Monday June 12, 2017
The Arjune High Court ruling should be handed down now DEAR EDITOR, I could not believe my eyes when I read about the Arjune case in your paper. It is terrible that a case can last as long 6 years when it should be finished in months. But when there is no ruling in over 8 months which is contrary to Guyana’s Laws, what happens then? Chapter 3:13 of Laws of Guyana prescribes that; “a judge who presides at the trial of a civil case shall give a written or oral decision and reason for the decision at the conclusion of the hearing of the case or as soon as possible after the conclusion of the hearing but not later than one hundred and twenty days (approximately four months) from the date of the conclusion of the hearing. Failure to give decisions within the time limit, Judges may apply for an extension of time by writing to the Chancellor, within no less than twenty one days before the expiration of the specified time limit.” So what happens now? Shouldn’t the Chancellor (ag) take action. Paul Samaroo
UG’s Diaspora Engagement Conference is open to all Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, The Diaspora Engagement Conference Secretariat of the University of Guyana has received the email from Ms. Mohamed about diversity in participation by Guyanese and other Caribbean nationals in the Diaspora Engagement Conference to which Dr. Dhanpaul Narine referred. I replied as soon as I saw Ms. Mohamed’s email and told her that my reply to her comments would be enhanced if I were to know what organization she represented or if she was writing in her personal capacity. Ms. Mohamed has not yet answered. Ms. Mohamed is copied in this correspondence. At the University of Guyana and the rest of Guyana if we focus for a moment on the Guyanese aspect of this Caribbean Diaspora Engagement process it has to be that the Guyanese who understand the need for all of us to work together to build Guyana just have to do what is necessary. It is the case that for various political and other calculations some just want to stoke racial tension and hatred in Guyana. The conscious efforts to be inclusive which has guided the planning for the Diaspora Engagement Conference is going to be seen in the program of presentations which would be shared soon. As noted on the conference website, this Conference which is of importance to the whole of CARICOM is going to be
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formally opened by the President of Guyana. The Vice Chancellor of The University of Guyana, in person, and also by means of a variety of surrogates within the PPP tried, as was appropriate, to get the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, to give a keynote speech at the Diaspora Engagement Conference. To date these efforts have not borne fruit. The VC has also tried to get Ms. Gail Teixeira, Opposition Chief Whip in Guyana to make a presentation at the Diaspora Engagement Conference. This effort has also being unsuccessful. I am going to close by saying that we are still open to making space in the program for Mr. Jagdeo or Ms. Teixeira to make a presentation at the Diaspora Engagement Conference. It is real action that we are taking with this Diaspora Engagement Conference to establish a Diaspora Engagement Centre to deepen diaspora engagement in Guyana and Caribbean development, and the associated effort to get Diaspora engagement in the renaissance of the University of Guyana that is going to make a difference in Guyana. It is not looking on and counting numbers. Fitzgerald (Gerry) Yaw, Ph.D. University of Guyana
This law has barbarous provisions which must be removed DEAR EDITOR, The EU Commission wants to remove Guyana from the anti-money-laundering blacklist. The EU Parliament says no. They want the EU to have an independent, autonomous process for judging whether countries pose a threat of financial criminality rather than relying on the judgement of an external body, viz the Financial Action Task Force. Fair enough…but how long do we have to wait? In the meanwhile there is another and deeper conflict. Guyana’s Anti-Money
Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 says that Guyanese citizens can be sentenced to death and executed for certain offences under the Act. That is bad enough. But we can be executed even if we did not intend to kill anybody. Why is this in our law? A desire to terrorize citizens into compliant behaviour? In a recent statement the EU affirmed that it universally opposes the use of capital punishment adding that, “Capital punishment is not a deterrent against crime
and renders miscarriages of justice irreversible.” Exactly so! The EU will not extradite anybody to a country with the death penalty unless that country assures the EU that the death penalty will not be carried out. Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa and other countries without the death penalty also refuse extradition without such an assurance. The Italian Constitutional Court has gone further and refused extradition to the USA even though the USA gave every assurance that it would not
impose a death sentence. Obviously much of the world considers that peoples’ lives are more important than money laundering. Guyanese lives are just as important as other people’s lives. The Government of Guyana wants to be taken seriously by the rest of the world. As we wait for the EU Parliament and the EU Commission to resolve their difference, there is enough time to do the civilised thing and remove from the law the barbarous provisions which would allow the Cooperative Republic of Guyana to execute its own citizens. Melinda Janki
Region 5’s REO should be reined in by central government DEAR EDITOR, The Kaieteur News front page on Saturday, July 10, screams the caption of an article in bold red lettering, ”Overpaying teachers cost Region Five $80 million – Harmon”. The article reported that Government was in receipt of an explanation from the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Five, Mr. Ovid Morrison, regarding a decision to withhold the salaries of teachers. Based on this explanation, Minister of State, the Hon. Joseph Harmon told the press, “What I can say is this, the Regional Executive Officer when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee [PAC] was faced with a situation where the Public Accounts Committee asked for the Region to give an explanation for over expenditure of about $80m in this respect. That is, in respect to the payment of teachers.” Page 280 of the 2015 Auditor General Report for Agency 75, Region 5 Mahaica/Berbice, carries a column that shows the Net Salary Overpaid for the years 2012 to 2015 totals $2.933 million. However, this amount does not apply to teachers alone, but also includes amounts paid to the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Guyana National Insurance Scheme. But after monies were
recovered, the Net Salary & Deductions Outstanding totalled only $2.156 million over the same period, 2012 to 2015. A far cry from the $80 million being reported. So, did Morrison deliberately inflate this amount to justify the draconian measures he took against our hard-working teachers by withholding their salaries before they travel? And did he also mislead the government. In a recent letter, I wrote about the ongoing infighting at the Region 5 RDC involving the APNU+AFC Councillors led by the Regional Executive Officer, Mr. Ovid Morrison, and the Regional Chairman, Mr. Vickchand Ramphal that, if allowed to continue, will stymie progress in the entire region. I also disclosed Morrison’s intention to further victimize and punish Staff Nurse/Midwife Sherilyn Marks when he announced at a Heads of Department Meeting on Thursday, May 25 at the RDC Boardroom in Ft. Wellington, that Staff Nurse/ Midwife Sherilyn Marks had committed a violation. A few days ago when angry teachers held two massive demonstrations outside his Fort Wellington office to protest the unconscionable withholding of teachers’ salaries, he refused to meet with them. But
the teachers are not the only ones whose salaries are being withheld; he’s doing the same to nurses and the Administrative staff. Morrison often circumvents the authority of the Regional Chairman by making critical decisions without his knowledge and without the approval of the Council. Ovid Morrison behaves as though he is the Regional Chairman and REO all wrapped up in one. He is an authority unto himself. I call upon the Minister of Communities, the Hon. Ronald Bulkan to investigate the following and stop the abuse of power by the Region 5 REO: · Frank Wilson, a heavyduty driver employed at the RDC was promoted by REO Ovid Morrison and given the title of Transport Officer, a position that does not exist under the RDC staffing inventory. And there is no indication that this appointment was ever approved by the Public Service Commission and/or the Department of Public Service. Frank Wilson is also the Chairman of the Tempie/ Seafield NDC. Wilson, who has his home in Litchfield, is neither qualified as a Transport Officer nor as a NDC Chairman to occupy a government house nor enjoy the use of a government vehicle. And Morrison has no
authority to allow him to do so. But then again, it is important to note that both Morrison and Transport Officer Frank Wilson are exmilitary personnel, a qualification that may well supersede all others in the Granger Administration. · The APNU+AFC Region 5 Councillor, Delon Crawford who is also employed as a driver, was assigned a government-owned motorcycle to use. Allocation was approved in the 2015 Regional Budget for the purchase of scooters for the Public Health Department. These motorcycles were to be used by the Environmental Health Assistants (EHA) to efficiently monitor sanitation issues within the Region 5 NDCs. But instead, they are being diverted to other uses. · The REO needs to explain if there is a Land and Water Transport Logbook attached to all governmentowned vehicles so that costing for fuel and lubricants can be recorded under the Regional Administration and Finance programme. He also needs to clarify whether these logs are recorded on a daily basic as required by a Finance Circular, number 3/2011 issued by the former Finance Secretary, Neermal Rekha, Continued on page 6
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Tracing the political history of a great Guyanese woman DEAR EDITOR, The movement for the Sixth Pan African Congress in Tanzania up to 1973 saw Burnham as a sponsor of a Pan African secretariat, led by Bro. Zolili, a science teacher from California. Burnham’s regime was a friend to African American political prisoners. RAM’s Herman Ferguson (underground as Paul Adams) and the African American children’s book author, Tom Feelings, were now employed by the Guyana government. But other RAM members, Mamadou Lumumba and Shango Umoja, became dissidents against Burnham, siding with ASCRIA, and were cast out of the country in 1973. Amiri Baraka and Jitu Weusi for a time did not know whose side to take. Nevertheless, this revealed the conflicting tendencies within the Black Power and Pan African movements. CLR James soon led a boycott of the Sixth Pan African Congress in Tanzania that shortly before James had traveled the world organizing. During this time, Burnham singled out Tchaiko specifically for her dynamic
community organizing with ASCRIA — and smeared her as a meddling outsider. This was recorded in the publications ASCRIA Bulletin andASCRIADrums. Burnham’s Pan African façade of his increasingly dictatorial regime was starting to evaporate. Tchaiko also remembers these times for how she learned more about popular educational methods from observing Eusi who was teacher and principal at County High School in Buxton, Guyana. He taught his young students to be confident reading Shakespeare, participate in theatrical productions, and to take down oral histories from community elders to be aware of the African heritage and survivals in their community. At the same time he linked a return to the land, the hinterland of Guyana, with respect for Amerindians as they affirmed African culture. The Kwayanas were part of the social revival of African drumming, and showed those that practiced Comfa, and the Jordanites of Guyana, on their own authority had been initiating the search for
African survivals before ASCRIA. He embraced all in the Guyana, including Indians and Amerindians, who sincerely searched for their heritage but did not use their self-determination to undermine others. In 1973 Tchaiko with Eusi Kwayana published Scars of Bondage: a first study of the slave colonial experience of Africans in Guyana. It stood out for its descriptions of the self-emancipating African personality under adversity and for its documentation of African cultural survivals underscoring the enslaved brought with them their own history and identity despite the barbarism of the Middle Passage and the destructive environment Africans found imposed on them by those who strived to master them. In 1974-1975, Tchaiko Kwayana was part of the merger of ASCRIA with Indian Political Revolutionary Associations, the Ratoon group, and the Working People’s Vanguard Party that became the Walter Rodney led Working People’s Alliance (WPA). The Kwayanas worked with Rupert
Trump’s travel ban; revealing... From page 4 President Trump has every good reason to be concerned about jihadist infiltration into refugee camps. The terrorists themselves have openly boasted about sneaking into Europe and America through cracks in the immigration process. Then again Europe and America have not escaped the barbaric acts of jihadism. Confronting this threat head on, the President’s executive order directs the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies to conduct a thorough review of their screening processes for refugees. For this to be done, refugee entry from the seven mentioned nations has been
put on hold for four months. President Trump has actually backed down dramatically from his campaign promises, as the executive order is nowhere close to the Muslim ban that he sometimes floated about on the campaign trail. He also limited the number of refugees allowed to enter the U.S. each year to 50,000, which is about where it stood during the presidency of George W. Bush and the first few years of President Obama. The executive order of Donald Trump is not a betrayal of American values, but should be viewed instead as a call for a fresh look at America’s immigration policies and border control. Yvonne Sam
Region 5’s REO should be reined... From page 5 which was sent to all Heads of Budget Agencies. Indications are however, the fuel and maintenance cost of these vehicles are borne by taxpayers. · After cash-crop farmers were evicted from their farms at Naarstigheid, West Coast Berbice early this year. Savings from the 2016 Regional Budget to clear away the land was done without consulting the Council. This project was initially placed in the 2017 Regional Budget but was NOT approved by Central Government. The REO needs to explain to the nation where the money came from to clear this land, because any change to the Work Program requires the approval of the Ministry of Finance, and no such approval was given. Even the Works Committee of the RDC was not informed of this
