Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 14, 2018

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

EDITORIAL

REMEMBERING WALTER RODNEY On his 38th death anniversary yesterday, friends and colleagues of the late Dr. Walter Anthony Rodney gathered to remember and honor his life and contributions. A product of Guyana and the Caribbean, Rodney gave hope to thousands and provided inspiration to millions. He believed that it was possible for all of Guyana’s diverse groups to live in harmony. A scholar and activist, Rodney put his individual gifts to the service of the masses, acknowledging that his achievements were made possible by the sacrifices of the working peoples of Guyana and the Caribbean. Born into a working-class family, Rodney was committed to social justice and equality for the downtrodden. Dr. Rodney is remembered most for his tireless crusade against dictatorial governance and his firm belief that such governance could be checked by a multiethnic movement of the working people. The mobilization of people across ethnicity and social class in defense of their fundamental rights ran counter to the agenda of the then rulers. It brought to the fore the inherent contradictions in Guyana’s politics and society. His supporters believe that his death resulted from a politics of revenge and malice and a desire by the rulers of the day to monopolize power as an end itself was beyond doubt. But people who knew him and associated with him believed that he initiated his own demise by moving explosives. Rodney attended the nation’s premier high school, Queen’s College, where he became a skillful debater, and the University of the West Indies (UWI) in Jamaica, where he graduated with honors in History. He won the Faculty of Arts prize at UWI. He earned his PhD in African History in 1966 at the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London at age 24. His dissertation on the slave trade on the Upper Guinea Coast, was published by the Oxford University Press in 1970 titled: A History of the Upper Guinea Coast 1545-1800. His most famous book, “How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, was widely acclaimed for its originality and its challenge to the conventional wisdom of the slavery. Today, there is still no clear evidence as to who is responsible for the death of the revolutionary Walter Rodney at age 38. It is widely believed that his assassination was orchestrated by the PNC government. The late Walter Rodney worked untiringly to uplift and empower the poor and to end racial divide in the country. He fought for the masses, even though they were locked into party loyalty and solidarity. He wanted to free them from the racial and repressive politics which had engulfed their lives. He was a visionary and transformative leader who shunned opportunistic politics. His ideas transcended the petty party politics. Rodney was well known internationally as an activist and a scholar. He taught at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and at UWI in Jamaica before he was declared persona non grata in October, 1968 by Jamaica’s Prime Minister Hugh Shearer. What followed was a series of violence, dubbed the Rodney riots, which caused the deaths of many and millions of dollars in property damage. They triggered an increase in political awareness across the region. Rodney returned to the University of Dar es Salaam to teach before returning to Guyana to lecture at the University, but was barred. Not having a job, Rodney became involved in active politics. He co-founded the Working People’s Alliance party that at the time provided the most effective and credible opposition to the PNC government. At the time of his death, he was in the process of developing an indigenous economic development model to help the countries of the region overcome imperialism and dependency.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.

I find it unfortunate that this issue has to play out in the media DEAR EDITOR, “Owners of the ambitious MovieTowne mall are complaining of the red tape in getting business done, yesterday appealing for help from Government. Speaking shortly before a guided tour of parts of the Tu r k e y e n , E a s t C o a s t Demerara complex yesterday, Guyana-born Chairman, Derek Chin, made it clear that he badly wants the facilities here up and running. However, there seems to be no point person here to deal with the project.” This is a quote from a news article in Wednesday’s edition of Kaieteur News. This news is not good for promoting an enabling investment climate. Notwithstanding that this project was initiated under the former government and that the land might have been sold to Chin below market price, the current Government should not frustrate, or allow its agencies to frustrate the process. Jobs are going to be created here and Guyana’s

entertainment and food options will enjoy international brands. What the current government should have been doing is talking to Chin about investing with small farmers, with government, with small manufacturers in ventures that are needed to support the operations of the complex. Most of the food being offered at this complex should be sourced locally through a reliable supply arrangement that would ensure the required quality vegetables, plantains, fruit, eggs, meat, peppers etc. I would like to suggest to the Government that it immediately enters into discussions with Chin to move this project along while encouraging him to look at putting in place mechanisms to provide for local farmers/manufacturers to be contract suppliers of quality produce and products. There are those on social media who point to the fact that there is a case in the

Courts against Messrs. Singh and Brassington regarding the sale of government land and other assets below market value to various companies and investors including Chin. This is a fact. But nowhere, at least up to now, has Chin been accused of any wrongdoing. My understanding of the charges brought so far against the two former government operatives are not for receiving cutbacks or any bribes from Chin or anyone else. There is no injunction, or application for an injunction before the Court to halt this project. Unless and/or until Mr. Chin is alleged, let alone is charged with having been involved in any corrupt act concerning this project, the Government of Guyana must continue to facilitate through discussion and negotiation, in keeping with the agreement he has signed, the development of this investment. He signed an agreement with the Government of Guyana, not the PPP/C.

If on the other hand, the government has suspicion or evidence of wrongdoing on Mr. Chin’s part, then it should so inform him. It is no secret that governments around the world, including Guyana under President Hoyte, sold land and distressed companies to investors below market value so as to save and modernize those companies. The incentives offered are usually dependent on the level of investment to be made and the contribution of the activity to the socioeconomic development including job creation. Many countries have also amended their Alien Land Holding Act to facilitate foreign investment, especially for hotel development and large scale manufacturing. I find it unfortunate that this issue has to play out in the media. Did Mr. Chin and the Private Sector Commission (PSC) exhaust all efforts for a meeting with the Government? Wesley Kirton

Mr. Lewis has failed to meet the standards he has set for other people DEAR EDITOR, There must be a fair playing field in the debates that have an impact on all of Guyana. I say this because there seems to be a trend where there are standards that some people are demanded to meet, while others are given a pass. Mr. Lincoln Lewis’ letter in the Kaieteur News of 11 June, 2018, is one issue that backs up this point. Mr. Lewis argues that Mr. Robeson Benn must produce evidence to back up his claim that the hiring done at GECOM is not done based on merit. Does he have evidence to disprove this? Is he deliberately ignoring that GECOM itself has not produced evidence to disprove this? This is not an issue of race. This is about merit. Why do some people have to be tested twice, if they pass the first test, when others do not? These are facts that are not hard to verify. Is this why some people are trying to make it a race issue? Because they want to change the conversation to something

that is historically contentious? Editor, Mr. Lewis also makes it a point to say that the majority of the staff employed are GECOM are Afro-Guyanese, some 46 per cent of those employed. But he ignores the controversial nature of this statistic itself. The Department of Public Information, last week, q u o t e d G E C O M Commissioner, Vincent Alexander, as saying that GECOM does not record the ethnicities of the staff it employs. So where did the 46 per cent come from? The fact is that the GECOM Chairman, Justice (retired) James Patterson, talked about this 46 per cent twice already, in the Kaieteur News and in the Stabroek News over the weekend. Back to the issue of Mr. Lewis’ call for evidence, I submit that he is setting standards for other people; standards he has failed to meet. Where is the evidence to support his claim that Afro-Guyanese were worse off under the last government? Where is his

evidence to show comparative numbers for land/ and home ownership, business ownership or comparative number for any other areas where AfroGuyanese, like all other

Guyanese, benefited and improved their standard of living? We also cannot forget that Mr. Lewis joined the bandwagon of those making (Continued on page 06)

Beyoncé Ross was left for dead DEAR EDITOR, It is sad that I must use this harsh description, but the unbelievable reality is that the government left young cyclist Beyoncé Ross for dead. Mind you, this is a government I support, voted for in 2015 and will do so again in 2020, given that the other political party is not an option. Yet I ache to say that the change myself and other desperate Guyanese had voted for is slow and seems almost non-existent, especially when it comes to issues regarding equality to the underprivileged and less wealthy. I was brought to tears, and am still very upset even as I pen this letter at the failure of

the Ministry and State entities responsible for the development of sports and athletes in this country. Reports said this young woman was suffering for months, but none of the agencies came to her aid. I blame the government for being slow to intervene in a situation which was so brilliantly highlighted by the media and still no one in authority moved to act. Now she is dead in the very same week when we are told that a Minister is being flown overseas for medical treatment paid for by the State. Clearly here, all men and women are equal, but some are more equal than others. Naresh Singh

Thursday June 14, 2018

Hire primarily on race and secondarily on merit … DEAR EDITOR, With allegations against the employment practice of GECOM raised, the issue of race has surfaced again. Race is the foundation of Guyana’s life and existence and it is always a good and honorable thing to talk about. There could be nothing worse than equating race with that more well-known four-letter word for which talk is confined to prurient environments only. Both PPP and PNC have filled and will fill positions with people of their own racial kind. There is nothing new and controversial about this and it should alarm no one. This is the stuff our politics is made of. It seems that it has been going on forever. It is a given. The practice is known and accepted, if grudgingly, by all as part of our heritage. Is there any reason to wonder why you vote for the party of your own racial makeup, regardless? There is nothing new under the sun on this score. What is needed is a shockingly new approach to the problem. I will illustrate below the kind of thinking I have in

mind. Lincoln Lewis (SN and KN Letter to the editor, June 11, 2018) expressed the need for information regarding, among other things, “the race of the applicants who applied to fill the vacancies [at GECOM].” An even more important statistic would be the race of the applicants who did not apply because they knew they would be denied based on their race. This later statistic might reveal there is no need for statistics at all. Consider too, GECOM’s statement that it hires “according to merit and not ethnic quotas” (SN and KN June 9, 2018). This is the same old same old. There is nothing new or commendable in this well-worn statement. To truly break from the race stranglehold of the past and present, new explorations out of the box are required. In matters of race, jobs are the most important equalizer of man, more important than the right to vote even when voting counts. The civil rights movement in the U.S. became primarily a movement for the right to work. Give a man a

job and he will find freedom and happiness (even if you confiscate his ballot). A better approach would be the complete opposite of GECOM’s: hire primarily on race and secondarily on merit. Of course a well-defined and agreed upon ethnic quota system would have to be in place with standards carefully developed and publicized. Such a scheme would take quite some time and effort to formulate. All stakeholders would be aware of what is going on and no apologies for discrimination on the basis of skin colour would be necessary. Checks and balance would also be in place to ensure the majority ethnic group does not get a disproportionate share. As a multi-racial country, Guyana could become a model and teach the world a unique lesson. I believe with this public and open race-based arrangement the great divide would be addressed head on. Do our leaders have the heart for even considering suggestions of this kind? I despair.My suggestion is not without some (Continued on page 06)

This Government’s vision seems limited DEAR EDITOR, There are many issues affecting this country, our beloved Guyana, and these issues seem unimportant because the nation seems to be brainwashed with the rewards of oil. The rulers’ way of governing is forcing businesses to close or directly shutting down places and causing the unemployment rate to increase drastically, and expenses climb in every house. With their dictatorial attitudes, they are increasing prices without any consultation and telling us that is the right thing to do. For quite a while now, the fuel price has been an issue because of the increase, causing the minibus operators to strike because they know that an increase in fare would be an additional burden to the commuters, and instead of reaching an agreement, the government just ignores this

issue as if it’s not important. One would have expected a reduction in spare parts, tyres etc., just to level out the expense for a minibus owner…but no! This nation will benefit from the oil, so this burden is not important. Now without a doubt, the fares will increase and there’s nothing the commuters can do but to pay the fares - in some cases having to use three different buses or cars, or both, to reach either work or home every day. Some good life! In one of the dallies, we’re seeing the Government signing tougher sanctions against the fishing industry, which I am somewhat in agreement with, and wonder why they had to wait until we got sanctioned and one industry is closing, before acting. And what plans do they have for the pollution that occurs every time the kokers are open. To date, much gar-

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bage is being dumped into the trenches throughout Guyana and there is a tremendous threat to marine life. Are there any plans to combat that? Editor, I must say congratulations to Clinton Urling for opening a branch of the famous German restaurant in America, and which was a feature on one of the TV channels there. With the Guyanese support in promoting that restaurant, I’m sure that could be the next big food chain in America because without a doubt, the soup is indeed excellent - especially if he continues using the traditional Guyanese ingredients. (Continued on page 06)

