Kaieteur News

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL PULLING OUT OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT Instead of making the earth great again, US President Donald Trump has pulled the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement. His decision has not only imperiled the attempts to roll back the consequences of pollution on the planet, but it is also a direct threat to make the earth safe for future generations. In ostensibly seeking to secure jobs and fair trade for the US, Mr. Trump has essentially put at risk the safety, security and the viability of human life on earth. It was to fulfill his campaign promise to put America first and make it great again at the expense of the Accord. His actions could have unintended consequences for the United States. In announcing his decision two Thursdays ago, Mr. Trump said the United States would no longer be a laughing stock. The truth is, the world is not laughing at the US but at Mr. Trump and his administration, which seem to have an extremely narrow view of climate change and its effects on the earth. Following Mr. Trump’s decision, the European Union (EU) leaders have closed ranks, and an unexpected alliance between China and Europe has filled the gap created by the US’s new isolationist policies. The EU leaders have boldly pledged to forge ahead with the agreement, despite Trump’s reversal of it. French President Emmanuel Macron’s response best summed up the global mood when he said “Wherever we live, whoever we are, we all share the same responsibility to make our planet great again.” Indeed, Mr. Trump’s actions have actually empowered some of America’s partners and rivals. He has given countries like China more leverage over global affairs by allowing it to forge closer ties with many nations, including the Caribbean, which is said to be in America’s backyard. Mr. Trump’s actions have also threatened the already scarce resources in the world, thus bolstering the possibility of conflict and war. In December 2015, 196 countries met in Paris and signed the Accord to curb greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent the runaway climate change that would occur should temperatures spiral to 2 degrees Celsius or more above the pre-industrial era. The UN World Meteorological Organization has stated that in a worst-case scenario, the US withdrawal could now add 0.3 degrees Celsius to global temperatures by the end of the century. Though a relatively small actor in global politics, Guyana has one of the lowest per capita carbon emissions rate in the hemisphere, yet we have signed the Accord. While President Trump’s decision to extricate the US from the Paris Agreement may appear to have dealt a blow to the Accord, the reality is, it could turn out to have the opposite consequences. In the last week, Mr. Trump has inadvertently galvanized international support on the issue of global warming and unleashed a new and unimagined collective determination to save the planet. His actions have created a backlash even at home. Many governors and big businesses in the US have abandoned the federal government’s inept policy on the agreement. They have promised to continue their work on reducing their country’s enormous carbon footprint, as they look for economic advantage in developing new, cleaner energy technology. Many EU leaders have stated that they will bypass Mr. Trump and work directly with state governors and US business leaders. President Trump’s decision has energized the issue of climate change the world over, in a way that might not have been possible otherwise - which is why we in Guyana must be mindful of the fact that in spite of Trump’s actions, the world is changing. If we fail to wean ourselves off fossil fuels or take urgent and effective steps to diversify our economy, or find ways to harness the unique creativity of our people, we will not prosper. While it is possible to take comfort in the recent discovery of oil, we cannot depend solely on oil to be our economic salvation. As substantial as our oil resources may turn out to be, we should not rest on our laurels. It is time to face the fact that the world has already begun to change. And for the better.

Members of the PNC and Govt. tried to sabotage celebrating yesterday. private group were condoned cohesion” is a sham. A letter our event from This was a corrupt attempt to and supported by the Consul from the Consul General of DEAR EDITOR, Yesterday, June 11, 2017, over 10,000 Guyanese combined turned out to participate in or observe the annual Guyana Independence parade and attend the unity concert in Brooklyn. The celebration organized by the Guyana Independence Anniversary Celebration Committee (New York), to commemorate Guyana’s 51stAnniversary of Independence, was a resounding success. Although the Committee will later issue formal thanks and acknowledgments, personally, I sincerely wish to thank our committee members and all volunteers for their hard work. Thanks also to our street promotion team as well as Vinod Bisram and Angels Caribbean Band. Special partners, Mark Ellis, Junior Paton and team from Vybz Up Radio, Zeelema Verwayne, DJ Cato and team from One Destiny Mass camp. I want the Guyanese people to know that elements within the PNCR political party and the Government of Guyana actively undermined our organization and tried to block the Guyanese people

boost attendance for a little group of their supporters who deliberately planned a private party for the same day as our celebration. According to reports, the government of Guyana sent the Attorney General, Minster of Social Protection and Minister of Health and others to the private events. Although the government was invited to send representatives to our celebration, their ministers who were in New York refused to attend our celebration, out of political allegiance to a failed group. Their decision was based on lies, wholesale fabrications, gossip, innuendo and misinformation by unsavory characters, who ran a misinformation campaign to smear me and ingratiate themselves with government officials. Unsavory individuals from the group tore down hundreds of posters and banners erected and posted by our committee to inform Guyanese about its celebration and conducted a social media campaign against the independence celebration. Generally, the actions of the

General of Guyana. The Government’s attempt to divide the Guyanese diaspora backfired immensely. While over 10,000 Guyanese turned out to participate in and observ our committee’s multi-ethnic, multi-cultural celebration, only a few dozen people attended the private event the government endorsed. Whether or not this lack of support for those who attempted to divide our community is commensurate with the government’s influence is for the people to determine. Nonetheless, the intelligence of Guyanese must no longer be underestimated. I thank my fellow Guyanese for resoundingly rejecting division and embracing unity at our celebration. The Guyana government yesterday was against the people and on the wrong side of history. It placed the expediency of personal friendships and divisive politics paramount to cohesion and true unity. Its attack on a multi-racial committee, by supporting a group with no diversity demonstrates that its so-called policy on “social

Guyana was sent to the Church we asked to host the annual Independence Prayer Service in an attempt to block that service. Another letter from the Consul General was sent to the NYPD to block the Independence parade but was rejected. The Consul General’s actions were unpatriotic and disgraceful. Her interference and obstruction of a not for profit, tax exempt organization violate United States law. Consequently, I have written to the United States Justice and State Departments asking for an investigation of the actions by the Consul General, as a complaint to the Guyana government was ignored. My complaint to the President and Minister of Foreign Affairs is attached. I believe in national unity. My contribution to Guyana and the diaspora is unassailable. Given the current state of affairs, my family and I have decided to withdraw our support of the PNCR and the coalition government of Guyana. Rickford Burke International Law and Public Policy Consultant

Rodney, the exemplar of Social Justice, Activism heavals of the 1960s. recommendations of the and People’s Power The debate over the future COI—some of which its conDEAR EDITOR, As we remember Walter Rodney on another June 13, we again honour the life and contributions of a product of Guyana and Caribbean who gave hope to tens of thousands that a Guyana that guarantees the security of all its diverse groups is possible. Here in Guyana, Dr. Rodney is remembered most for his tireless crusade against dictatorial governance and his firm belief that such governance can be turned back most effectively by a multiethnic movement of the working peoples and their allies. His intervention in this regard brought to the fore the inherent contradictions in Guyanese politics and society, that would eventually facilitate his assassination. That his assassination resulted from a politics of spite, one-manism and a desire to monopolise power as an end itself is, therefore, beyond doubt. Clearly the mobilization of people across ethnicity and to some extent across social class in defence of their fundamental rights ran counter to the agenda of the then rulers. Since Rodney’s assassination, there have been inevitable changes in government—the dictatorial regime against which he fought was eventually voted out of of-

fice. The successor government continued the dictatorial ways of its predecessors and met the same fate. The present government has promised much, but seems unable to move beyond the narrow confines of traditional modes of governance. Through all this the plight of the poor and powerless regardless of ethnicity and gender, have become progressively worse as our governments have become more and more wedded to the neo-liberal model of development that privileges markets and elites over people. Walter Rodney’s critique of the politics and economics of underdevelopment is still relevant today and should be utilized as a rallying point of departure for those willing to confront neo-liberalism. On the ethnic front, the gains of the Rodney era have not been sustained. The removal of the PNC from office in 1992 and the return of free elections were accompanied by a resurgence of ethnic insecurity and its attendant ills. The PPP government did not help matters by turning its back on a Government of National Unity and pursuing, in part, an undisguised ethnic agenda. By the time it left office, the country was as sharply divided as it was in the wake of the ethnic up-

of sugar and proposed government action in that regard has serious ethnic implications. So too is the on-going struggle against official corruption. In the end we must, in the Rodneyite tradition, summon the courage to reach across the ethnic divide and search for common ground. We have learned from experience that such action often run counter to the agendas of entrenched political parties to which most of, many of our people are affiliated. This is the daunting challenge we face, but it is one that must be confronted. Walter Rodney’s example, scholarship and activism offer us something to work with. On this anniversary, we also renew the call on the government to put aside partisan differences and honour Walter Rodney as a Guyanese patriot. I understand the reluctance to touch the recommendations of the controversial Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry, but are we doomed to be forever imprisoned by partisan instincts? How can we boast of a Unity Government that includes Rodney’s party and comrades, yet the very government continues to marginalize him in such blatant ways? The government has not seen it fit to implement the very non-partisan

stituents have, in the past, called for. Where are the Rodneyite ideas in the praxis of the government? There was no more enlightened activist of what we now call social cohesion than Walter Rodney. Yet our government publishes a strategic plan on social cohesion without a single integration of his ideas or those with which he is associated. We must do better than that. This government has a historic duty to be a government of all Guyanese. It must decisively break with the past. In this regard, it must follow through on the big promises it made in its manifesto. Constitutional reform must take pride of place on the agenda. There can be no social cohesion and good governance outside of constitutional reform that targets excessive presidential powers, the sharing of executive power and the return of proper local democracy. The government must find a way to witness more for the poor in our midst. It has to find space for investment in our people even as it navigates the dictates of the IMF regime. The coming of the oil economy will not be automatic salvation for the poor. Experience has shown that oil wealth, like other forms of (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday June 13, 2017

Private money for government projects is unlawful DEAR EDITOR, Since the publication of my weekly article about two APNU+AFC Govt. events in the US over the weekend, I received some valuable information which I feel compelled to share with the public. The entertainment place where a certain New York event was held is owned by a certain man and a certain woman. I am informed that this establishment is a regular meeting place for members of this Government. The owner is a known AFC financier, was the supplier of the controversial $420M product deal last year. Some years ago, the Guyana Police Force had issued “wanted bulletins” for this certain woman and her mother, Yvonne Webster, in respect of allegations of fraud. These bulletins with their photographs were posted on the walls of police stations nationwide. Both fled the country as a result. Since the change in government, these two persons have been seen regularly at the Marriott Hotel, at the National Stadium during cricket and at various other places in the City in the company of top officials of this Government. In fact, I am informed that this certain woman holds herself out as a lobbyist for this Government for investment opportunities. I hope that the Guyana Police Force will inform this nation about the status of the

investigations in relation this woman and Yvonne Webster and in so doing, will apprise the nation of the reasons why she is no longer considered a fugitive of justice. Before, I close, I wish to reply to a letter written by Wesley Kirton in response to my article. Mr. Kirton wrote only in relation to the event in Florida. Mr. Kirton objects to my description of the document inviting people to this event as a “flier”. He prefers the label “invitation”. Quite frankly, this is a distinction without a difference. Significantly, the document charges an admission fee of a minimum of US $35. My interpretation is that any member of the public who pays that admission fee would be admitted into the event. That fact, coupled with the event being described as a “Town Hall Meeting and Reception”, in my view, ought to settle the issue as to whether the event was a private or a public one. Mr. Kirton informs us that one way tickets from Guyana to Miami were paid for, for the two ministers, by the person who extended the invitation. No mention is made of who is responsible for the other associated expenditures. Mr. Kirton refers to an event which I attended in Florida when I was Attorney General to mark Guyana’s Independence Anniversary. I was accompanied by my wife. Mr. Kirton raised the issue of who financed that trip.

I was on official business representing Guyana at an AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism meeting in Miami. As I was there, I was invited to speak at the event to which Mr. Kirton refers. Whenever I travelled on official business and my wife accompanied me, I paid for all expenses in relation to her. Coincidentally, I am informed that when Ministers of this Government travel with their spouses, the State pays all expenses for the both of them. Mr. Kirton confirms that all cheques were required to be made payable to the account of “APNU GUYANA INC.” He also confirms that the proceeds are for the President’s Five Bs Program a programme of the Government of Guyana and not a Party programme of the APNU. It ought to be common knowledge that the Laws and the Constitution of Guyana mandate all Government programmes to be funded by monies appropriated via the National Assembly from the Consolidated Fund. Hence the Constitutional requirement that all monies received by Guyana shall be paid into and form one Consolidated Fund. In short, monies that are raised at a private event for the purpose of funding Government projects are unlawful and extra-Constitutional. Mohabir Anil Nandlall MP Attorney-at -Law

Rodney, the exemplar of Social Justice... From page 4 wealth, ends up benefiting the privileged. Our government must also give true meaning to the notion of Coalition. Currently it is more a coalition in name than in practice. Coalition assumes consultation and partnership in word and deed. Democratization should mean a widening of the decisionmaking space to include the breath of our interests. In that regard, I must be self-critical of those of us in the WPA and other Rodney associates. I have no place for those critics of the WPA who opportunistically use Rodney’s name to malign the WPA. But, I think we have not done enough to advocate for Rodneyite ideas in recent times. We seem to be caught in between support for the government and fidelity to our own traditions which are largely grounded in Rodney’s praxis and have not found a way to properly balance the two. Our collective voice has been too muted in the face of

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wrong turns by this government and other negative developments in our politics. To the best of my knowledge, we have been reluctant to speak up for Rodney in the halls of power. We have remained silent for two long as the working poor cry out for defence. I have in the past call for the renaming of the University of Guyana, the Walter Rodney University of Guyana. Guyanese across generations have contributed much to scholarship locally, regionally and globally, but none can doubt that Rodney’s contributions in this regard are monumental. At a time when our university

is fighting for survival, the spirit of Rodney could serve as a morale booster for that institution and as a reminder to students that academic excellence and creativity are part of our education tradition. Further, our scholars at the university should integrate Rodney and other Guyanese thinkers into the curriculum. It is a crying shame that while there is a Walter Rodney Chair at the University, there are no courses on Rodney’s ideas. This robs students of the opportunity to engage indigenous ideas. David Hinds