project, and as such had no reason to visit the site, and certainly did not certify any payment expended on this project. This is a clear case of unaccountable behaviour of government. · By now, we’re all familiar with the vindictive transfer of Staff Nurse/Midwife Sherilyn Marks from the Fort Wellington Hospital after the Carol Joseph drug addiction was exposed in the press. But little is known of the REO’s abuse of authority, disrupting the lives of RDC personnel by transferring them permanently on acting appointments in violation of Public Service Rules, and without the permission of the Public Service Ministry or Public Service Commission. · In keeping with his appointment as REO, Ovid Morrison should be a signatory to the NDC bank accounts. He has to sign-off
on cheques when the NDC have to expend monies in excess of $1 million. However, to date, he has made no effort to correct a conflict he has with his name. At the last two Heads of Department meetings, he was asked to explain the holdup that is preventing the bank from accepting his signature. Until this is fixed, the bank will not allow him to be a signatory to the NDC accounts. And savings that were realized from the 2016 subvention cannot be expended, or whatever was expended, could not be paid to contractors because the REO cannot sign-off on those cheques. As a result, all the NDC work programs are on stand still because they cannot access money to complete major projects in the region. Harry Gill PPP/C Member of Parliament
Roopnarine, CY Thomas, Josh Ramsammy, Bonita Harris, Tacuma Ogunseye, Karen de Souza, Jai Parsam, Omawale, Ohene Koama, and Andaiye (whose Red Thread collective later projected the need to count women’s caring work). In 1979-1980, in the confrontation with Forbes Burnham’s PNC government’s violent repression, the historian Walter Rodney was assassinated. Tchaiko with the Women Against Terror group received a beating in the Bourda Green area of Georgetown in a 1983 protest. She had struck police with her umbrella who were injuring youth. Tchaiko was present in the struggle for “people’s power and no dictator.” Tchaiko went to live in Atlanta in the mid-1980s to raise the Kwayana children but also to organize Helping Uplift Guyanese (HUG), coordinating global aid and solidarity with the Guyanese working people. With John Henrik Clarke, Yosef BenJochannan, Ivan Van Sertima, Jan Carew, Joyce Gleason Carew, and Runoko Rashidi, Tchaiko Kwayana was part of the circle around the Journal of African Civilizations that established contributions of Africans to science and technology, and African women’s contributions, from antiquity to precolonial times. This was a bold endeavor that not only discussed Egypt,
Nubia and the Nile Valley but Latin America, Amerindians, and China from an African world perspective. Tchaiko was also among the early scholars who wished to recognize the women’s initiatives of the Marcus Garvey movement before this became a trend in university life. So how are we to assess Tchaiko Kwayana, “the English Teacher”? Whether instructing in creative writing, crafting autobiographies, teaching how to write open letters to government officials, or interpreting comparative literature, she received awards and recognition from government certification authorities but also met controversy among administrators above her. Tchaiko with her “identity papers” and “writing our hope” projects tried to get grade school children and their parents to practice their writing as they recorded their own history. She taught also at the college level and in upward bound programs. One of her Atlanta grade school students wrote an open letter to the Atlanta Daily World. Reagan and Gorbachev, it was argued, were mistaken as individuals to discuss nuclear weapons and the potential destruction of the world. They did not best represent the nations for which they spoke and that a selection of ordinary people could resolve
matters best. Many years later, a San Diego student, an Asian American, wrote a historical treatment of white supremacy that found its way on to the internet as a polished pamphlet. Tchaiko Kwayana teaching methods equally captivated those of African, Asian, Latin American, Native America, and European descent. Tchaiko marshaled Wordsworth’s reflections on Tinturn Abbey to remind “that [from] gleams of half extinguished thought… the pictures of the mind revives again” and Shakespeare’s As You Like It, to suggest that one could “find tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” These came together with a quotation from Runoko Rashidi: “among the greatest crimes is to teach a people that their history began with invasion, colonization, and enslavement.” Tchaiko, like Wole Soyinka, could frame the Western canon, as reconcilable with an African cosmology where the dead, the living, and the unborn of the natural world were in conversation and where ideas and images inscribed in stone (whether in Ancient Egypt or Olmec Mexico) could revive a consciousness of history. She could find Continued on page 7
Commissioner-General of GRA creating a repressive atmosphere DEAR EDITOR, In what seems to be very familiar of the days when Sattaur was in charge, now current Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia, is lashing out at his staff for allegedly leaking information about the Wills duty free fiasco to the press. Statia has even gone so far as to admit that he granted the concession to Wills for importing a vehicle that exceeds the 2000cc limit, as well as the 8 year vehicle age limit restriction. Two of the very officers whose duty it is to uphold and enforce the customs’ laws of this country are knowingly breaking the same laws. How unfair is it to regular citizens that they must abide by the law and buy newer vehicles that are more expensive, but yet here are the ones in charge who are breaking the law and nothing happens to them? All of the excuses given by Statia are worthless; Wills has a GRA vehicle that is assigned to him for field work, and furthermore, it is very uncommon that the head of Customs is out in areas that require 4 wheel drive vehicles, rather he has a large amount of customs officers who are trained to carry out these functions and who he uses regularly to this effect. Every time Wills uses his vehicle on the roads of Guyana it is an insult to the green initiative that our president is lobbying for, this vehicle is in clear violation of the law. Now we see that what is of actual concern to Statia is not upholding and enforcing the law, but forcing his staff not to use cell phones within the building. Taking it a step further he doesn’t want taxpayers conducting business within the building to use cell phones either.
For a myriad of reasons this seems like madness, but what is more troubling are the lengths that Statia is willing to go to in order to hide instances of bad behaviour within the organisation. All of this is not simply to “protect taxpayers’ information” as he deems it, but rather to stop the staff from sharing information of wrongdoing with the press. During the time of Sattaur, he would have his HR staff send around missives warning staff about speaking to the press with penalties of dismissal if caught, but now Statia carries it a bit further by proposing an all-out ban on cell phones. Statia is creating a repressive atmosphere within the GRA, one where it is ok to break the law for colleagues, and those at fault are in fact the whistle-blowers. As a citizen who saved for 4 years and abided by the laws and purchased a vehicle that was less than 8 years old, I am calling on the relevant authorities to carry out an investigation into this matter, and to subsequently reprimand both Wills and Statia. The Commissioner General should not choose when and for whom the laws of Guyana apply to, the law is the law, and in a corruption free society we must be allowed to call out those in charge when they are caught doing wrong. Finally I would like to call for a statement from Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. with regards to Statia’s proposed ban on cell phones. This is a clear warning flag for them and they should have something to say with regards to Statia’s evident attitude against whistle blowing. Concerned Citizen
Monday June 12, 2017
I advocate for privatization of the water sector DEAR EDITOR, I would be happy if you allow space in your newspaper to publish this letter. I refer to the recently carried article under the caption, “GWI blames contractor for faults”. This is with reference to the poorly managed Linden water supply project. I made every effort to resist responding to this exhibition of engineering incompetence and lack of any sense of direction. When you have a situation like the one that exist at Linden, which is representative of a failed investment, it is only reasonable for the entity (GWI) to acknowledge that the water utility company needs to reinforce its engineering capability. In other words you cannot measure what you do not know. This project has been an embarrassment to the
Government and people of Guyana. The reality of the situation is that the true process of a water treatment facility is dependent on the output from the filter, which has a relationship with the backwashing frequency and hydrostatic pressure on the filter bed. To derive favourable results in this regard, expertise in hydraulic modeling is essential and is considered to be inescapable. It is an insult to one’s intelligence to read reports that seem to suggest that GWI has done an excellent job, but their efforts have been sabotaged by contractors who were supposed to be supervised to ensure value for money. What is depressing and frustrating is whilst mention was made by the CEO that additional funds will be required to correct the
perceived deficiencies, no reference was made of a strategic plan to enhance the utility’s system design and project management capability. Many of us have the false perception that water treatment, transmission and distribution is just about water passing through conduits. This misconception has cost us over the years, resulting in the provision of subvention by central government to a sector, if managed properly, has the potential to generate much needed revenue, thus positively impacting on the country’s GDP. Instead, GWI seems more concerned about convincing consumers at Linden that it has nothing to do with the poor quality of water service provided. As a consumer I am not interested in blame and mind control games, which
seem to be the only expertise that GWI has at its disposal. The composition of the recently appointed board, with exceptions of course, presents a dismal and predictable future. I believe this is an opportunity for my government to intervene and save the industry. I was really sadden by the departing comments/ sentiment of the previous Chairman of The Board of Directors, “I cannot serve the people of Guyana to the best of my ability, being a rubber stamp chairman” In the above context, the consumers in Linden and Guyana at large need to recognize that whilst a monopolistic situation exists, water is an essential commodity that impacts one way or the other on their social and economic life. Privatization of the water sector is therefore imminent. Hector Lambert
Persecution and prosecution of Baha’is in Iran continues DEAR EDITOR, I write about the continued and relentless persecution of the Baha’is community of Iran by the Iranian Authorities. Reports are that Wafa Hoveida’i, a student who was in the second semester of an undergraduate degree in the Department of Physics and Energy Engineering, has been expelled from Amir Kabir Polytechnic University of Iran, because of his Bahai beliefs. He learnt of the expulsion when his user’s page on the University’s website was blocked. When he made enquiries, university officials told him he had been expelled because he was a Bahai. The same report says that Farzad Safa’i who has completed eight semesters of a degree in Industrial Metallurgy at the Free Islamic University of
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Ahwaz, was expelled in late May. He received a summons from the University Security office, and his user’s page on the University’s site was blocked. In a separate news report it is reported that Wessal Leqa’i-far, a student of Chemical Engineering, was also expelled at the end of his seventh semester, when he resisted pressure from two officials from the Ministry of Education to renounce the Bahai Faith. At the end of his fourth semester he was also blocked, and in response to his enquiries the university officials told him this was because he is a Bahai. After repeated follow-ups he was able to win a promise that he could complete two more semesters. A third report states that officials at the Payam-e Nour University campus in Kavar
in Fars Province, have refused to issue a graduation diploma to Farzan Ma‘sumi He has completed the courses for a Bachelor in Political Science. The officials said they were acting on orders from the Bureau of Educational Assessments, and protests to the University would be fruitless. Farzan Ma‘sumi was
arrested on February 12, 2017, along with Farhad Sabet, both students, when their homes were searched and religious and non-religious books, mobile phones and computers were seized, along with family photos and religious images. He was released on bail on 22nd February 2017. Rooplall Dudhnath
The bar association has finally awakened but…. DEAR EDITOR, I’ve noticed that the sleeping beauties in the Guyana Bar Association have finally awakened, well, somewhat. And their first grenade launched, is about its “concern that there has not yet been an agreement on the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission.” That’s fine, but it’s the same Bar Association that’s so quiet on the many INEFFICIENCIES of the Judiciary. Not a word on acting judges, lengthy delays in trials of persons who are languishing in prisons, shortage of magistrates, reports of corruption by judicial officers, inconsistencies in sentences, and not a word on the impasse between the DPP and a magistrate. After all, charity begins at home. Mark A. Benschop
This is an attack on the mining industry DEAREDITOR, Recent articles have dealt with the issue of excavators etc. not being registered and GRA losing over a billion dollars because of this. This is ridiculous. To register heavy duty equipment costs less than $3000 I think - how can this amount to billions? Do we have hundreds of thousands of this equipment? It cannot escape attention that recently most of these types of articles are attacks on the mining industry. In mining, an excavator is purchased and is taken into the interior where it is used, and the general life of this equipment is four / five years.
What is this big issue with registration? What is next on the cards - Road service license for excavators? Mining already has more than its fair share of stress and troubles. Doesn’t the GRA have anything better to do with its time? Miners are not a bunch of people that make fast, easy money. In fact the fastest way to lose your life savings and become a pauper is to invest in mining. Why is it over drinks or in drunken state do “the big ones” resurrect these policies that only serve to kill mining. From the look of it mission accomplished. Trevor Charles
Tracing the political...