Time to get serious and stop the scourge of smuggling DEAR EDITOR, Where is Guyana going when it comes to law and order? When will we, as a nation, get serious and stop the scourge of smuggling? Recently, the media reported that two Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officers were shot with pellets by smugglers. From what I read, the two officers were part of a GRA team that attempted to intercept a vehicle and a boat suspected to be operated by smugglers transporting smuggled chicken and alcohol at Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara. Smuggling has taken root as a nasty part of Guyana’s underground trade. The authorities were so slack in dealing with this crime that filthyrich ‘fat cat’ smugglers move freely in our society rubbing shoulders with certain members of high society and running fake businesses as fronts for their illegal activities. These ‘big shot’ smugglers plus a swarm of smalltime hustlers doing the same wickedness do not give two hoots that their crimes cost Guyana countless millions of dollars in funds for social development. This loss deprives law-abiding citizens of muchneeded benefits like improved health care, better education, proper roads and infrastructure etc. People hell bent on gorging themselves on the proceeds from crime have been smuggling fuel, gold, food, electronic equipment, alcohol, cigarettes and much more across Guyana’s borders for decades. Much talk and some anti-smuggling campaigns have done little to slow them down, much less stop them. I know of a businessman who imports motor vehicles and who is well known to be a fuel smuggler who passes his illegally imported fuel through the Linden/

Soesdyke Highway area. The authorities intercepted the ship of another known smuggler, a popular businessman. I heard that the smuggled fuel was dumped into the river creating havoc with the environment, especially marine life. Desperadoes for wealth seem bereft of shame while they go along their merry way, smuggling as much as they want. And because of vast wealth smugglers have acquired, they can easily bribe officials and control the justice system. Smuggling in Guyana reached its zenith in the 1970s when the Government of the day banned essential goods such as flour, onion, garlic, corned meat and salt. Even sugar was being imported in those days. In those days, many people believed that the External Trade Bureau was controlling imports at the behest of the then Government and many basic commodities were not readily available. Therefore, many citizens turned to smuggling to get essential goods for themselves and for resale. The government back then obviously meant well and did not realise the extent to which people would go in order to get essential consumer items. Today, even though all these goods are available to everyone in great abundance, the reality of smuggling remains and it is a thriving business. I wonder how many businesses base their operations solely on smuggled goods. I believe the number is higher than most people think. If a

significant number of local businesses operate in this way right now, then bringing smuggling to an immediate halt will have a devastating impact on the business community and, by extension, the economy. It’s worth a study. That is why it is important to get a clear understanding of the magnitude of the problem and act now before it’s too late. Smugglers pay no tariffs or taxes. Therefore, they undermine legitimate businesses that not only pay all tariffs, but also pay NIS and other legitimate operating expenses, thereby contributing to the coffers of this nation and enabling our governments to provide us with services that are essential to our people’s well being. Guyana is getting strong warning signals about the possible disastrous impact of smuggling from what is taking place elsewhere in the world. The Financial Gazette reported this year that smuggling into Zimbabwe is hurting the nation’s economy, and many companies have collapsed due to the economic challenges made worse by smuggling. Pakistan has a flourishing (Continued on page 06)

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Nursing situation not untenable merely sustainable DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to shed or spread some light in response to the concerns expressed by Shaline Singh Kaieteur News, June 13, — “An untenable nursing situation”. However, before the hand reaches for the holster, allow me to state that my input is in no way intended to be viewed as a dismissal or belittling of the issue at hand, but rather one of enlightenment, from a health care administrative professional with four decades-plus experience, spanning three major countries, and a secondary school teacher with the same time period of experience, both occupations concomitantly held. In like manner as the questions posed by the complainant, answers to the following questions are being elicited—sought: When the Nurse Midwife was appointed Ward Sister, was the available position specifically for Night Duty, or was this position created to

accommodate her and her extra employment during the day? Were there any other applicants (not citizens) affected by this appointment decision? If so, were any complaints voiced? If not, Why? A probationary period usually follows administrative appointments, thereby allowing employer and employee to see if they are a good fit, and to facilitate matters if a termination is indicated. Are the two areas of employment inter-related? Are the day job and the night job for the same employer? What is her employee status at the National Insurance Scheme? Regarding working extended hours, the Labour Law is very clear as to the sequelae and accompanying hazards, especially as it pertains to nurses and the working environment. Have there been any reports of mal-performance on the part of this staffer, bearing in mind that she is only working her ex-

From page 05 parallel economy based on goods smuggled from Iran, Afghanistan and China. The annual volume of the Afghan transit trade alone is estimated at over billions of dollars. The World Bank reportedly estimated revenue loss as a result of this illegal trade at US$35Bln from 2001 to 2009. Every year, the Philippines Government loses billions to smuggling, which puts an extreme burden on the island chain’s legitimate economy. Smuggling can also destabilise nations. Just take a look at some African countries where the smuggling of diamonds (blood diamonds) has fueled civil wars. Guyanese unknowingly or knowingly buy smuggled commodities because they are cheap, which boosts this underground trade. Those who knowingly buy smuggled goods might think that smuggling is not so bad, or that it is just a ques-

tion of bypassing paying duties and accessing commodities at cheap prices that they can sell back at a higher profit margin. But I believe smuggling is on par with illegal drugs. Smugglers love a nation where anarchy reigns, where bullying and criminality are on top, so they can make tons of money. They are capable of many criminal acts to get their way and are even capable of incorporating money laundering, human trafficking and drug dealing activities as part of their trade.Smugglers can be vicious. Think about what happened with the GRA officials. The smugglers did not want to be stopped and were prepared to do anything, even injure or kill, to avoid arrest. We cannot allow this to continue in our country. We are already saddled with numerous challenges that we are struggling to grapple with. This is not the first time smugglers have shot at GRA officials. Thank God the inju-

pected hours of duty at West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) — Region #3? The extended working hours involve another working milieu. On the issue of assumption, I am certain that the complainants are aware of what assumptions are capable of doing. Basically they are dangerous things to make, foolish acts in the absence of all the facts. Was there any time spared in endeavouring to elicit information as to whether or not there is documented evidence of this Ward Sister sleeping on duty. From the time of her appointment to current date, has her job performance met stated expectations? What say her employers? What say her working colleagues, those who fall under her leadership? It would be of interest to note where this inquiry eventually leads or whose ox it gores, as the complaint is blatantly void of substantive facts. It however appears to be replete with serious issues reposing under those actually brought to the fore. Yvonne Sam

The time has come when we should be denied no more DEAR EDITOR, We, the members of the Hauraruni community, would like to share a story of a tragic moment with your readers. It was a sad morning for us on Tuesday 12th June, 2018, when we were awakened to witness one of our most cherished buildings, the Hauraruni Multi-Purpose Hall, in flames. Our hearts were filled with sadness and our eyes with tears, but this didn’t stop our unity in fighting to contain the fire. Men and women, boys and girls rushed from their homes with buckets in an effort to throw water, while some took the risk of using ladders to access the roof of the building in an attempt to contain the fire. It is only because of our unity and courageousness that we were able to save about sixty percent of the said building. Millions went up in flames, yet we are thankful that there were neither injuries nor casualties. Nevertheless, what was even more heartrending is to realize that after contacting the Guyana Fire Service - located approximately 20 minutes away from our location that came to our rescue, the tender was unable to reach the location all because of a bad access road leading in to the community from the Linden Highway. Questions were raised among community

members as it relates to why they are being denied by the Government of Guyana to grant their request which was made via letters and meetings with government officials after being established as a community over 30 years. For too long we have been witnessing other communities less populated than us who also have been established decades after us - are having proper access roads, which we know for a fact is of a bigger budget compared to the estimated budget for our road. (Our road is approximately one and a half kilometres long)To the Minister and Ministry of Public Infrastructure, we would like to inform you that we have not been a violent people who protest. Thus, we are calling on you this day to open your ears and listen to us, and open your eyes and look at us, for the time has come when we should be denied no more, and our plea should be granted for a proper access road as citizens of this country. Given the fact that our community comprises an all-age school, a girls’ home, a health centre, a Missionary Training Centre, it clearly shows that we are a community preparing our people (nation) for a better Guyana. Thanks in anticipation for your consideration in meeting us and moving forward. Sincerely yours, Members of Hauraruni Community

This sort of public campaign is not likely to be very helpful Time to get serious and stop...

Mr. Lewis has failed... From page 04 unfounded assertions about Afro-Guyanese having died as a result of extra-judicial killings under the last government. But he did not say anything when the very list of 400 Afro-Guyanese was reviewed and when the very list exposed the lies being told. That list had the names of police officers, army officers, civilians, businesspeople and

even criminals – people of all races. Where is the list of 400 innocent Afro-Guyanese men who were killed? Why has Mr. Lewis failed to substantiate something he subscribes to?In calling for constructive and structured means of addressing issues, Mr. Lewis exposes the fact that he has failed in this very regard. Sincerely, David Williams

ries to the GRA officers were not life-threatening. I wish them speedy recovery and hope they resume their duties fearlessly, when they are healed. Obviously, the team members were not cowards; actually they were very professional in their approach to these criminals. Thankfully, arrests were made. Kudos to the officers and to GRA for having such committed personnel in the law enforcement department. I suggest that we set up an intelligence-gathering network around the country. This network can particularly target smuggling hotbeds such as Charity, Corriverton, Anna Regina, Mon Repos and Mahaicony. GRA’s last operation up to the time of this letter was at Bee Hive, which the authority said is known to be a popular drop-off point for smugglers. So we already know the hotbeds.Our intelligence network could set up sting operations with officers infiltrating smuggling rings by pretending to be wholesalers or vendors willing to buy smuggled commodities. The GRA and Police can also set up a hotline to facilitate getting anonymous tips that would lead to the arrest of smugglers. Also, a reasonable reward can be offered in exchange for any information leading to the identification and arrest of smugglers. Sincerely, Roshan Khan Snr.

DEAR EDITOR, I read in the Kaieteur News, June 13, 2018, the headline “MovieTowne owner decries red tape in US$40M Turkeyen investment,’ describing the frustration of the Developers of MovieTowne, with the oblique support or sanction of my friends, the Leaders of Grants of Trade, Industry and Commerce. I say to them the following: This sort of public campaign is not likely to be very helpful. Second, they must

know that Post into 10th May, the Government is now led by a decent and upright person. Third, that some of the misappropriate messages used are not possible. Next, every system on earth including their own Trading Industry and Commerce can admittedly have tedious bureaucracies. My advice is that they instead of going to the Media to lecture us on Guyana’s potential, which we are aware of, they should make a demarche to the appropriate political persons or

Ministers. The Coalition, indeed all Guyana, is aware of our great potential and no sane or intelligent group of Leaders as we have today would deliberately set out to throttle development in Guyana, especially so within the environment of the Capital City, Georgetown. And my good friends, I respect must know that this Government is unlikely to make decisions at ‘Cocktail Parties’ or ‘Evening Excursions.’ Hamilton Green

This Government’s vision seems limited... From page 05 Guyana is indeed blessed nation with a tremendous amount of resources that, once utilized, we could earn a decent reward. But with a government whose eyes seem bigger than their vision, I am sure we cannot capitalize, because only the oil seems important to them. From the time we were sanctioned or even before, we had dried shrimp and fish that is on demand all over locally, especially in the interior, and used in many types of food that could have been marketed overseas. There’s many things that we have that the world doesn’t know about - except when hearing about them from fellow Guyanese or tourists - that could make a tremendous impact, and we could earn a lot if marketed,

but this Government’s vision seems limited and help from it seems fruitless. I guess you have to be established to get their attention. The dried fish and shrimp business should be considered, because many countries could use products like that, especially those that are prone to disaster. Canning of fish and shrimp locally is another area that should be considered. We have a lot of vegetables that could be canned also, but we are not hearing any plans about that, instead we are importing canned vegetables even though the exact vegetables are grown here. While all those businesses were closing, this government should have approached the management and explored the possibilities

available. But oh, they don’t care. Their way of governing is causing businesses to close. Such is the good life. Sahadeo Bates

Hire primarily... From page 05 bit of precedent. I think the United States experimented with such an enterprise with its affirmative and quota legislations of the 1960s and 70s. I have always rated these acts by the U.S. Government as more revolutionary than anything you will find in the radical history of the Soviet Union or Western Europe. P. D. Sharma Los Angeles, CA

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Thursday June 14, 2018

Four suspected smugglers heading to court for shooting Customs officers

Belle West main road repairs

The section under rehabilitation.