We must put the green monsters to rest permanently DEAR EDITOR, As we countdown to the expiration of the suspension of the Georgetown Metered Parking By Laws, the residents of Georgetown and citizens of Guyana have not been bestowed with the courtesy of communication from the Mayor & Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) or the government through the Ministry of Communities as to what to expect. The silence although deafening, is admittedly, sadly, not at all surprising since this seems to be the new standard level of respect which our elected officials feel we as voters are entitled to. Notwithstanding, the ‘Fantastic Four’ at M&CC buttressed, by a Council who are unable or unwilling to do otherwise, seem poised from all indications, to reinstitute the metered parking system in Georgetown once given the

green light by Government with the enforceability of the said By Laws, the legal framework upon which metered parking rests. In the three months suspension nothing meaningful has taken place. The Council held purported consultations at times when it was difficult for the general public to attend, nor was there any outreach. The Movement Against Parking Meters (MAPM) from all reports discharged their self imposed duty to the citizens of Guyana. They appeared before the mandated Committee and systematically and competently refuted every talking point of the M&CC. Notably, the aforesaid events are all taking place while proceedings are still pending in the High Court with regard to the legality of By Laws and contract. But legality aside and even if

deemed legal, the damage has already been done. The project has been an undoubted failure to the point that it cannot be salvaged. The embarrassing details emanating in the media as to the irresponsible and vulgar spending of the M&CC do not further their cause. With all that has taken place and unearthed since the institution of the metered parking system in Georgetown, it would have been enough in any other civilized society for the elected officials to ‘back-peddle’ on the project. Not so in Guyana! So we the citizens of Guyana wait, in fear of ambush of the ‘green monsters’; but not cowardly, as I have no doubt my fellow citizens will once again resist if there is a reoccurrence and this time put the ‘green monsters’ to rest, permanently. Sharon Laljee-Richard

Let Mr. Statia of the GRA tell us about this ban in the US DEAR EDITOR, Smartphones have become one of the most important technological devices in modern times. In fact the usage of smartphones surpasses that of a personal computer. Smartphones are utilized for commerce, health, news, social media, communications, education, banking, emergency response, entertainment, photography and many other areas of our daily lives. Developing countries are hastening to rollout telecommunications infrastructure to enable its population to connect to the internet via smart devices. The recent statement by the Commissioner General of GRA suggesting a ban on smartphones on GRA premises is inconsiderate and backward thinking. Firstly, the GRA is not known for efficiency

and a fast turnaround time. Transactions can be lengthy and in some cases more than one visit is required. GRA also uses a number system where customers have to sit and wait under an outdoor tent, rain or shine, until their number is called. It will be unfair for the public to waste valuable time sitting under a tent sometimes for hours doing nothing when they can utilize their phones during that time. Secondly, the Commissioner should focus on creating an organisation that is customer friendly, efficient, and incorruptible. This will lessen his fears about any of GRA’s corruption been exposed by his fellow workers. I am sure in Mr. Statia’s country of residence, USA, a ban on smartphones in public places will be unheard of. M. Craig

Minister Keith Scott is disappointed with the media DEAR EDITOR, It is with deep concern that the Ministry of Social Protection hereby registers its concern over the failure of your agency to publish a message from the Honourable Mr. Keith Scott in observance of World Day Against Child Labour.

The message was transmitted electronically to the Government Information Agency (GINA) for distribution and publication by all media houses but it was published in the Guyana Chronicle only, 12 June, 2017. The message was not carried by any other media (Continued on page 6)

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A list of retired army/police officers that served after retirement DEAR EDITOR, On June 17, 2017, a very curious letter to the editor by Clement J. Rohee, under the caption, “There is concern over the sidelining of civilians because of military appointments to public post” was published. The article contains a long list of retired members of the Joint Services who were employed by the current Government. However, there was no mention of those who served in the previous Government. I can vividly recall visiting Jones Town in Region 1 after the massacre. Despite the massive destruction at that location where 913 persons committed suicide or were murdered I saw a sign board standing firmly on a platform with the following bold letters, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” These words were appropriate then, they are even more relevant today to the issue under review. Rohee gave us his spin of things – one side of the coin but neglected to mention the other side. Perhaps, because of constraint of space there was an act of omission. Let there be some amount of balance and no subtle attempt to distort history. Here is a list of some distinguished members of the Joint Services who after retirement served the previous Government in diverse capacities including working with the Ministry of Home Affairs. Many of the above mentioned retirees easily rolled over to the government of the day and are delivering the highest quality of service to the citizens of Guyana like they did under the previous administration. There are several more retired Joint Services officers who can be added to the list. However, I feel it is a good point to end the roster after citing 25 names. Please permit me to be pellucid for fear of being branded political. I was never a member of any political party. I have no party card. I never voted at any General or Regional Election. I have no political ambition. I am not holding any brief for the government. However, I have an abiding interest in law enforcement, hence my regular letters to the press. I believe in justice and fair play. I am an apolitical human. Clinton Conway Assistant Commissioner of Police - Retired

Here are the hard facts about the Skeldon sugar factory DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the news item in KN edition of June 11th, 2017 titled “Full investigation ordered into Skeldon sugar project”. As reported, the comments emanating from Government officials support a thrust to sell that estate – land, factory and co-gen facility – at basement prices. The Junior Finance Minister,

Jaipaul Sharma and the Chairman of SEI Board, Lloyd Rose made some assertions which maybe due to their misunderstanding of Skeldon or due to misinformation they would have received. I would urge both gentlemen to accurately acquaint themselves technically & historically before making statements to avoid unnecessary embarrassment. Here are some hard facts on Skeldon: 1. Booker Tate Ltd., a UKbased company, was hired by Government of Guyana to manage the entire Skeldon Sugar Modernization Project that is Design, Construction, Quality Control, Commissioning. After the many problems with factory test runs in 2008 and eventual commissioning in August 2009, the Government ended the contract with Booker Tate Ltd which was to come to an end some years before but was extended to coincide with the completion of the new Skeldon factory. 2. The present Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of

GuySuCo was a Director of Booker Tate Ltd., UK for that entire duration of Skeldon’s design, construction & testing. Subsequently, he was appointed as CEO of GuySuCo in 2009 and oversaw the official commissioning and handing over of the factory to GuySuCo despite incomplete factory performance tests. He had no objections in the process and fully supported the take over. 3.The present Deputy Technical Director was Te c h n i c a l D i r e c t o r f o r GuySuCo during the period 2007-2016. By virtue of office, he automatically assumed the role of Chief Engineer for Skeldon factory with the departure of Booker Tate Ltd. He too supported the premature takeover of the factory. Thus, he also accepted the factory without any objection. 4. Skeldon factory is designed to operate efficiently at a cane processing rate of 300-350 tonnes per hour for approximately 156 hrs per week using fresh canes free of soil and extraneous material. These conditions were never achieved consistently hence the cause of poor efficiency and deteriorating

equipment. 5.The boiler deterioration observed is not because of poor design or equipment quality. It is because the equipment was subjected to sub-optimal operating conditions. Typically, if primary fuel flow (bagasse) to a boiler reduces, its furnace temperature will drop forcing operators to switch on secondary fuel (Heavy Fuel Oil) to increase and maintain furnace temperatures required for steam generation and flow. Inconsistent fuel flow results in fluctuations in furnace temperatures which hastens material de-

terioration. Additionally, if primary fuel (bagasse) has high percentage of ash (soil), it will clog furnaces and cause erosion on boiler tubes (thinning out of tubes) as observed. In short, the boiler problem seen is due to an inconsistent supply and poor quality bagasse to furnaces or operation of equipment under sub-optimal conditions. 6.If bagasse supply and quality problems at Skeldon are not adequately addressed, the replacement boiler being touted will suffer the same extent of dete-

rioration. It will not solve the problem. On the issue of the project not being officially certified and boiler shed not being in place; the Honorable Junior Minister should cross-examine the present CEO and the Deputy Technical Director as both individuals were functional operations at that point in history and whose re s p o n s i b i l i t y i n c l u d e d verification of factory performance for acceptance, project close out and ultimately financial conclusion. Will these officers feign ignorance now? Sookram Persaud

Minister Keith Scott is disappointed... From page 5 house much to the disappointment and dissatisfaction of this Ministry. The Cut and Thrust of the message is a sensitization of the nation and the world at large of the posture which the Co-operative Republic of Guyana has taken against Child Labour. This is an issue of national and international significance and your failure to publish the message constitutes a denial toa section of the nation of valuable

information. Within the context and philosophy of Development Support Communication, I am inclined to believe that it behooves every media house which is not against the nation’s developmental agenda, to publish all news items emanating from a government department. Therefore, this Ministry is indeed disappointed that Message on such an important issue was not published by your outfit. Ironically, in that mes-

sage, I thanked the media for helping the ministry with its education and sensitization programmes against Child Labour, only to discover that your outlet failed to appreciate the national import of our fight against this scourge. Based on the foregoing, the Ministry wishes to place on file a permanent request to have all its future releases and messages be published in the interest of national development. Keith Scott Minister of Labour

Tuesday June 13, 2017

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GPSU gearing to take action against GPHC ...In light of Matron’s termination Recently terminated Director of Nursing Services [Matron] of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC], Sister Collene Hicks, is not taking her termination lightly. In fact, Hicks has taken her concerns to the Guyana Public Service Union [GPSU], this publication has been informed. When contacted for a comment, Hicks was not willing to comment on the matter. However, GPSU’s Second Vice President, Mr. Mortimer Livan, in an invited comment yesterday said that the Union will be taking action against the hospital’s decision to terminate Hicks. He said that “first we will have to discuss and see what this letter is really about; we have to see what the grounds for termination are before we decide how we will proceed with action, [but] action will be taken.” According to Livan, the Union had for some time had issues with how the hospital

had dealt with Hicks. In fact, he noted that concerns in this regard have been maintained by the union, and these will have to be examined carefully together with the latest termination decision. Hicks was last Friday issued with a letter of termination which was signed by newly-installed Chief Executive Officer [ag], Brigadier [rtd], George Lewis. Lewis, in commenting on this development, told this publication that the hospital took an informed decision to part ways with Hicks. Hicks’ termination was recommended following the completion of a Commission of Inquiry [COI] into her conduct at the hospital. Hicks was sent on administrative leave in July 2016 to facilitate the investigation which commenced in earnest in October of last year. The COI was conducted to determine whether there was any truth to allegations that Hicks’ mode of op-

Nine years after…

Education Ministry yet to receive $10M equipment The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday heard that in 2008, the Ministry of Education sought the services of Action Tyre to supply a piece of equipment that cost $10.545 million, but to date it has not been received. Newly-appointed Permanent Secretary (PS) of that ministry, Vibert Welch, made this disclosure and said that the matter engaged the attention of the court. According to former PS of that ministry, Delma Nedd - who was a part of the delegation - when samples of the equipment were supplied they did not conform to what was expected, hence it was rejected. She explained that the company was paid in full to supply the item, and it was for this reason that the court became involved in the matter. The court subsequently ruled in favour of the supplier and the ministry was left out of pocket. Reading from a court document, Nedd informed that the decisions taken by the court were based on some key factors. She said that the court found that no agreement was entered into for the supply of the equipment, neither was there any clear description of what should have been provided. It was revealed that a notice of appeal has since been filed, as the ministry seeks to recover the amount. It was

the view of PAC member Charandass Persaud that the appeal was not filed within the stipulated time frame. Another PAC member, Juan Edghill, enquired if there was a performance bond that formed part of the contractual arrangement with the supplier, and he was advised that this was not the case. All this time, none of the Ministry of Education officials could testify as to the nature of the equipment. However, according to one of the officials, the equipment was meant to be used by the Government Technical Institute (GTI). PAC chairman Irfaan Ali said that the ministry should have been in a position to tell the PAC what the item(s) was or were, since they knew they were appearing before the PAC. PS Welch did not escape the candour of Ali who expressed disappointment that he (Welch) had to be constantly seeking answers from his delegation, since he was unaware of many of the issues that were being ventilated. It was Ali’s view that such an approach does not project a positive image of him as the accounting officer of that agency. Ali said that too many times individuals are showing up at PAC unprepared, and he asked that the financial secretary note the performances of those that are appearing before the committee.

eration had in fact compromised the proper delivery of health care at the hospital. The inquiry was triggered by a petition signed by some 150 staffers of the hospital who had demanded that Hicks’ service be terminated because of her reported inability to be a team player among other allegations of unprofessionalism. Based on its findings the Commission had concluded that Hicks’ continuance as Director of Nursing Services would not be in the best interest of the hospital. A report detailing the findings of the inquiry was completed and handed over to former Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton in December of last year. However, even before the start of the process, GPSU President, Mr. Patrick Yarde, had insisted that the process was not only “insensitive” but “reckless”. This was in spite of the fact that the Union had chosen a representative to be a part of the Commission, in the person of Mr. Reginald Brotherson, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Public Service within the Ministry of the Presidency. The Commission was

Terminated Matron: Ms. Collene Hicks chaired by nurse and Attorney-at-law, Chandrawattie Persaud and the other members included Ms. Laurelle Daw, Director of Nursing Service at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital; Dr. Anwar Hussain who has rackedup decades of service at the GPHC, and former Auditor General, Mr. Anand Goolsarran. At the completion of the COI, Yarde, in speaking of the Report said, “We have not seen it, neither will we dignify it by examining it.” Ya r d e h a d h o w e v e r

noted that the union was in favour of a three-person panel which, he said, is c o n s i s t ent with the Armstrong Tribunal that embraces standard industrial relations guidelines. He had added, “We feel where there is that level of displeasure it needed to be looked into. We agreed that they do an inquiry into the matter and we nominated someone to be on that panel, but we also gave advice as to the regularity of having such an inquiry.” According to Yarde, the advice offered by the union was totally ignored. “Our position was that the panel was biased, and we wrote to them [the [former] Board] about it, even before they proceeded after we were told what was going on. We told them that we would not recognise it [findings] unless they correct it,” Yarde noted. In fact, he related, the then-Chairman of the B o a r d , D r. C a r l ‘ M a x ’ Hanoman, for some reason was adamant in proceeding in a manner that the union had objected to. Yarde, in his objection added “if you are inquiring into something with respect to someone at the

highest level it happens, they [the subject of the inquiry] should be able to sit there and listen to every presentation from everyone who has a complaint against them, but that did not occur in this instance.” This state of affairs, Yarde said, was compounded by the fact that the Matron was not permitted to be accompanied by a union representative when she was summoned by the investigating panel. ”They invited the Matron and we sent an officer to accompany her, but they refused to allow him [the union officer] in the room…Never heard of! We said no, no, that is totally out of place and we would not have anything to do with that,” Yarde added. He however noted that the Union was not opposed to an inquiry being conducted in a professional and proper manner. To further amplify its concerns, the union, according to Yarde, had inked its concerns to the former Minister of Public Health [Dr. Norton] and had also communicated similar sentiments to the current Minister of Public Health, Ms. Volda Lawrence, hoping for her intervention.

