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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 14, 2017
The City Council will cost the APNU+AFC at the next general election DEAR EDITOR; Mr. President you should know that there are several reasons why the City Council will have a great impact on the general elections comes 2020 because of its blatant poor resource management, miss appropriations of municipal funds, endorsement of nepotism that produce poor urban services. Its cries of resources limitations have forged projects with poor data analysis, interpretation and implementation that cause severe discomfort to citizens of Georgetown and the President himself. Let me begin with the Mayor-Patricia Chase Greene. This mayor has openly said she has called for several forensic audits of the municipal council before and after the elections but to date she has never made any effort of actually bringing in the auditors since it will embarrass her. It is alleged her sons have received large contracts from a municipal council that is not only cash strap but strap to pay its workers monthly. Her sons received contracts from purely selectively bidding as against an open procurement process where everyone has a chance to bid all because being the mayor. It is alleged that one contract for merely weeding some parapets has amounted to millions in dollars. The Mayor brought a parking meter contract to the country and thrust it upon the people of Georgetown
without adequate transport analysis and interpretation, clearly creating an embarrassment to the engineering department staff which lack a command of engineering science, beginning with the city engineer. In fact Mr. President it was required by one of your ministers to ban all metered systems being erected on selective main roads to ease the financial burdens on the citizens of Georgetown. It is also alleged the mayor wanted her personal friends be employed without again an open application process to adjudge the best and most suitable candidate. I now ask you Mr. President is this the kind of representative you want for your party since the AFC has openly severe any communication and relationship with her. I hope come 2019 during the next local government elections your party distances itself from her since there are already several members in the PNC anticipating her graceful departure. The Town Clerk which should be a sacred seat has seen the selection for the position by your government as a disaster and a grave mistake which is now being echoed by several members of your party. This town clerk pontificates on ethical practices but defies your minister, the subject minister for local government organs by publicly and disdainfully rejecting the call for a halt of
the parking meter project and yet still remain as the town clerk of Georgetown. Linden’s Town Clerk did little but was fired so why he still remains in the seat of the town clerk? In fact his track record has proven to be terrible many years ago. Not only has he rejected duties given to him by his superiors in the past he also did that under the previous Town Clerk, Carol Sooba; his actions were trumpeted by the current mayor and some sections of the old guards in council publicly. It is alleged that he had never submitted a report for his department during those periods of Sooba’s rule intentionally stymieing the work of the council for which this was championed again by the current mayor with the excuse that Sooba was unqualified. He removed
several vendors across Georgetown without any adequate plan on the relocation process only to cause severe financial and social disruption to their daily lives all in the name of a green city. Several contracts also were inked by him without the adequate procurement process being adhered clearly wasting tax payers’ monies. Recently in the Sunday Kaieture News dated June 11, 2017, the news item stood out boldly that the town clerk was renting toilets for his premise; a total embarrassment to the council. I am certain under any other government, Royston King would have been given the marching booths without a formal letter. So I ask the question; why is he untouchable even though Minister Bulkan clearly indicated in a letter to the
editor that he the town clerk is a “Servant of the Council” and the minister’s office. Some officers have faced disciplinary actions for noncooperation to the city engineer which that department should solely focus on improving urban services. Why your government does not send in a team to investigate this claim to get to the bottom of it. There are also allegations of the city engineer granting approval to building plans without the necessary financial fees. This is clearly a loss of revenue to the council that is already cash strapped. Why the mayor does not call for a forensic audit on the works of the engineer’s department specifically the city engineer “colvern” venture. It is alleged the city engineer’s “colvern” venture
was blasted several times. He was also considered as the most uninspiring undergraduate engineer from the University of Guyana by his colleagues based on his academic output. So why was he even considered for the position? I now ask you Mr. President with all the forensic audits being meted out to several government agencies, institutions and functionaries, why is the city council being ignored. Freddie Kissoon will be proven correct when he wrote in one of his columns that these political figures and functionaries will bring great rejection to the overall polls for your government come 2020 since the district of (Georgetown) has always increased your chances of victory. Terrell Waveney Roberts
He needs a subscription to dictionaries not law books DEAR EDITOR; A flyer is a small handbill advertising an event or product. Synonyms are; leaflet, handout, bill, handbill, brochure, circular, advertisement, junk mail; for example, “we distributed flyers promoting our cleaning business” An invitation is the written or spoken form with which a person is invited. I post the above definitions of the words flier and invitation in response to Mr. Anil Nandlall’s letter published in Tuesday’s edition of your newspaper. Mr. Nandlall says that “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.” The above definitions are not created by me. They come directly from the dictionary. I leave it up to the readership to conclude whether Mr. Nandlall is right. But I would reiterate that the document sent out by the planning committee for the Florida reception and town hall meeting was no handbill or junk mail. It was clearly an invitation which was e-mailed to a select list of invitees and requested an RSVP by a specific date.
Next Mr. Nandlall states that the document charges an admission of $35 which he interprets to mean that anyone paying $35 could have attended. The invitation advised that a minimum contribution of $35 is required of those invited to attend. Unfortunately our learned former Attorney General clearly lacks exposure to how things are done in the real world. Non-profit and other organizations invite select people to pay to attend and support events. But one must be invited and one’s name has to be on a list at the door before one can gain entry. Just recently my company bought a table for an event to which we were invited. I had to submit the 10 names that would attend. Among my guests were a diplomat and his wife who were late in advising me of their availability to attend. When they informed me I forgot to add their names to the list I submitted. They turned up at the event and although it was clear that my table still had two unaccounted for seats, they were denied entry until I was able to confirm that they were my guests. I would hope that Mr. Nandlall would have himself educated about how
certain things are done so that he does not embarrass our dear country, if and when as a Member of Parliament, he is required to represent Guyana at events ”in the real world”. Another reason which Mr. Nandlall advances in support of his argument is that the event was styled ”town hall meeting”. Here again he shows his lack of exposure. In most cases in the real world town hall meetings hosted by elected officials, media houses and organizations require that one either be invited or seek an invitation by going to a designated location to get a ticket for the event. Usually some tickets are reserved for the uninvited public but even then some form of identification has to be provided and background checks are done. So there is nothing unusual about the need to be invited to a town hall meeting. Mr. Nandlall then accuses me of identifying only one expense-the air travel tickets from Miami to Guyana- which was being covered by the organizers for the visit of the two government ministers who came to Florida to be keynote speakers at the event. Here is what my letter said in relation to expenses: “The invitation was accepted on condition that the group extending the invitation would be responsible for bearing the costs to be incurred, including the one way air travel to Guyana from Miami of the two ministers of government. An arrangement that is no different from what obtained on a few occasions when the PPP/C formed the government.” I don’t want to
describe Mr. Nandlall as dishonest particularly at this time when he is before the Courts on a matter that alleges dishonesty. I would prefer to say that Mr. Nandlall lacks the ability to read and comprehend well. Finally Editor, the Member of Parliament addresses the question of the need for funds raised for a government project to go to the Consolidated Fund. Here again he failed to comprehend what I said in my letter. I made it clear that the funds will be used to purchase a bus for use by school children on the Corentyne. A bus is going to be acquired and donated to the President’s Five B’s program. As I understand it, the buses, boats and bicycles are the property of the Ministry of the Presidency. I hope when the bus is acquired it would be well cared at least for the next 20 years, by which time Mr. Nandlall’s dream of being president of Guyana may come true. I expect that within the next three months or so Mr. Nandlall will return to this issue to question where is the bus from the people in Florida. Let me inform him upfront that there is no timeframe for the purchase of the bus. Additional funds have to be raised and a cost benefit analysis has to be done to ensure that value is gotten for the money that will be spent. As I am writing this letter it dawned on me that it may have been better for the former Attorney General to have gotten a subscription to some dictionaries and comprehension texts rather than law books. Wesley Kirton
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Restoring image of GPHC among key focus of new acting CEO There exists within the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] a notable breakdown of communication between various levels of staffers. For this reason, Acting Chief Executive Officer [CEO], Brigadier [Retired] George Lewis, has observed that there is an urgent need to work on the human relations aspect of the hospital. He disclosed that there exist rifts “between the doctors and the nurses; doctors and doctors and nurses and nurses.” But Lewis is focused on having this trend reversed. “We need to work towards getting all parties here to work together as a whole to make the Georgetown Public Hospital the best hospital within the country and that is my ultimate goal,” Lewis noted. He, however, asserted that “I cannot do it alone. I will be working in conjunction with the other professionals within the hospital towards that goal.” Lewis is confident that he will get the full support of all level of workers at the hospital in his quest to realise a positive turnaround of the institution. This view of the CEO was affirmed during a recent walkabout of the public health institution. “I have been getting tremendous support. I have been welcomed with open arms by all the members of staff. I visited a number of the wards and the nurses there and the doctors, they were all welcoming. In fact they [are] happy that I [am] here and [that I am] willing to join with them to make this organisation a better place.” According to Lewis, he was able to observe that the institution has in its employ
Man accused of sodomizing boy, 14, granted bail leged that between June 21 and June 22, 2015 at the National Park, he engaged in sexual penetration of the minor. As a condition attached to bail, Abrams was instructed to report to the Brickdam Police Station every other Friday. The police prosecutor requested that Abrams lodge
- says his role is to manage not administer any injection
Acting CEO of GPHC, Brigadier [rtd] George Lewis a number of “dedicated and hardworking professionals who give their best under, what I would say are, trying conditions.” Lewis is convinced that the public is not aware of the contribution of these workers at the institution. He is moreover on a mission to ensure that the public image of the hospital is restored. “We need people to understand and know the good things that we are doing. The public must not only know when there is a challenge here, but the public must also know that every single day, doctors and nurses here are working towards ensuring that they can get the best care that we can provide and [that they are] saving lives,” Lewis
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added. Lewis was two weeks ago appointed Deputy Chief Executive Officer [DCEO] of the GPHC. However, a week ago he was elevated to the position of acting CEO when the hospital Board, headed by Ms. Kesaundra Alves, decided to remove the former acting CEO, Mr. Allan Johnson. There was some public debate as to whether Lewis was suited for the position since he hasn’t a working background in the health sector. When asked by this publication what he would say to persons who are opposed to his appointment, Lewis said “I would say to them that I am at the Georgetown Hospital to assist in the management of the hospital, not to apply any injection or to order any medication. If I wanted to do that I would have perhaps trained to be a doctor some 20, 25 years ago”. He continued, “I am here to deal with the management and to work with the health care professionals to make this organisation better; I am not here in a role to provide medication to people but to provide management, to provide guidance and to help, along with the advice provided by the health care professionals, to move this organisation forward.”
Esan Abrams Esan Abrams, the man who on May 29, last, was charged with allegedly sodomizing a 14-year-old boy, was yesterday released on $250,000 bail by Magistrate Leron Daly, when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Abrams, 37, who said he lives in North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, has not been required to plead to the indictable charge which al-
his passport with the court. However, Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes who is representing the accused, disclosed that his client’s passport was lost and produced an affidavit. A Preliminary Inquiry (PI) by way of Paper Committal will be conducted in this matter. The matter will be called again on July 11.
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GPHC hard-pressed to manage sickle cell patients A random estimate suggests that about three percent of Guyanese are affected with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, which are inherited blood disorders. On average the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation [GPHC] alone sees 10 to 15 sickle patients per week in its Adult Chronic Diseases Clinic. Additionally, three to four persons are seen in the Accident and Emergency department weekly for this disease. Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassaemia are inherited blood disorders which have been known to painfully disrupt the life those infected. It has been known to predispose its victims to symptoms including fatigue and anemia, pain crises; dactylitis (swelling and inflammation of the hands and/or feet) and arthritis, bacterial infections, splenic sequestration (sudden pooling of blood in the spleen) and liver congestion, lung and heart injury and leg ulcers, among others. Speaking about the daunting condition yesterday was acting Chief Executive Officer of the GPHC, Brigadier [Rtd] George Lewis. According to Lewis, for this year there has been an average of 7.6 adult admission
per month within the A&E department. In fact, Lewis yesterday made reference to a study done by an intern which found that 106 admissions to the Paediatric Medical Wards during the period 2013-2015 were attributed to sickle cell. Added to this, it was found that the Paediatric Haematology Clinic routinely sees approximately 70 of these patients at regular intervals. Lewis’s disclosure was forthcoming yesterday, even as the hospital accepted support from the Pan American Health Organisation [PAHO] to support its efforts to deal with the disease. The support came in the form of two computers and two printers to benefit the hospital’s two medical clinics. The donation was in fact described as “yet another demonstration of unwavering commitment” from PAHO by Senior Registrar, Dr. Grace Waldron-White, who chaired a simple handing-over ceremony yesterday in the hospital’s Medical Clinic. According to her, “the primary aim of this gesture is to facilitate the development of a database for adults and paediatrics sickle cell and thalassaemia patients.”
- gets PAHO support to advance efforts
Dr. William Adu-Krow and GPHC Chairperson, Ms. Kesaundra Alves, locked in a hand-shake in the presence of the hospital’s CEO [ag], Brigardier [Rtd] George Lewis [right] and Consultant and Head of the Orthopaedics unit, Dr. David Samaroo. Delivering remarks ahead of handing over the items, PAHO Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow, explained that while in the “big scheme of things” the donation is not significant, it is, however, expected to be a start to a bigger process.