Arrested: Ravindra Ramdeo

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our men from East Coast Demerara are to be placed before the courts following the shooting of two Customs officers during an antismuggling operation last week. According to the Guyana Revenue Authority, its officers with the assistance of the Guyana Police Force, apprehended four persons in connection with the shooting of two Law Enforcement and Investigation (LEID) Officers at Beehive, East Coast Demerara. The persons arrested are Ravindra Ramdeo of Lot 217 Section D Non Pareil, East Coat Demerara; Stephon Motielal and Trevor Motielal of Lot 30 Greenfield Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara and Andrew Motielal of Lot 11– 12 Helena, Mahaica. The last three appeared

Arrested: Trevor Motielal to be related. GRA explained, in its statement yesterday, that on Thursday, June 7, 2018, three LEID officers were the target of gunfire during an antismuggling operation in Bee Hive, East Cost Demerara. “Two of the officers sustained injuries and were subsequently treated at a private hospital. The perpetrators are expected to appear in court shortly to answer to a number of charges.” GRA Head, Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia, said over the weekend that he is taking the matter seriously as the staffers were carrying out their duties. Stretches of the East Coast Demerara and Corentyne, Berbice are known for its easy landing by smugglers. Over the years,

Arrested: Ravindra Motielal smuggling activities, aid by the blind eye of some Customs officers, reached new heights with foodstuff, car parts, chicken and alcohol and even television sets, among hot demands. However, GRA has been carrying out more intelligence-driven stakeouts, seizing huge quantities of chicken and alcohol in recent times. In the case of Bee Hive, it was reported that LEID officials received word of a boat landing on the East Coast of Demerara. They visited a home where the men in a car opened fire on the GRA officers. Two of the Officers received wounds from shotgun pellets. The GRA officials reportedly returned fire and it is suspected that at least one member of the smugglers’ gang received a wound.

Residents also want this part done Residents of Belle West, Canal # 2, West Bank Demerara are appealing to the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to consider the rehabilitation of a part of the Main Access Road. Currently, there is a contract for a part of the main road that will see rehabilitation for about 1400 feet by 14 feet.

However, residents say that current section being repaired stops at the point where homes are located. Beyond that, the road is in a ter-

ribly shape. They are asking that the ministry consider the additional piece as the contractor is already on the ground.

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Thursday June 14, 2018

‘Nasty Man’ murder trial… PPP seeks early hearing of Appeal over GECOM chairmanship Mom recounts finding shot son lying in drain

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he People’s Pro gressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is pushing for an early hearing of the appeal of the High Court decision over the appointment of the Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM) chairman. An application filed on behalf of PPP executive member, Zulfikar Mustapha, outlined the party’s concern as it relates to the timeframe in which the matter should be heard. In the application, the PPP executive noted that given that the Minister responsible for Local Government Elections has publicly signaled that these will be held by December 2018, and National and Regional Elections by August 2020, it is in the national and public interest, that this appeal be heard and determined as early as is reasonably possible. However, regardless of how the Appeal Court rules, the applicant expressed that there is every likelihood that the decision of Court would be appealed to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). “In the circumstances, that the State (Respondent)

PPP Executive member Zulfikar Mustapha can hardly claim to suffer any prejudice or injustice by an early resolution of the issues raised in this appeal and indeed it would be in the best public and national interest that they support this application.” The applicant had expressed concern that among other things, Chief Justice (Roxane George-Wiltshire S.C. misconstrued and misinterpreted the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Attorney-at-law Anil Nandlall is leading the legal team which is asking the Court of Appeal to overturn her recent ruling concerning the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). The appeal was filed last week. It is challenging President David Granger’s unilateral appointment of 84-yearold Justice (Rtd) James Patterson as Chairman of GECOM. The appointment was made on October 19, last year. The challenge, which had engaged the Courts for some time, was on Friday, last, dismissed by the CJ, although she found that the President should have given reasons for his rejection of the nominees submitted by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo. She ruled that the President enjoys the right to reject the list of names provided by Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo, and unilaterally appoint someone from the judicial category as Chairman of GECOM, as outlined in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of Guyana. The appeal concentrated on 14 grounds. Lawyers for (Continued on page 22)

Lorraine Griffith, the mother of Dexter Griffith who was shot and killed in 2015 at Warlock, was called to testify yesterday, when a trial into the murder of her son commenced before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Georgetown.Delon Henry, now 26, is on trial for the murder before a 12-member mixed jury. He was charged for another murder before. The allegation is that on September 29, 2015, Henry murdered Griffith, formerly of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara.Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt, who are presenting the case for the State are expected to call 13 witnesses, among them police ranks.According to Prosecutor Schmidt, on the day in question Henry shot and killed Griffith. The first witness called by the State was Lorraine, who recounted her final moments with her son, whom she said would frequently visit her home to leave his young daughter in her care. The mother told the court that about 17:30hrs on the tragic day, she was sitting in front of her gate, from where

MURDER ACCUSED: Delon Henry MURDERED: Dexter Griffith she watched her son played a game of football. The witness recounted that after playing the sport; her son took a shower and was preparing to leave her home when someone called out for him. She said that Dexter walked up the road to ‘Warlock’, an area in East Ruimveldt, where she later met with him to tell him that his daughter was crying. While there, she recalled that a man called ‘Gun butt’ rode up alongside her son and inquired about one ‘Delon.’

Lorraine added that she heard what appeared to be gunshots minutes after she walked off from the scene. She said that she next saw people running away from the scene. According to the woman, she inquired from her son’s reputed wife about what had happened and she was informed that her son was shot.Lorraine disclosed that she ran to the alleyway where she saw her son lying in a drain with numerous gunshot wounds. She added that her son was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Coporation, where he died. This trial continues this morning.

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 14, 2018

Rodney was a victim of a malformed state

T

he findings of the prematurely con cluded Rodney Commission of Inquiry should not come as a surprise. Those findings are no different from what has long been known in Guyana,: that Forbes Burnham and the then Guyana military were involved in the death of Dr. Walter Rodney. The premature end to the inquiry disallowed the Commissioners, all respected jurists, to probe deeper and to make rulings about who distributed guns to the enemies of the Working People’s Alliance, Rodney’s party. The fact that the Commission had to fold up its work so quickly precluded the continued cross-

examination or recall of some witnesses. The Commission had deferred testimony from a former Crime Chief since they wanted to be able to question him on the totality of the evidence received rather than calling him and then having to call him back to be questioned again on some evidence which would have been given subsequent to his first time on the stand. There have been, predictably, attempts to attack the credibility of the Commission. The Commission did explain, lengthily, the reasons for the adoption of flexibility in terms of the nature of evidence. Those explanations are now conveniently being ignored.

The flexibility was necessary because of the lengthy duration between the death of Rodney and the convening of the Commission of Inquiry. But excuses have to be found and attempts made to discredit the report of the Commissioners and to impugn their integrity. Those are old political tricks that are practiced in Guyana. They fool no one. Laying the blame on state violence is an attempt at whitewashing the findings of the Commission and reducing the effect of the impact of the findings of the COI on the reputation of Burnham and the PNC. It is an attempt to say that it is not the PNC or

DEM BOYS SEH

You deeds dem pun de internet

People don’t know wha dem do till some of dem try to get a visa. Dem underestimate wha does deh in de newspaper. Everything that deh in de newspaper does end up on de internet and once it get deh is like tar pun a white shirt. A man get arrested and charge because somebody seh he know how drugs get put pun de plane. He case eventually dismiss but when he go to get a visa de people in de embassy tell him bout this thing, and refuse him. Some of dem dead and gone but dem had de same problem. One police commissioner allow a woman to con him. She mek him do de gods to she and then she holler rape.De embassy people

refuse to give him a visa after that but dem still giving de woman a visa. And she got some men busy in de States. That is why ExxonMobil don’t like wha printing in de newspaper. Everything does go on de internet and it don’t come off. Years later de material still deh pun de internet. Of course, dem boys seh if is nice things de newspaper got Exxon would be happy. But dem boys does hardly seh anything nice and therefore whatever dem seh gone abroad. But this is wheh things does get different. When you got money you really don’t have a problem. And when you is American you only have a problem when you behave bad in Europe.

Exxon got a way of paying money to people to do and seh nice things about it. A certain reporter got Exxon every morning pun de radio talking bout demself and saying nice things. De only thing is that few people does hear. Dem boys notice that a gold company doing de same thing. It does cook and feed some old people and get publicity in de newspaper. But wha dem boys talk does erase all dem publicity. That is why dem must treat de Guyanese people very good. When dem do that good things gun go pun de internet. Talk half and know that you deeds deh pun de internet

Burnham who were the problem but it was state violence. This is an attempt to exculpate the PNC and Burnham from blame for Rodney’s death. There will be more such attempts in the future. The problem is not simply state violence. Rodney’s death was caused by a state that was malformed. The state that killed Rodney was a specific type of state that has known no parallel either before or after – and this includes the so-called criminalized state that was said to have existed under the PPP. The state was a militarized state. There was no latent external threat to the State. The Protocol of Port of Spain had neutralized any physical threat from Venezuela. Yet the military and paramilitary agencies of the State were being expanded. Why because force was needed to keep people in check. The state in Guyana was a subsidiary state. It was inferior to the ruling party. Public officials were required to swear loyalty to the ruling party. Party officials used to run roughshod over government ministries. The party card was more influential than academic qualifications in obtaining a job in the state sector. The party itself had

declared itself superior and above the state. The state was an undemocratic state. Elections were blatantly and shamelessly rigged. The option for democratic change was therefore made nonexistent. Democratic expression was suppressed. Radio was exclusively controlled by the state. There were no private daily newspapers. Criticisms of the government were muted and met with violent suppression. The state was an authoritarian state. There were similar states in Latin America. It was moving towards becoming a totalitarian state but this collapsed in 1985 when Burnham died. he state was in crisis. The PNC introduced two new industrial relations new concepts: redeployment and retrenchment. One meant that if you were an office worker you were transferred to do bluecollar work. The other was a nice way of telling you that you were dismissed. There was mass retrenchment and constructive dismissals through redeployment. The state had no food. Guyanese had long been accustomed to standing in lines for food items since the early 1970’s. But by the time Rodney returned to Guyana

things had begun to get worse. The lines were longer and were for more items. Horse guards had to be deployed to control the public. What is happening in Venezuela today is a joke to what Guyanese went through prior to and after Rodney’s death. The state was being emptied. Recently declassified documents by the United States point to the fact that the US embassy in Guyana was extremely concerned about the steep rise in non- immigrant visas in 1978, two years prior to the death of Walter Rodney. These documents suggested that the Canadians and British consulates were under similar pressure. There was a mass exodus of persons from Guyana in those days. Rodney’s death was not just about state violence. Violence was the means by which a deformed state propped itself up from threats. Rodney was a victim of malformed state, the PNC state of 1966.