Discharge of Crum Ewing’s alleged killer DPP maintains right to issue directive to Magistrate Director of Public Prosecutions, (DPP) Shalimar AliHack has maintained that she is empowered under that Section 72 of the Criminal Law Procedures Act to issue a directive to a Magistrate with regard to the discharge or committal of an accused. A statement issued by the Chambers of the DPP yesterday clarified the DPP’s stance in the matter. The statement is pursuant to an article published in Sunday‘s edition of the Kaieteur News on the controversy surrounding the discharge of former murder accused, Regan Rodrigues. Rodrigues called “Grey Boy” was charged for the murder of political activist, Courtney Crum-Ewing. He had undergone two Preliminary Inquiries, (PI) before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court prior to his discharge last week. But before the discharge, Magistrate Latchman had been instructed that in accordance with Section 72 (2) (ii) (a) of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act, Chapter 10:01, she should commit Rodrigues to stand trial in the High Court. Magistrate Latchman noted that she could not comply with the DPP’s order since she had already discharged

the matter. Latchman said that while the DPP was of the opinion that there is evidence against Rodrigues for the indictable offence, her court maintains there is not sufficient evidence against Rodrigues for the murder of Crum-Ewing. Following much back and forth between the Magistrate and the DPP, and pursuant to advice from a number of legal analysts on the matter, Kaieteur News published an article which outlined that while the DPP is empowered under Sections of the Criminal Law Procedure Act to direct a Magistrate to commit an accused to stand trial, this directive must be given before the accused person is discharged. However, the statement from the DPP’s Chambers yesterday clarified that the DPP acts under Section 72 of the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act after an accused person is discharged. It was noted that the DPP cannot act before the discharge of the accused person since at that point, she would be pre-empting the decision of the Magistrate and the outcome of the PI. In this regard, the DPP maintains that her powers under the Criminal Law (Procedure) Act Section 72 are

very clear and unambiguous. Subsection (1) of Section 72 states “in any case where the magistrate discharges ... where the DPP gives directions the Magistrate must comply with those directions.” Further, Section 72(3) states “Any directions given by the DPP under this section shall be in writing signed by him, and SHALL be followed by the magistrate, who shall have all necessary power for that purpose.” Much confusion surrounded Magistrate Latchman’s discharge of the former murder accused, last week. Questions were raised on whether the DPP has the power to direct the Magistrate to commit the accused person even after maintaining that there was insufficient evidence against him to stand trial at the High Court for the capital offence. This was the second time that Magistrate Latchman had discharged Rodrigues. She had done so on September 14, 2016 at the end of a Preliminary Inquiry as a result of insufficient evidence. Last March, the DPP ordered that the matter be reopened for the taking of further evidence from police witnesses and to rule on the

Regan Rodrigues called Grey Boy voluntariness of all oral statements made by Rodrigues. As a result, Rodrigues was arrested on Good Friday and was taken before Magistrate Latchman on April 18. In her most recent ruling, Magistrate Latchman pointed out among other things that while the court was satisfied that Crum-Ewing was shot with a gun retrieved from a house at Riverview, Ruimveldt, which was occupied by Rodrigues. There was no evidence that Rodrigues “used the gun, pulled the trigger and shot Crum-Ewing.

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

One in every five remigrants is bogus– Tax boss GRA’s chief, Godfrey Statia

There are major problems facing the country’s Remigrant Scheme, offered to overseas Guyanese who want to return home to invest and live here. Almost one-fifth of them are deliberately selling their multimillion-dollar vehicles under questionable arrangements, while almost a similar number are failing to live up to the conditions under which they were granted the exemption, in the first place. Speaking on a number of issues that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is working on to close the loopholes, CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia last week disclosed that an assessment has found some troubling things. Between 15-18 percent of

all remigrants are not living up to the obligations they signed onto when they were granted the exemption. The losses of taxes and duties to the state because of the exemptions would be significant. On a yearly basis, GRA estimates that almost $1.1B in exemptions are granted to remigrants. A major portion of this amount would be on vehicles. A revitalized GRA said it has gone after approximately20 percent of the remigrants, because it was found that they were involved in arrangements to sell the vehicles or transfer them using Power-ofAttorney - a legal document which vests control power in the hands of a third party.

One-fifth of remigrants are not living up to conditions of the tax exemptions, GRA says. When it was introduced more than decade and a half ago, the Remigrant Scheme was supposed to be a simple one to attract Guyanese who are living and working overseas, to come back home and invest. The remigrants were supposed to be living overseas at least five years continuously at the time of application, to be eligible for the exemption of duties and taxes. With regard to vehicles, they have to own them at least six months and are required to submit, with the

application, registration documents, insurance and other related paperwork. However, many of the remigrants, some of them family members and other trusted parties, shortly after being granted the exemption and importing the vehicles, would hand them over using the Power-of-Attorney.

There are reported cases that a number of local businesses, including one auto dealer, involved in recruiting Guyanese overseas, are paying a few of them around US$5,000 for posing as remigrants. With millions of dollars in taxes and duties due to GRA on some high-end vehicles,

the profits from the racket have been tremendous for the players. In terms of the conditions, remigrants are supposed to take in their vehicles every six months to GRA along with documents and their passports to prove they are living here and using the vehicles.

GRA moves to digitize records, stop inside hampering of probes By Abena Rockcliffe- Campbell While this does not guarantee a complete end to a practice perpetuated by Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) workers that hampers investigations, the Authority is looking to digitize tax records as a means of clamping down on such unpatriotic and corrupt operations. Commissioner-General of the GRA, Godfrey Statia, made it no secret that he inherited a less than clean institution. At his most recent press conference, Statia made no qualms to note that GRA’s administration is well aware of the fact that there are those who would undermine the

Authority whenever investigations are being done on friends, family or even affiliates. He said that it has been noticed that files would suddenly disappear whenever an investigation is launched. According to Statia, the Authority has already begun digitization of taxpayers’ records to deter such interferences. Statia said, “We have found, in the past, that as long as an investigation started the records disappear. We are scanning every one (of the documents) so if they disappear we will have the scanned copy in the system.” Seemingly forthright, Statia continued, “We know that we lose records, we are being truthful, and we know

the society in which we operate.” While this is a problem that dates back to the time of Commissioner General Khurshid Sattaur, Statia is the first Commissioner General to admit to the issue and seek to address it in this manner. Also, Statia indicated that the GRA is looking to make easier transactions relating to the Value Added Tax (VAT). He told reporters, “We are looking at internal revenue and VAT. As far as I am aware, by the end of the year we will be in a position to facilitate filing of both VAT return and income tax return so that the long lines we see will be minimized.” Many countries around the world are moving in the direction of digitalization of tax records and tax filing systems. However, some countries are going more advanced with their technologies than others.

Tuesday June 13, 2017

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Kaieteur News

25 years for getaway rider in Kitty businessman’s killing Moments after his counsel petitioned the court for mercy, Travis McDougall was yesterday sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing Pike Street businessman, Ashok Raghoo. The sentenced was handed down by Justice Navindra Singh. McDougall, a labourer from East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was last month convicted for killing the businessman. He was found guilty of manslaughter by a mixed 12-member jury at the Georgetown High Court. Raghoo, a dredge owner from Pike Street, Kitty, was gunned down at

the intersection near the Botanical Gardens on Monday August 18, 2014. He was shot during a robbery which was carried out by two men on a motorcycle. The 43-year-old businessman had stopped at the traffic light on Vlissengen Road in the vicinity of the Gardens while en route to downtown Georgetown to conduct business. The gunman also shot the man’s wife, Shyrazadi Raghoo, and snatched a bag containing some $4M before escaping. McDougall was subsequently arrested and charged for the murder of

Raghoo. He was identified as the rider of the getaway motorcycle that was used in the robbery. Another man, Jermaine Otto was identified as the s h o o t e r. H e w a s a l s o charged with murder. Otto, however, perished in a fire which occurred at the Camp Street Prison, on March 3, last y e a r. McDougall was therefore the sole accused to stand trial before Justice Singh. Before the sentence was handed down yesterday, Attorney-at–law, Nigel Hughes made a stirring plea for the court to have mercy while imposing a sentence on his client.

Dem boys seh ...

De King and Patsy seh Soulja Bai approve de bamsie washing machine Guyana seems to be heading in de direction of de circle of life. Burnham and ee people do nuff wicked, dutty and nasty things to de nation that got people still talking about although he dead 30 years ago. De people who Burnham lef lose power because of dem wickedness. Up come Jagdeo who do wuss than Burnham. He and he people was involved in some of de most shocking things. Dem nearly thief out de whole of Guyana. Was sheer skullduggery and scampishness during his reign. He and he people lose power because of more wickedness. Now de country got Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan from two party. De nation believe that wickedness woulda done. But it look like it getting wuss and Soulja Bai not saying or doing anything. Dem put in a city council wid dem people. De leaders mek Guyanese get tie tongue because all of a sudden de city council tun de shitty counshle. Dem bring in de parking meter and sign a corrupt deal. That deal was de most unconscionable and disrespectful thing de country ever see. De only reason anybody would

sign such a deal is if de kickback is bigger than dem ever dream of. Dem boys seh de deal have to scrap and dem know that that’s why dem enter into other deals. One involve garbage collection. Another involve bamsie washing machine. Roy de Con Man King and Patsy, de canta queen, should come out and tell de nation if dem would rent a portable toilet and pay $80,000 a month from dem salary when dem can buy one fuh de same $80,000. Dem boys got another question fuh de shitty counshle. Name one Guyanese who renting portable toilets fuh dem security guards. And who can believe that de King is a pastor. Imagine wha he does do wid de church collection. Soulja Bai and Rum Jattan, get y’all acts together. Run de country in de way de people who voted fuh y’all expect. Jail those mudda and fadda—MF fuh shart. Dem boys seh if y’all continue to accept de kinda of defence people like King and Patsy giving de nation, you would not last as long as Donald Dumb. Talk half and pay attention.

Hughes’ presentation came moments after a probation report was tendered on behalf of McDougall. Relying on information outlined in the probation report, the attorney posited that his client got off to a bit of rough start in life; his father passed away when he was quite young. As a result, the accused was raised by his mother in the neighbourhood of East Ruimveldt. Hughes noted that for the most part, McDougall navigated through his life avoiding any trouble with the law. The lawyer emphasized that his client does not have a history of crime, except for this incident, which unfortunately led to the death of Raghoo. The Attorney therefore held that McDougall is capable of redemption. Hughes asked that the court visit a sentence upon McDougall which would allow him the opportunity to return to society and make a meaningful contribution. He asserted that his client was remorseful over the incident and desperately wants an opportunity to play a part in the life of

his children. State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy on the other hand, asked that the court hand down a sentence commensurate with the act that was committed. The Prosecutor noted that McDougall was found guilty of killing not just a businessman, but a husband and father. When he was given the opportunity to address the court, McDougall maintained his innocence. “I am sorry that the jury did not believe me that I did not kill anyone,” he stated. McDougall also expressed his regret to the family of the deceased for the life lost. Before sentencing McDougall to 25 years in jail, the Judge noted that while he had maintained his innocence of shooting the businessman, the evidence of the case pointed

Sentenced to 25 years: Travis McDougall to him having knowledge of the robbery. “You would have had some knowledge of that a crime would have been committed that day,” the Judge asserted.

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

How does the analyst account for post-2015 fear? On Friday, I received a text message from a person that I don’t know. People have my cell number because I published it. He informed me of traffic police conducting random stops outside the Leonora police station. I believe the sender read my Thursday column about the traffic ranks’ continuation of random stops, even though it is not permitted in the force. I didn’t reply, because I am very slow in typing, and because each time I write on random halts by traffic policemen, I get texts and messages

as far away as Berbice with the words, “Mr. Kissoon, Mr. Kissoon, they are doing random stops right now!” Ashan Bacchus, a teacher in Berbice who contributes news items to this newspaper, rang me from Springlands three years ago, to tell me that on the very day I did a column on random stops, police were doing the same thing outside the station. To date, Mr. Bacchus is the only person who has consented to being identified as someone whom the ranks stopped as a matter of routine.

I got that text the Friday morning. Then about twenty minutes after, my mobile phone rang and the person said that they were doing random stops as he was speaking to me. I said to the caller that the Police Commissioner assured me that once a statement is given by the driver the Office of Professional Responsibility will investigate. The caller was agitated. I advised that he calm down, and simply give me his name, address, and license number and I would take it from there, and the police will be in touch.