He informed that the donation was spurred when representatives of the Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Association paid a visit to PAHO. The importance of managing sickle patients was emphasised at that meeting. “One of the ways we thought about [to assist] was to help build their capacity...to help build the capacity of not only the managers, which in this case happens to be the doctors and the nurses, but also the Sickle Cell
Association members, so that they can begin to serve as change agents,” Dr. AduKrow noted. This, according to the PAHO Representative, will see PAHO giving support to not only help facilitate training for representatives of the Association, but also the managers of the patients. With the donation of the computers, Dr. Adu-Krow is hopeful that the Georgetown Hospital will be able to embrace the notion of e-
health. According to WHO, eHealth is the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for health. “These are going to be dedicated to patient profile, patient data not only for the patient but also for the labs...also for medication. I am hoping this is what is going to happen,” Dr. Adu-Krow said as he added “I hope that they are going to be put to good use.” “We have to show that we can make it work. We have to show that we as doctors are not so busy that we can’t enter patient data. We have to show that we at the lab are not so busy that we can’t come back at the end of the day and input the patient data so that next time when a patient comes that information is known, not only to the doctor, not only to the nurse but everybody....,” said Dr. AduKrow. According to the hospital’s CEO [ag], “It is apposite that today’s donation be looked at within context, because it will help us to accumulate and be able to synthesize and assess the data and information on patients who are treated within this facility”. He believes that the donation is timely, since the hospital will be joining the rest of the world to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day shortly. World Sickle Cell Day will be observed on June 19.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
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Rodney knew he was going to be killed Dr. Walter Rodney knew at the end of 1979 that the Burnham regime was going to kill him. Six months prior to his death, Rodney had begun to put his affairs in order. Dr. Rodney was the coleader of the Working People’s Alliance which was formed in opposition to the then People’s National Congress regime headed by Forbes Burnham. Rodney, an internationally-renowned scholar was assassinated on June 13, 1980 in Georgetown. Rodney may not have foreseen the exact form his death would have taken, but he knew that he was going to be killed. Recent declassified documents have given details of a meeting between Rodney and a senior member of the United States Embassy in Guyana, during which Rodney conveyed the impression that he knew he was facing imminent extinction by the Burnham regime. Rodney met with a senior
official of the United States Embassy in Guyana on December 5, 1979. At the end of that meeting, the official was of the view that Rodney had a premonition of his impending death. The purpose of the meeting was to assure the Embassy that the WPA had no bad intentions towards the United States. It was also to bring it up to date with developments in the country from the perspective of the WPA. However, during the meeting Rodney essayed a request for the embassy to grant permanent alien status to his wife and children should he be killed. In the event of his death, Rodney wanted to make certain that his wife and children would not have to remain at the mercy of the Burnham government. He said that he did not like to ask favours, but would do so where the welfare of his family was concerned. He
emphasized that he was not seeking assistance for himself. The US embassy official in his comments to his superiors about the meeting noted that Rodney “had the premonition of a man of imminent death. He was not shrinking from that fate, but he was trying to put a few affairs in order before it came upon him.” At that meeting, the WPA co-leader brought to the attention of the embassy, the constant harassment, victimization and violence faced by him and his party. His wife who was a university graduate could not get a job. He related that for merely attending a WPA meeting, persons could face transfer to remote areas, outright dismissal and victimization. Even some of his friends who were not politically active were subject to harassment and victimization. Meetings of his party
DEM BOYS SEH...
Soulja Bai buying tractor fuh cane Soulja Bai believe he gun be a one-term president like Donald Dumb. Dem boys hear he seh suh but he promise that he gun serve out a full term rather than a half term like Donald Dumb. He seh he want mek he life useful after he come out. He don’t want to sit down home like Sam Blinds and Donald Dumb writing letters to de press so he mekking preparation to do something meaningful. Yesterday at de tender board he put in two bids; one to buy a tractor and one to buy a bus. When dem boys find out why, he tell dem he going and plant sugar cane wid de tractor and de bus is to fetch he Cabinet to cut de cane. He seh he think things woulda change but when he read de Waterfalls newspaper
is just like when Jagdeo was president. In fact, people calling Soulja Bai, Jagdeo while others calling him Bharrat Granger. He presiding over secrecy, skullduggery and scampishness all over Guyana. NICIL, one of de biggest institution, don’t hold press conference to seh wheh de money going. Is de same thing that fat crook Brassington use to do. De tender board—same scampishness going on. De engineer estimate continue to be higher than people’s bid. Nutten change at de shitty counshle. As a matter of fact, it get wuss. Dem boys need to see de garbage removal contract because if you can jook dem so much pun one toilet, imagine wha you doing wid de milliondollar garbage collection
project. De GPL meters tender full of secrecy. Billion dollar settlements mekking outside de court and de money passing under de table. Guyana now got two laws fuh fake number plate—one fuh de rich and one fuh de poor. De poor does end up in Camp Street fuh fake number plate while de rich does settle de issue at Marriott. Drugs purchasing continue to be a problem. It move from Babbie to Larry and dem boys ain’t talking bout Larry England. All these things continue because dem got big kickbacks but nobody paying attention to important issues wha don’t have kickbacks. Talk half and hope things change before Soulja Bai drive off wide e tractor.
were broken up and activists attacked. Rodney related to the embassy official that the WPA had received information that the then Prime Minister, Forbes Burnham, had issued instructions that future confrontations with the WPA were to be fateful. According to Rodney, his travel outside of Georgetown had to be limited, because every time he was discovered in another area, he was picked up by the police and held. The constant surveillance and attacks on the WPA had forced the party to go underground for protection, since even routine meetings about the organization of the party, its finances and political strategy, had to be clandestinely held. Tacuma Ogunseye had given testimony during the Rodney Commission of Inquiry about that period. He had spoken, inter alia, about the unease among young activists, the strategy of the party and its efforts to bring about regime change. What
Ogunseye said was fully consistent with what Rodney told the embassy official. Rodney had relayed to the embassy official that a great deal of time and effort was being exhausted by the party in trying to avert retaliation from young WPA activists who were tired of being pushed around by the PNC government. Rodney also said that the plan, earlier in 1979, was to organize all opposition groups into a government of national reconstruction along
the lines of the Dominican model - get the people out into the street and demand Burnham’s resignation. The strategy for regime change would have been to force Burnham to succumb to the overwhelming demand of the people for him to step down. That never happened. After Rodney’s death at the age of 38, the struggle waned.
Couple accused of hiding wanted man A couple appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts yesterday accused of hiding a wanted man. Duieni Segura and Naiae Nuchan were brought before Magistrate Sunil Scare, and pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on February 11, at East Bank Demerara they attempted to pervert the course of justice by harbouring David Singh, who was wanted by police for simple larceny. Facts presented by Police Prosecutor Aduni Inniss stated that Singh was spotted in the house and police were alerted and went to the home. Singh was shot in his right leg when he tried to escape.
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Wednesday June 14, 2017
THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN...
Three sad soldiers make the Pradoville 2 scheme an evil act When I was a small boy, I often heard my mom wondering if people, on speaking depraved lies, were not afraid that God would render them unable to speak again. I grew, became a political activist, and heard Walter Rodney at a public meeting proclaiming his curiosity as to why when bad leaders speak words of evil lies to their citizens, they were not afraid that they would choke on their words. If you pick up the daily newspapers and look at the PPP-aligned television stations, you have to feel the way my mom and Walter Rodney felt. Sam Hinds just had a letter days ago extolling the virtues of his government. Clement Rohee did an enumeration of his
government’s achievements in the newspapers yesterday. Anil Nandlall published a letter yesterday criticizing the government’s behaviour. PPP Parliamentarian Harry Gill writes a weekly missive. Smartly behind them in the race is the frequent pen of a man who refers to himself as a Christian Bishop, Juan Edghill. He chastised the government last week for party favouritism in the employment of a head mistress. And then there is the anointed one – the man Bharrat Jagdeo made into the president, “De Donald” as the Kaieteur News has nicknamed him. In a published opinion last week, the former President, Donald Ramotar, warned the nation that dark times are ahead.
Well, I must have been living in Timbuktu when “De Donald” was in power. For the three years he was president, the land of Guyana was an area of darkness. We cannot and must not leave out the phantasmagoria of delusions of grandeur of Bharrat Jagdeo. He thinks he is the best batter of spin on a cricket pitch, but he is a fool perambulating the territory of Guyana in the Emperor’s New Clothes. He nicknamed his broad bat, “The Evader.” Those words are even emblazoned on his shirt sleeve. Ask the Champion of Unclean Georgetown about any depraved pathway he was known for when he was de jure president, 1999-2011 and de facto president 20112015, he evades the question. A few days ago, he sternly
avoided offering an answer about the depravities inherent in the Pradoville 2 scheme, when he called the President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Compton Bourne, and offered him a plot at Pradoville 2. There isn’t a citizen with a sane mind that wouldn’t know that the President of the Caribbean Development Bank, because of his salary structure, would not need a subsidized house lot that should have gone to patriotic soldiers and policemen. Sam Hinds, Rohee, Ramotar and the rest of the troglodytes that once ruled this nation were in power when in December 2000, a huge explosion engulfed the military installation of Camp Groomes on the Linden Highway. Soldiers died and some were badly injured. Yesterday, sixteen years and six months after that fire, the Kaieteur News featured as a front page lead, with
photographs, the story of three of the survivors. It was the journalism of humanism, but it was also the journalism of exposure, exposure of the brutal times in which we lived under Jagdeo, Ramotar and the troglodytes. Those men were injured in 2000, the dinosaurs were thrown out of power in 2015, and in those fifteen years, they did absolutely nothing for these soldiers who were badly injured, and badly is a mild adjective. The picture of the destruction of the two feet of Colwin Lewis was not good for the faint-hearted. The picture of the house he lives in makes you want to hate every PPP leader that was in power when these men were injured. So are we going to see letters in the newspapers from Sam Hinds - who wants us to think he was the honest face of the PPP when they were in power - condemning his
Frederick Kissoon president for the mistreatment of these soldiers? Is frequent letter writer Anil Nandlall going to do penance by penning a lamentation of how sadistic his government was with what they did to these soldiers for the fifteen years his colleagues were in power? Well forget about Clement Rohee; nothing moves him. And what about the new kid on the block, some guy by the name of Gill, who paints a daily portrait of all the wrongs the APNU + AFC administration, is doing in Region 5? He tells us about Carol Joseph, Abel Seetaram and Pradeep Bachan – all APNU+AFC officials in Region 5. Would Gill like to talk about his feelings on Kaieteur News’ front page story yesterday? I end with a call for a fund to be set up for surgery for Colwin Lewis’ feet.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Old Linden Hospital Estimated $402M pump building being refurbished station for Buxton ...to offer therapeutic, psychiatric services
The old Linden Hospital Building in Mackenzie, Linden Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice), will be refurbished to accommodate psychiatry, dialysis, and chemotherapy services. Yesterday, during the opening of Tenders at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), bids were submitted to carry out the rehabilitative works. The Ministry of Public Health was listed as the procuring entity and the engineer’s estimate was announced at $10,518,154. Below are the names of the bidders, along with their respective bids:
Tenders were also opened for the supply, delivery and installation of an elevator for the existing housing (shaft) at the Number Three New Linden Hospital Building, also located at Mackenzie.
During the opening of tenders yesterday at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), contractors vied for the contract to construct a pump station at Buxton on the East Coast Demerara, Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica). The procuring entity is the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) – a department within the Ministry of Agriculture. Government engineers have estimated that the station would cost some $401,939,545 to construct. This multimillion-dollar pump station is one of two that will be constructed at Buxton. Ultimately, the two stations will house three pumps. The Flood Risk Management Programme will be responsible for constructing the other station. The boundary between Vigilance and Friendship has already been indentified to house the second station. According to an NDIA source, the pump station being constructed by NDIA, will be designed to have two 100 cusec pumping units. Below are the names of the contractors and their respective bids:
The NDIA is also the procuring entity for the rehabilitation of the concrete fence at the NDIA’s Office at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.
The Health Ministry is also standing the expense for the extension of the Materials Management Unit (MMU) at Diamond, East Bank Demerara.
Tenders were also opened for the procurement of janitorial and miscellaneous supplies for the Ministry
Multimillion-dollar bids were also submitted for the procurement of a suction cutter head dredge.
Meanwhile, bids were also submitted for the supply and installation of electric cables for the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory. The Ministry of Public Security, under the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme (CSSP), is the procuring entity for this project.
The Public Security Ministry is also the procuring entity for the procurement of vehicles for the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the National Anti-Narcotics Agency (NANA), and the Police Complaints Authority (PCA).