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 14, 2018

THE FREDDIE KISSOON === The Freddie Kissoon column === COLUMN

This happens when a country is a 10th rate banana republic Let’s have a conversation. At the end of the exchange, I will total up the calls and emails I get, and publish the results for and against. I have given my home address, email address, and mobile and land line numbers in some of my columns based on what I argued in those articles. Here are my personal details again. Home – 47 Area Q, Turkeyen. Emailfredkissoon@yahoo. com. Cell – 614-5927. Landline – 222-1615/222-1616. Let’s start the conversation. Contact me and answer yes or no to the following question. Two female Jamaican teenagers organized to have their father killed in his Toronto home. The elder of the two girls lured the father into the kitchen where her

boyfriend axed him several times. The younger teenager was part of the complicity. The boyfriend arranged for his pal to transport the body where it was simply dumped on the roadside like a dead snake that the village boys battered to death. Three are charged for murder; the transporter with accessory to murder. The boyfriend pleads guilty. He gets 12 years. The transporter does the same and gets two. The Jamaican government then negotiates with the Canadian DPP to drop the charges so they can take the teens back to Jamaica to have them taken care of. Canada agrees. The Canadians inform the press that since the two men admitted to the killing there was no need to proceed with the murder charge

against each teen.Here is my question. Do you think Canada would have said yes to Jamaica, you can take the teenagers? Here is another question. Transfer the exact circumstances to the US where the teenagers are Guyanese. Do you think the district attorney for the particular state where the crime was committed would have agreed to the request of the Guyana Government? I will publish the yes versus no results. This crime drama presents a tantalizing curiosity. The DPP was within her legal rights to discontinue the case against the teenagers but can the DPP do whatever she wants even if the dimensions of her decision have troubling implications for the social fabric of Guyana? My

curiosity takes me back 30 years ago to Judge Barnwell versus Chief Magistrate Claudette La Bennett. The magistrate accused the judge of interference in a case before her. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) wrote President Hoyte, who initiated an inquiry. Barnwell was removed based on the recommendation of the inquiry. From that case, it seems to me that a complaint has to be lodged with the JSC. But here is where my confusion comes in. In the Barnwell situation the complainant was a high judicial officer and the JSC acted. Will the JSC act if a member of the public alleges that a judicial officer committed a legal impropriety? The DPP has the status of a judge and I am assuming that she is subject to the same disciplinary procedures that apply to our judges.It was this state of confusion that deterred me from asking the JSC to inves-

tigate Chief Magistrate, Ann McLennan, when she fined a woman instead of jailing her for conviction of trafficking in person. A guilty verdict carries a prison term. When Chancellor Carl Singh was head of the JSC, I wrote that body asking for an inquiry into the conduct of Magistrate Judy Latchman who denied bail to an accused even though the prosecution had said in open court that she was the wrong person charged. For me this was blurring the vital priceless distinction between a prosecutor who has a natural bias and a judge who legally is neutral. One day, out of the blues, I received a letter from Chancellor Singh that stated that there is no impropriety by the magistrate thus, no reason for the JSC to inquire. That decision changed my attitude to any willingness I had to make complaints against judicial officers to the JSC.Since Barnwell versus La

Frederick Kissoon Bennett, I know of no JSC action against a sitting judge. It begs the question under what circumstances can you make a formal complaint against the DPP. I know from the reporting of this newspaper the DPP’s explanation that proceedings against the two teenagers were discontinued because of the guilty plea by the two men. And I know the DPP had the watertight authority to discontinue a criminal matter in the court. What I am unclear about is if an abuse of authority takes place (I am not saying this happened), what redress the lay person has. Could the dead man’s relative file a complaint against the DPP?

Bulk of Govt grant expended on UG oil and gas programme A significant portion of the $100 M grant which the University of Guyana secured last year as part of Government’s effort to help the institution establish an Oil and Gas programme, has been expended. Last year, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the University of Guyana (UG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a $100 million philanthropic education grant for the period 2017-2018. The grant provided the University of Guyana’s, Faculty of Technology with muchneeded equipment for its geology labs, curriculum development, training, outreach, and field research, all linked to the emerging oil and gas sector. It also provided specific allocations for all other facul-

ties for student-centered enhancements at the university. Speaking about the programme, Vice Chancellor of UG Professor Ivelaw Griffith explained that this is one of the university’s most significant grants, with the GGMC. Griffith said that it is an investment by the Government in the institution, in an area critical to the nation’s economy. He said that the project is a result of UG longstanding relationship with GGMC. He highlighted the fact, that many of the commission’s staff through scholarships has received their higher education at the institution. To date, 87% of the finances have been pumped into realising UG’s oil and gas programme. Some $55M was used for equipment and supplies to the Faculty of Technology’s

laboratories, pursued by the GGMC, Some $10 M was expended on training; some $16M was for infrastructural projects through UG. When Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, handed over the first tranche of the funds ($45M) to the Vice Chancellor last year, he noted the government views the initiative as an investment in education, and development.The minister noted that the project is significant since “it represents a renewed and enhanced relationship with the Ministry and GGMC with the University of Guyana,” even as the oil and gas sector develops. Additionally, Trotman said that similar efforts are also needed in the gold and diamond mining sectors as they will not be neglected in the period, post-2020 when oil production begins.

Thursday June 14, 2018

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Turkeyen lands for MovieTowne…

O

wners of the T r i n i d a d headquartered MovieTowne brand are insisting that everything was above board with the 10acres land deal. MovieTowne’s main principal, Derek Chin, who is here to fast-track the Turkeyen project, valued at US$40M, for a possible August opening of the movie theaters. However, the project, which is delayed, is also overshadowed by charges laid against former Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh and former privatization head, Winston Brassington. They were charged in April for overseeing the sale of 10 acres of lands at Turkeyen, located along the

East Coast of Demerara highway.Prosecutors of the police’s Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) are accusing the two former top officials of the previous administration of selling the lands below value. According to the charges, Dr. Singh and Brassington allegedly sold a tract of land, some 10.002 acres a t Plantation Turkeyen, property of the State of Guyana for the sum of $185,037,000, without first having procured a valuation of the said property from a competent valuation officer. Responding to questions during a tour by media and private sector officials of the facilities, Tuesday, Chin insisted that his company is a third party.

Thursday June 14, 2018

Chin defends price paid for property

MovieTowne’s principal, Derek Chin during the tour with the private sector representatives and media workers on Tuesday. He recalled that it was the former Prime Minister Sam Hinds or President Bharrat Jagdeo, who during a visit to Trinidad, fell in love with MovieTowne. He was asked about the possibilities of bringing one to Guyana. He took the plunge.Chin said that he is disinclined to get his

company involved in any kind of “bacchanal”. He said he had initially been told that the land transactions were above board. Acknowledging that the cost of the land may have been $2M, Chin said that about US$1M was paid. For that US$1M, Guyana is now getting a US$40M investments, he stressed. “On our part, we had to deliver.”He said that MovieTowne did not come to speculate but to contribute. In addition to the investments, the project

which has at least a 20-year stay, will be generating significant employments and other activities. Chin argued that it was how investments work. He pointed to “free lands” in St. Vincent and St. Lucia that his company was offered to invest there. Had MovieTowne taken the Turkeyen lands and flipped it for US$5M then the government of Guyana would have been within its rights to take him to the cleaners, Chin said. “Nothing untoward

happened. They were happy I said yes.”He said that his human resource personnel are in Guyana and are recruiting staffers. The long term plans for MovieTowne is to spread its wings in Guyana, using its revenues to invest in other areas right here, Chin said. Chin believed that there are enough legal minds to settle the matter with the lands. He also disclosed that he is being legally advised and there is the hope that it just “goes away”.

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 14, 2018

Security guard tied up, gunmen surrender after standoff with cops

Gun, ammunition, money, phones and other items seized from the bandits. Three armed bandits were captured after quick action by police and residents of Grove, saw them being cornered in a Supermarket they had broken into. They had earlier tied up the security guard. Residents of Grove were awakened yesterday morning around, 04:00 hrs, to calls for help from a security guard attached to the “Number One Supermarket”. The supermarket is located at, 18 Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara. The bandits who accessed the premises from the Demerara River, tied up the 53 year old security guard, with shoe laces and bag straps. They then placed him in a

bathroom at the back of the building before proceeding to the top of the three storey building, via the back steps. As he recalled the incident, the guard said he could hear them breaking glass. He also heard hard clipping sounds like they were cutting the grills. The security guard said that after a few minutes of silence, he thought the bandits were gone, and he freed himself and went for help. Neighbours called the police, who responded promptly with ranks from Grove Police Station. Upon inspection of the premises, the police realized that the bandits were still in

the building. They called for backup which saw more police patrols coming, and surrounding the business. After a 45-minute standoff between police and the bandits, the latter surrendered to police, and were handcuffed and shackled. Police in a statement said, a .38 revolver with six live matching rounds as well as a quantity of phone cards and a sum of cash were found in the suspects’ possession. Two of the suspects, are said to be from Herstelling Sea Dam whilst the other is from Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, Investigations are continuing and charges are to be laid soon.

PAGE 21

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 14, 2018

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Police Commissioner denigrates magistrate “Ya’ll working like a pack of jokers here”, were the words uttered by Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh during the Nakool ‘Fyah’ Manohar and Premnauth ‘Sanbad’ case at the Springlands Magistrate court yesterday. In an immediate response, Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine said that “(the magistrate’s) unfortunate and reckless utterances intended to malign these hardworking Police Officers and our Legal Advisors are as a result of his youthfulness, inexperience and being unschooled”.The Commissioner went on to affirm that the Guyana Police Force Criminal Investigation Department conducted their investigations above the call of duty and with “due diligence” resulting in charges. He said, “It seems quite clear that the Magistrate prob-

ably has an axe to grind against the team of investigators and maybe other police officers .This can be reasonably deduced from the fact that he was subsequently removed from presiding over a very high profile matter of murder in which the very investigators were involved”. Meanwhile according to a police source the police are in receipt of information that “there was corruption afoot when ‘Fyah’ turned up with the robbery charge deh alone”. The source revealed that there were plans to have Manohar placed on bail but the architects were unaware that an additional charge of murder would be instituted. Singh was previously removed from the Faiyaz Narinedat trial following allegations about his conduct in court during the trial.

PPP seeks early ... From page 8 Mustapha argued that the decision of the acting Chief Justice is wrong, misconceived and erroneous in law as it allows the President to reject a list of names submitted to him by the Leader of the Opposition pursuant to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution and make a unilateral appointment of a person of his own choosing.They have argued, too, that the CJ “erred and misdirected” herself in law in construing Article 161 (2) of

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the Constitution of Guyana by failing to give effect to the intentions of the framers of the said Article. They have also argued that the Chief Justice erred and misdirected herself in law when she failed to apply or failed to properly apply the purposive canon of interpretation in construing Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. “The Learned Hearing Judge erred and misdirected herself in law when Her Honour misconstrued and misinterpreted the role of the Leader of the Opposition in Article 161 (2) of the Constitution of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in so far as Her Honour’s interpretation or misinterpretation has reduced the role of the Leader of the Opposition to being merely perfunctory,” the appeal stated.

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(From page 17) inspectorate services and certification of products for export markets,” Dr. Dodson explained.He said the agency wants to work with the various plants to ensure that they are able to meet requirements. “The seafood industry provides a lot of economic benefits for the person directly employed in the industry and the wider economy. We have a responsibility as the competent authority to ensure that what comes out from the establishments guarantee protection and it guarantees that the product is wholesome. “We will have to move in this direction because for us failure on one end has caused a country to be banned,” Dr. Dodson noted.

Thursday June 14, 2018

Kaieteur News

Lawyer fined for failing to render assistance

Attorney-at-law and former Magistrate, Chandra Sohan, was found guilty of failing to render assistance to an injured person, with whom he was involved in an accident. Sohan, whose office is based in Berbice, was convicted and fined for the offence at Albion Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where he faced a trial before Magistrate Renita Singh. According to the charge, on August 4, 2017 on the Williamsburg Corentyne Public road, Sohan drove motor car PJJ 6060, caused an accident and failed to transport the injured person to a nearby medical facility. He was also charged for failing to report the accident and for driving under the influence of alcohol. Last August, Sohan was arrested at his home after he reportedly struck a pedestrian while driving along the Williamsburg Public Road. Reports are that after hitting the individual, Dale Roach, a vagrant known for roaming the streets, the attorney drove off, thus failing to render assistance to the injured man. The man was subsequently picked up and rushed to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital. A breathalyzer test that was carried out on Sohan reportedly showed results that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. Yesterday at the Albion Magistrate Court, Magistrate Renita Singh ordered Sohan to pay a $35,000 fine after he was found guilty of failing to render assistance. However, the other charge was reportedly dismissed against Sohan after the victim refused to offer evidence. The parties reportedly came to a settlement. As it relates to driving under the influ-

Attorney Chandra Sohan ence the court upheld a High Court’s ruling, based on arguments presented by Sohan’s lawyers that the devices being used by the Police to conduct breathalyzer tests for alcohol consumption must be calibrated every six months. The court found that the device used to test Sohan back in August 2017 was not calibrated within six months prior to its use. Last year, Sohan was fined by Magistrate Marissa Mittelholzer for contempt of court. The incident stemmed from the Preliminary Inquiry in the Fayez Narinedatt murder trial. Marcus Bisram is considered the mastermind. The former Magistrate was also arrested for allegedly attempting to pervert the court of justice in relation to the same matter.