Suddenly, I heard the exclamations, “No, no, Mr. Kissoon, I don’t want to do that; I just informing you!” I have done six columns on random stops, and with the exception of Ashan Bacchus, whom I had to persuade, none of the victims of random stops that spoke to me wanted to be identified. It is the story of my human rights career in my country. That was Friday. On Monday morning, I stopped at Spicy Dish on David Street, Kitty. A car pulled up alongside me and one of the biggest names at UG came out of his car. It is someone I know well. He was going to make a purchase. The first thing he said was that he read what I wrote about the UG Vice Chancellor, Ivelaw Griffith. He added that I have to be more critical, because the Vice Chancellor is hostile to those who disagree with him at UG, is a non-performer, and is always out the country. He intoned, “Freddie, this man has done nothing for the year he was there.” He emphasized that I have to write more about the Vice Chancellor. If people know who the person is that spoke to me, then it will underscore for this nation how timid, reticent and scared this

population remains, even though we had a defeat of the big bad PPP leaders in May 2015. These are just two examples within a three-day period, from Friday last to yesterday. I simply don’t bother to record in these columns the encounters I have with fearful people in this country. Narissa Deokarran has written two letters to this newspaper in the past eighteen months, about being illegally blacklisted from leaving by the State under the PPP Government. In those missives, she stated that she complained to the then-Attorney General, Anil Nandlall, about her plight. In both letters, Ms. Deokarran was at pains to request that her name not be published. I couldn’t understand why a person could be so wronged by her government and be so afraid to come forward. I see Ms. Deokarran has finally mustered the courage to tell another newspaper what happened to her, and was willing to be identified. I have encountered not hundreds, but thousands of Narissa Deokarrans during the life of the presidencies of Jagdeo and Ramotar. Their fear was understandable – then-Police Commissioner

Frederick Kissoon Henry Greene, then-Commander Vyphius, and other powerful state officials and the entire Cabinet appeared in the eyes of the nation as people that would be vindictive. After 2015, with Greene gone, Vyphuis gone, Secretary to the Treasury, Nirmal Rekha gone, GRA Commissioner-General, Khurshid Sattaur gone, Jagdeo gone, Ramotar gone, Kwame McCoy gone, fear hasn’t gone anywhere. Fear in Guyana in 2017 is very much alive. And why is that so? Because from President Granger to the evergreen Moses Nagamootoo to every conceivable big boy and big girl in the state sector and in the Cabinet, people feel these new rulers are not concerned with human rights and justice.

Tuesday June 13, 2017

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Kaieteur News

IDB fails to respond on GPL smart meter queries The Inter-American Development Bank is yet to respond to an email sent by this newspaper containing pertinent questions regarding the US$23M (G$4.6B) Lot ‘A’ Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Power Utility Upgrade Project (PUUP). This publication had called the Georgetown Office of the IDB over two weeks ago seeking information on the state of the project and the level of monitoring which the Bank was exercising since

the institution is funding the project. Kaieteur News was instructed that the “better approach” would be to send an email to the Bank’s email: idbguyana@iadb.org. On June 1, 2017 an email was sent to the Bank with three questions regarding the project. On that same day, the Bank responded in an email acknowledging receipt of the email. In the correspondence the Bank said, “The Bank acknowledges receipt of your

email with regard to the subject at captioned (GPL PUUP Contract – Kaieteur News). We will be communicating with you as soon as possible on your request.” The email was sent by Office Support Assistant, Country Department – Guyana, Sheron Ann Roberts. The following week, on June 7, 2017, Kaieteur News telephoned the Bank’s High Street Kingston office once again to ascertain whether a response to the email would be forth-

Ministry racks up $7M bill on fruits and vegetables …in four months The office of the Auditor General (AG) while checking the financial affairs of the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs found that the ministry spent $6.759M for the supply of greens, fruits and vegetables for an Amerindian hostel for a fourmonth period. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday, Permanent Secretary (PS) Alfred King said that the multimillion-dollar purchase was to provide meals for 100-120 persons. He explained that the persons who benefitted from the purchase would have been those who were staying at the hostel for a lengthy period of time or individuals who might have been staying over for a day for one reason or the other. Committee chairman Irfaan Ali questioned how the ministry could have expended such a large sum on the mentioned items over a fourmonth period. It was also revealed that $47M was budgeted to that said ministry for dietary needs.

What is unclear is if the one-year budget allocation was for the entire ministry or a particular hostel. Ali sought answers from PS King, but he was unable to say how the money was spent. Further, King was asked to provide a detailed breakdown of how the $47M was spent. The meeting was temporarily suspended to allow the PS and the staff members that formed his delegation to produce the breakdown, which they indicated was available. The ministry was also instructed to provide records to support its earlier claim that the vegetable vendor, from Bourda Market, is known to the ministry, since the supplies were sole sourced from the individual. Earlier King told the PAC that the reason why the vegetables were sourced only from the vendor was because there is a history between the supplier and the ministry that has been documented. When the session reconvened and the PS was asked to provide the necessary documents, he said that they were not in his possession since the staffers that have to deal with this were not at work.

King added that the individual had to be called out from sick leave in an attempt to locate the information, but those efforts were futile. The session was suspended at that point, since in Ali’s judgment the ministry was not prepared for the committee. But before the delegation left, it was also revealed that the same supplier in question was paid $2.5M instead of $250,000 for vegetables that were supplied. According to King, this error was made because the person who prepared the cheque imputed the wrong figure. Chairman Ali asked who was responsible for signing off on such an arrangement and why the error was not flagged. King, who was recently appointed as PS to that ministry, said that he could not say why such an error was made. However the PS said that his ministry has since recouped the majority of that overpayment and efforts are being made to collect the remaining amount. The committee questioned if the supplier still does business with the ministry and was advised that the vendor no longer supplies the ministry.

coming. The receptionist recalled the issue and contact information was exchanged, but there has been no further communication. It is unclear at this point why the Bank would take this long to respond to three questions concerning a project in which it has a vested interest. The IDB and European Union are funding the project. Lot ‘A’ is part of a larger US$64M project. Lot ‘A’ was awarded to China National Machinery Import & Export Corporation (CMC) who is partnering with China Sinogy Electric Engineering Co. Limited to complete the project. The contract award was G $1B over the engineer’s estimate. Moreover, Kaieteur News had also sent an email to Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson containing questions on the same matter. That email to Patterson was sent on the same day that the IDB was written to. Patterson was also called on June 7, 2017 to ascertain whether he would have received the email. To this, he said yes. Further, the Minister was asked when this newspaper could expect a response to the questions and Patterson said that he could not say exactly when he would be able to respond to

the queries. Patterson’s email contained four questions. The last update this newspaper made on the project was that the smart meters, which form a major component of the project, were not presented to the Guyana National Bureau of Statistics (GNBS) for accuracy testing as is required. This was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of GNBS, Lloyd David on May 29, 2017. This was two weeks after the May 15, 2017 delivery deadline for the instruments. It is unclear whether the meters have arrived in Guyana as yet, or whether an extension has been given to the Chinese company to deliver the meters. Initially, this publication had reported that the contractor was experiencing problems sourcing the meters. However, Chief Executive Officer – Technical, Elwyn Marshall had said that the company should not have a problem supplying the meters since they can be sourced worldwide. After the sample meters would have been approved following the tests, the contractor would then be allowed to proceed with the procurement of the required quantity.

Another question which was raised concerning the project was that the contractor was required to deliver meters for testing after the contract was awarded. Based on information received by this newspaper, bidders for the project were not required to present samples during the tendering process; only the winner would be required to so do. However, GPL did say that two brands of meters were provided by CMC during the tendering stage. Chairman of the National Procurement and Tender Administration, Berkley Wickham was asked if samples of smart meters were required during the tendering process, but he failed to address the question. GPL in a statement had said that the meters provided by the contractor must be consistent with the proposed meters declared in the bid document. As such, questions still linger on the procurement process and the execution of the project. Despite this state of affairs, GPL is going ahead with the PUUP. It had advertised for Lot ‘B’ of the US$64M project and has already met with potential bidders for that aspect of the project.

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

GTU gives REO Wednesday deadline to share withholding regulation Although there have been reports that the concerns relating to a decision to withhold the salaries of teachers in Region Five has been amicably resolved, the Guyana Teachers’ Union [GTU] is insisting otherwise. The situation had its genesis when an Education Officer at a regional head teachers’ meeting revealed that three months’ salaries will be withheld from teachers if they travel overseas during the July/August holiday. The decision had spurred protest action by teachers within the region. But according to Regional Executive Officer [REO], Mr. Ovid Morrison, who is said to be responsible for implementing the decision, this was not the gist of the decision he made. According to Morrison, he had merely indicated that one month would be held in lieu of leave. He said that several teachers have in the past received their salaries while overseas, and some of them failed to return. In order to counter this challenge,

GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte Morrison said that an informed decision was taken to enforce the existing public service rule of holding one month salary. “If you return you will have your salary…” he advised. Morrison had explained to this publication that the Region was simply seeking to safeguard itself against a future overpayment situation.

According to Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, at Friday’s Post Cabinet press briefing, Morrison, in a statement, detailed that the Region was faced with a situation where the Public Accounts Committee [PAC] had asked for an explanation for overexpenditure of about $80M with respect to the payment of teachers. According to Harmon, the REO in his statement said that aft e r t h e e n c o u n t e r with the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, he returned to the Region, and when the matter was further examined, it was found that there was a method that could be implemented to address the situation. “He got back and looked at the matter and recognized that there was some regulation which allowed for teachers who had applied to travel overseas on leave - that either they lodge one month salary or one month salary that is due to them will be held until they return,” Harmon shared.

But according to GTU President, Mr. Mark Lyte, in an invited comment, the situation has not been fully settled as reported. He noted, “While we are happy that the REO has made it clear that he was not talking about holding three months salaries, but only the June salary will be held back for traveling during the July/August vacation, the Union in no way feels that our teachers should suffer for going on a deserved vaca-

tion.” In fact, Lyte said that the union is calling on the REO to refrain from implementing the regulation he has alluded to until it is made public. According to Lyte, the Union is demanding that the REO makes available the regulation by tomorrow [Wednesday, June 14, 2017]. “The GTU wants to see this legal instrument which the REO is using which gives him the authority to withhold a

teacher’s salary.” He added that “if the REO fails to produce the document and proceeds to hold any teacher’s salary, then GTU will resume its industrial action against this barbaric action”. This move will more than likely be warranted since, according to Lyte, “I am aware that there is no such document, since I have the public service rules book in my possession and it says nothing of the sort.”

DCMO calls for deliberate measures to arrest teenage pregnancy Caribbean countries, working together, could help roll back adolescent pregnancies through the exchange of knowledge, information-sharing and adopting good practices. This notion was yesterday amplified by Deputy Chief Medical Officer [DCMO], Dr. Karen GordonBoyle. Dr. Boyle made this disclosure at an opening ceremony of the four-day Adolescent Health Orientation Programme for doctors and nurses of Region Four [Demerara/Mahaica] which was held at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street, Georgetown. “The social impact of unintended or early pregnancy is not limited to the frightened teen but affects the parents, the trajectory for the child, and society as a whole,” Dr. Boyle noted. Boyle’s regional call is echoed in a five-year regional strategic framework document to reduce adolescent pregnancy by at least 20 percent between 2015 and 2019. The document was unveiled in 2015 in St Lucia. The regional blueprint Boyle referred to rests on five key pillars: ensuring access by all adolescents to responsive sexual and reproductive health services, information and commodities including contraception and emergency-contraception; guaranteeing that all adolescents have access to age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education [by the age of 10] as included in national school curricula implemented in all schools, and through informal education modalities for those adolescents not in school, and urging all Regional governments to implement social protection programmes to prevent “all forms of violence against adolescent girls and boys, especially the poorest and most marginalized.” Under the plan too, all governments in the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries will be encouraged to adopt common legal standards about “ages of marriage, consent, prosecution of perpetrators of

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Boyle. sexual violence and access to social protection and sexual and reproductive health services.” The final plank of the plan, which attracted Boyle’s attention yesterday, advocates for governments in the English-, French- and Dutchspeaking Caribbean must “exchange knowledge, information and adopt good practices in addressing social determinants of adolescent pregnancy.” “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” Boyle said, referring to her pitch for the Caribbean to make use of the South-South framework. The Public Health Ministry’s DCMO said the vulnerabilities of adolescent pregnancy affect the global female population, where 20 percent of the girls “have given birth by age 18” with the figures spiking among the world’s poorest regions. In these areas, Boyle said the global figure is “one in three” or 33 percent. Citing World Health Organisation figures of 2012, the DCMO said “95 percent of adolescent births take place in low to middle income countries and within these countries the poor and less educated are even more vulnerable to unplanned teenage pregnancies”. The adolescent pregnancy rate in Guyana hover between 20 and 22 percent, Boyle said. She said that the babies born as a result of teen pregnancy among girls living in poor countries are 50 percent more likely to be born dead

than those born to women between the ages of 20 and 29. Other obstacles adolescent mothers and their babies face, according to Dr. Boyle, include low birth weight for the newborn; increased risk for complications such as Cephalopelvic disproportion [CPD] [when a baby’s head or body is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis]; pre-term labour; eclampsia [a condition marked by convulsions and possibly coma during or immediately after pregnancy] and intrauterine growth restriction [IUGR], a condition in which an unborn baby is smaller than it should be, because it is not growing at a normal rate inside the womb. “Pregnant adolescents are also more likely to have unsafe abortions which can contribute to long-lasting health problems and maternal deaths,” Dr. Boyle warned even as she asserted that continued learning is among the keys to stopping adolescent pregnancies. “Education is a major protective factor for early pregnancy - the more education a girl has, the fewer pregnancies [are] recorded,” Dr. Boyle added. Poverty and lack of education are common root causes of teen pregnancies which demand a social contract from governments, the civil society and the religious institutions. As such Dr. Boyle urged, “please let us join forces to build a better tomorrow for the children of today.”