>>> Continued on page 27 <<<
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BIDS IN…
Defunct Hosororo Hydropower Plant closer to being resuscitated Government’s plan to resuscitate the defunct Hosororo hydropower plant in Region One (Barima/Waini) is moving one step closer to being realised. Yesterday, during the opening of tenders
at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), bids were submitted to construct the plant. This would come on the heels of a feasibility study that was completed some time
ago. Government engineers have estimated that the construction phase will cost some $29,485,770. The resuscitating project will – amongst other things – see the non-operational 5 kilowatt (kW) hydropower plant being converted into 20kW one. The plant was abandoned some years after its inauguration for reasons that are still unclear. The Hosororo site is situated at the Hosororo Creek about 4.6 kilometres southwest of Mabaruma. This stage of resuscitating the project would come at a time when the administration is campaigning to break the state’s addiction
to fossil fuel and to move in the direction of clean energy. Upon completion of the project, it is expected that the cost of energy in the community will reduce from about US$0.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of fossil-based diesel to US$0.31 per kWh of clean energy. Supervision of the project during the construction phase will be carried out by Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) Engineers, along with their counterparts from the Hinterland Electrification Company Incorporated (HECI) and the Mabaruma Power and Light Company (MPLC). Below are the names of the bidders and their respective bids:
At the NPTAB yesterday also, bids were submitted for the supply and installation of five photovoltaic (PV) systems. The GEA was listed as the procuring entity.
Authorities going after persons with two Govt. houselots The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has announced a campaign to go after those persons, who, in an attempt to defraud the system obtained more than one government house lot. Based on CH&PA’s allocation policy, a person is only entitled to own one property or lot from the government. CH&PA’s Operation Director, Denise King-Tudor, according to a government release, explained once the authority establishes that someone is the owner of more than one government house lot, they will move to repossess one of the lots, in accordance with their repossession policy. “Sometime you find instances, where persons change their names (to obtain a lot) or they use another name or they are already married to someone and our policies say that if you are married or not if your spouse should own then you are not eligible to the government’s housing programme,” KingTudor explained. She said that these
CH&PA’s Operation Director, Denise Tudor-King instances are either reported to the CH&PA by concerned citizens; in other instances, it is unearthed and there are cases where persons report this information, when the authority conducts data cleansing. “We will find that persons in Region Five or Six, they acquire a lot in Region Four and so once we would have established that and we would have done our research and assessment of
the situation, we would determine which one the properties that person should have,” King-Tudor explained. In determining which of the lots that the person should be left with, the CH&PA said it takes into consideration such ramifications as the investment made and where the persons actually work and reside, Tudor-King said. “You would find that if that person would have acquired a house lot in Region Six and Region Four, because maybe there is a shift in where they work, they have constructed on the lot in Region Four, and so we would repossess the lot in Region Six,” she explained. Concerns over the approximately 25,000 applications on file, has led the CH&PA to be reviewing some of the mechanisms used to enable home ownership. It also has the authority reviewing the use of those lands that were disbursed to private and other landowners, but to date remain undeveloped. In addition to using these lands to meet the huge demand for house lots, the authority may also seek in the future to utilise them, to expand their pilot project of constructing apartments, condominiums, and wooden houses for Guyanese that are within the low to middleincome brackets.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT…
Draft local content policy offers little or nothing to Guyanese - GCCI By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce (GCCI) is of the opinion that the Local Content Policy prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources leaves much more to be desired. This policy is supposed to guide or set the stage for the quantum of locally produced materials, personnel, financing, goods and services that are to be rendered to the oil industry. Oil-producing countries all over the world have local content polices. Based on the review the GCCI prepared, the Chamber feels as if Guyana’s draft local content policy makes little provision for local business owners and Guyanese in general. There are several areas where the GCCI found the draft policy to be lacking. GCCI’s discontent with the draft policy varies from the fact it states that there will be no regulations for local content and little provision is made for jobs for locals, to it not having enough objectives. The policy seen by Kaieteur News included a foreword in the name of Minister of Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman. Trotman noted that the policy will be developed over time, and in tandem with the growth of the industry. He also said, “At present, regulations will not be promulgated, but may become necessary as the industry unfolds and expands, and impetus is needed to steer the process or to solidify gains.” GCCI has a problem with this. The Chamber thinks that regulation on local content should be promulgated earlier in the life cycle of oil and gas capacity development. Further, GCCI said that the very objectives of the draft policy are lacking. The Chamber said that the objectives should include scalable development in priority areas in order to have local personnel and goods and services supplied to operators by a local business. The Chamber thinks that the policy should also set out to ensure operators and contractors from abroad have partnering systems to enable local companies and investors to learn about oil and gas industry and its supply needs. Further, GCCI wants the policy to stipulate the hosting of awareness
sessions to bring Guyanese up to date on their resources. JOB CREATION GCCI expressed the dismay over the fact that the policy states that little jobs both directly and indirectly will be derived from the oil and gas sector. The body said that the language used in the policy tapers expectation. “The fact of the matter is that once operators comply with legislation, locally, they will be forced to build capacity rather than optional adherence to the local content policy…Job opportunities are everywhere; via existing business who are subcontracted to supply goods and services, now and in the future Job areas that Guyanese can fill today but are not given the opportunities are: Able Body, Able Body unlimited, Riggers, Mess men, Chippers and Painters, Banksman, maintenance crewmember, pump men, cooks. These are all offshore jobs currently being done by foreigners and Guyana has to foot the bill.” GCCI thinks that the policy language shows clear strategic drift away from provision of jobs. “The reverse should be the case; the policy should push for jobs on the forefront of onshore activities and offshore activities. The supplier ’s network will provide indirect employment once they form part of the supply chain. With this policy/legislation might be more palatable to Guyanese,” the review stated. Also GCCI thinks that the policy should speak to the University of Guyana being a body to run courses and certification with link to international bodies that perform certification of workers for the oil industry. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY GCCI is of the opinion that the policy’s entire implementation strategy needs to be re-worked. “It does not spell out priority areas, near term initiatives, medium term GAP development areas, long term structural improvement of the
state and programs to enable private sector to function as a core network of the suppliers to serve the industry.” The GCCI, in its response
to the Ministry of Natural Resources noted that the private sector companies either in supply of goods and services, wharfing onshore facilities, etc., can be
beneficiaries in the early stages of seismic testing, drilling, well development and pre-production set up. It said too that after production starts, the government
benefits from royalties. The government can benefit from tax revenues once routing of supplies and services are done via Guyana and not anywhere else.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Decade-long lawlessness…
Failure to active all IT modules leads to rampant corruption, billions lost - Statia By Kiana Wilburg For over ten years, officials within the Ministry of Finance had failed to implement crucial elements/ modules of a computerized accounting system from Canada. This programme was intended to ensure accountability for how taxpayers’ money is budgeted and spent by the government. It appears, however, that the Ministry of Finance was not the only agency that neglected its duty in this regard. In fact, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) failed to implement critical parts of an Information Technology (IT) system for almost a decade. The consequences of the entity’s actions in this regard only contributed to billions in revenue leakages and rampant corruption. GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia is now racing to implement measures that would bring an end to unjust practices that resulted from the Authority’s
GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia past actions. In an exclusive interview with Kaieteur News, Statia explained that the IT system referred to as the Total Revenue Integrated Processing System (TRIPS), was intended to merge all departments by having a common database, where all tax records could be scanned or entered into the system and found when needed. It was introduced with the aim of
The list of TRIPS modules and their purpose (Sourced from the Auditor General’s 2015 report) boosting efficiency in the assessment, collection and accounting for revenue. The TRIPS comprises two core applications: Taxes and Customs, which share information with each other
and each application encompasses a total of 13 modules. The CUSTOMS Modules include; Lodgment; Data Entry; Goods Inspection/ Enforcement, Valuation and Document Check, Risk Profiling, Cashiering, Release, Remissions, and Warehouse. The TAX Modules include; Taxpayer Identification, Tax, Accounting, Audit, Reports/ Notices/Certificates. Statia noted however that since all of the modules were not implemented, the “TRIPS system was just tripping.” Statia said that the Authority has been trying to implement TRIPS completely since 2007. He said, disappointingly, the entity spent over US$4M on the IT system and it is still not up to date. Furthermore, the tax chief said that failure to implement all of the modules affected the entity to a large extent. He explained, “In the olden days, it used to be a manual system, and it worked up to a particular point. So you know for sure that if TRIPS is in place, the IT system would help you to do a lot of these things. If you have the right IT software, half of your work is completed. You would be able to do proper audits and these things, and at the touch of a button you would be able to recognize what is wrong and what is right; whether a taxpayer has complied…”
The Tax Chief continued, “Unfortunately, you can’t do that with the present system, and that has gone on for the last 10 years. That was probably one of the reasons why the GRA has been in such decay. It was in a state of decay.” Statia added, “What I did now is instead of them using an entire TRIPS system, I said, ‘No. concentrate on the internal revenue modules.’ And we are going to go to the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). That is what we are doing.” The - CommissionerGeneral said that the ASYCUDA system will cost just about US$2.5M. As for TRIPS, he sought to stress that “We must get something out of what we have paid for, so while we are moving to ASYCUDA for customs, we will keep (aspects of) TRIPS... In that way we would be able to turn up certain things faster. For instance, we expect that people must be able to E-file their tax returns for 2018…” Statia added, “If TRIPS used to work you could have been doing all your applications online. So you could have applied for your compliance online… but in the absence of that, we will be exploring other things in its place.” Additionally, Statia had updated the media on the ASYCUDA system stating that Cabinet has already given the approval for the funds.
The new programme is slated for implementation in a month or two. “So with that new system you will reduce collusion and under-invoicing and you would get a smooth system,” the Commissioner General told the media. BILLIONS LOST The Tax Reform Commission which was commissioned by the Granger administration had also flagged the Guyana Revenue Authority for the nonimplementation of the TRIPS system. The comments and findings of the Commission were also in sync with that of the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma in his annual reports. With respect to the software available, the Commission was advised that the TRIPS system has the ability to receive and store Cargo Manifests electronically, track containers from departure to arrival ports and then to final release, as well as on line and manual entry of declarations. “We understand that although delivered, these relevant modules were never or only partly implemented by GRA for one reason or another. The revenue leakages, alone, from the nonimplementation of these modules are in billions of dollars, and contribute to rampant corruption within the Customs Section of the Authority,” the Commission pointed out in its report. It added too that the importers who engage in the under-invoicing activities are known and are allegedly in full collusion with Customs brokers, and some unscrupulous former and present GRA officers.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Directions hearings instrumental in resolving divorce-related matters – Family Court Judge The Directions Hearing (D.H) room of the Family Court Division of the Georgetown Supreme Court has been instrumental in resolving a significant number of divorce–related matters. Within the past year, matters heard via D.H. have ended in settlements, bringing an end to what would have usually been lengthy divorce trials. During a recent interview with this newspaper, Family Court Judge Sandra Kurtzious explained that of all the matter filed within the past year, only four are pending trial. “All the others were resolved by way of Directions Hearings.” According to Justice Kurtzious, the D.H room provides an opportunity for issues to be ventilated outside the courtroom setting. The Family Court Judge explained that the mechanism is useful, particularly in cases of divorce. What happens in this setting provides an opportunity for direct discussions between the parties involved, their legal teams and the Judge. Justice Kurtzious noted that under this arrangement, the husband and wives are priority. The Judge said further that the D.H room provides a completely different layout than the courtroom. She explained that “in a courtroom setting a lot of times, the husband or the wife may want to speak, but they are not allowed to address the court …..But with directions
Family Court Judge, Sandra Kurtzious hearings, the parties no longer feel marginalised.” “With the Judge as the mediator they can speak freely without the aid of their attorneys. They are allowed to vent. They feel empowered and they are allowed to cry… and not just the women cry, the men too.” Justice Kurtzious noted that the aim of the Court in this regard is to have parties discuss and decide where they want to take their lives. “And most times, the hearing would end with the parties wanting to settle before going to trial.” Additionally, the Judge explained that much like other fixtures, under the new rules with directions hearings from the time the matter is filed, a date is fixed for the matter to be heard, thereby expediting the process. Since it became operational approximately one year ago, the Family Court Division of the High
Court has transformed the judicial landscape to cater specifically to the needs of the family Within the first six months of operation, 529 matters were filed at the Family Court. Of those cases, 83 were resolved; 18 were dismissed or withdrawn; 183 are Interim Nisi Orders; 237 are still pending and eight were struck out. Divorce proceedings accounted for 92.2 % of the matters filed at the Family Court Division of the Georgetown Supreme Court. That percentage represented 413 cases. Almost on a daily basis, the Family Court caters to the needs of those seeking relief in issues of divorce, division of property, legal maintenance, custody and guardianship. Under the Family Court rules, the Division provides a balanced setting for these issues to be adequately aired out. The rules which govern the court, allow for efficient case management practices to ensure that matters which deserve the attention of the courts receive the necessary attention, resulting in the timely resolution of such matters. Clause 2.6(1) of the rules states that the court may deal with a case at any place that it considers appropriate. “This is applicable even to children involved in a family dispute. The rules are sensitive and try to remain applicable to different situations and facts which may arise from each particular case brought before the bench.” Additionally, the court
seeks to promote the overriding objective of ensuring that parties are on equal footing and not prejudiced by financial positions. Since its establishment, the division has been outfitted with a Childcare and Protection Officer, personnel who can assist persons with walk-in procedures, and a
childcare room and staff. The court currently has a full complement of staff, a Registry and is operated under selected Judges. The infrastructure to accommodate the Family Court Division was completed under the previous administration. The idea towards this specific project was spawned
during the time of the PPP administration by the thenSocial Services Minister, Priya Manickchand. During her tenure, Manickchand had posited that the court was necessary, after observations were made that Guyanese families were suffering from societal demoralisation.