Glad that the President and Opposition Leader are in dialogue
From page 6 herself in trouble when she found, especially with American literature, as represented by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, that the treatment of the historical background of the novel in public schools often emphasized Europeans, and left out the intellectual and political experience of the African world and the colonized. She became heralded for teaching American literature by underscoring antiquity and pre-colonial origins not European settler-colonialism. Tchaiko became a master-teacher of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, where both the historical background of pre-colonial and ancient African civilizations, and the colonial experience of Native Americans, could not be ignored. Matthew Quest
DEAR EDITOR, It is good news that President David Granger and Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo have decided to meet and consult on the nomination/appointment of the GECOM Chairman. We recall that Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had submitted two lists for GECOM Chairman which were duly rejected by President David Granger. So a discussion on the way forward is appropriate, as discussion is necessary in dealing with disputes. Once they start talking to each other, rather than at each other, then they will learn how to listen and trust each other. I hope that the discussion proves fruitful and that this dispute can be resolved quickly. Kudos to both Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo and President David Granger. Sean Ori
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GRA gears to go after lawyers, Cabinet approves several others failing to pay taxes overseas training programmes By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is gearing up to accelerate its drive to ensure that everyone pays their fair share of taxes. At a recent press conference, GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia said that his critics have pointed out his failure in not going after certain professionals. He said that it is not a case in which the Authority is turning a blind eye on certain professionals, but more of a situation where it is lacks the human resources needed to undertake the task. He said, too, that GRA has other priorities to satisfy before turning its attention to professionals who are withholding taxes. “We have to prioritize based on the staff we had, but the professionals will be tackled. I explained the rationale for tackling the professionals; we have to deal with what
is called presumptive taxation,” said Statia. Presumptive taxation is referred to as a form of assessing tax liability using indirect methods such as income reconstruction or by applying base-line taxation across the entire tax base. Presumptive methods of taxation are thought to be effective in reducing tax avoidance as well as equalizing the distribution of the tax burden. Commissioner General Statia said that GRA currently lacks the capability of engaging in presumptive taxation. However, that is not expected to be the case much longer as Statia indicated that the Authority is mobilizing their employees to be able to undertake the task. “We are training our officers in presumptive taxation so we will be going after the professionals.” These types of professionals referred to by Statia
would include Attorneys at law, medical professionals, accountants, architects, civil engineers, land surveyors among others, once their money is not taxed at source. The Commissioner General said that the tax system will become better for all, once presumptive taxation begins and the GRA gets to bring those professionals in line. He told reporters, “Our emphasis is to widen the tax base because as long as we widen the tax base and everyone pays their rightful tax, it means that the tax rates are going to go down.” Statia continued, “It is unfortunate that only the employees are paying the rightful tax because it is being deducted at source. It is time we get the tax machinery going in such a manner where everybody will be paying their rightful tax; no more, no less a n d t hings will be work smoothly.”
Government continues to promote development within the public sector as it approved a number of overseas training programmes to be attended by members of the public service. According to Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, government is embracing these training programmes so public servants can be exposed to international best practices. He made this known during the Post Cabinet Press Conference on Friday. “We are embracing training all across the world so that our public servants, our security officers are exposed to what is known as best practices, so that they can improve their own understanding of their work and the quality of that work which they will put out.” He added that the quality of supervision that is to be executed by these employees should see improvements. The Minister said that capacity building, though done by external training, is also being done with internal training, whereby local resources are utilised. In some cases, persons are brought from abroad to train local public servants. In his statement on issues discussed by Cabinet, Harmon informed the media of a number of overseas training programmes which government gave its approval. Guyana is to be represented at the first Added Tax Initiative Conference on Tax and Development to be held in Berlin, Germany. This conference will be from June 14 to 17, 2017. Harmon said that Guyanas representative will be Commissioner General of the Guyana Revenue Authority, Godfrey Statia. The initiative for the conference was launched at the third Financing for Develop-
- to enhance public service capacity ment Conference that was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2015. The aim of that programme was to improve transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in national tax systems. Further, Harmon said that Guyana will attend an international taxation network meeting organised by the Inter-American Centre for Tax Administration to be held in Cartagena, Columbia from July 4 to 7, 2017. He said that this meeting seeks to promote the harmonisation of tax practices in Latin America and Caribbean countries and to generate and analyse a database of international tax planning. Representing Guyana at this meeting will be Deputy Commissioner General of GRA, Ms. Hema Khan. Immigration management is expected to see improvements since the country will be represented at a training workshop for Immigration and Customs Border Officials to be held in Barbados from June 13 to 14. According to the Minister, the workshop that is organised under the European Development Fund/ CARICOM Single Market and Economy Integration programme, will seek to clarify the roles and functions of border, immigration and customs officers with regards to the CSME, particularly as it relates to the free movement of persons within the region. David Hermonstyne of GRA and Mr. Eworth Wray of the Central Immigration Office will attend that workshop. Cabinet also granted approval for participation in a meeting on the governance of migration to be held in
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon Geneva, Switzerland from July 18 to 19, 2017. This second international dialogue on migration organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) will assist participants to understand migrant issues, vulnerabilities from the policy perspective to ensure the protection of the rights and wellbeing of migrants. Mr Michael Brotherson, Head of the Diaspora Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will attend that meeting. Guyana will also attend a meeting of CARIFORUM Officials on Trade in Service under the CARIFORUM/EU Economic Partnership agreement on June 22, Kingston Jamaica. The Minister said that this meeting will consider the impact on European Visa requirements and the ability of CARIFORUM service suppliers to enter and sustain their presence in the EU market. Senior Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Sherwin Naughton, will attend that meeting on behalf of the state.
Body fished out of Demerara River The police are yet to determine the identity of a body that was fished out of the Demerara River in the vicinity of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday. The body was pulled from the water around 22:00hrs by the Marine Po-
lice. It was then taken to the Lyken Police Station. The body was first spotted in the Stabroek block and then drifted up the East Bank, close to the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). Because of the condition of the corpse, police were
unable ascertain whether foul play was involved. Kaieteur News understands that the remains are that of a man between ages 30 to 40. No other information was available yesterday. A postmortem is likely to be performed on the remains today.
Cops nab suspect in Omai Landing killing Police have detained a suspect in the murder of gold miner Carlos Wong, who was slain last Friday during a row between two men over a water pump. A senior police official reported that the suspect was arrested on the East Bank of Demerara. He is to be placed
on an identification parade today. Police are still trying to locate his alleged accomplice. Carlos Wong, 46, a miner of Half Mile Wismar, Linden, succumbed after he was chopped on the right hand at Omai Landing, Essequibo River. Wong and two men had a
misunderstanding over a water pump, when one of the men, armed with a cutlass, chopped the miner on his right hand, resulting in his eventual d e m i s e . Police statistics indicate that there have been at least 21 disorderly murders for the year.
Monday June 12, 2017
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Kaieteur News
THE IDELOGY OF MILITARY SUPREMECY There have been concerns about the widespread appointments of ex-military personnel to positions within the public service and to spearhead Commissions of Inquiry. The issue has unfortunately been spun to make it seem as if those opposed to these appointments are against exarmy people being employed. This is far from the truth. No one is denying the right of ex-military to positions
within the government. What is being challenged is that they are being appointed, in most instances, without an open and competitive system. The PPP did not have such a system in place when it made such appointments. APNU is continuing to do the same even though they promised change. The APNU is however going much further than the PPP and has made far more appointments of ex-military personnel that
the PPP did. There is a belief within the highly influential sections of the political directorate that army personnel have superior skills than civilians. This is one of the reasons why there is such a mad haste to appoint ex-military personnel to positions within the public service. If the ex-military personnel are so intelligent and skilled, if they are superior to others, then what
DEM BOYS SEH
Linden got a man bigger than Soulja Bai Jagdeo that scamp, lef nuff people following ee attitude. Some deh before de court fuh tekking things wha ain’t belong to dem; another set avoiding taxes, including ee best friend. Godfree, de new kid at GRA seh suh. De things he had de gyal Shoba doing at de shitty counshle de new ones at de counshle doing de same thing if not wuss. Is nuff people following in ee footsteps. Under him all ee officials, including in de regions, use to behave like if dem was a god. Dem do all kind of wicked things and get away it. Plenty of dem thief wholesale and none of dem ever see a police station much less de court step. Now dem got a few in this new coalition govt who think dem can behave like Jagdeo. Dem boys never forget how Jagdeo remove Paul Slowe because he refuse to give back Jagdeo friend a gun that de man use to threaten people and put him in an office in Eve Leary wid a desk and fan. Slowe never get de promotion and he retire. Jagdeo also do Ramnarine and Merai de same thing. Ramnarine talk how he had to beg fuh food during de election because Rohee collect de money and did not pass it on to de ranks.
He put Ramnarine behind a desk in a dark room without a fan fuh six months. Nuff other things dem did throughout de Ministries and law enforcement agencies that had big men and women who was scared. That fear still lingers in de police force. De Linden chairman calling de shots. He bigger than de top cop. He even bigger than Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan. One time de police lock up a man and he order dem to loose de man. A woman thief a phone in a church and when de police go fuh she in de church he chase dem out. Then he carry de lady after de church service to de commander and buck up de man. Minutes later, ranks seh dem see he and de lady walking out wid de phone in de lady hand, smiling. Dem boys seh de commander frighten he got to go and sit down in a dark office without a fan. This chairman cause de force to remove a commander before. De other day de police respond to a noise nuisance call because of a dance. This chairman tek de Dee Jay mike and order de police to get out de dance or he gun done dem dance. That is a bad man. Talk half and wait to see if this man gun give Soulja Bai orders.
is there to prevent them going through a competitive process for finding jobs. Surely if they are better than civilians, there should be nothing preventing them from applying for jobs and being subject to an open and competitive system. What was to prevent, for example, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation from re-advertising the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer and having an open competitive system for filling the position? This is the issue. But the issue of ex-military men being highly competent also needs to be addressed. If there is a mindset which feels that Guyana’s military men possess superior security skills than the police; if there is a mindset which says that the army is superior to the police, then we know where this can leave us. Higher salaries and benefits are always going to be paid to the army. So is there an ideological element at work in terms of these appointments? Are these appointments being made on the basis that the military is a superior institution? There is a new antinarcotics unit headed by an
ex-army man. How was this appointment filled? Was it advertised or was the person handpicked simply because of his military background? The Head of the National Intelligence Agency is an exarmy official. Was this position advertised or was someone handpicked because of the practice of this ideology of military supremacy? The ideological issue must be settled. Are appointments being made on the basis of an ideology of military superiority? Cannot ex-police personnel fill these positions, also? The military is no paragon of virtue of professionalism. Guyana’s military has a dirty, dirty past, including its involvement in rigging of elections, political intimidation and harassment. The ideology of the superior military man therefore is open to challenge. The second issue concerns the fact that retired persons are being appointed. If the government continues with this policy of appointing persons who are past the retirement age to positions within the public service, it will destroy the morale of the public service. Persons are likely to feel
that they can be superseded by a retired army official. Professionals are not going to stick around for this to happen. The government needs to develop a policy regarding retirees being reemployed within the government service, be these military retirees, public service retirees or private sector retirees. It cannot be okay for ex-army personnel to be reemployed within the public service even as drivers, thereby displacing young persons, and the same does not apply to returned teachers, policemen and persons from the private sector. In others words, what applies to ex-military personnel, must equally apply to every retiree.
Monday June 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Guyana’s oldest triplets turn 67 US-based medical team
Guyana oldest triplets have marked their 67th birth Anniversary. Elisabeth, George and Mary Ellis celebrated their birthday last Thursday. The siblings, who were born on June 8, 1950, in the Cinderella County, Essequibo, marked the occasion with other family members and close friends. They are said to be the oldest known living triplets in Guyana. The trio was born at the Suddie Hospital in Essequibo but their mother died thirteen days after their birth. Elisabeth, the oldest of the trio said: “Our aunt took us in and we grew up together. She nurtured us until we were old enough. It was not easy, but we made it through and we are thankful.” As in the cases of most multiple births, the siblings also seem to have a psychic bond. “If one of us sick or the other has a problem, we can sense it. I would get the symptoms if my sister is sick and vice versa,” Mary added. The triplets also share the same passion for music and dancing. Elisabeth and her sister, Mary, visited this newspaper’s Saffon Street Head Office, on Thursday but their brother did not accompany them. Mary shared that he is somewhat introverted. “George doesn’t like the fuss, he doesn’t even like to take photos, “she says. Almost every year Kaieteur News features the triplets who share bits of their life and upbringing. The sister would reflect “growing up in Essequibo, we had our aunt and her granddaughter Veronica, who would take us to school and ensure we were alright and as triplets we always had each other’s company. We play and fight like all children do but George as the only boy between us
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completes over 120 surgeries Within the space of one week, US – based medical mission, Legacy Of Healing, (LOH) successfully completed more than 120 surgeries. The team was facilitated by the staff of Davis Memorial (Seventh Day Adventist Hospital), located at Durban Backlands Georgetown. The Legacy of Healing team comprised 35 persons including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and a dentist. During their one week visit, they conducted corrective procedures for a number of conditions including hydrocele, cleft palates, hernias and hand deficiencies at Davis Memorial free of cost to members of the public. Kaieteur News understands that while the team aimed to complete 150 surgeries within the short space of time, they were successful in completing around126 procedures. The team conducted a number of corrective procedures for cleft palates, hydrocele and hand deficiencies. They also conducted a number of plastic surgeries procedures. In one instance, they constructed an ear for a child, who was born without one. Chief Executive Officer of Davis Memorial
Elisabeth, George and Mary Ellis recently marked their 67th birthday was kind of miserable, but in a good way, and he was always helpful.” While they said growing up in the countryside was good for them, they all eventually moved to the city after they got married. Mary married a fireman and had one child, who died several years ago. Her sister, however, has five children; 21 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Their brother, George, has nine children and quite a few grandchildren of his own. The women both worked to support their families. Mary said that she served in
the Guyana National Service before working as a barmaid, while Elisabeth was employed as a caretaker for a number of years. Their brother worked at a timber company for many years before he retired. He currently rears livestock at his home in Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara. Mary currently resides at Charlotte Street, Georgetown while her sister has her residence at Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara. Despite the distance between them, the sisters said that, they would find time to visit each other regularly.