Tuesday June 13, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Albouystown murder trial set to commence at the High Court U.S. targets Iraqis for deportation in wake of travel ban deal

Chaldean-American Lavrena Kenawa (C, standing) cries as she thinks about her uncle who was seized on Sunday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (Reuters) U.S. immigration authorities are arresting Iraqi immigrants ordered deported for serious crimes, the U.S. government said on Monday, after Iraq agreed to accept U.S. deportees as part of a deal to remove it from President Donald Trump’s travel ban. Dozens of Iraqi Chaldean Catholics in Detroit, Michi-

gan were among those targeted in immigration sweeps over the weekend, according to immigration attorneys and family members, some of whom feared they would be killed if deported to their home country where they have faced persecution. Kurdish Iraqis were also picked up in Nashville, Ten-

Deceased: Wendell Tappin

nessee in recent days, attorneys, activists and family members told Reuters. The actions came as part of the Trump administration’s push to increase immigration enforcement and make countries, which have resisted in the past, take back nationals ordered deported from the United States.

The murder trial of Albouystown resident, Steve Allicock, is set to commence before Justice Navindra Singh at the Georgetown High Court tomorrow. A mixed 12- member jury was empanelled yesterday to oversee the trial. Allicock was charged with the murder of Wendell Tappin which occurred on December 31, 2009. Initial reports are that Tappin left his home on New Year’s Eve to collect a

Accused: Steve Allicock phone that he had given to someone to charge in Hill Street, Albouystown, when he was confronted by two men. One of them reportedly held him down while the other chopped him. Steve Allicock was one of the persons implicated in the 2009 Old Year’s Day slaughter of Tappin in Albouystown. His father, Leonard, and his uncle, Randolph, were charged with the murder.

Randolph Allicock never appeared before a judge, but after a lengthy high court trial conducted by Justice Diana Insanally before a 12-member mixed jury, Leonard Allicock was acquitted of murder. Steve Allicock, however, remained on the run for five and a half years before he was captured. Police, acting on information received, staked out a house at Soesdyke where he was said to be hiding and they captured him.

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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 Hello the doctor is back!! Have your gas stove repaired and service. Call: 601-0595/ 220-4073 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

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 Great Deals on video games & all gaming consoles. PC, video games & repairs – Call: 672-2566; 265-3231

VACANCY Cook/ Baker and welder/ fabricator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 for more information One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630 Refrigeration/ Electrician technician: Apply in person at BM Enterprise Inc. GFl Wharf, Houston East Bank Demerara. Manager: 5yrs experienced (cosmetics & jewelry) & knowledge about henna designs. Call: 671-5759/6576979/ send your application @ rahmangy1@yahoo.com

Reduced Price! Apple Iphone 6, 6 Plus, 7 Plus, 64GB (like new) (not 16GB), factory unlocked - $69,000, $109,000. Call: 675-3062

CAR RENTAL WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494 PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM

You deserve a relationship filled with love & excitement. Call Harmony Singles: 6262629/676-6312(free registration 21-35yrs female) FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR RENT

Garbage Truck Drivers, attractive salary and benefits. Call: 227-1717

Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 One house to rent @ Atlantic Gardens. Call: 677-8860/ 6149060

Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners & counter servers. Apply @ Hacks Halaal. 5 Commerce St. 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: 617-6760 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com

Pit-bull pups for sale. Call: 672-7884 Nine (9) pure bred German shepherd pups, location: La Grange, W.B.D – Call: 6546354

Urgently needed experienced garbage truck drivers, paying $6,000 per day, labours $4,000 per day. Call: 670-7920

Mixed breed pups- Tel: 6469002/ 601-9414

1 Diesel Mechanic, must have knowledge of Perkins & Duetz engines, Cat & Doosan Excavator. Call: 2269768/660-2998

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Bully dogs mix with pit-bull puppies. Call: 684-9994/6878320 ask for Keno

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

LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, Zeelugt -$2M, Tuschen Phase 1 and land -$4M. Call: 642-1252 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 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.7M, $1.4M, $1.2M, Herstelling $3M, Tuschen -$1.2M, house & land in La Parfaite -$17M. Call: 666-2326

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

WANTED

Wanted Driver To Sell Water Must Have Lorry. Apply Nimbus Water. Tel 231-7002/ 622-0445

PEN PAL LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

Tuesday June 13, 2017

Kaieteur News

1 Hilux Extra Cab- 5L Diesel Pickup, GVV series. Call: 6643808 One Toyota Raum, PMM series, low mileage, excellent condition, one owner. Call: (592) 626-7450 Landcruiser Prado, low mileage, 2007, colour: white, PNN Series, fully loaded, excellent condition, serious inquires. Call: 624-0005

Hairdresser/Nail Technician apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight, W.C.D. Call: 269-1524/656-3561 Wanted land to buy: Eccles, Tuschen, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Uitvlugt, we pay best price. Call: 666-2326 Security guard wanted to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 One able bodied labourer. Tel: 219-4533/616-5954/231-2029

One experienced kitchen assistant. Call: 618-5080 after 2pm for details. Two female salesgirls must be experienced in putting in top-up. Call: 660-4830 for further details.

Two bedroom apartment at Eccles - $55,000 – Call: 648-7004 Apartments – $45,000$160,000. Call: 644-5151 (1) 3 bedroom top flat house, fully grilled, 1 room, AC $40,000 upstairs toilet & bath @ La Paraite Harmonie. Call: 666-7823/ 266-0392 1 - 3 Bedrooms selfcontained fully furnished upstairs in Diamond, 4-2 bedrooms apartment in Providence, furnished and unfurnished. Call: 672-1906/ 216-2299 Available 1 bedroom apartment, semi-furnished. Call: 681-4275/ 231-4432

TO LET 4 AC Rooms/ 1 extra room, for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. C/Ville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350 Furnished 2 bedroom apartments in Nandy Park, parking available. For further information – Call: 619-4824/ 619-0267/642-7533

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. One business place @ 152 Albert & Sixth Street Alberttown. Call: 691-7123

Newly built apartment in a safe & health environment. Call: 622-6512/ 698-6496

PROPERTY FOR SALE Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461

Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665

Femaleworkerwantedthatfinished CXC2017.Call:622-5518

TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)

2011 ALLION - $3.3M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.5M, 2009 SIENTA - $2.1M, NOAH & VOXY - $2.6M, VEHICLES UNREGISTERED & FULLY LOADED. CALL: 642-7295

EDUCATIONAL Canadian School of Arts & Science: Summer Classes 2017- Pre-K, Nursery, Primary, Secondary (July 10th – August 11th). Call: 216-6921/ 22 for registration I.A.E – Registered now for full-time secondary school, lessons, CXC/CSEC classes, adults, students, repeaters. Call: 683-5742/621-7365

House & land at Mon Repos -$19M. Call: 645-8543 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

Book Club: Book of the Month “ Find the one you want” Dr. Phil’s best seller. Call Harmony Singles: 6262629/676-6312 LEARN TO DANCE Dance to keep fit, lose weight build self-esteem while having fun, variety of styles. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312

ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 642-1783/ 646-3011634/718-2301695

Tuesday June 13, 2017

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Kaieteur News

T&T Trade Mission seeks investment opportunities in Guyana “We are open, we are ready and we mean business,” said Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin as he welcomed a Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Trade Mission delegation to Guyana, at Le Meriden Pegasus, Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown yesterday. The Trade Mission, led by T&T Chamber of Industry and Commerce, includes 24 companies including Information Communications Technology (ICT), Real Estate Development, Manufacturing, Business Support Services, Financial Services, and Educational Services Sector among other sectors. The Mission aims to foster and build collaborative business relationships to promote the mutual growth and development of both T&T and Guyana economies, through increased trade and commerce. Minister Gaskin told the gathering that the Government of Guyana will observe and respect the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas regarding non –discrimination on the basis

A section of the gathering of nationality, and the rights of establishment, and provision of services. “Guyana’s strong commitment to regional integration and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), as well as our understanding of our obligation under the Treaty are manifested in the success and growth of many Trinidadian companies already in

Guyana”, Minister Gaskin pointed out. Minister Gaskin highlighted that the government supports the Private Sector when it comes to initiatives “such as this one” and will continue to fulfill the responsibilities as trade facilitators, and as regulators and upholders of the laws that govern and protect businesses. He explained that visits

such as these create linkages between the Private Sector of the two countries and “the confidence that the countries need to increase the levels of trade and investments within the CSME.” The Business Minister told the delegation, “We are confident that our economy can provide the kind of returns that can sustain the long- term operation of any

well run business.” Minister Gaskin stated that Guyana is working to further improve its ranking on the International Index for conducting business. He explained that the government and the Ministry of Business have engaged the World Bank, which publishes the annual report, and are developing an Action Plan to tackle each

of the “Doing business indicators.” Minister Gaskin said that once these indicators have been improved, they will transform the business environment in Guyana during the coming years and provide long-term economic benefits to businesses operating here. The Trade Mission will conclude tomorrow.

Appointment of GECOM Chairperson…

Govt., Opposition agree to third list submission

President David Granger greeting Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo upon his arrival at State House (Ministry of the Presidency Photo) President David Granger and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo have agreed that the opposition leader will submit a third list of nominees for the position of Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). This development follows a scheduled consultation yesterday between Jagdeo and Granger at State House, Carmichael Street. Granger had invited Jagdeo to discuss the issue after the second list of nominees was deemed ‘unacceptable’ by the President. In a statement released by the Ministry of the Presidency, it was stated that during the consultation, the government’s team comprised the President, Minister of

State, Joseph Harmon and Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition was accompanied by former Attorney-General Anil Nandlall and PPP/C Parliamentarian, Irfaan Ali. The statement said, “The parties agreed that it would be in the best interest of the people of Guyana that the choice of a Chairperson of the Guyana Elections Commission is made without undue delay. The parties further agreed that the Leader of the Opposition will submit a new list of six names to the President.” Further, it was agreed that in the event that the third list is rejected by the President, a

Representatives of the Government and Opposition during yesterday’s consultations (Ministry of the Presidency Photo) high-level team would be established representing the President and the Opposition Leader to begin working instantaneously on exploring modalities to bring a resolution to the matter. According to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the Leader of the Opposition is required to submit a list of six names not unacceptable to the President from which the Chairperson of GECOM would be chosen and appointed. The first list of nominees submitted by Jagdeo included: Lawrence Latchmansingh, Rhyaan

Shah, James Rose, Norman McLean, Ramesh Dookhoo and Christopher Ram. On his second attempt, Jagdeo nominated Justice of Appeal B.S Roy (retd), Justice William Ramlal (retd), Ms Oneidge Walrond-Allicock, Attorneyat-law Kashir Khan, Attorney-at-law Nadia Sagar and Gerald Gouveia. According to Granger, the nominees must satisfy the requirements of the Constitution and the criteria which he had defined in a correspondence to Jagdeo. The criteria set out by the President outlined qualities which the Chairperson of GECOM must possess.

He said that the persons must be one who is qualified to be a judge of the High Court under Article 129 of the Constitution and under Section 5 of the High Court Act, Cap 3:02. Secondly, the person should have been an attorney-at-law for a minimum of seven years, according to Section 5 of the High Court Act. The President also said that in the absence of the first two requirements, ‘any other fit and proper person’ should be appointed according to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution. That same article also provides that, “if the Leader of the Opposition fails to sub-

mit a list as provided for, the President shall appoint a person who holds or has held office as a judge of a court having unlimited jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters in some part of the Commonwealth or a court having jurisdiction in appeals from any such court or who is qualified to be appointed as any such judge.” Despite public statements being made that the President is setting the stage to unilaterally appoint a GECOM chairperson, Granger has said that he is committed to working with Jagdeo to appoint someone that the Guyanese people deserve.

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Prime Minister condemns attack on Roman Catholic priest PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley Monday condemned the attack and robbery of a popular Roman Catholic priest, who has been working with young people to help rid Trinidad and Tobago of crime. Father Clive Harvey was robbed at gunpoint as he prayed at the Holy Rosary/St. Martin’s, Church in East Port of-Spain by three men at around 6.00 am (local time) on Monday. Harvey is the parish priest there. Father Harvey is parish priest at the church and the police have so far given no further details of the robbery. The priest, who previously served as chaplain at the University of the West Indies (UWI) and parish priest in the volatile Laventille/Morvant area, is actively involved in social and community programmes. In a statement, Prime Minister Rowley said that the attack on Father Harvey “by able-bodied, gun-toting men sadly represents the worst that exists within our communities. “Notwithstanding what difficulties one may be facing in life there are limits beneath which the human form should not sink. Unfortunately, there

Keith Rowley

Clyde Harvey

are people who have chosen criminal conduct as a way of life and such persons, regardless of their circumstances, should be condemned in the strongest terms, as I so do now.” Rowley said that these “miscreants have parents and I hope that somewhere in this country today there are a few parents who are hanging their heads in shame as they reflect in private as to what more they might have done to prevent any of our citizens from behaving in this despicable way”. A statement issued by the Archdiocese of Port of Spain noted that Father Harvey was tied up and robbed by three

men who threatened to kill him. It said that the priest had spent the night at the church to prepare for a seminar at the Seminary of the St John Vianney and the Uganda Martyrs, Mt St Benedict. The statement said that Father Harvey was tied up while the men ransacked the presbytery and took TT$1,000 (One TT dollar =US$0.16 cents), a mobile phone and other items. “The assailants also threatened to kill the priest,” the statement noted. The priest managed to escape and made his way to a parishioner’s home where he contacted Archbishop Joseph Harris and the police.

tors, will be able to transmit notifications on this IT platform which was developed with assistance under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic Integration Programme. “Through the online platform, consumers and consumer organisations will be able to submit complaints about products that may have caused or have the potential to cause harm to them. The facility can also be used by the public to submit complaints electronically to con-

sumer protection agencies on defective products purchased from suppliers in the Community.” CARICOM said that the system functions as a general alert and surveillance structure intended to cope with emergency situations. It aims essentially to permit the rapid exchange of information between the member states and the CARICOM Secretariat when the presence of a product which represents a grave and immediate risk to consumers’ health and safety has been detected.