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Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Consultancy fees rise $60M-plus Ill-advised PPP projects/loans on East Coast road project have reduced room to manoeuvre - Finance Minister
A lengthy delay in a loan agreement has resulted in increased consultancy fees for East Coast Demerara roadwidening project. This is according to Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Geoffrey Vaughn. In an interview with the Department of Public Information/ Government Information Agency, Vaughn explained that when the contract was signed in 2013/2014 by the previous administration, it was not clearly laid out and there were various issues in having the loan inked. “As such consultancy fee for the United States-based Sheladia Associates Consultancy firm was increased from US$1.9M to US$2.3M, a US$312,399 increase.” This increase was recently announced by Minister of State Joseph Harmon at a post Cabinet briefing. He
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
PS (ag) Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Geoffrey Vaughn highlighted that Cabinet green-lighted several contracts including one for consultancy services for the East Coast Demerara fourlane extension from Better Hope to Belfield Village. The United States-based consultancy firm will work along with TYPS Consulting Engineering and Architect located in Spain and with E and A Consultations Incorporated in Guyana. The Permanent Secretary explained that the consultancy firm will soon peruse the contract document to determine if there should be adjustments before works commence.
“We ve already issued the letters to Shaledia informing them of the changes and they will be reviewing the document of the design shortly, so that they can give us any comment that they would have before any actual work starts. However, there is a scheduled deadline for this project, which is almost a year plus, so were hoping by next year we will wind it down.” To date, preliminary works including the widening of the road and removal of utilities have been completed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure. The contractor China Railway First Group Limited is mobilising currently and should be stockpiling materials shortly, it was disclosed. Last November, the government and the Peoples Republic of China inked a US$45.5M concessional loan for the completion of the widening and improvement of the road between Better Hope and Belfield on the East Coast of Demerara. Guyana has contributed $2.7B towards the project. When completed the project is expected to result in reduced travel time, traffic congestion, vehicular maintenance and accidents among other benefits.
By Kiana Wilburg While it is practical to focus on ways in which policy makers need to improve the nations debt management practices, Finance Minister Winston Jordan is of the view that key to the picture, is the consideration of loans his administration inherited from the PPP, and how those debts affect Guyanas pace of development. Jordan recently alluded to this salient point during the opening session of the second national workshop on sustainable funding strategy which was recently held at the Pegasus Hotel. The Finance Minister said that one has to be cognizant of the impact on the public debt, and of the many loans contracted by the previous administration, several of which remained largely undisbursed at the time the government came to office. In this regard, he cited the CJIA Modernization Loan of US$135 million and the East Coast Road Widening project of which a US$50 million was taken from China Exim Bank. Jordan said that these remained largely undisbursed during 2015. The economist noted that compounding this was the ill-advised and/or poorly conceived projects and investments embarked
upon by the previous administration. He said that these do not contribute to the Treasury, but the repayment is nevertheless being met by the Government and, by implication, the citizenry at least those who pay taxes. He cited projects such as the US$200M Skeldon Sugar Factory, the US$60M Marriott Hotel, and investments from the National Insurance Scheme into CLICO and the Berbice Bridge. The Finance Minister said, “With an outer debt ceiling limit of 60 percent of GDP, these loans have restricted the fiscal space and reduced our room to manoeuvre, at a time when we are seeking to implement a new generation of transformative projects such as the Demerara Harbour Bridge and the Georgetown to Lethem Road.” The economist went further to state that Guyana is well acquainted with the harsh consequences of an onerous debt burden; the painful process of structural adjustment; and the acrid outcomes of weak and impudent management of the public purse by previous administrations. In spite of many unhelpful comments and misguided actions, since the presentation of the last budget, Jordan maintained that the Government will do all that is re-
Finance Minister Winston Jordan quired to prevent the recurrence of such situations. He said, “Some of our policy measures may be bold in their intent, leading to unpopular reactions. However, while governments are often swept into power on a wave of popularity, they are similarly swept out ignominiously when they succumb to demands, especially by special interest groups, to implement policy measures that have short term gain for these groups, but long term pain for the mass of the population. History is a great teacher, for which we should learn its copious lessons.” The Finance Minister added, “Our Government has managed to reduce the debt further to 46 percent of GDP at the end of 2016, relative to 2015. But we cannot become (Continued on page 25)
Wednesday June 14, 2017
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Kaieteur News
GRA to have two operable container scanners by year end By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Guyana continues to risk a United States maritime export ban with the shipment of containers that are destined for that location but are leaving this country without being scanned. However, the Guyana Revenue Authority is moving to plug the hole. At a recent press conference, GRA CommissionerGeneral Godfrey Statia said that within a couple of months, “We will be able to regain all our scanning activities for both imports and exports”. Statia said that efforts are being made to finally find a fixed place for the mobile
scanner to operate. He said that the GNIC Wharf is being prepared to host the scanner. Further, Statia said that the GRA has signed an agreement with China and will get another fixed scanner by the end of the year. So the Authority will have two scanners one mobile and one fixed. Also, Statia said that the GRA has put all new wharf owners on notice that they must facilitate scanners on site. The Commissioner said that Muneshwers is already moving to put in a scanner at that facility. Statia said noted that a scanner of that sort will cost no less than US$3M “so we have to work along with the wharf owners, we cannot force all of them to get in-
volved at the same time so it will have to be a cost recovery at some time for people scanning containers inbound and outbound.” Until the scanners begin operation, Guyana remains susceptible to a ban from the United States leaving by boat for that destination. A GRA source told Kaieteur News last year, “The US is being lenient with us for now, but if only one major bad shipment of drugs slips through and arrives at a US port they will surely enforce the ban.” In May 2010, the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C) administration acquired an electronic container scanner for US$1M for the purpose of 100 percent container scan-
Ill-advised PPP projects/loans have... (From page 16) complacent; neither do we have the luxury of sitting on our laurels for the lower debt ratio was achieved at the expense of the unsatisfactory implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), where we failed to achieve an exemplary disbursement rate of our foreign-funded
projects.” Jordan noted that this led to the unacceptable situation of negative net inflows by major donors, at a time when foreign exchange supply was challenged because of under-performance in critical sectors and areas of the economy. The Finance Minister said that undoubtedly, the hard work must continue
to ensure that debt levels remain sustainable, within prescribed parameters. He stated that even with past fiscal consolidation and oil revenues on the horizon, “we must be cognizant of the new challenges that confront us such as dwindling sources of concessional financing and vulnerability to external shocks.”
ning. In his 2015 report, the Auditor General, Deodat Sharma, said that the scanner was placed into operation in May 2011, one year after it was procured. However the multimilliondollar piece of equipment collapsed and became inoperable by October 2014. Sharma reported that this was due to a loss of power to the electrical cabinet. GRA admitted that the US$1M scanner is unserviceable and repairs are not cost-effective. Sharma said that another scanner was acquired in November 2013 for US$5.3M and placed into operation on January 4, 2014. This became inoperable on June 18, 2016. The mobile scanner malfunctioned because of its constant exposure to weather conditions. The scanner was repaired. It is that scanner
that GRA will be posting at GNIC. For almost a year, the scanner was operating from the tarmac of the National Park. The GRA source said that was where the exposure to the weather took effect. The source added that in addition to the damage caused to the equipment, the foundation of the National Park also became damaged due to the operations there. “The container trucks and the machine itself damaged the tarmac; remember the radiation from this machine is great.” “At the moment we are trying to find a location to operate the machine but the machine is working perfectly.” When the last scanner was commissioned, the thenMinister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said that the piece of equipment was necessary so
that Guyana could be compliant with international laws. Singh said that some of the major trading capitals of the world and nations such as the United States now require universal scanning of incoming containers, “the scanner now enables us to be in compliance with those international obligations.” In fact, the US was getting ready to ban all maritime shipments from Guyana from arriving at any of its shores. The scanners are supposed to ensure the accuracy of declarations with respect to imports and exports, along with the integrity of trade and enhancement of revenue collection efforts. While Guyana saved itself then, the risk arrived again after one scanner became inoperable and the other was waiting for a location from which to operate.
PAGE 26
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
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Bully dogs mix with pit-bull puppies. Call: 684-9994/6878320 ask for Keno
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Wednesday June 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
1 Experienced person to work in office for fish export company call: 674-1846/ email: 20112011@gmail.com FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578
(1) 600 amps automatic transfer switch, price negotiable. Call: 627-7835
Salesgirls & boys with supermarket experienced , apply with written application to Best Buy Food supplies, Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com Wanted Driver To Sell Water Must Have Lorry. Apply Nimbus Water. Tel 231-7002/ 622-0445 Urgently needed experienced garbage truck drivers, paying $6,000 per day, labours $4,000 per day. Call: 670-7920
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 Providence (corner lot) $4.5M & $3.5M, Farm-$2.8M, Herstelling - $ 3.5M, Uitvlugt - $2.6M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M. Call: 651-1969/6292881
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Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 6421783/ 646-3011634/7182301695
FOR RENT
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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Apartments – $45,000$160,000. Call: 644-5151
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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 Femaleworkerwantedthatfinished CXC2017.Call:622-5518 One experienced kitchen assistant. Call: 618-5080 after 2pm for details.
ACCOMMODATION
VEHICLE FOR SALE
1 Diesel Mechanic, must have knowledge of Perkins & Duetz engines, Cat & Doosan Excavator. Call: 2269768/660-2998
Looking for a family of four to live & take care of a farm on the Upper Demerara River. Call: 670-7920
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 Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners & counter servers. Apply @ Hacks Halaal. 5 Commerce St.
PROPERTY FOR SALE 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
Two female salesgirls must be experienced in putting in top-up. Call: 660-4830 for further details.
Book Club: Book of the Month “ Find the one you want” Dr. Phil’s best seller. Call Harmony Singles: 6262629/676-6312
Hardworking, pleasant, physically fit, literate, team player (Plant Shop Staff) 1825 years. Tel: 646-2108, Georgetown.
LEARN TO DANCE Dance to keep fit, lose weight build self-esteem while having fun, variety of styles. Call: 626-2629/ 676-6312
Responsible Hire Car Drivers. Call: 231-7200
Transported property @ Grove and Diamond $16M negotiable. Call: 625-5461 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
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS)
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
Berbice private school teacher slapped with two rape charges
CHARGED: Zafiel Yusuf
A 25-year-old teacher from a private school on the Corentyne was yesterday placed on $120,000 bail each for two counts of rape, when he appeared at the Albion Magistrate’s Court. Zafiel Yusuf, of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, was charged with the rape of a child under sixteen years old. Yusuf, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Chandra Sohan, was not required to plead to the indictable charge and was placed on bail to the tune of $240,000. He is to return to court on June 27. According to the facts of the case, Yusuf allegedly demanded that two minors perform oral sex on him in the backseat of his car sometime in April. He allegedly made the request under the pretext of dropping the minors to his mother’s house to collect a hamper, The girls told investigators that the accused en route to his house took them to a shop and offered to purchase beers. However, they both opted for a juice. He then drove to a bus shed and stopped, where he demanded that they perform the act. The man allegedly warned the minors not to tell anyone what took place, however they related the story to their mothers and a report was made.
Old Linden Hospital building... From page 11 The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was listed as the procuring entity for the supply and delivery of three wooden boats equipped with sheds.
The Ministry of the Presidency was listed as the procuring entity for several projects including, the procurement of one tractor:
Tenders were also open for the procurement of one re-conditioned 19-seater bus.
Procurement of two re-conditioned motor cars:
General repairs to Bedford House:
Expansion of the Office of the Prime Minister:
Finally, financial proposals were submitted to conduct hydro-geological and geotechnical investigations at proposed landfill sites. The procuring entity is the Ministry of Communities.
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United approach to terrorism Police investigating more
murders in Jamaica
PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC –Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders are expected to give the green light to a proposal that will allow the region to implement a coordinated clampdown concerning returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs), including targeting their assets. Regional leaders will
meet in Grenada July 4-6 and they are expected to finalise plans for the CARICOM arrest warrant regarding FTFs, sharing of recovered assets, as well as regional anti-terrorism legislation. CARICOM Secretary General Irwin La Rocque, speaking at CARICOM CounterTerrorism Strategy conference here Monday, warned that no country was immune
to terrorism and that the summit in Grenada will further discuss the draft plan for the region concerning a CARICOM arrest warrant and sharing of recovered assets of FTFs. “Our region can’t afford complacency – one act of terrorism in one state will resonate and have implications across the region,” La Roque warned.
KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica police were Tuesday investigating the murders of four people, including a teenage boy and girl in Hanover on the northwestern tip of the island where at least 36 people have been killed in that parish so far this year. The Corporate Communications Unit (CCU) said the latest incident occurred after 6:00am (local time) and that the police are still trying to ascertain the details surrounding the incident. They have identified those killed as 34-year-old Erica Lesley, 17-year-old Ian Walters, 14-year-old Kertina Walters and Curtis Walters was not disclosed. The murders occurred even as National Security Minister Robert Montague Monday invited the Opposition security spokesman Peter Bunting to discussions on national security concerns. A statement issued by the National Security Ministry noted that Montague in
a letter to Bunting, indicated he would welcome suggestions and ideas which can help to reduce crime through bipartisan efforts. Montague is seeking to “find common ground to address the root causes of crime, and not the symptoms,” but the main opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has indicated that the current crime situation requires far more than a meeting between the minister and his Opposition counterpart. “The People’s National Party (PNP) is willing to participate in a national effort to develop an effective plan to stop the bloodletting. What we are seeking is not a conversation between the minister and the Opposition spokesman, nor are we seeking a conversation between the PNP and the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) in this matter. “There are other critical stakeholders, including for example, security experts at our universities, the trade unions, the PSOJ, the peace
management initiative and other NGOs that have an interest in this matter. The time is now to stop ignoring this problem and to stop making flip political commentary about this very serious matter that is before us,” JLP and opposition Leader, Dr. Peter Phillips told a news conference. Last weekend, figures released by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) showed that nearly 600 people were murdered in Jamaica during the first six months of this year. It said that between the period January 1 to June 3, a total of 585 people were murdered representing a 16 per cent increase over the corresponding period last year. According to the figures 136 persons were killed during the month of May, 18 more than the number of persons killed in May last year and 26 more than the number recorded in May 2015.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Two prison guards shot and killed during inmate escape
Two prison officers were shot and killed during an escape on Tuesday morning in the US state of Georgia. Inmates Donnie Russell Row and Ricky Dubose are suspected of overpowering the guards while being transported by bus to another facility. Police say the men, who are both serving time for armed robbery at Baldwin State Prison, hijacked the prison transport bus. They later commandeered another car, and are considered armed and dangerous. The first call to police came shortly after 07:00 local time (11:00 GMT), once the men had apparently taken control of the prison bus on
Highway 16 between the towns of Sparta and Eatonton. Officials have shut down roadways in the region, about 65 miles (104km) from Atlanta, to conduct a search and secure the 31 other inmates that had also been aboard the bus. The US Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the FBI, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating. According to police, the incident occurred around 05:45 local time near the town of Eatonton. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said the inmates are “dangerous beyond description”, adding that investigators are reviewing surveil-
lance footage from on board the bus to determine how the inmates were able to attack the guards. “They were inside the caged area of the bus,” Sheriff Sills said at a press conference. “How they got through the locks and things up to that area I do not know.” The prisoners “overpowered” the guards and “they then disarmed them and one of the subjects shot and killed both guards”, according to a bulletin issued by the Putnam County Sheriff’s office. Correctional officers Christopher Monica, 42 and Curtis Billue, 58, were both killed, the Georgia Department of Corrections confirmed.
Brexit: Europe’s new finance rules put 83,000 U.K. jobs at risk (CNN) The European Union is preparing the ground for a raid on one of the crown jewels of British business. The bloc proposed rules on Tuesday that would give it the power to force a large slice of London’s financial services to move out of the city after Brexit, putting at risk an estimated 83,000 jobs. Despite not using the euro itself, the U.K. acts as the primary go-between for buyers and sellers of financial products priced in euros that play a vital role in Europe’s economy. Known as euro clearing, it’s a massive business involving transactions worth as much as $1.5 trillion each day. Rival financial centers such as Paris and Frankfurt have coveted the lucrative activity for decades but have failed so far to loosen London’s grip. The European Central Bank has long argued that the clearing of such vast quanti-
ties of trades should take place inside the group of 19 countries that use the currency. The bank says it needs to monitor what’s happening to ensure the financial stability of the eurozone. As long as Britain remained in the EU, the central bank wasn’t able to force London to drop the business. But now Britain is set to ditch the EU, all bets are off. The proposal from the European Commission says that allowing the clearing houses to be based outside the EU could pose a risk to the continent’s financial
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system. It recommends that regulators have the power to require “a limited number” of systemically important clearing houses to be based in the EU. The U.K. has lobbied hard to keep the clearing operations in London. Its main argument is that moving the hub could cause havoc. “We are clear that how U.K. firms access EU markets, and vice versa, is a matter for the forthcoming [Brexit] negotiations,” a U.K. Treasury spokesperson said in a statement. “In the meantime we stand ready to engage constructively on this legislation.”
American student released by North Korea, is in a coma Pyongyang, North Korea (CNN) American college student, Otto Warmbier, has been released after more than 17 months in detention in North Korea but has been in a coma for over a year, according to his parents. The 22-year-old contracted botulism and is in “bad shape” but en route back to the United States, a source close to the family told CNN. “Otto has left North Korea. He is on Medivac flight on his way home. Sadly, he is in a coma and we have been told he has been in that condition since March of 2016. We learned of this only one week ago,” said Fred and Cindy Warmbier in a statement. “We want the world to know how we and our son have been brutalized and terrorized by the pariah regime in North Korean. We are so grateful that he will finally be with people who love him.” US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also confirmed Warmbier’s release in a statement. Warmbier was detained in January 2016 at the airport in Pyongyang while on his way
Otto Warmbier home. His parents say the University of Virginia student had been on a tour of the reclusive country. North Korean authorities said they had security footage of him trying to steal a banner containing a political slogan that was hanging from the walls of his Pyongyang hotel. That was used as evidence in his hour-long trial, during which North Korea accused him of committing “hostile acts” against the regime at the urging of a purported member of a church in
his home state of Ohio, a secretive university organization and the CIA. Warmbier was found guilty and sentenced in March 2016 to 15 years hard labor. It was the last time he was seen publicly. The news of Warmbier’s release comes the same day as basketball star Dennis Rodman arrived in Pyongyang for an expected four-night visit. But there is no connection between the two events, US National Security Council spokesman Michael Anton said. Rodman isn’t representing the US government or serving as President Donald Trump’s emissary, Anton said. When asked if he would bring up the cases of Warmbier and three other Americans detained in North Korea, Rodman told reporters, “that’s not my purpose right now ... My purpose is to go over there and try to see if I can keep bringing sports to North Korea.” Rodman had nothing to do with his release, said a source familiar with the government’s efforts to free Warmbier.
Iran blames US for creating ISIS amid worsening Middle East tensions (CNN) Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has blamed the US for creating ISIS and fostering instability in the Middle East amid an ongoing crisis in the region. “That (the) US arms a terrorist group is what causes instability,” Khameini wrote on Twitter Monday. “Who created ISIS? The US!” He added that while US President Donald Trump ac-
cuses Iran of supporting terrorists, “terrorism in this region has American roots.” Trump last week responded to terrorist attacks in the Iranian capital of Tehran by warning “states that sponsor terrorism risk falling victim to the evil they promote,” a reaction described as “repugnant” by Iran’s foreign minister. Those attacks, which left
at least 12 people dead, were claimed by ISIS. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards, a powerful branch of the country’s military, vowed revenge for the attacks and blamed them on longstanding regional rival Saudi Arabia. ISIS has its roots in al Qaeda in Iraq, which took part in the insurgency that followed the 2003 US-led invasion of the country.
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Moves underway to equip police vehicles, ambulances with internet connectivity There are plans to equip service vehicles belonging to Government with internet connectivity. According to a government release yesterday, the technology that will be used is the same one that connects government buildings and schools. This was disclosed by Presidential Advisor on eGovernment, Floyd Levi, after residents of No.35 village, East Berbice enquired about internet connectivity for police vehicles and ambulances. “The initiative would provide police officers and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with critical information at a faster rate and in most cases save lives, while providing a better service,” the statement said. However, Levi noted that the programme can only be rolled out once there is a close in the connectivity gap on the coast. “To fix this problem, the ministry is actually in negotiations with the Chinese company that actually built this network, Huawei technologies, to ensure that we have full coverage along the entire coastal region of Guyana to ensure that blank spots do not exist. So as it is right now this technology is being used,” Levi explained. Levi pointed out that the initiative is still in the crafting stage, noting that once it is completed, it will be fully rolled out. This will see the eGovernance department placing towers comparable to the ones used by service providers Digicel and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT). “As soon as we finalize the arrangements with Huawei, we will be putting towers, cell phone towers similar to Digicel and GTT to
Presidential Advisor on eGovernment, Floyd Levi cover these blank spots, and with that full coverage I am certain that the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Fire Service and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) will be able to use this technology to be better able to provide their services.” The aim is to have the programme rolled out nationally. However, Levi pointed out that it will take time. The government ever since taking office has been pushing for the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Guyana and has been creating a number of ICT hubs across the country.
Work has started to equip Government’s service vehicles with internet, it was disclosed yesterday.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Trial of ‘$1,000 bandit’ to begin Friday The trial of Mark Moseley, who was shot in the foot by a City Police Constable after he allegedly robbed a pensioner of $1,000 will commence on Friday before Magistrate Annette Singh in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Moseley, of 94 Charlotte Street, Georgetown, has denied the charge which alleged that on April 28, last, at Robb Street, Georgetown, armed with a knife, he robbed Jameel Azeez of the cash. It was further alleged that on the same day at the City Constabulary Outpost, Regent Street, Georgetown, he behaved in a disorderly manner. Moseley who remains on remand was previously charged with simple larceny. According to reports, the elderly man was followed by Moseley after conducting a transaction. It was reported that the defendant stole the man’s
wallet and attempted to flee and was shot during a bid to escape. A City Police rank had commanded Moseley to stop running or else he would shoot. But the man paid no heed and continued proceeding, which resulted in the rank opening fire and hitting him in the left leg. When he was apprehended and taken to the City Constabulary, Moseley behaved in a disorderly manner and attempted to relieve a City Constable of his firearm. He also made attempts to jump out of a vehicle which he was placed in to be taken to the hospital. Moseley is said to have also resisted efforts to handcuff him and attempted to bite one of the City Police ranks. At his first arraignment (May 2), Police Prosecutor Quacey Baveghems had told the court that the defendant is in the habit of loitering
Mark Moseley around the Stabroek Market area and getting involved in criminal activities. In refusing bail for Moseley, Magistrate Annette Singh reminded him that he had appeared in her court before and had promised to be of good behaviour. An attorney for the father of two petitioned for bail during which she told the court that her client is in need of medical attention and that he is not a flight risk.
Nine arrested; bullet-proof vest, toy guns seized in Sophia raid Police believe that they have put a dent on crime with a raid in ‘C’ Field, Sophia, yesterday. According to a release from the Guyana Police Force, an intelligence-led operation conducted by its ranks between 13:30-14:20 hrs, resulted in the arrest of nine adult males for various offences. Items found during the operation included a bulletproof vest, a full-faced mask, a wig, a pair of black gloves, a police beret and two toy guns. Investigations are continuing, police said. Meanwhile, in the hinterland, at about13:00hrs yesterday, ranks on duty at the Itaballi Police checkpoint
The marijuana that was found at the Itaballi checkpoint. conducted a search on the jacket of a 39-year-old female Kitty resident, and found in the pockets, four taped
parcels of cannabis weighing in excess of one kilogram. The suspect is being processed for court.