Hospital, Beverly Chan, had noted that the institution welcomes the work of the mission, which she believes is timely in alleviating the healthcare burdens of the local populace. “These are conditions, in which surgeries are sometimes not readily available to persons seeking attention locally.” “For instance, patients with hydrocele often have to wait for long periods before they can undergo a surgery at the public hospital. These procedures are quite expensive too, so to have it done privately may not be an option available to many persons,” Chan had stated. LOH is a Christian non-Profit Corporation, which conducts medical missions worldwide, providing free surgeries, medical and dental care and safe drinking water to underserved communities. The team was headed by Ohio based Plastic Surgeon Dr. Steve Schmidt. On a previous visit to Guyana in 2010, the team conducted 154 surgeries. In addition to the work at the hospital, the LOH outreach team conducted exercises at La Viva La- Force, West Demerara, Parika East Bank Essequibo, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Mahaica and the Olivet Seventh Day Adventist Church located in Durban Back Lands.
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Monday June 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Finalist in Miss Guyana Pageant Divisional Commander denies harassment by Regional Chairman hosts health promotion fair - despite claims by junior ranks
Vena Mookram standing alongside Affeeze Khan marketing consultant of Namilco Vena Mookram, a finalist in the upcoming Miss Guyana 2017 Pageant, hosted a health fair yesterday in collaboration with members of M&M Snackette, Habour Bridge. The eighteen-year-old is representing Region Four and her Beauty with a Purpose project is promoting physical fitness and nutrition to prevent chronic disease. According to Mookram, “I choose to undertake this project because I believe that in Guyana we do not know the importance of being physically active and the importance of eating healthy. My aim is to let as many per-
sons as I can, be aware of the importance of eating healthy and exercising.” The finalist stated that she was amazed with the turn out and that she was able to interact with people, which helped boost her confidence. Mookram also said that she is appreciative of everyone who came out and supported her. The beauty contestant also extended gratitude to the business community that teamed up with her to promote their products and services. Mookram noted that persons more informed that being in good health not only entails eating healthy foods
but exercising. A representative from the Ministry of Health, Nurse Dundas who is attached to the National Blood Transfusion Service, stated that they were invited to set up a booth where they were able to meet and interact with the public. “Persons were able to come and donate blood right at the fair which is very great.” Dundas explained that donating blood is a simple process and urged persons to give blood to help save lives. The host of the health fair, Affeeze Khan, who is the Marketing Consultant of the National Milling Company (Namilco) applauded the persons who came out despite the downpour of rain. Those who attended, benefited from free blood pressure testing, free medical examination such as breast examination and much more.
After news broke that ranks at Linden are being threatened and harassed by Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian, Police Commissioner, Seelall Persaud and the Minister of Presidency, Joseph Harmon visited the region yesterday to address the issue. During the meeting, Divisional Commander, Fizal Karimbaksh and Morian both denied allegations that the chairman would threaten ranks stationed at the McKenzie Police Station if they do not comply with his orders. Additionally, both Karimbaksh and the Morian have denied that in his capacity as chairman, Morian would overstep his boundaries and intervene in police matters. When contacted, Harmon said that the story published by this newspaper was a fake one, since the commander and the chairman denied that such incidents took place there. However, this newspaper has in its possession a video recording in which the chairman collected the micro phone from a DJ at the Bayrock ground and told a crowd on the morning of March 26, last that he was the ‘boss’ of the region and that
the police cannot stop the music there. Also, there are reports that Morian threatened that he will get the entire town of Linden to come out and stage a protest if the police there disobey him and if this doesn’t work, he will have ranks transferred like he did to the previous Commander, Calvin Brutus. Brutus had allegedly arrested one of his associates. However, ranks at the station believe that the division will be better served with a much tougher commander who can stand up to Morian’s influences. At least two ranks revealed that they are prepared to pen an anonymous letter to the Commissioner about the issues in the region; since they fear victimization should they speak openly to Commissioner Persaud. “The commander is scared of this man. He (Morian) says he has power in Linden and he is the boss and people got to follow him. Sometimes, we don’t know what cases to investigate and what to leave alone,” a police rank said. He alleged that the chairman would brag to police ranks that he got the previous commander transferred with just one phone call and can do it again.
Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian “Imagine, if the commander is scared what do you think happens to junior ranks. It’s like the police stations in Linden are run by the chairman,” the rank said. He added, “You will see, this article will be published and he (Morian) is going to make the commander say this is not true, but all the ranks in the station know what goes on here. The commander is just trying to play it safe until they (Force) move him.” The rank added that the commander is someone who does not like conflict and as such, he obeys the chairman since he is worried about his position. (Please see p.g 24 for response by Minister Harmon, Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud, and Regional Chairman Renis Morian on the issue)
Soesdyke to get potable water Residents of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara are set to benefit from potable water soon. This was revealed by Managing Director of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) Dr. Richard Van WestCharles during a meeting with residents yesterday. Dr. Van West Charles visited the area with a team of officials and informed the Chairman of the Soesdyke/ Coverden Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Mr. Dave Singh and Neighbourhood Democratic Councillors, of GWI’s plan to provide water access to a number of areas within the Soesdyke village for the first time. According to GWI, “Those slated to benefit are residents living along Chand Sand Road, Kallicharran Sand Road, Goorahoo, Leacock and Nursery School Road, Soesdyke. These areas are said to have been without water since their establishment in 1991.” As a short-term and initial relief intervention, Dr. Van West-Charles explained that GWI will establish a network that will allow residents to gain water access at the standpipe level from existing wells
Managing Director of GWI, Dr. Richard Van West-Charles nearby. Therefore, once a resident registers to become a customer, the stand-pipe will be erected on their premises. GWI’s East Bank Demerara Manager, Mr. Nishaul Samaroo assured that works on this project will commence within a week. Even as these systems are being established, the Managing Director noted that the utility company will take the requisite steps to drill a well as part of a long term solution. “We hope to get the well done by February of 2018, if not by the end of this year”, Dr. Van
West-Charles posited. He added that a well dedicated to serving that area will provide for increased water pressure, allowing residents to get water through their taps at the first floor level. He also assured that analyses will be done to ensure the best type of well suited for the community is drilled and that the water sourced will be treated. The residents gathered at the meeting were informed too that meters will be installed to ensure they only pay for the amount of water used, even as they were encouraged to report any leaks that may occur. NDC Chairman, Mr. Singh and other residents expressed gratitude to the GWI team for their efforts to establish the water supply system in their areas for the first time. More than 120 households stand to benefit from this water supply and distribution project. A team of GWI officials will be at Mr. Lawrence McPhoy’s residence at Chand Sand Road, Soesdyke on Wednesday and Sunday, June 18 from 9:00-15:00hrs to facilitate applications for new service connections.
Monday June 12, 2017
Kaieteur News
Jamaica looking to establish region’s first e-government system – Holness KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Andrew Holness says his administration is committed to establishing the first fully digitised Government system in the region. He noted that the aim is to make the Government’s public service delivery more efficient through on-line access. The prime minister was speaking at an eGovernance briefing at his offices in St Andrew Friday. During the briefing, Executive Director, eGovernance Academy, Estonia, Dr Arvo Ott, shared his Government’s achievements in transforming the delivery of services to the public through the use of technology. The prime minister said the Jamaican Government wants to follow this lead, where 90 per cent of Government services can be accessed in digital format. He highlighted the convenience of paying taxes online, which can save Jamaicans the hassle of joining long lines to transact business. He noted that the Administration is working to streamline how technology is utilised by ministries, departments and agencies, so that there is greater synergy in how services are delivered. “What we want to do in the digital world is not to have (the) confusion where one agency is creating their own database, building their own software, training people in their particular idiosyncrasies, using their own protocols and then we have silos (where entities operate in isolation) and then it is very difficult to maneuver…because each agency tend not to be aware of what the other is doing,” he argued. He noted that the first strategy in this regard, is the establishment of the National Identification System (NIDS), which will serve to uniquely identify all Jamaicans.
“In creating NIDS as the first step towards achieving the digital society, we will be making the delivery of public services far more efficient and that will contribute to greater inclusion (and) greater economic growth and job creation as well,” he pointed out. To be rolled out in 2018, NIDs will provide a comprehensive and secure structure to capture and store the personal identity information of all citizens. Under the system, which will have anti-fraud features, every Jamaican will have a unique identification number. “Every single Jamaican will have an account in the national database in the national civil registry. That account will hold your identity information, and that…will allow you to be verified and authenticated in all the databases that are held across Government,” the prime minister explained. He emphasised that the system is not designed to “find you to enforce or impose (anything)”, but can be beneficial in reaching the many persons, who are in need of the Government’s social protection services, but whom the State has been unable to identify. The prime minister assured that citizens’ data will be safe. He said the Government will maintain citizens’ privacy, and will only collect relevant information. “But certainly, we need to have your civil information, starting with your name, address and other information that helps to uniquely identify you,” he said. The prime minister noted that to put this system in place, the Government has already signed off on its communications network, GovNet, and its e-Governance policy. He informed that the post of the Chief Information Officer, who will be responsible for “moving the entire government along the digital platform,” is being filled.
Opposition calls on govt. to immediately resolve pay dispute with judiciary KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Justice & Governance, Senator Mark Golding, has called on the Government to “immediately to finalise the long outstanding package of pay and other benefits owing to the judiciary”. In a release yesterday, Golding said this was in keeping with the recommendations of a December 2015 report of an independent commission set up to review remuneration for judges. “The current impasse now sees the Judges, who have become frustrated to the breaking point from being ignored by the Government,
Mark Golding publicly threatening to take the Government to Court to
get what is due to them,” Golding said. Meanwhile, the former justice minister said the situation was both unprecedented and constitutionally dangerous, as it is highly undesirable for the judges to be forced to descend into a contentious public quarrel over their emoluments. Golding said the situation has been allowed to fester for too long, and said the Government has failed to implement the package of emoluments recommended by the 2015 commission, falling into a situation which the Judiciary Act requirement for three-year review periods was enacted to prevent.
Debt plan for NIS, Bank blasted Daily Nation - A plan to get the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and the Central Bank of Barbados to extend the time for Government to make interest payments due to the two entities has been blasted by a retired permanent secretary. William Layne, who served in the Ministry of Finance, said the plan announced by Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler in his May
31 Budget would disadvantage the NIS. Sinckler said talks had started with the NIS and the Central Bank to ease interest payments on Government debt. While Sinckler did not go into details on the move, he told the House of Assembly the proposed debt re-profiling would save Government at least $70 million on interest expenses in this financial year.
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SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257
Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202
VACANCY Security, Marketing Clerk, Bond Clerk, Labourers, Truck Driver, operator. Interested persons e-mail: chungsvacancy@gmail.com Senior Diesel Mechanic wanted to work in G/Town. Call: 218-1455 Cook/ Baker and welder/ fabricator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 for more information
Hello the doctor is back!! Have your gas stove repaired and service. Call: 601-0595/ 220-4073
One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630
Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158
Refrigeration/ Electrician technician: Apply in person at BM Enterprise Inc. GFl Wharf, Houston East Bank Demerara.
FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. Lawn grass organic potting soil, supari Palm, foxtail, palm @ $1,000, Crotoon, Ashoka, Ficus, Exora. Call: 626-1044 Spare for washing machine, microwaves, fridges, stoves, timers, gearbox, motors, etc. Call: 225-9032;647-2943;604-5198
Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners & counter servers. Apply @ Hacks Halaal. 5 Commerce St.
Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231
Live in waitress to work in a bar- Call: 604-6606; 6924646
Apple I-phone 6, 6 Plus, 7 Plus, 64GB (like new) (not 16GB), factory unlocked $89,000, $129,000. Call: 6753062 Pit-bull pups for sale. Call: 672-7884 One greenheart 3 bedrooms wooden building only with all accessories, grills, sliding door, etc @ bargain price. Call: 227-4285 Nine (9) pure bred German shepherd pups, location: La Grange, W.B.D – Call: 6546354
CAR RENTAL
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
Salesgirls & boys with supermarket experienced , apply with written application to Best Buy Food supplies, Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. Mini bus driver 55yrs and older, 40 Route. Call: 6176760 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com
Available 1 bedroom apartment, semi-furnished. Call: 681-4275/ 231-4432 LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, Zeelugt -$2M, Tuschen Phase 1 and land -$4M. Call: 642-1252
Mixed breed pups- Tel: 6469002/ 601-9414
Urgently needed experienced garbage truck drivers, paying $6,000 per day, labours $4,000 per day. Call: 670-7920
La Parfaite Harmonie Main Road - $1.8M, $1.6M, $1.4, $1M, Herstelling -$3.5M, Eccles $6.5M, Tuschen - $1.2M. Call: 604-6724 or 686-9608
1 Diesel Mechanic, must have knowledge of Perkins & Duetz engines, Cat & Doosan Excavator. Call: 2269768/660-2998
La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.7M, $1.4M, $1.2M, Herstelling $3M, Tuschen -$1.2M, house & land in La Parfaite -$17M. Call: 666-2326
An experienced exvator operator. Must be between 30yrs & 50yrs. He must be prepared to work in the Interior. Call: 223-7165
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Wanted land to buy: Eccles, Tuschen, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Uitvlugt, we pay best price. Call: 6662326 Security guard wanted to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 One able bodied labourer. Tel: 219-4533/616-5954/231-2029 Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518
Middle age couple (40-50) to live and work on farm/resort at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Highway. Call: 643-0333/6978008 Looking for a family of four to live & take care of a farm on the Upper Demerara River. Call: 670-7920 Wanted land to buy: Eccles, Tuschen, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Uitvlugt, we pay cash. Call: 604-6724/ 686-9608 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Hairdresser/Nail Technician apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight, W.C.D. Call: 269-1524/6563561
FOR RENT
Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, PLANNING AN EVENT? PARTY, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, BIRTHDAY NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501 ANNIVERSARY, ETC. 2011 ALLION - $3.3M, 2011 CALL DIAMOND TENTS: RACTIS -$2.5M, 2009 216-1043; 677-6620 SIENTA - $2.1M, NOAH & One house to rent @ Atlantic VOXY - $2.6M, VEHICLES Gardens. Call: 677-8860/ 614UNREGISTERED & FULLY 9060 LOADED. CALL: 642-7295 2 & 3 Bedrooms apartment 1 Hilux Extra Cab- 5L Diesel for rent @ Nandy Park. Call: Pickup, GVV series. Call: 664- 641-3318 3808 Two bedroom apartment at Nissan X-Trail 2004 -$2.7M Eccles - $55,000 – Call: 648-7004 negotiable or make an offer. Call Chubby Halley: 671-7290 Apartments – $45,000$160,000. Call: 644-5151 One Toyota Raum, PMM series, low mileage, excellent (1) 3 bedroom top flat house, condition, one owner. Call: fully grilled, 1 room, AC (592) 626-7450 $40,000 upstairs toilet & bath @ La Paraite Harmonie. Call: Landcruiser Prado, low 666-7823/ 266-0392 mileage, 2007, colour: white, PNN Series, fully loaded, 1 - 3 Bedrooms selfexcellent condition, serious contained fully furnished inquires. Call: 624-0005 upstairs in Diamond, 4-2 bedrooms apartment in Providence, furnished and unfurnished. Call: 672-1906/ 216-2299
Wanted Driver To Sell Water Must Have Lorry. Apply Nimbus Water. Tel 231-7002/ 622-0445
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Two bedroom house. Call: 663-9816/ 616-9096 Semi-furnished, 3 bedrooms upper flat located at Durban Street, Wortmanville. Call: 600-2828, serious enquiries only.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 House & land at Mon Repos -$19M. Call: 645-8543
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House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Etc, We also assist with financing. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274 Beautiful transported roadside property; East Canje Berbice with all amenities flower and vegetable gardens. Call: 592-6267450
Newly built apartment in a safe & health environment. Call: 622-6512/ 698-6496 LEARN TO DANCE Dance to keep fit, lose weight build self-esteem while having fun, variety of styles. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) Continued on Page 23
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Exxon’s licence should mandate joint ventures with local companies - businesses urge With Government announcing that it is preparing to issue a production licence to ExxonMobil shortly, local companies have upped the pressure on Government to ensure that the critical component of local input is mandated when operations start in 2020. Already, on June 16, at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, a key forum has been arranged by the Guyana Oil and Gas Association Inc., to talk about the necessity of involving local content. The advocacy body, which was established last year, has engaged prominent law lecturer, Alicia EliasRoberts, of the University of the West Indies, Trinidad campus, to make presentations to the
stakeholders. It is expected to attract high interest. The event will come at a time when the debate is underway about the role to be played by businesses in the oil operations. The public presentation by the Trinidad official will center on “The Development and Implementation of Local Content in the Energy Sector”. It will also come at a time when a large delegation from oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago was set to arrive this past weekend to meet with Government, with the aim of benefitting from the off-shore oil operation, that is to be located about 100 miles from the shores of Guyana. Trinidad is facing difficult times with its oil industry, following a hurting drop in
world prices in the last few years. A foothold in Guyana is being seen as a boon to their recent dismal performance with PetroTrin, a state-owned refinery which is facing tough times. Companies there, involved in logistical and other support services, have been looking to diversify. Already, Trinidad has offered to help refine the oil from Guyana. The Government of Guyana has been plugging local content as an integral part of its negotiations with ExxonMobil, but it has not said openly how much this would be. While Guyana has little experience in oil, a large number of its businesses have been engaged in the
U.S. attorney general to face questions on Comey firing, Russia Reuters - Attorney General Jeff Sessions will face questions about the firing of FBI Director James Comey and undeclared meetings with Russian officials at a U.S. Senate hearing tomorrow, becoming the highestranking member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet to testify in the affair. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer and fellow Democratic Senator Jack Reed questioned yesterday why Sessions was involved in Trump’s May 9 dismissal of Comey after he had recused himself from investigations of whether Russia tried to meddle in the 2016 presidential election with possible help from Trump associates. “There’s a real question of the propriety of the attorney general participating in that in any way, shape or form,” Reed said on “Fox News Sunday.” Russia has denied interfering in the U.S. election. The White House has denied any collusion with Moscow. Sessions said in a letter on Saturday that he would appear before the committee to address matters that Comey brought up last week in testimony to the same panel. He did not say if he would appear in open or closed session. Democrats are pushing for a public hearing. Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, an intelligence committee member, asked the panel’s leaders in a letter yesterday to hold an open hearing.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Republican Senator James Lankford, a member of the intelligence panel, said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that the decision was not finalised, but “I assume that this will be public.” The American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement yesterday: “There is absolutely no reason why the hearing room doors should be shut, cameras turned off, and all American citizens left in the dark when Sessions testifies. Democracy shouldn’t take place behind closed doors.” Sessions is skipping a separate hearing tomorrow on the Justice Department’s budget and sending his deputy for the session that will be open to the public. Media reports last week said Sessions offered to resign because of tensions with the president over his decision to recuse himself from the FBI’s Russia probe.
Comey accused the Republican president of trying to get him to drop the investigation of former national security adviser Michael Flynn and fired him to undermine the Russia probe. Trump himself attributed his dismissal of Comey to the Russia investigation. Comey’s testimony on Thursday also raised new questions about the attorney general’s relationship with Russian officials with ties to President Vladimir Putin. One is whether Sessions had any undisclosed meetings with Ambassador Sergei Kislyak or other Russians during the campaign or after Trump took office. Sessions in March removed himself from involvement in any probe into alleged Russian election meddling but maintained he did nothing wrong by failing to disclose that he met last year with Russia’s ambassador. Comey’s dramatic testimony drew invective from his former boss on Twitter, with Trump dismissing him as a leaker on Friday and a coward yesterday. “I believe the James Comey leaks will be far more prevalent than anyone ever thought possible. Totally illegal? Very ‘cowardly!’” Trump tweeted yesterday. The president denied trying to interfere with the investigation and said he would be willing to testify under oath about his interactions with Comey.
logistical business, especially in the gold mining sector. Many of them have built up assets including specialized heavy duty equipment. A number of businesses, including from the mining, banking and shipping sector, have made proposals to Government to build an onshore facility at Crab Island, East Bank Berbice. That area has been advertised by the administration as a proposed site that will offer on-shore services and other support critical to the operations of the floating operations that ExxonMobil has announced that it will build. The value of that investment is tagged at US$500M and would have been coming from a mix of local businesses, government
and other investors in what has been described as a public/private partnership arrangement. In the last few days, with the announcement of a production licence, a number of local companies have been urging that the administration make local content a top priority in the licensing stage of the oil operations. Government has already said that it is working on a local content policy. “It should be recognized that with the Trinidad downturn- the government must guard against us being swamped by any foreign companies. The whole idea is that we have to have local businesses benefitting because the specialized services that Exxon will be needing will not see many
May brings back foe, aiming to unite party before Brexit Reuters - Prime Minister Theresa May reappointed most of her ministers yesterday but brought a Brexit campaigner and party rival into government to try to unite her Conservatives after a disastrous election sapped her authority, days before Brexit talks begin. The 60-year-old leader said she had tapped experience across the “whole of the Conservative Party” when she appointed Michael Gove, a long-serving cabinet minister who had clashed with May when she was home secretary, as agriculture minister. It was a surprise move Gove was sacked as justice minister by May last year after his bid to become party leader forced now-foreign minister Boris Johnson from the race, amid accusations of treachery and political backstabbing. But after gambling away a majority in parliament in an election she did not need to call, May needs to unite a disillusioned party around her to not only support her in the Brexit talks but also to strike a deal with a small Northern Irish party that will enable her to stay in power. “What I’m doing now is actually getting on with the immediate job. And I think that what’s important, I think that’s what the public would expect. They want to see government providing that certainty and stability,” she said. “What I’ve done today is see people from across the party accepting the invitation to be in my cabinet, and crucially I’ve brought in talent from across the whole
Guyanese on board the rig,” a local spokesman of a major company said yesterday. Many of the companies are unwilling to speak on record as they have submitted proposals to government for the on-shore site, among other things. “Guyanese companies don’t want handouts. But we do have resources and plenty of workers who have experience in logistics. We have technical help that we are tapping into. In the entire scheme of things, this is where Guyana should insist on heading…more local input. That is all we asking. We are building capacity and we are more than willing to have Exxon work with us to make it happen.” Exxon has drilled a number of wells and have confirmed that the find is significant, with more than 1.4B barrels of high quality in the concession area. The US exploration company has moved ahead to order equipment and issue contracts for the 2020 start. Guyana is to receive a two percent royalty and split the proceeds 50/50. but after Exxon would have deducted expenses and its investments.
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Theresa May of the Conservative Party. I believe that’s important.” May formed her cabinet despite failing to win a majority in Thursday’s parliamentary election, when her Conservatives won 318 House of Commons seats. Labour, the main opposition party, won 262. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said he could still be prime minister, although his party has no obvious way to build a majority coalition. He said a new election might be necessary later this year or early in 2018. Apart from Gove and her close ally Damian Green, promoted to Cabinet Office minister to oversee the dayto-day running of the government, May confirmed most of the ministers from her previous cabinet. This marked an apparent reversal of plans to turf out those considered less than loyal - a sign of her weakened stature in a party that traditionally craves strong leaders.