Attempted murder accused brawls with policemen in courtroom Pandemonium broke out inside the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court One, which is presided over by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, after an attempted murder accused assaulted police ranks. The man head butted a court orderly, and exclaimed “I’m fed-up. Y’all kill me and done.” Twenty-one-year-old Akeem Lammy of 685 Section ‘B’ Block X Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara, was not required to plead to the charge which alleged that on June 10, last, at Norton Street, Werk-en-rust, with intent to commit murder, he unlawfully wounded Johnny Ramdeen. Police Prosecutor, Gordon Mansfield objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature of the offence and the fact that the victim is still in a serious state with a fractured skull at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). Facts presented by the court prosecutor stated that on June 10, last, the defendant and the victim who are known to each other had an argument. He added that the defendant became annoyed and armed himself with a piece of wood and dealt the victim several lashes about his head. Lammy was then picked up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The Magistrate after listening to the prosecutor ’s submission remanded the defendant to prison. She also ordered that he be placed under the supervision of a probation officer for counseling until the completion of the Preliminary Inquiry (PI). Moments after Lammy heard he was remanded to prison, the court orderly, who was in the process of removing his handcuffs was viciously assaulted. When the court orderly unlocked one of the handcuffs, the defendant erupted, kicking the police ranks about their bodies.

Remanded to prison Akeem Lammy

The Chief Magistrate ordered the court in recess and retired to her chambers. The entire ordeal lasted for about ten minutes; reporters and police officers were locked inside the courtroom. The defendant was still there shouting ‘I want to die; y’all left me let me die. Me ain’t able go in jail.’ It took approximately five police ranks to stabilize and handcuff the defendant who was behaving in a disorderly manner and crying uncontrollably. The defendant’s sister, who was also in the courtroom, ran into the prisoner’s dock in an attempt to calm down her brother. But to her surprise, she received a cuff to her face. The matter was adjourned to June 25, when the defendant will make his next court appearance.

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Thursday June 14, 2018

Opposition calls for release of GuySuCo’s audited accounts The coalition administration is facing renewed calls to release the most recent audited accounts of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) which was completed more than a year ago.Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in a media statement said there has been a resurgence of concerns about the GuySuCo pension scheme which is part of the 2016 GuySuCo audit. “GuySuCo’s audited accounts for 2016 was completed almost one year ago. However, it has not yet been tabled in Parliament,” Jagdeo pointed out. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) called on the government to table the audited accounts and come clean to the Parliament on the many important issues. Jagdeo pointed to reports which indicated that GuySuCo’s 2016 audited financial statements disclosed a huge unfunded pension liability of over $30B. He stated that no-one in Government is speaking publicly about this or engaging the Unions and the

workers. “The largest pension plan in the country, the largest employer, a major un-funded pension liability, and no one in Government seems willing to talk about it. Yet they are proceeding at a rapid pace to strip GuySuCo of its assets,” Jagdeo stated. He stated that tens of thousands of people could be hurt, but the Government seems oblivious to telling the people affected what they plan to do.There were deep concerns about the state of the fund, despite hundreds of millions of dollars being deducted for pension, NIS and taxes. In some cases it was discovered that GuySuCo did not remit the monies. Earlier this year, GuySuCo says that it has delayed the decision to forward pensions to the banks.This followed the protests of pensioners recently. GuySuCo has struggled to raise the funds needed to revamp its operations and has relied heavily on Government bailouts to stay afloat. A US$150M syndicated bond secured for four sugar estates

…Cites huge unfunded pension liability of $30B

GuySuCo pensioners protesting earlier this year which were closed last year.The estates have been placed under the Special Purpose Unit (SPU) which is tasked by Government to

execute privatization plans for the Skeldon, Rose Hall, Enmore and Wales Estates that were closed in keeping with Government’s ‘right-

sized’ approach for the sugar corporation.The state-owned National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) received

roughly US$85M, which was disbursed on May 24, 2018, with the residual tranche to be issued to NICIL as is needed.

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Thursday June 14, 2018

Concerns linger as joint team focuses on air quality studies T

Mercury pollution… here continues to be concerns about the health issues from mercury at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The recently established joint committee to examine the numerous concerns from staff met to focus on the ongoing air quality sampling which is being undertaken, and the next steps forward. “In addition to a rigid investigation, the team has been working on measures and methods of addressing concerns about the environment to ensure that action is taken and the requisite systems are put in place to protect the safety and health of workers who were exposed to mercury emissions within that area,” a Government statement noted. The inter–agency team comprises the department of Occupational Safety and Health – Ministry of Social Protection, the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commis-

The joint task force meeting to discuss the mercury pollution at GGMC. sion and staff representing the interest of the workers of the GGMC. Government recently announced that it will be getting international assistance from an expert group expected to undertake a number of critical assignments, including ascertaining the safety of the environment and making recommendations on best practices. The group will also undertake data analyses and pro-

vide the Government with periodic updates to chart the way forward. The Central Board of Health is also expected to begin working closely with GGMC and other stakeholders including the wider mining sector on programmes to provide life-protecting strategies against mercury exposure. Government is said to be awaiting the results of tests done on employees whose

Body of missing 6-year-old fished out of Pomeroon The horror continued in Abrams Creek, Lower Pomeroon, after the body of the missing six year old child was fished out of the Pomeroon River on Tuesday night last. The child has been identified as six-year-old Ramesh Kanhai, former pupil of the Abrams Creek Primary School. According to reports reaching this publication, the six-year-old went missing some time around 11:45 hrs last Tuesday while at school. Claims are that the child was last seen playing on the school landing with fellow pupils, when tragedy struck. According to information reaching this publication, the six-year-old ventured to the edge of the landing to wash his feet, when he fell into the creek. The child’s body was discovered some 10 hours later by a security guard. The Kanhai family on the other hand remains traumatized at this moment, especially the dead boy’s parents, Doodnauth and Revveka Kanhai. The grandmother of the deceased strongly believed that the school should have placed more emphasis attending to children under their care. “The teachers not taking

Body Recovered: Ramesh Kanhai

any interest. They have small children they supposed to lock the school gate… The thing is, they ain’t got plenty

children going at the school. It’s about 40 children in the whole school with about six teachers.”

deaths were suspected to have been linked to exposure to elevated levels of mercury. The government remains

firm that there is simply no existing empirical data, which established that mercury is responsible for the deaths of

miners and GGMC workers in recent times. However, the Ministry of Natural Resources has stated that efforts are already in train to establish, scientifically, whether there is such a link. Workers have been pleading with Government to intervene following elevated concerns about mercury emanating from GGMC’s operations through the burring of amalgamated gold. There was no public announcement when workers were found with elevated levels of mercury in their blood. However, after media reports, GGMC admitted the incident. Workers complained that despite many of them being in danger, the matter was not being treated with urgency.

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Thursday June 14, 2018

President Granger accepts invitation to visit Cuba

D

avid Granger and Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rogelio Sierra Diaz, who is currently on an official visit to Guyana yesterday, committed to enhancing the relations between the two countries through increased collaboration and cooperation in areas such as health, environmental conservation, disaster management and tourism. President Granger also accepted an invitation from the President of Cuba, Mr. Miguel Diaz-Canel, to visit his country at a date to be determined. During the meeting held at State House, President Granger said since establishing diplomatic ties on December 8, 1972, Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed a strong friendship based on shared trust, respect and mutual understanding. “There is a large Cuban brigade here in Guyana and there i s substantial interaction through CELAC [Community of Latin American and Caribbean States] and other regional bodies, so we regard this not only as a continuation but a reaffirmation of our historic friendship. We will continue to collaborate. We have always supported Cuba and

the removal of the blockade. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, we have witnessed the maturity of our relationship,” the Head of State said. In this regard, Minister Diaz said that the two Governments are in discussions to see how best the health cooperation, which exists between the two countries, can be best improved for mutual benefit. “We are happy to be present in Guyana in medical cooperation. We are in this position of making this arrangement more efficient in the interests of both of our nations. For this reason, both of the Governments are in contact to improve this arrangement. “We are also in the position of strengthening the collaboration in whatever area you may have needs. I believe it is very important to remain united and work together,” the Cuban Deputy Minister said. President Granger said that as Guyana forges ahead with the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy, the country is looking to establish cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and conservation and tourism. He noted that this level of cooperation is of vital importance to advancing Guyana’s green agenda and overall economic development. “We would like

- as two countries commit to enhance bilateral relations

President David Granger meeting with Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rogelio Sierra Diaz yesterday. to establish cooperation in tourism and environmental conservation. This is one of the areas that we have not been able to collaborate in. We welcome Cuban expertise and investment in Guyana to see our green tourism potential,” he said. The Minister noted that Cuba is ready to lend whatever assistance it can in this area as they have already implemented stringent

environmental conservation and protection measures and policies in their country, which could be used as a study for Guyana. “I can see the importance and value of the relations between Cuba and Guyana. We rejoice in the quality of relations between our two countries. These relations are not only historic but also based on trust. “Cuba puts much emphasis on protecting

Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rogelio Sierra Diaz yesterday paid homage to the victims of the Cubana Air Disaster at the Monument at the University of Guyana campus. the environment. Our policies have been implemented and are applied. Advancement in this area will be beneficial to both countries so we are willing to donate our experience to this matter,” Mr. Diaz said. Following the meeting, the Minister paid homage to the victims of the Cubana Air Disaster with the laying of a wreath at the Monument to the Victims of Terrorism at the University of

Guyana campus. He also paid a visit to the Centre for the Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Youth with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE). In 1972, Guyana led efforts by Caribbean states to break the diplomatic isolation of Cuba in this hemisphere; establishing diplomatic relations with that country.

Thursday June 14, 2018

Amelia Kerr: Teenager sets ODI batting world record BBC Sport - New Zealand teenager Amelia Kerr set a new world batting record in women’s one-day cricket with her unbeaten 232 against Ireland in Dublin. Kerr, 17, broke the record total during the third match of the series, a few days after the White Ferns scored 490-4 - cricket’s highest-ever ODI total.The Wellington player, whose average was 29, scored 31 fours and two sixes. Kerr then took 5-17 with the ball as Ireland were bowled out for 135, chasing a huge 441 to win.Australia’s Belinda Clark had held the record - 229* against Denmark in 1997, three years before Kerr was born.Kerr’s 232* is the third highest score in ODI cricket history.India men’s player Rohit Sharma is at the top of

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Amelia Kerr also became only the second woman to score a double-century in ODIs. (Getty Images) the pile with his 264 scored against Sri Lanka in 2014, with the unbeaten 237 made by New Zealand’s Martin Guptill, against West Indies in 2015, holding second spot. Highest scores in women’s ODIs Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) 232* v Ireland, 13 June 2018

Belinda Clark (Australia) 229* v Denmark, 16 December 1997 Deepti Sharma (India) 188 v Ireland, 15 May 2017 Chamari Atapattu (Sri Lanka) 178* v Australia, 29 June 2017 Charlotte Edwards (England) 173* v Ireland, 16 December 1997

Tuesday June 14, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You love meeting people others might consider eccentric. You can't help it. You're simply attracted to them. You will probably cross the path of one of these people today, Aries. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You have always tried to build up your health using traditional methods, and you take great care of yourself. But this morning you might feel a little curious. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Sometimes, it's amazing to see how your relationships can spin so easily out of control, Gemini. Today you may have to deal with a lot of tension within your group. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You sometimes have difficulty making up your mind. You don't always know exactly what you want. Today, Cancer, you'll be at peace with yourself. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Sometimes we all feel a little lost, Leo. We often want to move mountains and use all our energy and enthusiasm to try to do so. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You have a natural ability to accomplish a great deal rather easily, Virgo. But today you may feel snowed under with projects. Things around you might be moving quickly

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Your day has finally come. You have your own vision of life and you like sharing it with others. You're far from thinking that you're any sort of new messiah SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Today you'll have the strange feeling that something is floating in the air. The time is right to try to understand the different needs of your family circle. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) As the dawn of another quiet and peaceful day appears, Sagittarius, you will be in the best disposition to observe and appreciate the lightness of things CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You will find a clean page on the agenda today, Capricorn. You should try to think only about yourself. This will allow you to meditate about your life and be at peace with yourself. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You will wake up today on cloud nine, Aquarius. Your morale is at a peak. You will feel totally free and be able to clearly perceive the essentials of life. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) The astral energy will have you reminiscing all day long over childhood memories, Pisces. These memories will take you to the houses and places where you were raised and where your personality and character were formed.