CARICOM launches new IT system to alert consumers on dangerous goods CMC – The Guyanabased Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat Monday said that people in the region now have access to an electronic platform providing alerts on dangerous non-foods consumer goods on the markets in all 15-member countries. The Secretariat said that the CARREX Online Electronic Platform and the live public portal can now be accessed via www.carrex.caricom.org It said registered National Contact Points (NCPs) and their alternates, national authorities and economic opera-

“I don't see what the fuss is about” From page 19 this publication on the issue. As it relates to the portable toilet at King's residence, Chase-Green said the Council will have to make a decision on the way forward. She noted, however, that there is also the possibility of renegotiating with the private companies. Whether these portable toilets can be purchased, the Council will have to make that decision, she said. Chase-Green stressed

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Kaieteur News

that the issue must be addressed, since it is putting a dent in the M&CC's purse. Deputy Mayor, Lionel Jaikaran, reminded the council that when the matter came up a few months ago, he had queried the expense and suggested that the rental being paid for the toilet, could build a facility at King's residence. “Take a month or two or three month's worth of rentals and build a facility at the Town Clerk's residence to get

away from this recurrent monthly cost. And I will stand by that suggestion ladies and gentlemen. Of course you've got to have facilities for the guards. So instead of spending this money on a recurrent basis, let us tighten our belt and wherever the facility can be built, let us go ahead and do that and move on,” King told the council that he does not have the space in his yard to build a permanent facility.

St. Lucia hoping for 2,000 new hotel rooms over next four years CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – Tourism Minister Dominic Fedee on Monday said that an estimated 2,000 new hotel rooms will be established here over the next four years as a result of new properties being constructed. So far this year, the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa has opened its doors with 455 rooms and the Serenity Villas has also unveiled its 36 luxury villas and the Harbour Club is to open in September with 117 rooms. Fedee told a news conference that work will begin on the Fairmont Saint Lucia Resort in Choiseul, south-west of here, in September this year. “This resort will be a unique space that integrates local nature, a low-rise building complex and a wide range of recreational facilities. The hotel will include 120-five-star hotel rooms, 37 villas, three restaurants, a spa, commercial areas for local producers and traders and three swimming pools.” Fedee said the Reduit beach, north of here, will be redeveloped and will become the home of a luxury five-star dual branded hotel called Curio by Hilton. “This property will be built where the Rex Resorts was previously located. The Curio by Hilton will feature 500 luxury rooms; 350 rooms assigned to the Hilton and 150 assigned to the Curio by Hilton. “Work on this property will begin within the last quar-

Dominic Feedee ter of 2017. The Tourism Minister also announced that work should commence on the Honeymoon Bay Resort very soon. “This resort will consist of two hotels; the first is a 250 room five-star luxury, family all-inclusive hotel and the second is an 80 room, fivestar luxury hotel. This resort will feature an 18-hole golf course and clubhouse and a museum.” He said the Dubai-based Range Developments has signed an agreement with the St. Lucia government to acquire the Black Bay lands in Vieux Fort, south of here to develop it into an integrated master planned luxury touristic community. The Black Bay Master Development will consist of a luxury branded hotel and villas with other amenities set on 180 acres on the southern

tip of the island. The hotel is expected to have 180 rooms. “Initial site works are expected to commence in the fourth of quarter of 2017 or the first quarter of 2018 and the hotel is expected to be complete by the end of 2020,” Fedee said, announcing also that Sandals Resorts International has confirmed plans to add a fourth resort here offering an additional 350 rooms. Fedee told a news conference that eight fishing villages will be transformed into unique tourism villages based on their attributes and strengths. “These villages will be uniquely themed and development plans will be established in a participatory manner which address the villages 24˜$%24˜ infrastructure, culinary assets, architecture and capacity,”ý he added.

Coast Guard suspends search for six people missing at sea

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent, CMC – The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Coast Guard yesterday confirmed it had suspended the search for six nationals who have been missing at sea since June 3. Lieutenant Commander Deon Henry told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the search was suspended on Saturday, pending any actionable information. The search was suspended after almost a week of air and sea searches for the

missing speedboat, “Midnight Shadow,’ a cigarettetype, dark blue speedboat outfitted with one 200-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine. The speedboat went missing during a trip from the southern Grenadine island of Canouan to Mustique, in the northern Grenadines. The boat was captained by 56-year-old Montgomery Hazel, and the other passengers were named as Claudia Williams; 43, Ned Da Souza, 43; and his wife, 39-year-old

Charmaine Da Souza; Sheron Simmons, 44; and Josianne John, whose age was not disclosed. Mrs. Da Souza and Sheron Simmons are sisters. All of the occupants were based in Mustique, where they worked with the Mustique Company Ltd. The boat and its occupants disappeared some time after one of its occupants called someone in Mustique around 4:55 pm (local time) on June 3, saying that the vessel was taking in water.

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Kaieteur News

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Tuesday June 13, 2017

Hamilton says Mercedes can see the goalposts again (From page 26) to finish and also set the fastest lap to complete the ‘grand slam’. Coming two weeks after Monaco, where he had qualified badly and finished seventh as Ferrari enjoyed their first one-two since 2010, it was the perfect weekend. “I think for us, we really solidified our strength, we’ve got a better understanding of the car and hope we can put it in the same spot in the following races,” he told Sky Sports television. “Also we know now, after the last race, where to develop this car moving forwards which I think is really going to make a difference in winning this championship.” Hamilton warned, how-

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Kaieteur News

ever, that there was still much to do and it would take time. “I don’t think we’ve completely got rid of all the issues we have,” he said. “We’ve understood the tires, utilized the tires a lot better this weekend, but I think there’s still things we’ve understood but that you can’t just fix in two weeks. “So in terms of where we direct the development, the guys now in the factory have a much better goal. The goalposts have moved, but they know where it is and now they can work full steam ahead towards that.” Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, a four times champion, finished fourth on Sunday and saw his lead over Hamilton cut to 12 points with 13 races remaining.

The German and Hamilton now have three wins each, with Bottas taking the other. Vettel had also qualified on the front row in Montreal but the expected battle between the two title contenders failed to materialize with the German having to fight through the field after his car’s front wing was broken on the opening lap. Hamilton had no doubt Ferrari would be back to speed immediately. “They are still very, very quick. They’ve been so consistent all year. This is the only weekend they’ve had not the greatest result but they’ve not had a seventh or something like we’ve had,” he said. “So they are still very much there, they are still going to be very hard to beat.”

Tuesday June 13, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Avoid being intimately involved with clients or colleagues. Don't allow colleagues to stand in your way. You can bet that situations will get out of hand if you allow others to interfere.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Enjoy some socializing today. Your mate may want to pick a fight but if you're persistent with your affections their anger should dissipate. You may have ignored or neglected your mate lately.

TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Have a heart-to-heart talk with family and find out what the problems are. Help elders get their personal papers in order. Be cautious when dealing with foreigners.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Make any decisions you have to in order to avoid feeling unsettled. You may want to stay in the background today. Don't be disappointed if you don't get your way emotionally.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Your mind may not be on the job. You need to get out and be an observer. Look for professional guidance if it will help unite the family. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Deception will play an important factor in relationships. You can expect to have problems with your mate if you've been spending too much time away from home. It won't take much to upset your lover. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Travel could include delays and other minor problems. Do not let the reactions of others get you going. Your charm will attract members of the opposite sex. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't ignore any emotional issues that could be causing problems. Someone you work with could have a personal interest in you. Be careful not to exaggerate when interacting with your lover.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) An older loved one may be having problems. Find a quiet spot where you can work diligently and stay out of the way. You don't owe anyone an explanation. Do your own thing, you need time to yourself. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) You will be able to talk to your lover about future goals and perhaps make plans for the two of you to take a vacation. A residential move may be in order. One sided attractions are likely. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Try to mix business with pleasure while traveling. Children may cause limitations. You may find acquaintances being deceptive. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Your lover will be extremely sensitive and now will not be a good time to make changes that they won't like. New part

Sarfraz sees shaky Pakistan into... (From page 31) see their side home. Though the prospect of facing England in three days time will be daunting, it will be the last thing on their minds right now. From the moment Pakistan’s seventh wicket fell - with 75 still to win - two antsy sides were hoping they could do just about enough to pip the other. Sri Lanka were the favourites at that point, but their fielding let them down badly. Thisara Perera dropped a sitter at mid-on in the 39th over. Substitute fielder Seekkuge Prasanna shelled another chance - albeit a more difficult one - in the 41st. And Sarfraz, the reprieved batsman, the last of the specialists, took the game away. Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka’s great talisman, had created both chances and if this is to be his final ICC tournament, it was a cruel way to go. He watched, helplessly, as his team began to gift overthrows, and little by little, the belief as well to the Pakistan batsmen. By the time a dispirited Malinga was brought back for his final over, the fielding had disintegrated to amateurish level. Eventually, Sarfraz dabbed him over third man for the winning runs, and a shocking last half hour for the Sri Lankans met the end it deserved. Before the nerves got hold of them, Pakistan were cruising. A dropped catch and a run-out opportunity in the first two overs aside, Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali set about their task masterfully. Fakhar, comfortable in his role as the designated aggressor up front, hit three boundaries in the third over against Malinga. He didn’t mind riding his luck at times, an outside edge burst through slips for four while a top edge flew for six, and when he was dismissed - caught at long leg - he had scored 50 off 36 and Pakistan were sitting pretty at 74 for 1 in 11.2 overs. But with this being Pakistan, there was the inevitable feeling they would take the Rolling English Road to victory. Two wickets fell quickly as Babar Azam clipped Nuwan Pradeep straight to short midwicket and Hafeez chipped one to mid-on next over. Opener Azhar Ali was done in by the extra bounce of Suranga Lakmal soon after, edging a sharp catch to first slip. Pakistan were at 110 for 4, and the game was anything but a foregone conclusion. Sri Lanka were quietly climbing into a position of ascendancy, but Pakistan almost appeared not to notice the early signs of danger. It certainly couldn’t be ignored when Shoaib Malik gloved a short ball from Malinga to the

keeper. When Imad Wasim fell five balls later, Pakistan were 6 down with 100 runs still to win. Debutant Faheem Ashraf’s short-lived stay at the crease was fraught with danger as the bowlers peppered him with short deliveries, several of which caught his top edge but managed to evade the boundary riders. For all the risks he was taking on strike, he was run-out at the other end, a ricochet off the bowler’s hand finding the stumps before his bat hit the ground. There were no such errors from Pakistan with the ball though. In fact they were so good that Sri Lanka, despite dominating large parts of their innings, were bowled out well below the par score. A sensational four-over burst from Amir and Junaid ripped the heart out of the Sri Lankan middle order as they went from 161 for 3 to 167 for 7. It was superb fast bowling, evoking comparisons with some of the greats of Pakistan cricket and that it came soon after the innings’ second drinks break spoke either to some kind of strategy, or an especially rousing team talk from the captain Sarfraz. Either way, it was matchturning. Sri Lanka were setting up effectively for the final flourish, with Niroshan Dickwella and Angelo Mathews locked in a settled partnership, before Amir dismissed Mathews off the second ball of the 32nd over, the batsman dragging onto his

stumps. Junaid followed up next over with a length delivery that seamed teasingly away from newcomer Dhananjaya de Silva and took his outside edge. Sarfraz then pulled off a superb reflex catch to get rid of Dickwella for 73 and Thisara was caught at slip next over. Sri Lanka’s position of strength was decimated in mere minutes. If it appeared that passage of play would be the solitary turning point of the match, Pakistan and Sri Lanka showed that when they take on each other, it is never quite that simple. Pakistan fined for slow over rate Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed has been fined 20% of his match fee, while his teammates were fined 10% of their match fees, for maintaining a slow over-rate during the match against Sri Lanka. Pakistan were found to be one over short of their target after time allowances were taken into consideration. A second minor over-rate offence in the tournament could result in a onematch suspension for Sarfraz. Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction; a formal hearing was not required as a result. The charge was laid by on-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Marais Erasmus, third umpire Chris Gaffaney and fourth umpire Ian Gould. Scores: Pakistan 237 for 7 (Sarfraz 61*, Zaman 50, Pradeep 3-60) beat Sri Lanka 236 (Dickwella 73, Junaid 3-40, Hasan 3-43, Amir 2-53) by three wickets.

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Argentina to test attacking options in Singapore friendly SINGAPORE (Reuters) Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli was delighted to start his tenure with a win against bitter rivals Brazil last week and will now look to try out new attacking f o r m a t i o n s i n t o d a y ’s friendly against Singapore. The South Americans agreed to play the tiny Asian nation as part of the host football association’s 125th anniversary celebrations and Sampaoli is refusing to underestimate his opponents despite the huge gulf in class between the sides. “We expect to face a team that will relish the chance of taking on and trying to beat Argentina,” Sampaoli told reporters after taking team training at the

Jorge Sampaoli, newly appointed coach of Argentina’s national soccer team holds a jersey with his name on it during his official presentation at the squad’s camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina, June 1, 2017. (REUTERS/Gustavo Garello FILE PHOTO) Singapore National Stadium on Monday.