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Barbados’ exports slip Daily Nation - Barbados’ exports have decreased at a time when several neighbours have registered growth. And the Caribbean’s exports have also declined as the wider Latin America and the Caribbean region reports improvement in such trade. That’s based on the latest edition of the Inter-American Development Bank’s annual report Trade Trend Estimates Of Latin America And The Caribbean. The report said Barbados’ first quarter exports dropped by 16 per cent, while other Caribbean countries performed positively. “Exports from the Caribbean fell 5.7 per cent in 2016. Data available for five countries of the sub-region reveal a change in trend in the first months of 2017, although smaller than in Latin America,” the report stated. “The year-on-year growth rate for the first quarter reached 12 per cent. Except Barbados, whose exports contracted 16 per cent, the rest of the countries
Paolo Giordano registered expansions in foreign sales. “At the high growth end, exports from Jamaica and Belize increased 32 per cent and 25 per cent, after falling 9.2 per cent and 24.9 per cent in 2016, respectively. At the lower end, in Suriname the increase was 13 per cent (-12.4 per cent in 2016) and in Haiti it was barely three per cent (20.5 per cent in 2016).” In
terms of the wider region, the IDB report said after four consecutive years of contraction, Latin American and Caribbean exports returned to a path of growth. In the first quarter of 2017, the value of goods exports increased 17 per cent yearon-year, having contracted 2.9 per cent in 2016. The recovery was driven primarily by a rebound in commodity prices, according to the IDB analysis. “The trend reversal is great news for Latin America and the Caribbean. Yet, in the current context, one should not overestimate the drivers of this export expansion, which remain unstable and still restricted to a few regional economies,” said Paolo Giordano, principal economist of the Integration and Trade Sector and coordinator of the report. The return to an export growth path marked the end of the longest trade recession in the region’s recent history, which lasted 24 months.
Nearly 600 people murdered during the first six months in Jamaica KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Nearly 600 people were murdered in Jamaica during the first six months of this year, figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). It said that between the period January 1 to June 3, a total of 585 people were murdered representing a 16 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year. According to the figures 136 persons were killed during the month of May, 18 more than the number of persons killed in May last year and 26 more than the number recorded in May 2015. In the first three days of this month, 5 people have been murdered. Opposition Spokesman on National Security Peter Bunting said that based on his calculations, approximately 639 persons have been killed since the start of the year, including 54 murders reportedly committed during the first 10 days of this month. “The Opposition is alarmed at the spiralling murder rate, and, really, the lack of a coherent response from the Government on the issue,” said Bunting, adding “we need an emergency allocation of resources to dramatically improve the presence of the police and military. “We will need a period of saturation patrolling in
Peter Bunting multiple hotspot areas, and the security forces cannot sustain that without a large
injection of funds for fuel, to acquire new vehicles, for food, and all that it takes to maintain personnel on operations.” Bunting blamed the two billion dollar (One Jamaica dollar=US$0.008 cents) reduction in the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of National Security for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, as part of the reasons for the upsurge in criminal activity here. “What is happening now is that the police are starved of resources,” said Bunting. Last year, Jamaica recorded 1,350 murders with the police claiming that 65 per cent of these murders were linked to gangs.
NUPW: Pull taxes or we march! Daily NATION - The National Union of Public Workers (NUPW) is ready to call out its members if Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler does not recall the tax measures in last month’s Budget. The decision to place industrial action on the table was taken late last week during a special meeting of the executive council of the NUPW, headed by president Akanni McDowall. The president was unable to say exactly when the action would be taken, but said the union will give Government until July 1 to roll back the new taxes. “In light of the challenges, the union is calling for the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Christopher Sinckler to either immediately repeal the tax measures or to institute a ‘coping subsidy’ for public servants until salary negotiations have been concluded,” McDowall told the SUNDAY SUN.
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Putin critic Navalny, eyeing power, organises anti-graft protests Reuters - Thousands of Russians are expected to protest against corruption today, part of opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s longshot drive to unseat President Vladimir Putin next year by tapping voter anger over what Navalny says is runaway official graft. The scale and geographical reach of the protests will show if Navalny can build on the success of a similar event in March, in which thousands took to the streets to call for Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, a close Putin ally, to quit. Those protests were the largest since a wave of antiKremlin demonstrations in 2012 and resulted in over 1,000 arrests, putting rare domestic pressure on Putin, who is expected to run for and win re-election next year. Many of those who attended last time were young people, including some school children. Today is Russia Day, a public holiday, a factor that may boost turnout.
Alexei Navalny There is a risk of violence. Authorities in Moscow, the location of what is expected to be the largest protest, authorised a venue well away from the city centre. But Navalny said late yesterday that the authorities had pressured firms into refusing to supply him and his allies with sound and video equipment to make themselves heard and seen, a move he said was designed to humiliate protesters. For that reason, he said he
was switching the venue to Tverskaya Street, Moscow’s main avenue near the Kremlin. That means the protest will be illegal in the authorities’ eyes and that riot police could be ordered to move in to break it up. For now, polls suggest Navalny, who was jailed for 15 days for disobeying a policeman at the last protest, has scant chance of unseating Putin, who enjoys high ratings. It remains unclear too whether the Kremlin will let Navalny run for the presidency. But the 41-year-old lawyer turned political street campaigner hopes anger over corruption may boost his support. A video he made accusing Medvedev of owning a giant estate and of living far beyond his means has garnered over 22 million online views to date. Medvedev dismissed Navalny’s allegations as politically motivated “nonsense” and called the opposition politician a muckraking charlatan.
Gadhafi’s son released after more than 5 years of detention BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) — Seif al-Islam, the son and one-time heir apparent of late Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi, has been released after more than five years in detention, his captors said on Saturday. A statement by his captors, the Abu Bakr alSiddiq Battalion, said Seif alIslam was released a day earlier, but gave no details on his whereabouts. Battalion officials reached by The Associated Press at Zintan, a town south of the capital Tripoli where it is based, confirmed his release. They declined to disclose his whereabouts, citing concerns over his safety. They said his release was decided as part of a recent pardon issued by the Libyan parliament based in the country’s eastern region. Abdallah Bilhaq, a spokesman for the Tobrukbased Libyan House of
Seif al-Islam Gadhafi Representatives, said “the amnesty law had to be issued” to help move on from the chaos that has engulfed the country in recent years. “As for the news of the release of Seif al-Islam Gadhafi, he is a Libyan citizen covered by the amnesty law,”
Bilhaq said, but added that the law did not exempt anyone from criminal charges they may face. The parliament in the city of Tobruk is part of one of three rival administrations in Libya, evidence of the chaos that has prevailed in the country since Gadhafi’s ouster and death. Gadhafi’s son was captured by the battalion’s fighters late in 2011, the year when a popular uprising toppled Gadhafi after more than 40 years in power. He was later killed. The uprising later plunged the oil-rich North African nation into a ruinous civil war in which Seif al-Islam led Gadhafi’s loyalist forces against the rebels. Human Rights Watch said that despite Seif al-Islam’s reported release he is still wanted on charges of crimes against humanity related to the 2011 uprising.
Qatar willing to listen to Gulf concerns, Kuwait says Reuters - Qatar is ready to listen to the concerns of Gulf Arab states that have cut diplomatic and economic ties, Kuwait said yesterday, as it tried to mediate a solution to the worst regional crisis in years. Saudi Arabia and allies Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) severed ties with Qatar last week, accusing it of supporting Islamist militants and arch-foe Iran - charges Doha denies. The rift has disrupted travel, separated families, severed commercial links
and sown confusion among banks and businesses while deepening divisions between their respective allies fighting in wars and political struggles from Libya to Yemen. “(Kuwait) affirms the readiness of the brothers in Qatar to understand the reality of the qualms and concerns of their brothers and to heed the noble endeavours to enhance security and stability,” Kuwait’s state news agency KUNA quoted Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah as saying.
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Germany’s hard left hopes to take inspiration from Corbyn’s success Reuters - After Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party scored surprise gains in Britain’s election with an unashamedly left-wing programme, the far-left Linke hopes to make progress with a similar agenda when Germans vote in September. With the mainstream left Social Democrats (SPD) part of a grand coalition with Angela Merkel’s conservatives, the Linke is currently Germany’s biggest opposition party and is on 8-11 percent in the latest polls. The party is hoping for a Corbyn-style surge to help boost its share of the vote and make it a potential player in an alternative coalition after the national election on Sept. 24. Party co-leader Katja Kipping told Reuters she was encouraged by Corbyn’s “magnificent catch-up race” after he entered the campaign far behind the Conservatives, especially as his ideas such as redistributing wealth mirrored Linke themes. “He showed you can score a lot of points with a modern election campaign, doorstep visits and a social programme that’s very similar to ours,” the 39-year-old said in an interview at a party congress in the northern city of Hanover. Corbyn, whose party denied the Conservatives an outright victory, struck a chord with young voters
Top candidates of Germany’s left-wing party Die Linke Sahra Wagenknecht and Dietmar Bartsch and party co-leaders Katja Kipping and Bernd Riexinger receive applause during a party congress in Hanover, Germany, yesterday. REUTERS/Michelle Martin and made clever use of social media in a campaign that had echoes of Democrat Bernie Sanders’ bid to run for the U.S. presidency last year. Linke co-chairman Bernd Riexinger, a 61-year-old former trade union leader, whipped up around 580 delegates with a speech saying
Corbyn showed the unexpected could happen despite polls showing Merkel as the clear favourite to win another term. “The election isn’t over yet unless we believe the prophets who say so. Merkel and her politics can be ousted!” he said to thunderous
applause at a conference taking place under the slogan “Social. Fair. For Everyone”. The Linke, which campaigns for wealth to be redistributed, wants NATO replaced with a new body including Russia and opposes German military combat missions, is
aiming for at least 10 percent of the vote. But Manfred Guellner, head of Forsa polling institute, said its support had levelled off at around 8 percent and “its potential is not much bigger than that”. An anti-Communist tradition in post-war western Germany makes it hard for the Linke — formed in 2007 from SPD defectors and the successor party to East Germany’s Communists — to gain ground in the West. Older people nostalgic for the Communist days in East Germany are dying out, Guellner said. With Merkel still popular and the German economy faring well, voters are likely to be reluctant to support the Linke and its social justice message - a problem also faced by the SPD, which has slumped in recent polls, he added. The Linke is dependent on the SPD, with which it has a troubled relationship, if it wants to get into power. The SPD has not ruled out a three-way alliance also involving the Greens, a change from 2013 when the constellation was mathematically possible but the political will was absent. Kipping urged the Linke not to limit itself to being in opposition, which some members favour.
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FIFA president says Qatar World Cup not under threat
England win World Under-20 title with Calvert-Lewin strike
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at press conference after the 67th FIFA Congress in Manama, Bahrain May 11, 2017. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed) (Reuters) FIFA president Gianni Infantino does not believe that the diplomatic crisis which has embroiled 2022 World Cup host nation Qatar will threaten its staging of the tournament, he said yesterday. The global soccer body also confirmed that it had replaced a Qatari refereeing team who were due to officiate at a World Cup qualifying match involving the United Arab Emirates tomorrow. In an interview published in Swiss newspapers Le Matin Dimanche and Sonntagszeitung, Infantino said he expected the diplomatic situation to be back to normal by the time the tournament is played in fiveand-a-half years’ time. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain cut links with Qatar last Monday, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar says the allegations are based on lies. Asked if he believed that Qatar’s hosting was in danger, Infantino replied: “No. In any case, I am not in the habit of speculating and I’m not going to this time either.” Infantino said that FIFA was watching the situation and was in regular contact with the Qatari authorities.
“The essential role of FIFA, as I understand it, is to deal with football and not to interfere in geopolitics,” he said. “We are indeed facing a diplomatic crisis. “But on the other hand, I am confident that the region will return to a normalised situation. The World Cup is in 2022. In five years. “Obviously, if football can make a small contribution, in any way, to an improvement, I will not hesitate to offer my help.” FIFA confirmed in an emailed statement to Reuters that the UAE’s match away to Thailand on Tuesday would no longer be refereed by Qatari officials. “We can confirm that FIFA has replaced the match officials originally appointed for the... game,” it said. “The decision has been taken for sporting reasons and in view of the current geopolitical situation.” FIFA added that it had changed the officials of its own accord and denied it had responded to a UAE request. The UAE federation said on Twitter that the match referee would now be Muhammad Taqi from Singapore.
Motorcycling: Dovizioso takes second win in a row (Reuters) Italian Andrea Dovizioso beat the home heroes to win the Grand Prix of Catalunya yesterday and celebrate his second successive MotoGP victory for Ducati. His triumph at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya, coming a week after a home win at Mugello, left Dovizioso only seven points behind Yamaha’s overall leader Maverick Vinales, who finished 10th. Honda’s Spanish team mates Marc Marquez, the reigning triple world champion, and Dani Pedrosa, who had started on pole position at a track down the road from where he grew up, finished second and third respectively. Spaniard Vinales now has 111 points to Dovizioso’s 104 after seven races. Marquez is third on 88.