CONCACAF hails successful WC bid as ‘monumental victory’ MOSCOW, Russia, CMC – Continental governing body CONCACAF has labelled FIFA’s decision to award the region the 2026 World Cup, as a “monumental victory” for the confederation. FIFA, football’s world governing body, announced yesterday that it had accepted the joint bid by United States, Canada and Mexico, to host the showpiece. Members voted overwhelmingly 134-65 against Morocco’s bid, in a move that will see the World Cup return to the CONCACAF region for the first time since 1994. CONCACAF governs football in North, Central America and the Caribbean, with the 31-member Caribbean Football Union a part of the bloc. “We are very excited and humbled that the FIFA Member Associations have entrusted the CONCACAF region with the honor of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in its new extended format,” the confederation said in a statement. “This is a monumental victory for the CONCACAF family, as the United Bid exemplified the strong collaboration, beyond politics and business, that currently exists in our region. “We would like to thank all the member associations who supported the United Bid, which can now test the effectiveness of a multi-nation hosting model for fulfilling the requirements of an expanded FIFA World Cup format, opening the doors for other nations in the future to come together to bid for this honor.” The 2026 showpiece will feature an expanded format, bumped to 48 teams from 32, following a unanimous decision by FIFA last January. There will be 80 matches played instead of 64, with a preliminary group featuring 16 groups of three. Two of the nations involved in the joint bid – the United States and Mexico – have both staged World Cups in the past. The US put on the 1994 event while Mexico hosted tournaments in 1970 and 1986. Canada, meanwhile, who have made a lone appearance at the World Cup back in 1986, will host the tournament for the first time. “We would also like to congratulate the member associations of Canada, Mexico and the United States, as well as the United Bid team, for winning the bid for the CONCACAF region,”

FIFA World Cup trophy … will be lifted in the CONCACAF region in 2026. CONCACAF said. “Over the next eight years, CONCACAF and its member associations will continue to support our three host countries and FIFA as they prepare to host the world’s largest sporting competition, and welcome 48 teams alongside their millions of fans. We will all also work together to leverage this oppor-

tunity as a platform to accelerate the development of football in our own region, with the potential to bring positive social impact through football, as well as breaking records of attendance and revenue that will contribute to the sustainability of our game.” The 2022 World Cup will be staged in the Gulf state of Qatar.

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U.S., Canada and Mexico win right to host 2026 World Cup Yahoo Sports - For the first time in 32 years, the men’s World Cup is coming back to North America. FIFA’s 200-plus member associations gathered in Moscow yesterday and voted to award 2026 World Cup hosting rights to the United States, Canada and Mexico. The North American bid – the product of over a decade of planning and campaigning – beat out one rival bid, Morocco’s, by a vote of 134 to 65. And now eight years of excitement for the continentwide extravaganza can begin. Why did the North American bid win? The United Bid, as it dubbed itself from the beginning, was technically superior all along. It has pledged to deliver $11 billion of profit on over $14 billion in revenue. Both numbers will blow previous records out of the water. And in contrast to Morocco’s bid, and to all four men’s World Cup hosts since 2010 – South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Qatar – the complex infrastructure necessary to host a World Cup is already in place in North America. Seventeen of 23 potential stadiums are ready as is. The other six merely require renovation. The United Bid pitched certainty. Economic cer-

President of U.S. Soccer Carlos Cordeiro presents a joint United bid by Canada, Mexico and the United States to host the 2026 World Cup at the FIFA congress in Moscow, Russia, yesterday. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin) tainty. Logistical certainty. And it was uniquely qualified to handle an expanded 48-team World Cup, which the 2026 edition will be. The North American proposal Barring changes to the North American proposal, 60 of 80 games will be in the United States, with 10 apiece in Canada and Mexico. Those 60 include every game from the quarterfinals onward. Canada and Mexico have proposed three host cities each: Toronto, Montreal and

Edmonton will stage games north of the U.S. border, while Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey will be match sites down south. The U.S. must cut a list of 17 cities down to 10 over the coming years. It has proposed the Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.) for the opener; Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta) and AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Tex.) for semifinals; and MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, N.J.) for the final. The other U.S. cities in

the running are Baltimore, Boston (Foxborough, Mass.), Cincinnati, Denv e r, H o u s t o n , K a n s a s City, Miami, Nashville, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Francisco (Santa Clara, Calif.) and Seattle a n d Wa s h i n g t o n , D . C . The favorites among them would likely be Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle and Houston. The successful bid also means that the U.S., Canada and Mexico will qualify automatically for the tourna-

ment. If Canada does not qualify in 2022, 2026 will be the nation’s first men’s World Cup appearance since 1986, and just its second ever. The bidding process The U.S. Soccer Federation was the driving force behind the effort, one which originally aimed to bring the 2022 tournament to the States. That bid failed, controversially beaten by Qatar amid allegations of bribery and corruption. Roughly six years later, the U.S. partnered with its North American neighbors to launch a revamped bid, and convinced FIFA to fasttrack the process. Morocco jumped in on the eve of the deadline to give the heavily favored United Bid competition. And over the past 12 months, to varying degrees, the North African nation seemed like a real threat to a North American World Cup. Rampant antiAmerican sentiment around the world, both inside and outside soccer circles, cooked up worry. But United Bid officials took nothing for granted. They jetted around Europe and Asia for the final monthplus of the campaign, politicking and wooing heads of soccer federations from over 100 nations. They worked up until the final hour to win support, ne-

gotiating late into Tuesday night. And they did enough to bring enough votes – and the World Cup – home. Why hosting a World Cup is so important Beyond automatic qualification, the 2026 World Cup will provide an unquantifiable boost to soccer in the United States and Canada. Fan interest will undoubtedly ramp up to all-time high levels. Attention paid by media, both local and national, will multiply. And the mere prospect of the tournament will stimulate investment in the game at all levels. As Sunil Gulati, the former chairman of the United Bid, told Yahoo Sports earlier this month, competition among potential host cities for those 10 coveted U.S. spots will force many to commit money to sport development initiatives. “We want to be able to talk to cities and say, ‘Hey, you don’t have to build anything here, but let’s have an after-school program,’” Gulati said. “It’s building a soccer infrastructure, not a building infrastructure.” So the 2026 World Cup will be invaluable. The many byproducts of hosting it will appear in increasing number over the next eight years, and for many years to come.

West Indies eye successive Test wins after four years today ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka had hoped this would be one of their easier away tours this year. West Indies’ home record was modest; Sri Lanka’s Test side was picking up some momentum. But the Test in Port-of-Spain wasn’t merely a defeat, it was a decimation. Tw i c e We s t I n d i e s ’ quicks scythed through the visitors’ top order. Although Sri Lanka had fielded five frontline bowlers, they still could not capitalise on having the opposition 147 for 5 on the first day. On a batting track, only Kusal Mendis could muster a score of over 45 - and even that,

only having given two clear-cut chances. When these teams had last met, in Sri Lanka in 2 0 1 5 , We s t I n d i e s h a d shown flashes of individual brilliance but had failed to come together as a team. In the first Test, they had no such problems. Commitment to the team cause was visible in the way Devendra Bishoo and Kemar Roach buckled down alongside Shane D o w r i c h , t o h a u l We s t Indies to a formidable score. Even with the ball, there were unlikely contributors - Roston Chase running through Sri Lanka’s tail on the fifth day, after the quicks had

knocked out the top order. While the hosts surge, Sri Lanka have tactical questions to answer. Is the five-frontline bowler strategy worth persisting with, given Dilruwan Perera’s modest returns with the ball? Kusal Perera is likely to make way for Dhananjaya de Silva at the top of the innings, but can Sri Lanka accommodate Kusal lower down the ord e r, n o w t h a t A n g e l o Mathews has left the tour? And is the attack dynamic enough? Or does it require the insertion of Akila Dananjaya? However Sri Lanka chooses to answer those questions, they will be in flux - Lahiru Gamage also having left the Caribbean, with a fractured finger. West Indies are in the unusual position of having to follow up a supremely dominant performance. One fact that may give Sri Lanka some hope is that it has been almost four years, and 31 Tests, since West

Indies won back-to-back matches. In the spotlight While the opposition struggles with balancing their XI, the man who ensures West Indies have no such issues is Jason Holder. He was part of his team’s the first-innings resistance with the bat in game one, before supporting the frontline bowlers through the remainder of the Test. That he is growing in confidence as a leader was evident from his first-innings declaration pulling the batsmen out with the score at 414 for 8, in order to bowl at Sri Lanka late on the second day. His batting average is on a gentle forward march, but it is a breakdown of his bowling figures that provides the biggest surprise. In West Indies victories, Holder averages a staggering 17.69, compared to his average of over 50 in drawn and lost Tests. If Holder gets wickets, West Indies tend to be competitive.

It was a surprise that Lahiru Kumara took twice as many wickets as any other Sri Lanka bowler in Trinidad. Although he is still hugely indisciplined, the pace and bounce he generated made him effective on a largely unresponsive track. Kumara’s issue, though, has been consistency. He excites on occasion, but can just as easily go wicketless and leak a hundred runs in the next match. With Gamage out of the side, Sri Lanka are desperate for Kumara to provide the same intensity in St Lucia that he had shown in Trinidad. Team news Devon Smith’s comeback Test did not go well. But it is possible West Indies will give him another shot at the top of the order, which will, of course, keep Shimron Hetmyer out of the XI. If Hetmyer does play, he will probably bat at No. 3 and Powell will open the innings again. Elsewhere, West Indies are

unlikely to make changes. If Dhananjaya de Silva plays, Sri Lanka not only gain a batsman averaging o v e r 4 5 a f t e r 1 3 Te s t s (though his best performances have come in Asia), they also have a half-decent offspinner in the top six. Perhaps this will prompt them to return to a 7-4 combination, fielding an extra batsman in place of another bowler. Dilruwan Perera, the most orthodox of Sri Lanka’s spinners, also stands to lose his spot to Akila Dananjaya - a far less experienced but more aggressive option. Pitch and conditions The weather is forecast to worsen in Gros Islet over the weekend, possibly causing interruptions. Seam bowlers had done well in the most-recent Test played at this venue the India-West Indies Test of 2016. Given the home quicks’ dominance in Trinidad, a lively pitch could be expected.