Argentina are second in the FIFA rankings, 155

places above Singapore, and Sampaoli is looking forward to taking the next step in his coaching journey after enjoying a debut 1-0 win over Brazil in a Melbourne friendly on Friday. “The team is doing well after the match against Brazil and we are expecting a difficult game against Singapore,” the 57-year-old added. “We have started our journey together already and we are looking forward to seeing it continue, starting with the game tomorrow.” Despite an abundance of attacking options available to Argentina, the former Chile coach will need to solve the side’s profligacy in a World Cup qualifying campaign that has seen them

score just 15 goals in 14 matches. “It’s not really right for me to comment on the previous coaches of the national team in that regard but the process I am working on is to ensure the players I select are the best ones for the national team,” he said. Local fans were hugely disappointed to discover that two of the side’s more recognisable players, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, did not make the trip to Singapore with Sampaoli saying they both deserved a rest. “They have had long seasons and played a lot of games so we felt it was best to let them go for this game as it would have been risking injury to make them play

tomorrow,” he added. “But we have a variety of attackers and that means we can experiment against Singapore. We have many offensive players and I want to know how well they can also play defensively. “It’s important to know how enthusiastic they are at trying to win the ball back when we lose possession. It’s all about the development of our ideas for every position in the future.” Sampaoli will also be under pressure to get Argentina’s World Cup campaign back on track in a vital trip to Uruguay on Aug. 31 with his side one point outside the top-four automatic qualifying spots with four matches remaining.

Hamilton says England’s Under-20 World Cup winners Mercedes can see may struggle to play at their clubs (Reuters) England’s newly crowned Under 20 World Cup winners woke to back-page headlines acclaiming a golden generation yesterday and congratulatory tweets from a future British king and one of the country’s greatest sporting heroes. But despite the plaudits from FA President Prince William and Geoff Hurst, hat-trick scorer in the 1966 World Cup final, a spotlight was shone on the difficulty most will face in even securing a club game once memories of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Venezuela fade. England’s two standout performers, Dominic Solanke, who scored four goals and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best p l a y e r, a n d F r e d d i e Woodman, who made a superb penalty save in the final, are among those struggling to break through. Solanke, 19, will join Liverpool on July 1 after rejecting a new contract at Chelsea because out of frustration at the lack of firstteam opportunities. Ten years at the club where he came through the Academy yielded just one first-team appearance — 17 minutes as a substitute in a Champions league game against Maribor. But Solanke may also struggle to play under Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp who yesterday was linked with a move for M o n a c o ’s 1 8 - y e a r- o l d

England’s Dominic Solanke during the UEFA European Under 21 Championship. (Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepic) striker Kylian Mbappe. At Anfield, Solanke will join up with two other under 20 stars, Ovie Ejara and Sheyi Ojo, who remain on the firstteam fringes. The picture is similar for Woodman, whose face appeared on many English newspaper back pages. Last season the 20-year-old Newcastle keeper - godson of national manager Gareth Southgate - was loaned out to Scottish club Kilmarnock and admitted he is unsure where he will play after the summer. “I am not sure what will happen at Newcastle,” Woodman told The Daily Telegraph. “I am just waiting for them to tell me when I am back in pre-season. I am a Newcastle player and my goal is to play for Newcastle one day.”

Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer questioned how many of the side, who delivered the country’s first World Cup win at any level for 51 years, will see action in a league packed with foreign talent and governed by shorttermism. “How many top-flight managers will have been given a mandate to blood them and make them part of their first team,” Shearer wrote in The Sun. “How many managers will have had the patience to give these young players a chance? “Or alternatively how many simply realised that results are all important, finance is all important and dipped into a readymade option from the foreign market to ensure success?”

E n g l a n d ’s F o o t b a l l Association will be among those hoping for change after attempting to establish a pathway from youth teams into the seniors, who have underperformed badly in major tournaments for decades. The FA blueprint appears to be working, as no other England team had even won a match at an Under 20 tournament since 1997 and even failed to qualify four times over 20 years. Among the clubs most likely to give youth a chance are Everton, who supplied five players to England in South Korea, three of whom – Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ademola Lookman and Jonjoe Kenny – were in the first-team squad for the final game of last season. England’s captain Lewis Cook is another looking ready to step up after making six first-team appearances for Bournemouth last term. Of the team who reached the semi-finals in the 1993 edition of the Under-20 competition, only Manchester United’s Nicky Butt went on to win a senior cap. S o , u n s u r p r i s i n g l y, victorious Under-20 manager Paul Simpson was cagey about predicting too bright a future for his starlets. “Let’s see what comes next and hope they continue to develop. We hope (they) get the football they need and they can go on to be successful.”

the goalposts again

(Reuters) The goalposts may have moved in Formula One this season but, after a dominant one-two in Canada on Sunday, triple world champion Lewis Hamilton feels Mercedes are back on target. The champions looked their old selves in Montreal as Hamilton led team mate Valtteri Bottas to their first one-two since the Finn joined in January as

replacement for retired champion Nico Rosberg. The Briton’s 56th career victory was his sixth in Canada and third in a row, and he turned the tables on Ferrari with a peerless performance. Hamilton qualified on pole, the 65th of his career to equal the tally of his late Brazilian boyhood idol Ayrton Senna, led from start (Continued on page 25)

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the race on the podium. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 13, 2017

PAGE 29

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Sparta vs. Future Stars clash a peek into the future? By Rawle Welch They answered the critics in emphatic fashion after being on the verge of elimination with a 3-0 thumping of an in-form Sophia unit, now they will have to replicate that performance with a similar display when they face the might of an offensiveminded Future Stars in the final fixture of quarter-final action tonight, at the National Gymnasium. The inaugural Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament resumes this evening with four games anticipated to provide fans with enthralling action as teams battle to make the business end of the event. The Kings of the shorter version have been severely tested over the past few tournaments, but their steely fortitude and the ability to play under pressure have seen them dispatch all and sundry en route to filling up their burgeoning cabinet. They face a strong and confident Future Stars team that have so far netted 15 goals in the competition and have one of the most feared strike force that is spearheaded by Keiron Solomon, Akeemo Anthony and Jamal Cozier, while Kevin Cummings, Ralph Parris and Jeremy Garrett, also add more potency to their lineup. Sparta Boss on the other hand is led by the skilful and deadly duo of Devon Millington and Gregory

- Bent Street, Sophia in epic showdown

Part of the action in the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament.

Richardson, at one time the leading striking unit for the national team. Then you add players the calibre of Eusi Phillips, Solomon Austin and Sheldon Shepherd and immediately you see why they are dreaded by opposing teams. It should be a fascinating

duel that fans will really enjoy watching. However, before that battle ensues, the opening game between a rejuvenated Albouystown unit and Broad Street should set the tone for the night. Albouystown led their group that featured teams such as Back Circle and

England to rotate keepers in France friendly (Reuters) England will field different goalkeepers in each half in today’s friendly against France manager Gareth Southgate said. Burnley’s Tom Heaton will start, with Stoke’s Jack Butland playing the second half. Southgate said it was always his intention to rest Joe Hart, who has been criticised for conceding two free kicks late on in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland. “I am conscious of keeping people involved in the squad and giving them game time. Tom Heaton will start, and Jack Butland play the second half,” he told a press conference. Harry Kane will again captain the side against a

England’s Jack Butland and Tom Heaton. (Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith Livepic) France side expected to feature young Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe, who has been linked with a 112 million euro ($126 million) move to one of Europe’s big clubs. “Of all the countries we have played against at youth level, France are the most impressive in terms of depth of talent and athletic profile of their players, and Mbappe

has excelled this season,” said Southgate. “We have seen him in the Champions League and he is an indication of their depth of talent.” Both teams will wear black armbands for the game and a minute’s silent will precede kick-off in tribute to the victims of recent attacks in Manchester and London. ($1 = 0.8914 euros)

Tiger Bay so it says a lot about their confidence and the way they are playing, while Broad Street despite losing a few key players to other teams have looked much better that in previous outings. Lennox Cort with four goals and Roy Cassou three goals will lead their charge for victory, while support should come from Melvorn Ross, Devon Dooker and Moses Gittens. Brothers Jimmy and Rocky Gravesande, Daniel Favourite and Darren Benjamin are the key to their quest for a place in the last four and their experience at this level should never be underestimated. Bent Street, winners of their group, tackle Sophia and this is another game that is predicted to produce plenty fireworks. Sophia are a high tempo team that that thrive of fitness and will test any team that is lacking in that department. Shemroy Arthur and Sheik Kamal are the ones with loads of experience and they will look to guide the play, while the speedy

Joshua Kamal and Desmond Cottam, Dwayne Lowe and newly-acquired Omallo Williams can wreak havoc on any backline. Bent Street have been slightly weakened by the absence of Konata Manning, but Daniel Wilson, Travis Lyken and Job Caesar are all in good form, while Sheldon Profit, Okanie Fraser and Keith Caines are all proven match winners. This encounter has to be seen as a blockbuster showdown between two teams that are playing at a high level. The third game pits Back-Circle versus Tucville and while the latter’s last two encounters demonstrated their grit and determination; the former might be a bridge too far. Despite their relative inexperience, Back Circle seems to be a well rounded unit with Selwyn Williams, Jermaine Beckles and Jamal Adams, the likely choices to lead their pursuit for a win, but support could come from Curtez Kellman as well. Tucville have emerged as a top team in this competition with the win

against Sparta Boss ranking they best display to date, but who could forget that unbelievable come from behind draw against Agricola after being 4-1 down. It showed that they had arrived on the big stage and discarding their chances could prove to be idiotic. Jermaine Junior, Ryan Hackett and Jahaal Greaves, Raphael Edwards, Delon Wi l l i a m s a n d D e n n i s Edwards are enjoying themselves and playing to their true potential so they are dangerous. The winning team takes home $500,000 and the cha m p i o n s h i p t r o p h y, while second, third and fourth placed finishers collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player will receive $50,000. Among the other sponsors on board are: Fas Grafix, Jefford’s Distribution and Sales, Giftland Distribution Store, Windjammer International Cuisine & Hotel and FA R M S U P M i n i n g Investments Inc.

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

Digicel Schools Football Championship

Essequibo Islands hit six past Parika /Salem -more action today at same venue Essequibo Islands Secondary opened this year ’s Digicel Schools Football Championship on a positive note when they defeated Parika / Salem Secondary 6-1 yesterday, at the Leonora Track & Field facility on the West Coast of Demerara. On target for the winners was Dicquan Clarke, who fired in a treble of goals in the 44th, 48th and 61st minutes, while Reon Venture (13th, 52nd) and David Charritar (64th) completed their tally. Jamal Baker ’s 40th minute effort was the lone response for Parika /Salem. The two teams went to the break with Essequibo Islands clinging to a slim 1-0 lead through Venture’s 13th minute strike, but coming out in the final period, Parika /Salem gained the equaliser through Baker, who received a pass delivered from the center, before cutting inside to hit past the advancing goalkeeper. However, just when it seemed as though the fans would enjoy an exciting game the floodgates were opened and Essequibo Islands hammered in five more goals to book a place in the next round. Head of Marketing Jacqueline James and Director of Sport

Head of Marketing for Digicel Jacqueline Jones (front) and Director of Sport Christopher Jones (behind) meet the teams shortly before the start of play yesterday. Christopher Jones met the teams and referees shortly before the start of play with James perfectly executing the ceremonial kickoff to send the championship cracking. The event continues today at the same venue, with Leonora Technical

taking on Professional Learning Institute from 15:30hrs. The fixtures for tomorrow will see Mahaicony Secondary visiting Belladrum Secondary and this encounter will be played, at the Belladrum ground in

West Berbice, while Patentia take on Vreed-en-Hoop at the L’Aventure ground. Both matches are slated for 15:30hrs. In New Amsterdam, at the Burnham Park ground, Berbice High School tackle Berbice Educational Institute at 15:30hrs.

The championship, which has 150 schools participating from all 10 Regions, is scheduled to conclude on July 31st. The winning school will collect $1,000,000 which is to go towards a project of their choice a l o n g w i t h t h e

championship trophy. Second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $700,000, $400,000 and $350,000 respectively and this too is for a project of the schools choice. Chase Academic Foundation is the defending champion.