Items seized from the Sophia raid
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Late Syrian goal leaves China on the brink (Reuters) China’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup finals hang by the thinnest of threads after an injury time goal from Ahmed Al Saleh saw Syria hold Marcello Lippi’s team to a 2-2 draw yesterday. Second half goals from Gao Lin and Wu Xi looked set to give China the win after
Mahmoud Al Mawas had put the Syrians in front in the 12th minute when he scored from the penalty spot. But Al Saleh’s curling injury time free kick saw the points shared and leaves the Chinese six points behind third placed Uzbekistan with two games remaining, with the two nations set to meet in
August. The top two teams in each of Asia’s two groups qualify automatically, with Iran booking their place in the finals on Monday night thanks to their 2-0 win over the Uzbeks in Tehran. The third placed team enters into a playoff round for Asia’s remaining half place. China had looked set to
Cristiano Ronaldo accused of 15... (From page 33) won La Liga this year, “masters of the universe”. In May, Spain’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Messi a n d s t o o d b y a Catalan regional court’s 21-month prison sentence
for defrauding authorities of 4.1 million euros on image rights. He is unlikely to go to prison as under Spanish law sentences under two years can be served under probation. Spain’s High Court in
May cleared Neymar of fraud but he still faces a corruption trial in Spain in connection with the value of his 2013 transfer from Santos to Barcelona. He has denied wrongdoing. ($1 = 0.8921 euros)
Wednesday June 14, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Visit friends or relatives who have been confirmed. Your desire for excitement and adventure may be expensive. You may find yourself in the limelight for the wrong reasons. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) You will be in an overly generous mood today. Be sure to take care of the needs of youngsters. Go on business trips if at all possible. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can ask for favors or run your ideas by those who will be able to support your objectives. You may want to try your hand at a little creative writing. Don't let your boss get the better of you. You can count on getting a pat on the back for your efforts. CANCER (June 21–July 22) Turn things around, make sure that they do their share. Your emotional state could leave you vulnerable and confused. This could be a serious relationship. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You should sit down with someone you trust and work out a budget that will enable you to save a little extra. You are best not to confront situations that deal with in-laws or relatives. Secret affairs can only lead to devastating circumstances. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Don't think the worst if you hear something negative about your partner. You have worked hard and the payback is now. Work hard on improving your living quarters.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You can make a difference if you offer your help at functions that involve children. Your added discipline will enable you to complete some of those unfinished projects. Join a choir or a drama club. You may be considering moving to larger quarters. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Talk to people who can give you important knowledge. Don't press your luck with your loved ones. You may want to tell someone how you really feel. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Older family members may try to put unreasonable demands on you. Be sure to think twice before you say something that might hurt your partner's feelings. Put your efforts into your work or money making ventures rather than your emotional life. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Residential moves will be in your best interest. You can form new partnerships, but don't move too quickly; things may not be as they appear. You should focus on moneymaking matters and stay away from emotional disputes. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Don't let relatives stand in the way of your personal plans. Plan to visit friends or relatives. Get back down to earth and to basics. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Be sure to take care of any minor ailments. You must take care of health problems that have been lingering. You can make gains if you look at longterm investments.
exit the competition on the eve of a visit to Beijing by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to meet President Xi Jinping when Al Mawas converted after goalkeeper Zeng Cheng had brought down Fahd Youssef. Zhang Linpeng hit the Syrian crossbar with a header late in the first half as China endured continuing frustration, but a foul on the Guangzhou Evergrande defender in the second half saw Gao level from the spot. Seven minutes later Jiangsu Suning midfielder Wu volleyed home from eight
yards out to give China what appeared to be the winner until Al Saleh struck his late goal. Japan, meanwhile, were forced to share the points with Iraq in Tehran to leave just one point separating the three teams at the top of Group B with only two matches remaining. The Japanese continue to lead the group but now only have a one point advantage over Saudi Arabia and Australia after the Socceroos defeated Bert van Marwijk’s team last week. Yuya Osako put Japan in
front eight minutes into the game in Tehran when he steered Keisuke Honda’s corner home with a header, but a defensive mix-up allowed Mahdi Kamil to level the scores for an Iraqi side that has no chance of qualifying. The United Arab Emirates missed the chance to close in on the top three teams when they were held to a 1-1 draw in new coach Edgardo Bauza’s first game in charge, with Ali Mabkhout scoring late in the game to cancel out Mongkol Thosakrai’s opener for Thailand.
Windies favoured to win series... (From page 38) spinners (off-spinner Nabi and left-armer Amir Hamza), are way below his standard and the batsmen should make a consorted effort to go after them. Zadran should get pace support from Naib. In the last game West Indies openers Evin Lewis and Kerion Powell went after the new ball bowlers but once Khan was introduced he made
Anderson century boosts... (From page 39) Persaud (17) and Yadram who hit two fours and two sixes for 39 to leave the score at 76-3. Gavin Boodwah (12) and Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (08) fell cheaply before Ramnarine Chatura and Richie Looknauth added 60 for the sixth wicket stand. Chatura played the shot of the day - a powerful straight drive off pacer Sylus Tyndall for four; he looked solid throughout his innings and picked up runs on both sides of the wicket, while Looknauth was watchful in accumulating his runs with nudges and pushes. Chatura stroked three fours and three sixes but shortly after reaching his half century, he attempted to turn a delivery to leg and was bowled off the inside edge by Sinclair for 53, while Looknauth was taken off Simpson for 21. Simpson and Sinclair then mopped up the rest of the batting as they shared all 10 wickets between them; Sinclair finished with 5-32, while Simpson grabbed 5-78. At stumps Berbice were 19-1 with Sinclair on 12 and Adrian Sukwah on 01. Veramootoo Sewnarine was taken off Yadram for 03. Play starts at 10:00hrs today.
a mess of the batsmen, who must find a way to nullify him. Hope will again need to get a ‘score’, while Jonathon Carter, Jason Mohammed, Roston Chase, Holder and Nurse must improve their shot selection and push the ball
into the gaps to rotate the strike since Afghanistan has out-fielded the hosts in both ODIs. The teams had the day off on Monday before practicing yesterday. Today’s game commences at 14:30hrs.
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Wednesday June 14, 2017
De Villiers to lead South Africa in England T20s ESPNcricinfo - Even as questions over his captaincy continue to pop up, AB de Villiers will lead South Africa’s T20 squad in three matches against England in the absence of Faf du Plessis, who will return home for the birth of his first child. De Villiers will then leave the UK, with du Plessis taking over for the Tests that begin in early July. South Africa are resting five first-choice players, including du Plessis, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada, for the T20s, with Dwaine Pretorius the only new cap. Though South Africa have been using T20 matches to experiment and blood new players - as was the case against Sri Lanka when Farhaan Behardien led the side - they have combined
youth and experience in this group. Nine members of South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad will play in the T20s de Villiers, David Miller, Behardien, Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo and Pretorius - with the rest made up of players who were on the recent A-team trip to the UK, including Reeza Hendricks and Tabraiz Shamsi. Several of the current squad also featured in the T20 series against Sri Lanka e a r l i e r i n t h e y e a r. Wicketkeeper Mangaliso Mosehle, bowler Dane Paterson, and opening batsmen JJ Smuts made their international debuts in that series. Promising quick Lungi Ngidi, who also played against Sri Lanka,
could not be considered because of injury. He was withdrawn from the A tour with a back problem. Of the T20 squad, Morkel, Morris and Parnell are the only ones likely to be part of the Test squad as well, which illustrates that South Africa are focused on rotating players as much as possible on a three-month t o u r. S p i n n e r K e s h a v Maharaj, who should also feature in the Tests and was part of the Champions Trophy squad, will not play in the T20s. South Africa’s T20 squad AB de Villiers (capt), Farhaan Behardien, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, D a v i d M i l l e r, M o r n e Morkel, Chris Morris, Mangaliso Mosehle (wk), Wa y n e P a r n e l l , D a n e Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, JJ Smuts In (compared to the squad for the one-off T20 v NZ in Feb): Reeza Hendricks, Mangaliso Mohsele, JJ Smuts, Morne Morkel Out: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada.
AB de Villiers will finish the T20s in England and then return home, while Faf du Plessis returns for the Tests © Getty Images
Packed weekend as GBTI... (From page 37) between teenagers Ciara Poora, Kalyca Fraser, Margaret Subryan and Nathalie Ramdyhan. Ciara Pooran/Kalyca Fraser eventually prevailed 6-1, 36, 6-3 after dropping the second set 6-3 in the match, which left all the players drained and exhausted. In the rivalry between the top two junior Boys competing in the round 16 of the men’s singles, a high level of tennis was displayed
by Heimraj Resaul and Mark M c D o n a l d w h o demonstrated good consistency with their groundstrokes and matched each other stroke for stroke before Resaul pulled off the 6-2, 6-2 win, which was much more competitive than the score line reflected. Both players have represented Guyana competitively in International junior tournaments and their games have progressed significantly with the added
exposure. Resaul takes on Andre Erskine in a bid to make it to his first GBTI semi-final. The match of the evening was between second seed Leyland Leacock, who is a former finalist in the Men’s Open, and Benjetton Osborne, whose game has improved considerably over the years. Both players are known for long rallies and the match was a back and forth affair with each winning a set apiece with decisive scorelines. Osborne took the first 6-1 before Leacock turned the tide by volleying authoritatively in the second set which he won 6-2. In the opening of the third set, a pumped up Osborne delivered a down the line running forehand winner which signaled a new state of mind. He trumped his tiring opponent 6-0 as he hit a number of groundstroke winners to take the match and to progress to meet Daniel Lopes in the semifinals. There were also good wins for Jordan Beaton who outlasted Brazilian Alexandre DeAlmeida 6-4 6-1, Joshua Kalekyezi 6-1, 6-0 over Shimron Lewis, Viraj Sharma over Vijay Sharma 6-2 6-2 , Daniel Lopes 6-1, 6-2 over Harry Panday; Rudy Grant had a 62, 6-1 win in the Over 35 Men’s singles over Surendra Khayam and Sandeep Chand /Andre Lopes progressed over Sanjeev Datadin and Steve Surujbally easily in doubles action. The tournament continues daily from 5:00pm as matches move into the quarter and semi-finals stages.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Bright future for disciplined Hope, says Law GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – West Indies head coach Stuart Law has identified young strokemaker Shai Hope as one with immense promise and whose professionalism can take him far in the game. The 23-year-old copped the Man-of-the-Match award for his crucial unbeaten 48 in the second One-Day International against Afghanistan last Sunday which West Indies won by four wickets to level the three-match series. Hope also top-scored with 35 in the opening game which West Indies lost by 63 runs last Friday and Law said while the right-hander was still developing, he was ticking all the right boxes. “He’s a class act. He’s very easy on the eye when you watch him bat,” the Australian said. “At this stage he’s still learning how to play at this level but the steps he’s made since I’ve arrived [have been impressive].” Hope has been in decent form this year, scoring a career-best 90 against Pakistan in the second Test in Bridgetown in April and also gathering 71 in the third ODI against the same tourists earlier in the month. Law said while his scoring had not been prolific, the potential was definitely there to become a quality player.
West Indies batsman Shai Hope. “He didn’t score heavily against England [in March], he got a decent score against Pakistan in the third ODI and he started off well here,” he explained. “He’s a work in progress that’s for sure and definitely one to keep an eye on.” Hope, who keeps wicket in the one-day format, has
played just 10 Tests and 12 ODIs but has already caught Law’s attention with his allround professionalism. “One thing that impresses me is not only does he wicket-keep but his work ethic away from cricket is outstanding,” Law pointed out. “He always presents himself in the best possible shape you can be in and that just goes to show that his consistency in performance is up there because he is able to cope with the stresses and the strain.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo accused of 15 million euro tax fraud by Spanish prosecutor MADRID (Reuters) Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo faces a lawsuit filed y e s t e r d a y b y S p a i n ’s prosecutor ’s office in Madrid for allegedly defrauding Spanish tax authorities of 14.7 million euros ($16.48 million) between 2011 and 2014. The prosecutor’s office said in a statement that the Real Madrid forward had knowingly used a business structure created in 2010 to allegedly hide his image rights income in Spain. This involved a “voluntary” failure to comply with his tax obligations in Spain, the statement from the office’s economic crimes section said. The four counts of tax fraud were based on a report from Spain’s tax agency, it said. Real Madrid declined to comment and calls to the agency representing Ronaldo, Gestifute, went unanswered. Ronaldo, who led Real Madrid to their 12th European Cup earlier this month, is the latest in a long line of soccer players in Spain - among them Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Neymar - who have been caught up in cases over tax or transfers. Between 2005 and 2010, foreign players in Spain were protected under the so-called “Beckham law” allowing them to curb their taxes. But as the financial crisis bit deeper, that exemption was lifted, paving the way for the cases.