England captain Lewis Cook lifts the World Cup trophy above his head after the Young Lions beat Venezuela yesterday. (FIFA via Getty Images) (Reuters) England won the Under-20 World Cup, the country’s first world title at any level since 1966, after a 35thminute goal from Dominic Calvert-Lewin gave them a 1-0 victory over Venezuela yesterday. Venezuela missed a chance to equalise when England keeper Freddie Woodman saved a 74th-minute Adalberto Penaranda penalty in an enthralling, entertaining game, played in the South Korean city of Suwon. The South Americans, playing bright and positive football, went close to an opener in the 24th minute when a thundering 35-metre free kick from Ronaldo Lucena crashed against the woodwork. England, however, went in front after Calvert-Lewin won an aerial challenge on the edge of the box. His powerful firsttime shot was parried out by keeper Wuilker Farinez but the
Everton forward pounced to drive in the loose ball. After the break, Woodman did well to come off his line and foil Sergio Cordova after a superb pass from substitute Yeferson Soteldo. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Josh Onomah, who was outstanding throughout, hit the bar with a powerful longrange effort after bursting through from midfield, but England then had a real scare at the other end. England defender Jake Clarke-Salter was ruled to have brought down Penaranda inside the area, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee, but Woodman produced a brilliant one-handed save to keep out Penaranda’s spot-kick. Venezuela pushed forward in the latter stages but Paul Simpson’s side held firm to give England their first world title since their World Cup victory 51 years ago.
‘Greatest’ Bolt to leave unmatched legacy: Coe KINGSTON (Reuters) Usain Bolt is without question the greatest ever track athlete and the Jamaican’s involvement in athletics after his retirement will be paramount to ensure its relevance to a younger generation, according to Sebastian Coe. The IAAF president watched Bolt cruise to victory in the 100 meters at the national stadium in Kingston on Saturday, the 30-year-old bidding farewell to more than 30,000 spectators at his last meeting on home soil. Coe, who won back-toback 1,500 meters golds among four Olympic medals, said no other sprinter could compare to the eight-times Olympic champion, who will bow out at the world championships in London. “When you’re sitting in the pub and you’re having the discussion: who is the greatest footballer? Nobody will agree on that,” Coe told Reuters in an interview. “If you have the same
IAAF President Sebastian Coe during the press conference. (Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs Livepic File photo) discussion around golf or tennis, everybody will have different views. “It’s a slam dunk. (Bolt) is the greatest sprinter the world has ever seen. “If you look at the records he set, if you look at the Olympic championships he’s had — three in a row — I’m not sure I’m ever going to see that in my lifetime. “So it’s a massive legacy and the most important legacy is that he has connected our sport to people who weren’t
traditional track and field fans, that’s the measure of the man.” Coe said the 100 and 200 meters world record holder would have a bigger challenge in life after competition. “The second leg of his journey, the biggest challenge athletics has, the biggest challenge the Olympic movement has, is for young people to feel what we offer is relevant to their lives,” the 60-year-old Briton said. “He connects with all
ages, he connects with all denominations, all cultures, all creeds, all politics and that’s a very unique breed and we need to maintain his involvement,” the IOC vice president said. “I’m delighted that he has agreed to help us grow the sport and to help our sport remain relevant to young people.” Coe was thrilled to see Bolt make his last run on home soil. “There’s nowhere else on this planet that I would rather be tonight, than here, this was the must see moment and I’m not just saying that as the president of the world sport, I’m saying this as a fan,” he added. “This guy has transformed our sport, he’s connected with young people, he’s connected with people that didn’t even think they liked track and field, he’s turned them into lifelong fans and every single plaudit that he receives tonight, he’s deserving of every syllable of it.”
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BOLT MARKS HOME India stroll into semi-finals SWANSONG WITH VICTORY with rout of South Africa LONDON (Reuters) India crushed South Africa by eight wickets yesterday to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals and knock the world’s top-ranked team out of the tournament. South Africa crumbled from 116 for one to 191 all out in good batting conditions at The Oval before Shikhar Dhawan (78) and Virat Kohli (76 not out) shared a fluent partnership of 128 to lead India to victory with 12 overs to spare. The defending champions followed hosts England and Bangladesh into the last four and they will be joined by the winners of Monday’s final Group B game between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. “Our bowlers bowled really well and the fielders backed it up. It was a complete performance in the field — we grabbed the chances that came our way,” captain Kohli said at the presentation ceremony. “The guys really stepped up with their intensity.” South Africa started cautiously after being sent in to bat as Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock added 76 for the first wicket without undue alarm. Amla raised the tempo with a six over mid-wicket but, on 35, he tried to cut spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and nicked a sharp catch to wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. South Africa were 94 for one after 20 overs and De Kock reached a tidy halfcentury off 68 balls before he was deceived by spinner Ravindra Jadeja and bowled for 53. SELF-DESTRUCT South Africa then pressed the self-destruct button with two run-outs in quick succession. Captain AB de Villiers, on 16, perished trying to pinch a quick single and David Miller (one) was dismissed in farcical circumstances with both batsmen stranded at the same end to leave South Africa struggling at 142 for four. Their hopes of a substantial total rested on the shoulders of Faf du Plessis but his scratchy knock of 36 ended when he dragged a ball from medium-pacer Hardik Pandya on to his stumps. Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel soon joined him back in the pavilion and the innings petered out in the 45th over when Imran Tahir became the third run-out victim.
Virat Kohli watches the ball fly off his pull shot, India v South Africa, Champions Trophy 2017, Group B, The Oval, London, ©PA Photos India began their reply positively and both openers had struck sixes before Rohit Sharma drove loosely at Morkel and was caught by wicketkeeper De Kock for 12. Kohli joined Dhawan and after surviving hostile spells from Morkel and Rabada the pair started to play with more freedom. Dhawan crunched Morris over mid-on for his eighth four to reach his 50 and the lefthander played some brutal strokes before he skied Tahir to Du Plessis at long-off. Kohli remained in total control, however, and Yuvraj Singh hoisted JP Duminy
over mid-wicket for a huge six to complete the most comfortable of wins for his team. “It’s not an ideal way to finish the tournament,” De Villiers said. “It’s disappointing, but credit to them. They put a lot of pressure on us. “We got something nice going until the run-outs which cost us highly today. We just came unstuck against a better team.” Scores: India 193 for 2 (Dhawan 78, Kohli 76*) beat South Africa 191 (De Kock 53, Bhuvneshwar 2-23, Bumah 2-28) by x wickets.
Shikhar Dhawan became the fastest to 1000 runs in ICC tournaments, India v South Africa, Champions Trophy 2017, Group B, The Oval, London, ©AFP
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Superstar Usain Bolt’s final appearance before his home crowd ended on a high, as he won a special 100 metres event dubbed “Salute to a Legend” at the Racers Grand Prix here Saturday night. The 30-year-old, who will wind up a remarkable career following August’s IAAF World Championships in London, appeared rusty but said goodbye in style to his home fans estimated at nearly 30 000 at the National Stadium. For once, his winning time of 10.03 seconds did not matter as Bolt soaked up the significance of the moment on a track that over the years played host to the greatest sprinter of all time. “I don’t think I have ever been that nervous to run the 100 metres,” Bolt said afterwards. “Just the atmosphere and the people. The support they came out and gave me, it was really nerve-wracking.” He continued: “There is no words. From World Juniors to now I have always been getting great support from Jamaica. “I never thought I would ever reach this height in track and field. My only aim was to be a 200 metre Olympic champion. “I have done all I have done. Being a legend now is something big. But I couldn’t have done it without the support of my parents.” In what marked his season-opener, Bolt was away slowly from the blocks but found his usual mid-race acceleration to haul in the early leaders and cross the line first. Jamaicans Jhevaughn Minzie (10.14) and Nikel Ashmeade (10.18) followed Bolt across the line. Bolt celebrated with a lap of honour, kissed the track before striking his trademark ‘Lightning Bolt’ pose much to the delight of fans. IAAF president Sebastian Coe, who attended the meet, said Bolt had left an indelible mark on athletics. “I am here just to thank someone who has changed the face of our sport, and has encouraged so many young people to our sport, and the journey now has to continue,” Coe said. “This is an extraordinary career that is coming to a close and we are very excited, of course, that that career will close fittingly in a World Championships stadium. If you look at his record, everywhere and everything that he has done, he has
Bolt was thankful for the adulation shown and said he will continue to promote the sport. (AP) always been the best.” The farewell for the eighttime Olympic gold medallist overshadowed proceedings and fans could be forgiven for not noticing South African Wayde Van Niekerk’s worldleading 19.84 seconds in the 200 metres. Jamaican Yohan Blake also shone, winning the marquee 100 metres in a time of 9.97 seconds, to beat the impressive South African record-holder Akani Simbine who was timed at 10 seconds in finishing second.
Trinidadian Keston Bledman crossed the line third in 10.22. In the corresponding women’s event, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kelly-Ann Baptiste took the line first in 11.13 seconds, with American Jenna Prandini finishing a close second in 11.16. And in the men’s 400 metres, Jamaican Demish Gaye produced an upset to beat Olympic finalist Machel Cedenio of Trinidad and Tobago in a personal best time of 44.73.
Trophy Stall Annual... From page 34 Under-15 Girls Singles Quarter-Finals: Jayde DaSilva defeated Mahima Singh: 21-4, 21-1 Under-15 Girls Singles Semi-Finals: Jayde DaSilva defeated Reanna persaud: 22-20, 21-18 Sarah Samad defeated Sacha Wang: 21-17, 21-14 Under-15 Girls Singles Finals: Jayde DaSilva defeated Sarah Samad: 21-18, 21-10 Under-15 Girls Singles Third Place: Sacha Wang defeated Reanna Persaud: 21-17, 20-22, 23-21 Open Men Singles Semi-Finals: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Ronald Chang Yuen: 21-12, 21-11 Jonathan Mangra defeated Marlon Chung: 21-16, 12-21, 1221 Open Men Singles Finals: Narayan Ramdhani defeated Jonathan Mangra: 21-15, 2114 Open Men Singles Third Place: Marlon Chung defeated Ronald Chang Yuen: 21-16, 11-21, 14-21 The GBA would like to thank all the players who took part and Mr. Ramesh Sunich of the Trophy Stall for making this tournament a success.
Monday June 12, 2017
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Nadal reclaims throne with brutal defeat of Wawrinka PARIS (Reuters) Claycourt king Rafa Nadal regained his Roland Garros throne after two years in exile with a brutal 6-2 6-3 6-1 mauling of Swiss Stan Wawrinka to complete ‘La Decima’ yesterday. Rewinding the clock to the days when he was untouchable on the crushed brick dust, the 31-year-old turned 2015 champion Wawrinka into a human punch bag, winning in just over two hours. This title, a record 10th at a single grand slam in the professional era, was arguably the most impressive of his 15 majors, though, as it arrived three injury-plagued years after the last one when he beat Novak Djokovic here in 2014. He also did it without dropping a set and conceding only 35 games in seven matches. Only Bjorn Borg, who conceded 32 on his way to the 1978 title, has been a more ruthless champion. Third seed Wawrinka, having beaten world number one Andy Murray with a majestic display of firepower in a grueling semi-final, arrived full of hope as, at 32, he tried to become the oldest French Open winner since Andres Gimeno in 1972. But the barrel-chested ‘Stanimal’ was powerless as Nadal turned the final into an exhibition of his claycourt supremacy — taking his French Open record to an eye-watering 79-2. As a weary Wawrinka sliced a volley into the net on match point Nadal collapsed on his back on the baseline. EMOTIONAL NADAL “I’m a little emotional,” Nadal said before his tearful uncle Toni, his career-long coach who will take a back seat at the end of the year, handed him La Coupe des Mousquetaires. “The nerves and adrenaline I feel on this court is impossible to compare.” Wawrinka said he had not found his best level but paid tribute to the man he beat to win the first of his three grand slam titles in Australia in 2014. “For sure he’s playing the best he’s ever played. That’s for sure. Not only here,” Wawrinka said. “It’s a tough loss. But I played against the biggest clay-court player ever.” Straw hats and fans were de rigueur for an expectant Court Philippe Chatrier as the final
began with temperatures hovering around the 30 degrees Celcius mark — optimum conditions for Nadal’s monstrous topspin game. Wawrinka, who spent nearly five hours more on court than Nadal to reach the final, looked confused and heavy-legged although he did have a glimmer in the third game when Nadal, still settling down, saved a break point. FIRST BLOOD Nadal failed to convert any of the four break points he had in the following game, but drew first blood the next time an opportunity arose to take a 4-2 lead. Then he switched on the afterburners, taking Wawrinka out of the equation, and minutes later the Swiss wafted a forehand long to hand Nadal a second break of serve and the opening set. Wawrinka was flat, striking not a single winner off his glorious singlehanded backhand in the first set, and with less than an hour on the clock his task already looked forlorn. Nadal got a time violation at the start of the second, but Wawrinka could not slow the Spaniard’s charge as he bounded into a 3-0 lead in the second having won seven games in a row. With the crowd attempting to lift Wawrinka he stopped the rot to hold, firing himself up with a roar of “C’mon”. Nadal was relentless though, pinning Wawrinka back behind the baseline. Even when he was stretched the response was emphatic, one astonishing forehand, whipped from close to the front row of seats to land in a blur of yellow in the corner, drawing gasps from the crowd and applause from Wawrinka. Social media lit up at that point with women’s semi-finalist Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland tweeting “OMG!” Wawrinka, who had been on an 11-match winning streak on clay, was being hunted down mercilessly and his frustration boiled over as the Spaniard closed in on a two-set lead, the Swiss wrecking his racket frame after a missed forehand. A brief lull as the court staff watered down the red dust failed to extinguish Nadal’s fire and, despite Wawrinka’s best efforts to extend the contest, the final set was little more than a coronation for Paris’s favorite Spaniard.