Williams added to Windies squad as cover for injured Cummins 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

Kesrick Williams lets out a roar after completing a three-for, West Indies v Afghanistan, 3rd T20I, St Kitts, June 5, 2017 ©WICB Media/Randy Brooks of Brooks LaTouche Photog

Vi n c e n t i a n p a c e r Kesrick Williams has been called up as cover for injured Barbadian quickie Miguel C u m m i n s f o r

tomorrow’s deciding O D I b e t w e e n We s t Indies and Afghanistan in a day/night encounter at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. The 27-year-old Williams played in all three T20 Internationals against Afghanistan in St Kitts after making his first-class debut as 21-year-old for Wi n d w a r d s i n 2 0 11 against an England Lions. He played only one more first-class

game for Windward Islands before spending nearly two years out of top-flight domestic cricket. Williams returned for the 2012-13 season when he represented CCC and helped them to the Final of the Regional Super50 competition when CCC were beaten by Windwards. He took 14 wickets in 2012-13 for CCC but only played two 50-over games and three first-class

matches before missing another two seasons away from domestic cricket in the West Indies. Williams got his first call-up for West Indies after an outstanding 2016 CPL season playing for J a m a i c a Ta l l a w a h s , finishing as the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament. In September that year, Williams was called up to the West Indies T20I squad for the series

against Pakistan in the UAE, after Andre Russell withdrew due to personal reasons. This year he has played seven T20 for West Indies ; f o u r a g a i n s t Pakistan and the two against Afghanistan and now has the chance to make his ODI debut tomorrow as West Indies hope to close off the threematch series 2-1 after losing the opening game by 63 runs.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 13, 2017

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GCF National Championships 2017

Exciting duels loom as overseas based riders expected; more miles added By Franklin Wilson When the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) 2 0 1 7 n a t i o n a l championships pedals off this weekend with the Time Trials on Saturday and the Road Races for females, juniors, juveniles and v e t e r a n s o n S u n d a y, competitors will have to condition their minds for l o n g e r r a c e s . For many years, representatives at the Caribbean level and further afield have been finding out that the races are longer than those being held locally which presents a disadvantage to them. The GCF in its efforts to ensure riders are better prepared has increased the miles for every c a t e g o r y . Cycling fans and supporters can look forward to some exciting and grueling races especially in the senior category given the fact that a number of riders have been campaigning on the USA circuit and are expected to be home to battle for bragging rights as the best in the land. The senior road race which will be opened to junior and veteran cyclists for the first time ever, is set for Sunday June 25th and will be for 1 0 3 . 4 m i l e s . Senior riders will have to be very mindful of the fact that the junior riders have been

Zaman Khan, GCF Juvenile 2016 Road Race winner

Christopher Cornelius – 2016 GCF Time Trial and Road Race winner competing with them and beating them and will not want that kind of scenario in the marquee event on the n a t i o n al cal e n d a r. Juniors and veterans will have their own race this weekend but will have

another chance at claiming further glory with the opportunity of matching the seniors pedal for pedal one week after their race. Kaieteur Sport understands that whilst this is a first for Guyana, juniors were

allowed to compete in the senior category in Bermuda. G e r o n Wi l l i a m s , w h o competes professionally in the USA for Foundation and is also a member of Continental Cycle Club, is the defending senior Road

St. Roses High wins twice in one day St. Roses High School won their girls’ and U-19 game for two wins in one day on Sunday when the National Schools’ Basketball Festival (NSBF) continued at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. St. Roses High School secured the final place in the Georgetown ‘Regionals’ Female semi-finals Sunday with a 17-5 win over School of the Nations. They will join Marian A c a d e m y, P r e s i d e n t ’s College and The Bishops’ High School in the June 23 Playoffs. Ashley Khan top scored with 13 points and six steals for St. Roses, while Jamaica Blair had two points and five steals. National forward,

Georgia Vyphius Georgiana Vyphuis scored all of Nations’ five points and grabbed five

rebounds. In the Under-19 Boys’ Competition, St. Roses

rebounded from their lost on Friday to teach the School of the Nations a lesson with a 51-26 win. A n t h o n y Ya n s e n impressed with 19 points and eight rebounds along with five steals. Mark July recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds for St. Roses. Meanwhile, Lindon Garraway scored nine points for Nations. Edward B. Beharry Group of Companies Ltd. and National Sports Commission are the sponsors of the NSBF. The Tournament will continue on Friday, June 23, with semi-final playoffs in the U-14, U-16 and Girls Divisions and Quarterfinals in the U-19 category.

Race champion, a race he also won in 2014. Raynauth ‘Obeah Man’ Jeffrey (Team Coco’s) won the Time Trials. Meanwhile, once UK based four-time national female champion Claire FraserGreen touches down, there is no reason why she should not be able to further etch her name in the history books by making it five wins in as m a n y y e a r s . The female version of the sport continues to be a challenge for clubs and the federation in terms of not being able to attract and keep this category of riders interested. While many have come and pedaled off into doing other things, FraserGreen has been consistent in coming back home to keep the local link intact as well as representation overseas. On the local front, Hazina Barret is perhaps the most consistent female rider but has not been able to put in the necessary training hours to upstage the national champion given the fact that she is now a Teacher. Fraser-Green won both the Time Trials and Road Race last year. Christine Matheson

and Ronella Samuels also competed last year but did not pose any challenges for t h e c h a m p i o n . This year’s Time Trials on Saturday is an open event for eight (8) miles on the Linden Soesdyke Highway from Hairuni to Long Creek and back to the starting line. Sunday will then see the females, juniors, juveniles and veterans battling in the Road Race. The females and juveniles will compete over a 53-mile distance from Homestretch Avenue to the Bottleneck at Timehri before returning to Homestretch A v e n u e . Juniors and veterans will be tested over 70-miles from Homestretch Avenue to Camp Wesleyana on the Linden Soesdyke Highway and return. Race time on Sunday is 08:00hrs. Christopher Cornelius (Digicel Team Evolution), Zaman Khan (Flying Ace CC), Junior Niles (Team Coco’s) and Raymond ‘’Steely’ Newton (Roraima Bikers Club) are the reigning junior, juvenile, veteran over and under-45 road race champions.

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Tuesday June 13, 2017

GCB Hand-in-Hand U19 cricket

Demerara lead points table as third and final round commences today By Zaheer Mohamed Demerara are ahead on the points table after the second round of the Guyana Cricket Board Hand-inHand Inter County U19 three-day tournament was rained out last weekend without a ball being bowled. Demerara were set to play the GCB select U17 XI at Everest and Berbice were scheduled to take on Essequibo at Eve Leary, but steady rain fall in the city left puddles of water on both venues. Demerara have so far accumulated 19.2 points followed by Berbice on 16.7, the Select GCB U17 team 7.1 and Essequibo on 4.2. The third and final round is set to commence today at both venues and the selectors and players alike will be hoping for three full days of cricket since the WICB regional age group tournaments are nearby. Following the completion of this tournament, the selectors will name the final touring

party for the U17 tournament set for Trinidad in early July. Guyana was easily the best team in last year’s tournament and played unbeaten throughout, but their final game against Trinidad and Tobago was called off due to rain hence the Guyanese had to settle for the runner up spot. Guyana failed to defend their three-day crown but retained the 50-over title in the U19 tournament. The U17 title is the only one that has eluded Guyana at the age group level; nevertheless they definitely have the fire power to win the competition this year. The U17s participation in the U19 inter county tournament will give the selectors a closer look at the players in the pool so they have a better opportunity to put together the best combination. While there are lots of talented players in the squad, their performance has been inconsistent so far in the tournament. Opener Alex Algoo has proven to be a

A section of the Eve Leary ground that caused the abandonment of the third day’s play. match winner, but his partner Sachin Singh, arguably one of the best batsmen in the side, is yet to do his talent justice. Should both of them open the batting? That question should be answered at the end of this competition. Fast bowler Reyaz Khan has been impressive so far and talented all-rounder Dwayne Dick (currently in the

Demerara team) should be added to the squad before the start of play today; not to include him in the touring party (U17) will leave a void in the team. Ashmead Nedd should be named captain since he is the most experienced player in the side, while Alphius Bookie, Orlando Jailall and Kevlon Anderson are all capable players.

Although Bhaskar Yadram, Raymond Perez, Ronald o A l i m o h a m e d , Ramnarine Chartura and Keshram Seyhodan have done well so far, the standard of the competition has been below par as compared to previous tournaments. Therefore other players must improve if they are to ink their names on the

selectors list, but first they must be given the opportunity. Not to use a fast bowler for a longer spell after he bowled three overs, all of which were maidens, is a terrible injustice to his talent, while spinners who contained batsmen are not being given longer spells. Strange!

RHTY&SC teams support Ms. World Guyana Regional Ambassador – to work together on Climate Change/Suicide Programme Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation, the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S has decided to work along with the Ms. World Guyana Regional Ambassador for East Berbice, Corentyne, Ms. Thamesha Watson. Ms. Watson paid a courtesy visit to the RHTY&SC Office on Thursday last and held discussions with Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, Vice President Mark Papannah and Asst Secretary Simon Naidu. Vice President Mark Papannah handed over a special gift to the Regional Ambassador on behalf of the eight cricket teams of the RHTY&SC along with a financial contribution towards assisting her quest to be crowned Ms. Guyana World on the 25th of June. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster stated that while

RHTY&SC mandate does not includes beauty shows, the RHTY&SC delegation was highly impressed with her passion, discipline and ability to promote her message of Suicide prevention, Climate change and the promotion of Education. The RHTY&SC has agreed to work along with Ms. Watson to host a one day Say No to Suicide cricket tournament and a youth inspiration forum involving 500 students, while she was also offered the opportunity to become the Editor of the Club’s Youth Information Booklet which would be published shortly. Ms. Watson is also expected to be present at the finals of the RHTY&SC Patron’s Cup Green Economy Tournament where she would assist in the promotion of the Say No to

Suicide, the Importance of Education and the Impact of Climate Change. Foster wished the talented East Berbice Regional Ambassador success in her quest and noted that all members of the Club would be rooting for her at the finals. Ms. Watson in response stated that she was delighted to be given the opportunity to work along with the award winning youth and sports Club and promised to make East Berbice/Corentyne proud. She also accepted the offer to support the publication of the Climate Change booklet and would serve as the Editor in Chief. The twenty four years old beauty attended the Bishop High School where she excelled at both CSEC and CAPE and holds a B a c h e l o r ’s D e g r e e i n Economics at the University

Ms. Thamesha Watson (right) accepts a gift from RHTY&SC Vice President Mark Papannah (left) and Asst Secretary Simon Naidu. of Guyana. She is a member of the Lutheran World Federation and has travelled to Bolivia, Germany and France to represent Guyana as a Young

Global Reformer. In 2015, she travelled to France to represent Latin America and the Caribbean at the conference of Parties 21,

where she advocated against Climate Change. The Club is the only youth and sports organisation to have ever received a National Award.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 13, 2017

PAGE 33

Sarfraz sees shaky Pakistan into Champions Trophy semi-finals Niroshan Dickwella drops one into the leg side with soft hands, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2017, Group B, Cardiff, London, ©Getty Images

Sarfraz Ahmed roars in delight as Pakistan seal a tense win, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Champions Trophy, Group B, Cardiff, ©Getty Images

ESPNcricinfo -The Champions Trophy might have been damp and lifeless on the English shores this year, but it was on a Welsh detour that it finally roared to

life. In the game which had the most riding on it all tournament, Pakistan and Sri Lanka provided a spectacle befitting the magnitude of the occasion, and Pakistan

sneaked across the line with a thrilling three-wicket win. But that’s only half the story. The rest centered around how madly the momentum of this game swung as two

obviously flawed teams battled tooth and nail. Qualification to the semis was the prize riding on this game that was a quarterfinal in all but name, and it

was clear both sides wanted it desperately. Sri Lanka started impressively but a brilliant spell midway from Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan restricted them

to 236. Pakistan made the chase look harder than it was but captain Sarfraz Ahmed and Amir were there at the end to (Continued on page 25)

Sailing - New Zealand set up America’s Cup rematch with U.S. Emirates Team New Zealand battles Artemis Racing of Sweden. (Richard Holder Emirates Team New Zealand)

USA Team Oracle will battle New Zealand in the final. (Team Oracle)

G R E AT S O U N D , BERMUDA (Reuters) E m i r a t e s Te a m N e w Zealand sailed into a revenge match against holders Oracle Team USA for the 35th America’s Cup by convincingly beating Sweden’s Artemis Racing 52 in the Challenger final in Bermuda yesterday. New Zealand are looking to avenge their humbling defeat by the U.S. team in San Francisco in 2013 when they were on the losing end of one of the greatest ever sporting comebacks. With their striking black, red and white hulls and “wing” foil and

revolutionary “cycling” system for powering their on-board hydraulics, the New Zealand team led by Glenn Ashby and helmed by Peter Burling have been hot favourites throughout. They bounced back from a near-catastrophic capsize last week when racing Land Rover BAR, getting their 50-foot (15 metre) catamaran and towering wing foil repaired in time to beat the British crew and progress to the Challenger final. Although Artemis Racing put up a keen fight, the New Zealand crew consistently had the edge in

pace and manoeuvrability, with Burling calmly driving his high-speed craft around Bermuda’s Great Sound as his “cyclors” pedalled nonstop to provide the power needed to control the vast “cat”. There were celebrations aboard the New Zealand catamaran after they crossed the line nearly a minute ahead of the Swedish boat after an earlier race had to be abandoned when the wind dropped away and left both teams drifting. But the wind held for the second race and after getting the better of Sweden’s

skipper Nathan Outteridge at the start, Burling, the youngest helmsman in the competition, sailed superbly to take the win from his longtime rival. SERIOUSLY FAST “The boat is going seriously fast... we feel we are in great shape to take on Oracle now,” Burling told BT Sport, while also paying tribute to the fight put up by Artemis in sometimes challenging conditions for the foiling catamarans, which lift up out of the water and “fly” at up to 50 knots. T h e L o u i s Vu i t t o n America’s Cup Match, which is a first-to-seven race

event, is due to start on June 17. Oracle Team USA will start with a one race “bonus” as they were the winners of the qualifying series in which they were allowed to compete. Only the U.S., Australia, New Zealand and Switzerland have won the trophy known as the “Auld Mug” since the schooner “America” first claimed it in British waters in 1851. The Swedish crew skippered by Australian sailing star Outteridge and managed by British Olympian Iain Percy needed to win three races in a row to overhaul Burling’s New

Zealand. Outteridge, 31, and Burling, 26, were more accustomed to head-to-head battles in relatively tiny twoman 49er skiffs. While Outteridge won Olympic gold in 2012, Burling got his revenge in 2016 in Rio, relegating his rival to silver. Both men have been sailing with their 49er partners in the America’s Cup competition, with Burling’s crew Blair Tuke joining him in the New Zealand boat and Outteridge’s team mate Iain Jensen aboard the Artemis catamaran as a “grinder”.

t r o Sp Digicel Schools Football Championship

Essequibo Islands hit six past Parika /Salem -more action today at same venue

Parika /Salem goalkeeper and defence could only watch as Essequibo Islands score another goal during their encounter against Parika /Salem yesterday at Leonora.

GCF National Championships 2017

Exciting duels loom as overseas based riders expected; more miles added National cycling queen Claire FraserGreen during the 2016 Time Trials

Junior Niles - 2016 GCF Under45 veteran Road Race winner

Raymond Newton – 2016 GCF Over-45 veteran Road Race champion.

Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Sparta vs. Future Stars clash a peek into the future? Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Limited, 24 Saffon St.Charlestown, Georgetown.Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/ 226-8210