Portugal’s national soccer team player Cristiano Ronaldo attends a training session in Oeiras, Portugal yesterday. (REUTERS/Rafael Marchante) The prosecutor’s office alleges that Ronaldo had defrauded the tax authorities of 1.4 million euros in 2011, 1.7 million euros in 2012, 3.2 million euros in 2013 and 8.5 million euros in 2014. Ronaldo, who is from Portugal, became a Spanish tax resident in January 2010 and in November 2011 opted to follow the Spanish tax regime that applies to foreigners working in Spain, the statement said. He should have paid a tax rate of 24 percent in 2011, and 24.75 percent in the three following years, it said. IMAGE RIGHTS The prosecutor said that after Ronaldo signed a contract to join Real Madrid in December 2008 he ceded his image rights to a company called Tollin Associates Ltd, domiciled in the British Virgin Islands and in which he was the only stakeholder. Tollin Associates then ceded his image rights to a
company in Ireland called Multisports&Image Management Ltd which was responsible for managing them. Tollin Associates itself had no business activity, the statement said. “Ceding image rights to (Tollin Associates) was completely unnecessary and it’s only purpose was to create a screen to conceal the totality of his image rights income from the Spanish tax authorities,” the statement said. The prosecutor’s office filed the lawsuit against Ronaldo yesterday to a court in the Madrid district of Pozuelo de Alarcon. Ronaldo finished the soccer season scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League final to become the tournament’s top scorer with a total of 12 goals. Afterwards, Spanish sports newspaper Marca called Real Madrid, who also (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday June 14, 2017
Cornered tigers face down rampant lions
Trevor Bayliss talks to Jason Roy, Jake Ball, Jonny Bairstow and David Willey, Cardiff, June 13, 2017 ©Getty Images ESPNcricinfo - To say that the Champions Trophy has reached its knockout stage would do a gross disservice to the journey back from oblivion that one of today’s contenders has already had to make. If you’d surveyed the wreckage around Edgbaston after Pakistan’s lamentable defeat against India in their opening Group B game, you would have seen a side living down to their ranking of No. 8 in the world, and beating a hasty path towards the first available flight to Lahore. Wahab Riaz’s bowling figures, Imad Wasim’s duck. The sea of resigned faces in the stands. Nothing about Pakistan’s performance left any room for hope at all. But now, just look at them go! A rain-affected win against South Africa was a huge step on the road to recovery, but let’s be frank. Not even “Chacha Pakistan” would have bet his best shalwar kameez on his boys completing that run-chase
without assistance from the heavens. And, as if to prove the point, there was Group B’s frantic, fraught, deluded finale in Cardiff, where Pakistan and Sri Lanka clawed for runs and wickets as if fighting to escape from a tar-pit. But at the death, Pakistan emerged triumphant, with their captain Sarfraz Ahmed rising above the nonsense, and now, after less than 48 hours to hose themselves down, they face an England team that looks scarily fixated on that elusive maiden 50-over trophy. Wi t h t h e s o l i t a r y exception of the hapless J a s o n R o y, E n g l a n d ’s cricketers are in a formidable vein of collective form. Their batting has depth and resilience - witness the stirring revival from 35 for 3 against Australia - while their bowling, potentially a weak area going into the tournament, has come roaring into form, with Mark Wo o d ’s u p - a n d - a t - ’ e m
variations providing a priceless cutting edge in the middle overs, alongside Liam Plunkett’s canny deckhitting and Adil Rashid’s googly-dominant leg-spin. All the signs point to a comfortable progression. And yet … and yet … Despite being the only unbeaten side in the tournament, England have slipped behind India as the official favourites - thanks in no small part, you suspect, to P a k i s t a n ’s e s s e n t i a l unknowability. Which of their myriad outfits will report for duty in Cardiff? The subjugated rabble who failed to front up against India, or the unstoppable force who, at one stage of their Group B shootout, claimed four wickets for six runs to leave Sri Lanka in tatters? And for those who fancy an omen or two … it is 25 years since England were last in possession of a oneday team that, irrespective of the rankings, genuinely looked to be the best in the world. At the 1992 World Cup, Graham Gooch’s men had pushed Pakistan to the brink of elimination in their group-stage encounter at
Junaid Khan celebrates the first wicket with his teammates, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2017, Group B, Cardiff, London, June 12, 2017 ©Getty Images Adelaide, bowling them out for 74, only for rain to save the day. Within the month, Imran Khan had galvanised his cornered tigers to secure his country’s finest hour. P r e d i c t t h e unpredictable. It’s all you can dare to do when Pakistan get into this sort of mood. In the spotlight He finished England’s last global campaign on his haunches, after Carlos Brathwaite swiped his thunder at the death, and he began this latest one with doubts about his knee, which seemed to be creaking mysteriously every time he entered his delivery stride. But over by over, blow by blow, Ben Stokes has compiled a body of work in this tournament to scotch any doubts about his fitness, his temperament or his right to be considered the most exciting all-round cricketer in the world today. His bowling so far has been quietly efficient, but his batting has, at times, been off the scale, not least during his match-winning century against Australia at Edgbaston, when Virat Kohli, no less, tweeted his admiration for a sublimely
timed clip for four. The MVP at the IPL last month, Stokes is in the mood to atone for Kolkata. Who’s the man? Fakhar Zaman! Despite the hardships of a life in international exile, Pakistan’s ability to cultivate rough diamonds remains a renowned feature of their cricket, and their stunning renaissance since the India debacle owes a huge amount to a 27-year-old debutant opener who has come into the side to give it a go from the outset. Zaman’s opening gambit was a 23-ball 31 against South Africa at Edgbaston, and he repeated the dose in no uncertain terms in Cardiff, mowing Sri Lanka’s bowlers to all corners of Sophia Gardens, including a top-edged six into the River Taff. His 34ball fifty was the injection of impetus that kept his side in the tournament - without that start, they would have surely run out of steam by the agonising finish… Team news Eoin Morgan could hardly have given Jason Roy more opportunities to prove his undoubted worth, but the manner of his second-ball dismissal against Australia falling into an ungainly lbw then burning England’s review in his desperation looks set to have sealed his fate. A run of 52 runs in eight innings makes for ugly viewing in any context. But with Jonny Bairstow bursting for an opportunity to turn his own golden form into a substantial
contribution, England have little option but to accept the inevitable. Roy can have no complaints - indeed, he looks as though he would benefit from a break. And he will surely come again. The only question is where would Bairstow fit in? A like-forlike replacement would make sense. He has only opened on eight occasions, but one of those was a notinsubstantial 174. Consistency isn’t exactly a Pakistan trait, but their line-up for the semi-final seems as settled as they could hope for. One potential change may be the recall of the legspinner Shabab Khan, especially given Adil Rashid’s success against New Zealand on this ground. The likeliest seamer to miss out would be Fahim Ashraf, even though he followed in Zaman’s footsteps with a hugely composed debut, claiming two wickets as Sri Lanka slid to 236 all out. It certainly won’t be Junaid Khan, whose inclusion at the expense of the hapless Wahab Riaz has traded a hostile but expensive leftarmer for a genuine wickettaking threat. Pitch and conditions The weather, so woeful for the first week of this competition, looks finally to have turned the corner. A scorcher is in prospect at Cardiff, which ought to mean a run-feast. However, the pitch will be the same one on which Pakistan and Sri Lanka scraped for survival on Monday, which may temper the strokeplay on offer.
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Kaieteur News
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Automatic World Cup spot slipping away for Windies LONDON, CMC – West Indies’ chances of an earning automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup took another damaging blow when they dropped two rating points in the latest ICC One-Day International rankings released yesterday. The Caribbean side dropped from 79 points to 77 following their stunning 63run defeat to minnows Afghanistan last Friday, in the opening ODI of the ongoing three-match series currently locked at 1-1. Even if West Indies win today’s decider at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia, they will gain only one point, with ODI series remaining against powerhouses India later this month and England in September. Hosts England, along with the next top sevenranked sides in the world, will earn automatic qualification for the World Cup, with the remaining sides entering a qualifying tournament to determine the last two available berths. West Indies are currently ranked number nine and to add insult to injury, number eight-ranked Pakistan have gained three points to move to 91, following victories over the highly-ranked South Africa and Sri Lanka
Ninth-ranked West Indies … in serious danger of missing out on automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup. in the ongoing Champions Trophy in England. Pakistan’s lead over West Indies is now 14 points leaving the former World champions with a huge gap to make up by the World Cup qualification cutoff date of September 30. The embattled Windies are expected to face a stern challenge when they take on India from June 23 to July 6
in a five-match series in the Caribbean. They also travel to England for a similar fivematch series from September 19-29. To p - r a n k e d S o u t h Africa, meanwhile, dropped three points but remained in pole position while Australia and India continued second and third respectively. England have gained two
Digicel Schools Football Championship
LTI crush PLI 9-2 to move on -more matches scheduled for today L e o n o r a Te c h n i c a l Institute (LTI) inflicted a crushing 9-2 thrashing on Professional Learning Institute (PLI) as play in this year’s Digicel Nationwide Schools Football Championship continued yesterday, at the Leonora Track & Field facility, West Coast Demerara. Playing in the lone encounter of the day, the lads from LTI rebounded from an early two-goal deficit to hammer seven-man PLI and book a place in the next round. Early goals from Ackeem Douglas and Keanu Lawrence in the 12th and 18th minutes respectively appeared as though the shorthanded PLI unit would pull off the unlikely, but that was not to be as LTI fired back with two quick goals to level the proceedings just before the half.
The final period was a riot as LTI hit in seven more goals to secure a lop-sided win. Dometri Osbourne, Adrain Adelph and Sebastian Van Sluytman each booted in a brace. Osbourne’s goals came in the 46th and 67th minutes, w h i l e A d e l p h ’s w a s registered in the 60th and 73rd minutes and Van Sluytman netted in the 37th and 74th minutes. Rounding out the scoreline were Stephen Baynes, Reon Wright and Ej Mars, who netted in the 38th, 77th and 79th minutes respectively. The championship resumes today at various venues. Mahaicony Secondary battle Belladrum Secondary at the Belladrum ground in West Berbice, while Patentia and Vreed-en-Hoop square
off at the L’Aventure ground. Both matches start at 15:30hrs. In New Amsterdam at the Burnham Park ground, Berbice High School are set to tackle Berbice Educational Institute at 15:30hrs. The championship which has 120 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 along with the 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.
points and moved into fourth place, overtaking New Zealand who dropped three points into fifth. Latest ICC One-Day International rankings:
1 South Africa 119 2 Australia 117 3 India 117 4 England 114 5 New Zealand 111 6 Bangladesh 95
7 Sri Lanka 93 8 Pakistan 91 9 West Indies 77 10 Afghanistan 54 11 Zimbabwe 46 12 Ireland 41
Nadal first to qualify for ATP World Tour Finals (Reuters) Rafael Nadal has become the first player to book his place at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London in November after the Spaniard won a record 10th French Open title in Paris on Sunday. Nadal has claimed four titles on the tour this year, winning 46 matches and losing just six in a stellar 2017. “I’ve had a great season so far and I am happy to have already qualified for London,” the Spaniard told the ATP website. “I could not play last year because of injury so I look forward to returning in November.” Nadal has never won the event, but finished runner-up in 2010 and 2013, losing out to Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, respectively. The ATP World Tour Finals, which features the world’s top eight singles players and top eight doubles pairs, will be held at London’s O2 Arena from Nov. 12-19. Federer is next in line to qualify for the event, for which he is a near certainty after winning the Australian
Spain’s Rafael Nadal celebrates with the trophy after winning the final against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka. (REUTERS/Christian Hartmann) Open earlier this year. The Swiss will return to action in Stuttgart this week after sitting out the entire claycourt season to prepare for Wimbledon. Young Austrian Dominic Thiem is third in the ATP race to London, followed by Stan Wawrinka, Alexander Zverev, Djokovic, world number one Andy Murray, a n d B e l g i u m ’s D a v i d
Goffin. Players earn their place at the season finale by finishing in the top eight of the race to London standings on Nov. 6, when the World To u r r e g u l a r s e a s o n concludes after the Paris Masters. The race is a calendaryear points’ race that starts at the beginning of each season in the first week of January.
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Wednesday June 14, 2017
Warriors ride Durant to beat Cavaliers and clinch NBA title
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the third quarter in game five of the 2017 NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. (Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports) OAKLAND, CALIF. (Reuters) The Golden State Warriors secured their second NBA championship in three seasons with a 129120 Game Five win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, capping a nearperfect run through the playoffs. The Warriors, who beat Cleveland in the 2015 Finals only to lose to them last year after squandering a 3-1 series lead, went a recordsetting 16-1 in the playoffs, their only loss coming in Game Four of the best-ofseven championship.
The win provided redemption for the Warriors, who brought Kevin Durant over from the Oklahoma City Thunder last offseason to bolster their already highpowered offence. Durant, who lost in his only previous Finals appearance in 2012, led the way for the Warriors with 39 points and was relieved after feeling pressure to deliver prior to the game. “I couldn’t sleep for two days,” Durant, who was named the Finals MVP, said during an on-court interview. “I was anxious, I was jittery.
Durant is presented with the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player trophy in his first season at the Warriors. (NBAE/Getty Images)
“I just wanted to lay it all out there. I put in work, I just had to trust in it. We were really good tonight.” Cavaliers’ forward LeBron James had a gamehigh 41 points and guard Kyrie Irving hit tough shots all night but defensive breakdowns by Cleveland led to easy baskets late in the game for the Warriors, igniting a deafening crowd. James said he had no reason to feel sorry for himself. “I left everything on the floor every game, all five games,” he said. “I have no
reason to put my head down.” Warriors pointguardStephen Curry said the experience of losing last year’s Finals served themwellthisseason. “ We l e a r n e d f r o m everything we’ve been through,” Curry said during the trophy celebration. “To be back here and bring gold Larry (O’Brien trophy) back home, I’m just excited to be a part of this group and accomplish something special. I’m ready to do it again.” An unprecedented third straight Finals clash between
the Warriors and Cavaliers was hyped as the ultimate championship rubber match and expected to be the antidote for a postseason that had little in the way of drama. But that idea fizzled fast when the Warriors opened with a pair of lopsided wins at home, fought back late to steal the next game in Cleveland and then, after dropping their first game of the postseason, closed out the series at home. In the end, the Cavaliers simply did not have enough top-class talent to topple the
Practice king Federer ready for competitive return (Reuters) Sticking to a limited schedule has helped Roger Federer enjoy a renaissance late in his career but the Swiss says rest time is now over and he is looking forward to returning to action at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart. The 35-year-old was ruled out for six months last year as he recovered from a knee injury but made a winning return this season at the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Miami before opting out of the entire claycourt season. The former world number one is eager to get back to competition in 2017 after a 10-week layoff. “There are no more
breaks now,” Federer told the ATP’s official website (atpworldtour.com) “I’ve had enough breaks. I’m a practice world champion now and that’s not who I want to be. I want to be a champ on the match courts. “So I’m going to be playing a regular schedule for the second part of the season... And this is the beginning here at the Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart.” D u r i n g F e d e r e r ’s absence, Rafa Nadal won four clay tournaments, culminating in Sunday’s French Open victory, and Federer said the Spaniard could finish the year on top of the world rankings. “Obviously Rafa is in
great position to finish World No. 1. For him it’s going to be all about staying injury free,” he added. “For me it’s about getting back to winning ways, where I left off in Miami.” Federer said he expected A n d y M u r r a y, N o v a k Djokovic, Kei Nishikori and Stan Wawrinka to step up their game in the second half of the season. “It’s going to be an epic finish to the end of the season. Quite exciting actually for the ATP Tour.” F ed e r e r w i l l p l a y either Frenchman PierreHugues Herbert or German Tommy Haas in the second round at Stuttgart today.
Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts during the Match for Africa 3 benefit tennis match against Andy Murray of Britain. (REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann)
Warriors, even with fourtime league MVP James doing all he could to keep his team in it. For James, already a three-time champion, the loss puts him in rare company as only the fourth player to come up short in five NBA Finals. Cleveland’s inability to give the Warriors much of a fight has already sparked talk that James, who left the team in 2010 for Miami before returning four years later, could consider another move during 2018 free agency.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 14, 2017
Guyana NRA Recorded Shoot After taking the runnerup spot behind his Captain, Mahendra Persaud by a pair of Vs in the first recorded shoot for the year, Vice Captain Dylan Fields went all the way alone in the recorded shoot held by the Guyana National Rifle Association (Guyana NRA) Fullbore Section on Sunday last at the Timehri Rifle and Pistol Ranges. Fields, after losing the 300 yards range by a single V to Lennox Braithwaite as both had 49 points with the latter also notching 2 Vs, Fields was dominant at the 1000 yards range where only the big boys excel. The Vice Captain won that range with a total of 48 points and 3 Vs, Sherwin Felicien was second two points back also with 3 Vs. As had been the case one week earlier, rain was very much a part of proceedings which saw Captain Mahendra Persaud revising the programme as he dropped the scheduled 600 yards range. The 300 yards range produced some dominant performances but it was at the longest range that there was separation as the
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Dylan Fields fires his way to outright win Sherwin Felicien Dylan Fields
conditions proved very challenging for the marksmen who are still finding their way around following massive rehabilitation works at the range. Fields also won the Aggregate for the day with 97.4, followed by Felicien with 92.6 and Lennox Braithwaite, 91.3. Meanwhile, as part of its fund raising strategy towards hosting of the West
Indies Fullbore Championships, which will be part of the Guyana NRA 150th Anniversary, the association has sent out letters to a number of entities seeking their assistance to p u l l o ff a s u c c e s s f u l championship as the best marksmen and women in the Caribbean and further afield will be descending on these shores. Association Secretary Ryan Sampson has reported
that to date, responses have been trickling. The latest entity to answer the sponsorship call is Demerara Mutual Life Assurance a n d t h e association is extending special thanks to them whilst urging others to follow suit.
Packed weekend as GBTI Open 2017 Tennis continues
Benjettan Osborne A total of twenty three matches were played over the last weekend at the GBTI Recreational Center in Bel Air Park as the annual tennis tournament eased into the second week of action. The event showcases the cream of the crop of Guyana’s tennis fraternity as it attracts players from 12 different categories, from the pint sized 10year olds now cutting their teeth on competition to the grizzled
veterans who have been Nigel Lowe (Left) and Vedanand Resaul Kalyca Fraser, Ciara Pooran, Margret Subryan and Nathalie Ramdyhan competing against each other since the Players such as singer Other veterans such as Andre competitive junior Nigel could have easily been 1980s. Throw in the players Rudy Grant, former Gecom Lopes, Sanjeev Datadin and Lowe in the Quarterfinal of mistaken as coming from who compete regularly at C o m m i s s i o n e r S t e v e Shelly Ramdyhan easily top the Boys Singles. This was a grown men instead of youths club level and the visiting Surujbally, businessman over 25 years of playing highlight match on Saturday barely touching 5 feet in diplomats from Brazil, India, Harry Panday and Berbician tennis. as they took each other to height. Final score line to Russia and the US and you Godfrey Lowden are all The talent of the new three close sets before Lowe Nigel Lowe 6-7 (8), 6-4, 10have a truly diverse event competing in the tournament generation was on full prevailed by two points in 8. w h i c h s e e s f i e r c e keeping alive the years they display over the weekend the deciding super tiebreak. In the Girls quarterfinal competition as well as good have been involved in tennis with the ultra-passionate 11- The peace of the atmosphere doubles, a grueling three c a m a r a d e r i e b e i n g competition and the ongoing year-old Vedanand Resaul was constantly disrupted by hour match was played displayed. rivalries with each other. taking on his equally shouts of “C’MON” which (Continued on page 32)
Kaieteur News
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Wednesday June 14, 2017
Windies favoured to win series tonight But can Khan spoil their party?
Shannon Gabriel got into the act and sniped out Rahmat Shah and Samiullah Shenwari in consecutive overs ©WICB Media/Brooks LaTouche Photography Ltd Rashid Khan foxed Evin Lewis with a googly, West Indies v Afghanistan, 2nd ODI, Gros Islet, ©AFP By Sean Devers in St Lucia In association with Vnet Communications Noble House Seafood, Baksh Travel Service, Payless Varity Store & Golden Arrow Inn in St Lucia West Indies oppose Afghanistan at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground in
the series decider which will climax under lights tonight and Jason Holder’s men have quickly realized that winning the series is not as clear cut as they would have believed when they turned up on Friday afternoon last for the opening game. The 63-run defeat in the first game was not entirely shocking to many since the
hosts is not the West Indies that dominated ODI cricket for two decades starting with their 1975 World Cup win and extended into the early 90s.This was a period when the invincible Windies did not lose a single Test series from 1980-1995. Long gone are those glory days! This batting line-up, without their senior batsmen
Jason Holder completed a run-out to end Javed Ahmadi’s stint at the crease ©AFP
who played in the t20 series in St Kitts, is arguable the weakest assembled for an ODI with only Shai Hope looking capable of reading 18-year-old Rashid Khan. Even with those supposedly ‘big name’ players West Indies failed to qualify for the ongoing C h a m p i o n s Tr o p h y i n England and Wales and are unlikely to earn an automatic spot in 2019 World Cup with the cut-off date for going ahead of Pakistan being September 30. West Indies is the fourth team with Test status Afghanistan have played in a bilateral series since facing the Netherlands in 2009 but this is the first time they have a realistic opportunity of drawing a series against a Test side. Pakistan, Australia and Bangladesh all registered series wins over them and to start the series with a defeat against a team ranked lower than them must have been a huge dent to West Indies’ confidence and a psychological boost for the team from a war turn Country desperate to prove that if they could win once they could do it again. Jason Holder, the 23year-old, was thrust into the Captaincy of a team in terminal decline and described the loss as a wakeup call. He admitted that batting had badly let them
down in both matches and called for a more positive approach. “Our fast bowlers have been good in both games but the batting continues to be the main problem for us,” the Bajan all-rounder said. While Holder’s fourprong pace attack utilized a hard track with grass and dominated the top order with hostile short pitched bowling as the Afghans backed away and seemed unwilling to get behind the line, both matches saw the lower order putting together useful partnerships when the ball got older and when spin was introduced. Afghanistan’s lowest total is 58 against Zimbabwe last year, while their other double digit scores were made against Scotland (63) and Kenya (88) and if their tail is not allowed to wag today the visitors could be dismissed below 100. Their most accomplished batsman, opener Javed Ahmadi, made 81 on Friday but was run out for nine on S u n d a y, w h i l e p a c e r Gulbadin Naib, who made 51 batting at number eight, is the only other batsmen to reach fifty. Today Ahmadi, who also looked disconcerted against the bouncers, will need to fire if the tourists are to reach 200. Noor Ali Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Samiullah Shenwari, Mohammed Nabi, Naib and Afsar Zazai will
need to demonstrate more courage against the West Indies fast bowlers. The injured Miguel Cummins was replaced by Rovman Powell for the second game and Kesrick Williams has been called up as cover. Williams is expected to replace Shannon Gabriel who was reported as not too well yesterday. The pace pack of 20year-old Alazzari Joseph, Holder and Williams and or Powell, should form a potent attack and will be complimented by offspinner Ashley Nurse. Pacer Dawlat Zadran bowled fast and along with Khan could again make life difficult for the West Indians. Can Khan spoil the West Indians party? His leg-spin and googlies have befuddled the batsmen and he leads the wicket takers in the two games. His 7-18 is only bettered by Chuminda Vass, the only bowler with eight wickets in an ODI (8-19), Shahid Afridi (7-12) and Glen McGrath (7-15). Khan followed up his first match showing with 326 and only Hope with 48, played him with any level of certainty as the batsmen were consistently mesmerized by his googlies. Khan will play for the Amazon Warriors in the CPL and seems virtually unplayable but the other (Continued on page 31)
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 14, 2017
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Harold ‘Top Gun’ Hopkinson excels at Grenada National HandGun Championship
Harold Hopkinson in action with his CZ Shadow 2 in Grenada.
Hopkinson with Regional Directors from left, Duane Noel Grenada, Andrea Lee Kim - T&T and Kevin Grant – Barbados. Ve t e r a n m a r k s m a n H a r o l d ‘ To p G u n ’ Hopkinson, returned from Grenada beaming where he represented the Guyana NRA Smallbore Section and IPSC Guyana with distinction, having participated in the Grenada Gun and Rifle Association’s Second Annual six Stage, Level 2 IPSC competition, held at the associations range. Hopkinson started the precision shooting category placing 7th from 15 seasoned shooters despite
having a zero stage due to not having full functionality of his right hand. In the IPSC sanctioned Level 2 competition, Hopkinson was successful as he won the B Class, topping the senior category. Shooting his newly acquired CZ Shadow 2 for the second time, Hopkinson said he was astonished after placing third overall, over seasoned shooters despite enduring a disastrous first day. The veteran marksman said he had to dig deep and
focus on the second and final day. When the results were read at the presentation held at Dragon Bowling Alley, Hopkinson found out that he was only bested by Barbados’ Regional Director and shooting sensation Keven Grant who won the event, second was Trinidadian Walt Reid. Hopkinson who normally competes in the Super Senior category, designated for persons over 60 years of age, overwhelmed everyone by
winning Stage 6, named “Telephone Call”. Competitors were required to shoot 6 IPSC Targets and 3 plates; these were adorned with Two No Shoot penalty targets. Competitors shot at these whilst confined to a real telephone booth; started with guns unloaded and telephone receiver held to their ear. Hang up without incurring a penalty for dropping the receiver; made a mandatory reload when transitioning through two
portals in the walls of the confined booth. The other stages were, 1Forest Monkey, 2 - 2 part IPSC Classifier, 3 - the Peep Hole, 4 - 60 point 12 round IPSC Classifier and 5 “Breakfast Time”. The championship was attended by competitors from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago. Hopkinson, the lone shooter from Guyana was sponsored by Secure Innovations and Concepts Inc., Guyana’s premier aviation, land and Sea security service.
Meanwhile, Hopkinson and Mohamed Qualander will be representing the Guyana NRA at the IPSC World Shoot to be held in August in France. Hopkinson is publicly expressing gratitude to the Commissioner of Police Mr. Seelall Persaud, DSM and Commissioner General Guyana Revenue Authority Mr. Godfrey Statia, for expediting the necessary permits for the smooth export and import of his firearms used in these competitions.
GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 tourney
Anderson century boosts U-17s, Chatura hits 50, 5-wkt hauls for Sinclair, Simpson Middle order batsman Kevlon Anderson struck a fine century to put the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) U-17 select XI in a comfortable position against Essequibo when the third and final round GCB/Handin-Hand inter county U-19 three-day tournament commenced yesterday. Anderson anchored the GCB select U-17 innings with courageous batting as he shared in a sixth-wicket stand of 77 with Pradesh Balkishun to rescue his side after they were reduced to 68-5, batting fist at Eve Leary. Anderson slammed 13 fours and faced 287 balls to remain unbeaten on 101,
Kevlon Anderson while Balkishun was dismissed for 24 as the GCB select U-17 team finished on 167-6. Mahendra Persaud
Ramnarine Chatura claimed 2-20, while there was a wicket each for Joel Fortune, Joshua Jones, Sheldon Charles and Lesley Allen.
Keith Simpson
At Everest, Demerara were bowled out in the final session for 190 after they decided to bat against Berbice.
Bhaskar Yadram and Raymond Perez started positively as they added 47 for the opening stand before Perez was bowled by Keith
Kevin Sinclair Simpson for 17, playing across a full length delivery. Left arm spinner Simpson then removed Joshua (Continued on page 31)
t r o Sp
Warriors ride Durant to beat Cavaliers and clinch NBA title
The victory marks the second time the Warriors have claimed the title in three years and fans joined the party. (Getty Images)
Digicel Schools Football Championship
LTI crush PLI 9-2 to move on -more matches scheduled for today A player from Leonora Technical Institute (red jersey) dribbles past his marker during their clash against Professional Learning Institute yesterday.
Windies favoured to win series tonight 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