield in glorious sunshine and Algoo and Sachin Singh give them a solid foundation with an attractive 156-stand. Algoo reached the boundary nine times and cleared it on 10 occasions, while 15-year-old Singh took 54 balls to reach 50 decorated with five fours and three sixes but only Junior Sinclair (16) of the other batsmen reached double figures as the National U-17s reached 222-7 from 28 overs. Navindra Persaud (3-29) did the damage for Essequibo, who recovered from 16-2, eventually reached 206-8 when their 28 overs expired, despite an entertaining 63-ball 59 laced with three fours and four sixes from Persaud and a well complied 41 from with three boundaries from Stephon Campbell, who added 80 for the third wicket and 34 from 11 balls for the fourth wicket with Kurt Lovell (18). Joshua Jones kept hopes of an Essequibo win alive with a brutal 19-ball 33 with

five scorching fours and a huge six, but Gevon Shultz (3-32) and Sinclair (3-12) did the damage for the U17’s who are using this tournament as preparation for the Regional U-17 Tournament in T&T in July. With the already small Southern straight boundary pulled in to about 40 yards, Algoo, playing his second Inter-County U-19 tournament after representing Berbice last year, was dropped by Persaud on one in the second over when a bullet-like straight drive which nearly took the bowler’s hand with it to the boundary. Algoo was again let off at cover off Quinton Sampson on 88 and made Essequibo pay dearly for their lapse as he dominated the century stand with the left-handed Singh. Algoo cut Jones, who bowled with some aggression, for four before dancing into Persaud and dumping him for six before smashing him for four off the next ball. Singh was off to a shaky start and was 17 as Algoo, oozing confidence, galloped to 41 with several imperious shots. While Singh edged Sheldon Charles for four, Algoo disdainfully flicked him behind square for a boundary before square driving the 14-year old medium pacer for another four in an over which cost 15. The fifty came up in 5.4 overs before the ‘on fire’ Algoo rocked back and dispatched a couple of innocuous short balls from Lovell for boundaries as dark ominous clouds

gathered overhead. Singh was not to be left out in the run-spree and drove Lovell sweetly past cover for four before rain interrupted the action causing a 15-minute delay and when played resumed at 14:25 hrs with the score on 79-0 from 7.5 overs the next over cost 22 runs as Algoo jumped into Sampson and dumped him for six to reach his second Inter-County U19 fifty. His 50 came from 28 balls and was decorated with five fours and four sixes. Algoo celebrated with clobbering Sampson over his head for six, while Singh was soon into his stride with consecutive sixes of Skipper Mark Williams’ flat left arm spin to take 14 off the over. Singh played an imperious extra cover drive off Sampson and swept him for an impeccable placed boundary behind square. A l g o o p u l l e d Chanderpaul Mohabir murderously past midwicket before wading into Williams and depositing him for two fours and a humongous six. Singh reached his first fifty from 48 balls with five fours and three sixes before he was run out in the 19th over. Algoo soon brought up his maiden ton from 66 balls with nine fours and seven sixes before he jumped on Williams like a cat upon a mouse and smashed him for two sixes. But Algoo was LBW to Persaud at 205-2 and six wickets tumbled in the last four overs as Alphius Bookie, Kevin Christian and Robin Williams all fell for ducks, while Skipper Ashmead Nedd (5) had his (Continued on page 28)

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Yadram century propels Demerara to convincing win over Berbice An unbeaten century f r o m B h as k ar Ya d r am guided Demerara to an eightwicket victory over Berbice when the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board Hand-in-Hand inter-county U-19 50-over tournament was contested yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium. Yadram finished on 121 and shared in useful partnerships with Joshua Persaud and Gavin Boodwah as Demerara successfully chased 197, ending on 203-2 in 39.4 overs. Opener Raymond Perez was lbw to Javid Karim without scoring as Demerara lost their first wicket with the score on four. However, Yadram and Joshua Persaud steadied the chase nicely with a second wicket stand of 98. Yadram made Berbice pay for putting him down thrice-he steered Sylus Tyndall to the third man ropes and picked up boundaries off Karim. He continued to time the ball well on both sides of the pitch. Persaud hit three fours and one six before he was taken off Emmanuel Seecharran for 43. Yadram and Gavin Boodwah then took their team home with an unbroken third wicket stand

Bhaskar Yadram accepts his man-of-the-match award from a Hand-in-Hand representative. of 101. Yadram counted 15 fours and three sixes off 106 balls, while Boodwah ended on 22 with three fours and one six. Earlier, pacer Ronaldo Ali Mohamed r e m o v e d Ve r a m o o t o o Sanwasane (05) as Berbice lost their first wicket on 18 after they were inserted. Yadram, bowling medium pace then removed Kevin Sinclair (16) before Adrian Sookwah was lbw to medium pacer Dambuka Nagando for 18 leaving the score at 62-3. But Karim anchored the innings with a fluent half

century; he put on 71 for the fourth wicket with Matthew Hardyal before the latter was bowled by Richie Looknauth for 26. Karim was strong on either side of the wicket and brought up his 50 off 68 balls. The left-handed Karim continued to time the ball well before he was removed by Mohamed for 74 which contained 11 fours. Mohamed and man-ofthe-match Yadram then restricted Berbice as they lost nine wickets; no other batsman reached double figures as Mohamed grabbed 4-46 and Yadram 3-46.

Joanna Archer secures SMALTA sponsorship Rising middle distance star, Joanna Archer, inked a deal with Ansa McAl d i s t r i b u t e d S M A LTA yesterday ahead of her participation in the South American Junior Championships, slated for Saturday and Sunday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. Currently an 800m champion and student of West Demerara Secondary School, Archer will be in competition mode this weekend as she represents Guyana as one of 50 athletes identified to do so at the South American event for Under-20 athletes. “We are happy to assist such a talented individual who I know will make us proud not only at these games, but beyond,” S M A LTA B r a n d Coordinator, Sean Abel, said during the presentation at the c o m p a n y ’ s Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara Headquarters. Joanna is also a Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) student, who will be writing eight subjects. She is a member of

Smalta Brand Coordinator, Sean Abel, hands over the sponsorship to the aspiring athlete, Joanna Archer. the Police Progressive Youth Club and one of Guyana’s outstanding student-athletes.

She thanked Ansa Mcal for their contribution to her development.

rt o p S

Sport in schools must become a priority it increases functional literacy - Dr. Mohamed - Digicel expects another exciting year P. 27

Major stakeholders (standing background) pose with students during the Launch ceremony yesterday at the West Demerara Secondary School.

Annual Busta Champion of Champions is back - GBC Robert Selamn returns to the helm P. 27

Clinton Pestano (left) receives cheque from Guyana Beverage Inc. Managing Director Robert Selman in the presence of Mark Papanah (right) and Sean Pereira. 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.