2nd LBFCC / Albert Rose Memorial Cycle Race
Walter Grant-Stuart reigns supreme Barret, Dey, Ramsuchit, McKay and Jackson also win
Ms. Tunita Rose hands over the winning trophy to Walter Grant-Stuart. By Franklin Wilson Differently Able cyclist Walter Grant-Stuart has once again proven that he is just as good and in this instance, adequately better than his opposition when he pedaled to victory in the 2nd Albert Rose Memorial Cycle Race contested yesterday in Linden and the Linden Soesdyke Highway (LSH). Grant-Stuart, who has whipped the very best of Guyana’s cyclists in the past, achieved the feat once again and in doing so became the first rider to win a road race that was actually concluded on a hill top, Bamia, LSH. While the distance of the race was just over 50-miles in total, the race route provided some challenges for all the
Kiwis one win away from place in the final DOCKYARD, Bermuda, CMC – Emirates Team New Zealand moved to within one victory of reaching the 35th America’s Cup final after beating Sweden’s Artemis Racing by two races to one in the Great Sound yesterday. The brace of victories on day two of the challenger play-off final gave the Kiwis – beaten finalists in the last America’s Cup four years ago in San Francisco – a 4-2 lead in the first-to-five series after they had secured a 2-1 advantage the previous day. The two teams will return to the course on Monday for a possible three more races but while the Kiwis need just one more win the Swedes will need to win all three to secure a place in the final – known as the match – against defending champions Oracle Team USA, starting on June 17. Artemis’ helmsman
Emirates Team New Zealand.
Nathan Outteridge, uninjured when he fell overboard during a race on Saturday, gave the Swedes the perfect start on Sunday by winning the first race of the afternoon by 15 seconds when winds were around 16 knots after a
stormy night. The Swedes had one moment of concern during the race when their boat leapt out of the water and their daggerboard foils broke through the waves, catching nothing but air. They dived a
bow into the waves and suddenly aimed left heading for the Kiwi boat. The Kiwis turned away to avoid what they thought might be a potential collision and pressed for a penalty. But the umpires ruled no penalty.
riders as it had a number of hills that they had to climb during the course of the event. While for some it would have been quite a challenge, for Grant-Stuart it was a normal day as he trains on this course every week, riding from Timehri to Linden and back. His dominance of the event was evident from the start of the second lap when he and Briton John were able to get away from the pack. The experience and steely nature of Grant-Stuart saw him dropping John, still a junior rider, as he was all alone for almost the entire third lap in pedaling to a memorable win in 2 Hours 22 Minutes 13 Seconds. The chasing pack almost caught him at the end but he had done enough to leave them in his wake in chalking up the win ahead of the national championships which commences this weekend. Following Grant-Stuart to the line were Andre Green, Paul De Nobrega, Curtis Dey, Jamal John and Mario King to close out the top six. Dey was the first junior to cross the line ahead of Christopher Cornelius and Briton John. Competing on a hilling terrain for the first time was 13-year-old Jonathan Ramsuchit who ended up winning the juvenile category from Jomar Holigar and Esau Lowdin. Ramsuchit’s energy and excitement also saw him taking the first of 10 sprint prizes with Grant-Start claiming six. Hazina Barret was the female winner with Abigail Jeffrey second. Warren ‘Forty’ Mc Kay won the Under-45 veteran category with Junior Niles
and Everal Mundy second and third, respectively. The Over-45 class was won by Ian “Deaf Boy” Jackson who was better than Andy Spencer and Oliver Young, in that order. Yesterday’s race which saw the Rose Family, the sponsors, coming out in their numbers for the event which pedaled off just outside the GTT at David Rose Street, proceeded to Moblissa Hill on the Linden Soesdyke Highway before finishing at Bamia Hill on the return. Whilst the senior, juniors and veterans Under-45 battled for three laps, the ladies, juveniles and Over45’s did so for one lap. Ms. Tunita Rose, daughter of the Late Albert Rose, expressed sincere gratitude to the competitors for coming out to make the event a resounding success. Speaking just before the presentation, a happy Ms. Rose thanked everyone on behalf of the family, noting that her father, a former fierce national cyclist, would have been pleased with the level of support from all rendered. Ms. Rose informed that her father was the founder and President of the Hurricane Cycle and Athletic Club which was established in 1988. “Here we have a few pictures of his football club which is now known to all as Topp XX football club. Albert Rose was a man who always had a passion for sports and he can only be remembered by this yearly event. So to all participants of today’s race, we applaud for your efforts and skills, to all officials, Guyana Police Force, medical team and club members, we thank you.”
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Windies struggle to series leveling win KHAN AGAIN AMONG THE WICKETS
Rashid Khan foxed Evin Lewis with a googly, West Indies v Afghanistan, 2nd ODI, Gros Islet, © AFP By Sean Devers in St Lucia In association with Vnet Communications, Noble House Seafood, Baksh Travel Service, Payless Varity Store & Golden Arrow Inn in St Lucia West Indies were made to work hard for a series leveling win last night at the Daren Sammy cricket ground as they beat a spirited Afghanistan unit by four wickets in the second ODI of the three-match series after the visitors had won the first one on Friday night. A defiant 51 from 73 balls with two fours and a couple of sixes from number eight
batsman Gulbadin Naib was the only bright spot in a dismal Afghanistan total of 135 all out in 37.3 overs with only Mohammed Nabi (13) and Skipper Asghar Stanikzai (11) of the other batsmen reaching double figures. Shannon Gabriel (2-25), Jason Holder (2-38), Alazzari Joseph (2-15) and Ashley Nurse (2-33) bowled well for the West Indies who struggled to 138-6 from 39.2 overs with 23-year-old Shai Hope finishing unbeaten two away from his second ODI fifty. His 48 took 77 balls and included three fours. Evin Lewis hit five fours in 33 at the top of the order, while Rovman Powell (17) was
the other batsman to reach double figures. Khan followed up his 7-18 in the first ODI with 3-26, while Naib took 2-15. Chasing 136 to win, Lewis slashed Dawlat Zadran over slip for four in the first over and banged him for another in his next over. Kieron Powell pivoted and pulled Zadran for four more before Lewis finished off an expensive over with two disdainful boundaries as the openers showed the type of intent which was lacking on Friday and by the break West Indies had raced to 37 without loss from six overs. Lewis on 25 from 21 balls and Powell on 11 from 15 balls
with their team needing 99 more to level the series. After the Interval Khan was introduced and had the left-handed Powell (12) caught at slip as he totally miss-read a perfectly pitched Google with the score on 401. Hope joined Lewis, who danced into Khan and stroked him sweetly wide of mid-off for four while Hope leaned into Nabi’s off-spin and caressed him for a boundary which brought up the 50 in the 10th over as both batsmen seemed intent on being positive against the spin. At 51-2 Khan and trapped Lewis LBW when he illadvisable went on the back to one that he should have been forward to. Jonathon Carter (2) soon edged Naib to the Keeper at 63-3. Hope punched Naib gloriously to the ropes at cover but Jason Mohammed (2) was removed by Naib at 72-4. Roston Chase joined Hope, the only batsman who seemed to be picking Khan and together rotated the strike with scampered singles and when Chase ducked from a bouncer from Zadran and the ball hit his bat and went over the Keeper’s for four, the close 300 fans roared with delight. When Chase (9) was stumped off Khan at 98-5 Afghanistan must have been thinking the unthinkable. Rovman Powell was dismissed with 13 to win to
Golden Jaguar Sheldon Holder inspires Cale opening win in TT Pro League Guyana Golden Jaguars striker Sheldon Holder scored the winning goal to give his Trinidad and Tobago Club, COURTS Morvant Caledonia a 2-1 win over Club Sando in the TT Pro League on Friday night. The victory marked a triumphant return for former Golden Jaguars Coach Jamaal Shabazz to coaching in the TT Pro League after a four year absence. Holder’s 60th minute power shot rocketed into the net after receiving a pass from another Guyanese, former GFC forward, Kelsey Benjamin. Earlier, Caledonia had to come from behind after Keron Cornwall gave Club Sando a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute of the match. Caledonia equalised in the 26th minute with a goal from midfielder Kerry Daniel.
Both Kelsey Benjamin and Holder started up front in a Caledonia team that included former Slingerz FC Brazilian wingback Murillo Barbosa. Speaking to Kaieteur Sport after the game was an elated Holder. “It’s a great way to start and a signal of my intentions for the season. Last year I was injured and could not have given my best. Now I am back on the pitch, working hard and enjoying playing under the Gaffer - Jamaal Shabazz again. “He has given me a more senior role and I have accepted the responsibility because we have a very young team,” added Holder. Another Guyanese, Vurlon Mills started for San Juan Jabloteh in their 0- 0 draw against defending champions Central FC.
Sheldon Holder (#10) during a training session.
Gulbadin Naib sets himself up for a swat, West Indies v Afghanistan, 2nd ODI, Gros Islet, ©AFP end a 25-run stand with Hope, who remained to the end with Holder (7) to see their team home. Earlier, on a sun-kissed day Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat on the same track from Friday’s game and under a blue sky with rolling Hills as a back drop Javed Ahmadi got going with a fluent cover drive off Gabriel for four. Noor Ali Zadran drove Gabriel uppishly for four past cover but both openers were again troubled by the pace and bounce on the helpful track. Ahmadi was beaten for pace when he missed a cut and played late as Gabriel hit the slice of the bat when he bowled short before Skipper Holder had Zadran (8) caught and bowled at 21-1. Ahmadi (9) on the back of a fighting 81 in the first ODI was run out in the same over as both batsmen ended in the same crease to leave Afghanistan on 24-2. Rahmat Shah (1) was removed by Gabriel, who then trapped Samiullah Shenwari (2) nine runs and two overs later as the Afghans slipped to 34-4 in 10.1 overs. With the Afghanistan, St Lucian and WICB flags fluttering in the strong breeze, Nabi joined Asghar Stanikzai who was soon sent packing by Joseph with the score on 48. Stanikzai got a nasty bouncer aimed at his helmet and just managed to fend it awkwardly to the Keeper. The hostile Joseph produced another quick short ball which Nabi (13) fended off his rib cage to Chase at short square leg as the visitors wobbled to 51-6. Off-spinner Nurse took away the fear factor from one
end much to relief of the batsmen but Joseph continued to pepper the Afghans with fast short pitched bowling that had them backing away. But when Joseph pitched up Naib dumped him back over his head for six. Rovman Powell, replacing the injured Miguel Cummins, replaced Joseph and Naib and Afsar Zazai staged a minirecovery as Powell and Nurse eased the pressure. Just when the partnership was beginning to be a worry, Chase replaced Nurse and had Zazai (7) caught at slip at 81-7 to break the 30-run stand. Holder was hit for six by Khan (7) but fell next ball when he was caught by Hope at 96-8. Naib brought up the 100 with a boundary off Chase before a straight six off of Holder took him into the 30s, while pacer Zadran smashed Nurse to ropes at cover to evoke memories of Afghanistan’s late order rally in Friday’s ODI. With the partnership on 30, Zadran (9) was stupendously taken by a diving Evin Lewis on the deep mid-wicket boundary as Nurse struck at 127-9. Naib continued to defy the West Indian attack; pulling Nurse for four to post his third ODI fifty but fell off the next ball when he was taken at long-off. This was the 30th loss by Afghanistan since playing the first of 82 ODIs in the 2009 World Cup in South Africa but the most memorable of their 52 wins was against the West Indies last Friday. The last ODI is set for Wednesday at the same venue which will host another Day/Night affair.