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U.S. promises to be very different World Cup host from 1994 MOSCOW (Reuters) The World Cup will return to the United States, 32 years after the groundbreaking first tournament in the country, and organizers are promising a very different experience for fans traveling to the country. The United States, together with Mexico and Canada, won the right to host the 2026 tournament in a FIFA vote on Wednesday in Moscow, beating African rivals Morocco. While Mexico has a lengthy football history with a long-established domestic league and has hosted the World Cup twice before — in 1970 and 1986 — the United States is still viewed as an emerging soccer nation. The 1994 World Cup in the U.S. set surviving records for attendance figures thanks to the large, mostly NFL, stadiums that were used, but those who traveled to the tournament noted that the local populations were often not fully informed about the sport. That will not be the case in eight years time. Two years after the 1994 tournament, Major League Soccer was launched and the competition has subsequently grown to 23 teams, with clubs in all regions of the country and Canada. The U.S national team failed to qualify for Russia 2018, which begins on Thursday, but that was a major sur-

prise for a country that had appeared in every tournament since 1990, reaching the quarter-finals in 2002. Perhaps most crucially, Americans are no longer isolated from the world game and thousands of them watch Europe’s Champions League and England’s Premier League, developing a knowledge of the sport and its greatest talents. American Sunil Gulati, a FIFA vice-president and until recently the president of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), was involved in the 1994 tournament and says visitors in 2026 will find a much more informed public. “I don’t think there is any doubt that the American public is far more soccer literate whether that is because of the World Cup (in 1994) or the presence of MLS or the presence of international soccer on television and the changes in technology and social media that facilitate all of that,” he told Reuters. “People are far more literate, far more knowledgeable and far more engaged. That part is great,” he added. The current USSF president Carlos Cordeiro believes the 2026 World Cup will be a “lightning rod” for soccer in the United States. “It will become sort of a transformational for the sport as kids who are now 8-, 10-, 12-years-old can all dream of

(L-R) President of the United States Football Association Carlos Cordeiro, Mexican Football Federation President Decio De Maria and President of the Canadian Soccer Association Steven Reed celebrate after the announcement, that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, during the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, Russia yesterday. (REUTERS/Sergei Karpukhin) potentially playing for a national team,” he said. Former NBA executive Philippe Moggio, now the general secretary of CONCACAF, the regional soccer confederation that includes the U.S, Mexico and

Canada as well as Central American and Caribbean nations, believes Wednesday’s decision will lead to a massive boost for the game in the U.S.. “I think the ‘94 World Cup demonstrated what a World Cup can do for soccer in the

United States. I think in the next eight years you are going to see tremendous growth in terms not only of talent but from a fan-perspective,” he said. “The passion you are going to see for that World Cup,

you combine it with the passion that historically has existed in Mexico, the way Canada is growing, you are going to see a very different environment, a very different experience for visiting fans,” he said.

Mathews, Gamage ruled No hiding place as video review system makes World Cup bow out of Windies tour GROS ISLET, St Lucia, CMC – Sri Lanka have been rocked by the departure of former Test captain Angelo Mathews and fast bowler Lahiru Gamage, 24 hours ahead of the start of the second Test which bowls off here today. Mathews, one of the most experienced players in the squad, has returned home “due to a personal reason”, Cricket Sri Lanka said, while Gamage fractured a finger during the first Test in Port of Spain and also will take no further part in the series. Replacements batsman Dasun Shanaka and allrounder Danushka Gunathilaka were scheduled to leave Colombo last evening for the Caribbean but will not arrive in time for the second Test at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. Mathews was an injury concern ahead of the tour and while he was eventually cleared to play, he assumed his role in the side as a bats-

Former Test captain Angelo Mathews. man only. He made 11 and 31 at Queen’s Park Oval as Sri Lanka suffered a heavy 226run, just after lunch on the final day. Mathews averages 43 from 73 Tests. Gamage, meanwhile, finished the first Test wicketless but fractured his finger while batting. He has played five Tests and captured 10 wickets,

since his debut against Pakistan last October. Sri Lanka have never won a series in the Caribbean in three previous visits and the departure of Mathews and Gamage will be a further blow to their chances of breaking their jinx. The final Test of the series will be a historic day/ night encounter at Kensington Oval starting June 26.

KAZAN, Russia (Reuters) - If the strongest advocates of Video Assistant Referees are to be believed, World Cup football will never be the same again after the TV review system makes its debut at the finals today. With this one innovation, they believe, contentious refereeing decisions will be a thing of the past, wrongs will be righted and the prospering of cheats brought to an end.Had VAR been around, goes the thinking, German keeper Toni Schumacher’s assault on France’s Patrick Battiston in 1982 would have been properly punished, while Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986 would have led only to a direct free kick. For the opponents of the use of technology, video reviews, particularly of goals, interrupt the natural rhythm of the game as tension builds before being released when the ball hits the back of the net. Others suggest it brings

only confusion where it should bring clarity and some question the technology itself, pointing to some embarrassing failures in leagues around the world which were early adopters. One such was this year’s A-League final between Melbourne City and the Newcastle Jets, when the Australian title was decided by a single goal despite three City players being offside in the run-up to it.Football Federation Australia (FFA) later conceded the VAR had been unable to review the footage from the relevant camera because of a software glitch. FIFA, while accepting the technology is not yet perfect, believe it has this eventuality covered by the sheer number of feeds the VAR and his assistants will have at their disposal in their Moscow bunker - some 37 during the knockout stages. And whatever the flaws of the system, the possibility of a retrospective red card for an incident missed in real time

by the referee is certainly going to concentrate the minds of defenders. Australia’s Matthew Jurman is used to VAR from his club football in the KLeague and will be highly aware of the all-seeing eye of the camera if he is handed the task of shackling France’s attack in Kazan on Saturday. “These days you can’t do much without everybody seeing it,” the centre half said on Wednesday.“So you have obviously to be smart about defending, especially around the box.”Despite VAR’s World Cup debut, the battle over its future in the game is not yet won and a high-profile failure in Russia could be fatal to the cause. For players such as Australia midfielder Jackson Irvine, such considerations are well above their pay grade. “It’s one of those things we don’t have control of,” he said. “Hopefully, it’s going to make sure the big decisions are clear and decisive with no issues.”

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Thursday June 14, 2018

Kaieteur News

GFF congratulates United Bid winners Salah uncertainty overshadows for 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting rights Suarez’ bid for redemption

A combined bid from the United States, Mexico and Canada won the hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on yesterday. The three countries will bring the tournament to North America for the first time since 1994, with the majority of the matches, including the final, in the United States. Head of the Guyana Football Federation GFF, Wayne Forde, congratulated the three host countries and noted that he too played a role in the CONCACAF nations being

successful, “On June 11th, 2018, I was given an opportunity to address the CONCACAF Congress and make a commanding case for the United Bid, I am very proud of playing a small but significant role in this historical decision.” Voters were persuaded by promises of record crowds, record revenues and, perhaps crucially, a record $11 billion in profit for FIFA, world soccer’s governing body. The 2026 tournament will be one of firsts. It will be the first time the World Cup is hosted by three

countries, the first time it has a 48-team format, up from 32 teams, and it was the first time the vote was decided by FIFA’s entire membership. Of the tournament’s 80 matches, 10 will be in Canada, 10 in Mexico and 60 in the United States — including the final, at MetLife Stadium in the New York City suburb of East Rutherford, N.J. The last time the men’s World Cup was held in North America was when the United States hosted in 1994. It was held in Mexico in 1970 and 1986. Canada has never hosted.

Rising Star and Reliance Hustlers earn quarter-finals berths - S/E’bo T20

Kemol Savory Rising Stars and Reliance Hustlers booked their passage to the quarter finals of the South Essequibo Cricket Committee Invitational T20 tournament following the latest round of action which concluded last weekend. Rising Stars defeated Cotton Field Sports Club by 57 runs by the Duckworth Lewis method at Imam Bacchus ground. In a match that was reduced to 16 overs due to rain, Rising Stars managed 144-5 after they were inserted on a decent pitch. Kemol Savory struck two fours and three sixes in a top score of 40, while Quentin Samson made 32 not out with two fours and three sixes and Imran Khan 23 including two fours and one maximum. Bowling for Cotton Field SC R. Rajkumar, R. Kissoon and P. Persaud had one wicket each. In reply, Cotton Field were 18-6 from 5.5 overs when rain intervened. Samson had so far taken 3-8 from 2.5 overs and Imran Khan 2-10 from three overs. Meanwhile, Reliance Hustlers got a walkover from Reliance Sports Club. The other quarter final spots will be decided on Sunday at Imam Bacchus Ground when Young achievers take on Jaguars Sports Club at 10:30hrs and Sparwin play Bush Lot Trendsetters at 14:00hrs. Rising Stars

MOSCOW (Reuters) Uncertainty over whether Mohamed Salah has recovered from his shoulder injury and will play for Egypt in their World Cup opener against Uruguay in Yekaterinburg tomorrow is likely to continue until just hours before kick off. E g y p t ’s c r u c i a l p e rformer has been battling against time to be fit for the Group A encounter since hurting ligaments in an awkward fall in the early s t a g e s o f l a s t m o n t h ’s Champions League final. The speculation has taken the spotlight away from the return to the Wo r l d C u p a r e n a o f Uruguay’s own talisman, Luis Suarez, whose two previous appearances at the finals have ensured him a legacy of folly. “I want there to be the possibility of this being my World Cup, after having left in the way I did in 2014,” he said in a recent radio interview. Now 31, and Uruguay’s leading goal s c o r e r, S u a r e z w a s t h e catalyst for his country’s unlikely march to the semi-finals in 2010. However, he earned notoriety in their controversial quarter-final victory, when he handled the ball on the goal line to deny opponents Ghana a place in the last four instead. Suarez was hailed a selfsacrificing hero back home for the calculated decision,

Mohamed Salah reacts after his injury. (REUTERS/ Hannah McKay)

for which he was sent off and suspended, but derided everywhere else for an act of callous gamesmanship. In Brazil four years ago, he bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in the closing stage of Uruguay’s last group game and was subsequently slapped with a record nine-match ban from competitive internationals. But Suarez has continued to be key for his country and is back with a chance to redeem himself in a strong Uruguay side, still with the core of the squad that finished fourth in South Africa eight years ago. Uruguay finished second in the South American qualifying and are consid-

ered favorites to top Group A, despite the presence of hosts Russia. Egypt return to the World Cup for the first time since 1990, having finally overcome a succession of qualifying failures despite strong performances in the African Nations Cup. Coach Hector Cuper could choose to play Essam El Hadary, who will set the record for the oldest player to feature at a World Cup if he plays tomorrow. The veteran goalkeeper will be 45 years, four months and 29 days old, easily beating the mark set by 43-year-old Colombian goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon at the last finals in Brazil.

Quentin Samson

Imran Khan and Reliance Huslters have now joined Imam Bacchus Sports Club, New Opportunity Corps SC and Walton Hall Sports Club in the last eight.

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez scores their second goal from the penalty spot. (REUTERS/Andres Stapff)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 14, 2018

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BCB hosts 2nd leg of Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Clinic for Lower Corentyne Youths

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he Albion Community Centre was a hive of activity last weekend as the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosted the second leg of the historic Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme. A total of 62 youths between the ages of 12 to 19 years attended the clinic which was conducted by Level III Coach Winston Smith and Coaches Andre Percival and Balram Samaroo. The players were drawn mainly from the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, Albion Cricket Club, Port Mourant Cricket Club, Big Star Cricket Club, Chesney Cricket Club and the

Tamarind Root Cricket Club. Berbice Cricket Board President Hilbert Foster expressed happiness at the large turnout of youths and stated that it showed that players and parents had confidence in the work of the Berbice Board. He urged the players to take full advantage of the investment being made into their career by the Berbice Cricket Board. Berbice Youth Players, the President stated, should feel very privileged as the Berbice Cricket Board us the only County Board that has such a comprehensive Coaching Programme for its young players. The Programme includes the Dr.

Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme in all four SubZones, Coaching Clinics for Wicketkeepers, batters and bowlers, Educational Posters, Cricket Academy and Training of Coaches among others. Foster, also disclosed to loud applause that the Berbice Cricket Board would start preparation for the Guyana Cricket Board 2019 Junior Cricket Season from the 1st July, 2018. The Coaches would identify Under-15, Under-17, U n d e r- 1 9 a n d F e m a l e Players to be part of an Elite Training Programme. The main objective for 2019 is to win every Inter-county Tournament, while gaining the majority of places on the

National Teams. The BCB President also supervised a Question and Answer Segment with the winners receiving financial prizes. Head Coach Winston Smith, came in for high praise from the Berbice Cricket Board boss who hailed him as a tireless worker for the development of Berbice Cricket. Smith and his panel of coaches spent the two days working with the players on batting stance, movements while batting, fielding techniques, bowler’s run up, running between the wicket, wicketkeeping, importance of concentration and the three different types of catches. Special emphasis was

The young Cricketers along with the Coaching Staff during the sessions.

also placed on physical fitness with the coaches working with the players on an individual basis. The three coaches advised the players to continue practicing what they have learnt and disclosed that at the end of the four clinics, they would be selecting a squad of 70 players to participate in the Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Cricket Academy. The Academy would be held at the Albion Cricket Ground from the 23rd to 27th July, 2018. Among the players present were Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Mohabir Sewraj, Jonathan Rampersaud,

Davendra Ganesh, Rampertab Rampattan, Jeremy Sandia, Mariam Samaroo, Oma Mathadin and Kimona Thomas. The Panel of Judges after the players participated in a written exams, named Under-15 Player Christopher DeRoop as the Best Participant. Deroop, the son of Regional Vice Chairman Dennis DeRoop received a trophy and financial award. Five other players including Kevin S i n c l a i r, C h a n d e r p a u l Govindan and Kassie Munroe received medals for outstanding performances during the two day Camp. All prizes were donated by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS.

Langer’s Australia reign Lopetegui fired by Spain two days before begins with loss to England World Cup debut, Hierro takes charge LONDON, (Reuters) - Australia made a stuttering start to coach Justin Langer’s tenure as they lost by three wickets to England in the opening match of the one-day series at The Oval yesterday.Only Glenn Maxwell impressed as Australia batted first, scoring 62 as the touring side lost regular wickets and were bowled out for a mediocre 214 in the 47th over.England, humbled by Scotland on Sunday, made a meal of reaching the low target, however, and when top scorer Eoin Morgan (69), Jos Buttler and Joe Root (50) fell in the space of three overs the hosts were wobbling on 163 for six.David Willey eased England home, finishing the match off with a booming six. Sheets of sandpaper with “4” and “6” printed on them were handed out on the approaches to the Oval — a reminder of the ball-tampering scandal that engulfed Australian cricket this year and cost Steve Smith the captaincy.Coach Darren Lehmann stood down after the test series in South Africa and Langer’s new-look Australian batting line-up made an inauspicious start. Travis Head chased a wide outswinger from Willey and edged to Jonny Bairstow for a routine slip catch and Aaron Finch struck a couple of boundaries before a rash drive at

Moeen Ali sent an easy catch to backward point.Shaun Marsh looked in good nick for his 24 before Moeen got one past his outside edge, the ball striking the top of off stump to leave Australia on 52 for three. Captain Tim Paine’s rash reverse sweep off Moeen went straight to Mark Wood at backward point for 12.Australia tried to raise the tempo and Marcus Stoinis lofted a six off of Adil Rashid only to nudge one behind to keeper Jos Buttler having scored 22. Maxwell, who struck a 52-ball half century, shared an 84-run stand with Ashton Agar for the sixth wicket to raise Australian hopes of a challenging total. But Maxwell top-edged Liam Plunkett to deep square leg where Bairstow took the simplest of catches and Agar was plumb lbw to Rashid before Plunkett and Wood mopped up the tail.Billy Stanlake bowled Jason Roy for a duck in England’s reply and when Bairstow was caught on the boundary England were 38 for three.Morgan and Root put England in total control before the hosts stumbled over the line.The second match of the five-game series is in Cardiff on Saturday. Scores: England 218 for 7 (Morgan 69, Root 50) beat Australia 214 (Maxwell 62, Plunkett 3-42 Moeen 3-43) by three wickets.

KRASNODAR, Russia (Reuters) - Spain coach Julen Lopetegui was sensationally sacked yesterday, two days before their opening World Cup match, for failing to tell his federation about his move to Real Madrid after the tournament and replaced by Fernando Hierro.Former Spain defender Hierro’s only previous senior coaching role was one season with Oviedo in the Spanish second division, although he was also assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid before that.The 50year-old will have barely 48 hours to prepare his team for their opening World Cup match against neighbours and bitter rivals Portugal in Sochi tomorrow.Real unexpectedly announced on Tuesday that Lopetegui, who had only recently extended his contract with Spain and was unbeaten in his 20 games in charge, would take over next season.In announcing one of the most extraordinary coach sackings in World Cup history, Spanish football federation (RFEF) president Luis Rubiales said he had found out about the move five minutes before it was announced by the Champions League winners.“The coach, while he is a RFEF employee cannot do things in this way. I found out with a phone call five minutes before the official announcement. We feel obliged to take this decision,” Rubiales told a news conference at the team base in Krasnodar.

“If anyone wants to talk to one of our employees, they have to speak to us, too. It’s that basic. This is a Spain national team that represents all Spaniards, it’s the most important team we have and the World Cup is the biggest stage of them all. “I don’t feel betrayed, the problem is that things have been done with the complete absence of the RFEF, which is something (we) cannot let go by.”Spain, one of the pre-tournament favourites and winners in 2010, also face Morocco and Iran in their group in Russia.There was no immediate comment from the 53-year-old Lopetegui, who had been scheduled to appear alongside Rubiales but pulled out.Rubiales added there were no hard feelings towards Lopetegui, who replaced Vicente del Bosque following Euro 2016.“We want to thank Julen for all he’s done and he’s a big reason behind us being in Russia, but we feel obliged to dispense with his services,” he said.“There has to be a message to all RFEF employees and there are ways of behaving that you need to abide by.” In the first reaction to the decision, former Spain forward Juanito said Rubiales’ arguments had been impeccable. “The values of the national team are above everything,” he said on Twitter. “If we can’t win the World Cup, the Spanish are now champions of dignity.”

Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 14, 2018

Grant-Stuart sets sight on UCI Para-Cycling Budget stands at $1,257,500; $300,000 raised to date Road World Cup in July G u y a n a ’s l e a d i n g Differently Able cyclist, Walter Grant-Stuart, who has shown the world what he is made of by winning the Union de Cycling C1 Para Cycle Road Race in Montreal, Canada in April, has now set his sights on competing at the UCI ParaCycling Road World Cup to be held in Emmen Netherlands, July 6-8, 2018. Grant-Stuart is presently in neighbouring Suriname where he is seeking to be issued with a Schengen Visa that would facilitate his travels to The Netherlands for what would be his second international event in this category of competition. And as has always been the case for local athletes,

raising funds is the biggest challenge. Grant-Stuart who has already received the blessings of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF) to compete at the event has a budget of almost 1.3 Million Guyana Dollars and to date has been able to raise $300,000 of that amount. His participation has already been confirmed by the organisers via letter to the GCF from the promoters, BMX Holland. According to the athlete’s father, this event is another step in his son’s quest to ultimately represent and medal for Guyana at the 2020 Olympics.Grant-Stuart has been a dominant competitor among able bodied cyclists in Guyana and the region where he has been

Walter Grant-Stuart changing gears during one of the local races which he won. (Franklin Wilson photo) competing for many years now. His ambition to compete as a Differently Able rider finally became reality last

month in Canada and has opened the door for him to carve out a name for himself and Guyana in this format of

the sport.Organisations or persons wishing to contribute towards making GrantStuart’s participation can

make contact with him via telephone #s: 684-6625, 6713276 or 611-9102. (Franklin Wilson)

Balram Narine wins FACC Pre Father’s Day Cycle road race

Overseas based former national cyclist Franco Crawford was also a donor. He presented the winning prize to Narine as others look on. The inform Balram Narine continued his dominance on the roads in Berbice when he rode away with the Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) Pre Father’s Day 40 miles cycle road race which was held last Sunday along the New Amsterdam/Canje/East Coast Berbice and Corentyne Highway. The event which was for club cyclists only began at 10:30 hrs.

The cyclists pedaled off from the junction of Main and Alexander Street in New Amsterdam; proceed along the Corentyne Coast to Adventure Police Station before returning to finish at its place of origin. Narine was dominant as he won with ease in a time of one hour: 45 minutes from a field of 16 riders. Riding in second was Clement

Doris with Steven Fernandes pacing third ahead of Donovan Fraser fourth and Odrel Ross Fifth. Of the six prime point prizes available, Narine rode away with five, while Ross copped the other. Narine was always in the front bunch and held the lead for most of the race but was hauled in by the casing pack on most occasions. However, on their way back he

made a jump in the vicinity of the Canje Bridge and was not caught as he won by about 200meters. Over 60 riders Daniel Rigby and Calvin Persaud were given special prizes for their efforts. The budding cyclist was presented with a special prize by the owners of Rockefeller Sound System for his outstanding ride. Among the donors were the Fix

It Electronics, Gadget World and Rental, J Supermarket, North West Trading and John Lewis among others. The coordinator was founder of the club and Coach Randolph Roberts. The FACC remains one of the top and most active cycling clubs in Guyana and organises almost all the cycling events in the Berbice.

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 14, 2018

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GABF announces final 12 for Women’s CBC C/ship squad

Guyana’s female squad before it was reduced to 12.

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he Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), who will be fielding two, teams in the Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Championships which bounces off in Suriname from the 17 to the 30th of this month, has announced the final 12 for the female squad. The women’s championship will be played first in Paramaribo and the Guyanese ladies will depart tomorrow and return next Friday. The full squad reads 1. Ginelle Ifill (Captain) 2. Miriam McKenzie (Co-Captain)

3. Jada Mohan 4. Annalisa Barclay 5. Saffiya Greene 6. Kennesha Leacock 7. Roschelle Campbell 8. Demelza Nicholas 9. Caron Bobb-Semple 10. Makeida Rogers 11. Cliffanna Hunter and 12. Kesann Charles. The Manager for the Guyana team is Ms. Ann Gordon; with Troy Greene, Head Coach; Dave Causway, Assistant Coach, and Jonas Anestal as Physiotherapist and Physical Conditioner. The Guyanese women are in Group B with Suriname, Barbados and Dominican Republic. While Group A includes: Bahamas, Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Guyana Open Golf for November Tee Off - Schools’ Putting competition to be held on second day The Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) has announced that the dates for the Guyana Open 2018 is November 3 – 4, next. The club has also announced that the action would be recorded by drones which they will attempt to stream live, once achieved, this would be the first time in its history this would be done. A press release from LGC also stated that they are projecting to attract a full field of 100 players along with many spectators, family members and friends as they would be aiming to create a pleasantly memorable, refreshing and captivating experience for all. There would also be a cocktail reception that will cater for about 300 persons which will include players, Diplomats and Ministers of Government, among others. The Two-Day Medal Play Tournament would be contested over 36 holes. The Tee off times and groupings will be announced at the Cocktail Reception.There would be three flights of competitors; A - 0-9; B - 10-18; and C - 19-28 with the starting time being 05:30hrs each day. There would also be a Schools’ Putting Competition that would be held on the second day from 16:30hrs.Tournament Entry Fees are as follows: Local (Current) Members $25,000; Foreign Members $30,000; Non-Members (local or foreign) $40,000. The first 100 players to pay would be registered. VIP Tickets will cost $10,000 per day.

Meanwhile, the GABF has selected fifteen players for training at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) from 19:00 hrs weekdays for selection to represent Guyana at the Senior Men Caribbean Basketball Confederation Championships in Suriname from June 22-30. Those players are 1. Stanton Rose 2. Harold Adams 3. Orland Glasgow 4. Shaine Webster 5. Ray Victor 6. Anthony Moe 7. Travis Burnett 8. Felix Hamilton 9. Travis Belgrave 10. Denzel Devonish 11. Timothy Thompson 12. Akeem Crandon 13. Kevon Wiggins 14. Nikkoloi Smith and 15. Terron Welch.

The Head Coach is Junior Hercules, Dennis Clarke; Assistant Manager/Assistant Coach, Jonas Anestal is the team’s Physiotherapist and Physical Conditioner and Nigel Hinds will serve as Team Manager. The final team will be announced on Wednesday, June 20th and will depart for Suriname on Friday, June 22nd and return to Guyana on Sunday, July 1st. The men are in Group A with Suriname, Saint Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, while Group B comprises of Barbados, Bermuda, Antigua & Barbuda, Haiti and Montserrat.

rt o p S

U.S., Canada and Mexico win right to host 2026 World Cup P. 28

- As 2018 tourney starts today

The 2016 bids and how they were cast, with Guyana going for the United Bid.

GFF congratulates United Bid winners for 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting rights P. 30

P. 28 Jason Holder celebrates a dismissal with his team-mates. (CWI Media/Randy Brooks)

West Indies eye successive Test wins after four years today Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.