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Thursday June 15, 2017

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Kaieteur News

I am disgusted with the system at the Govt must improve performance and demonstrate respect for laws National unity, ephant, requiring tens of mil- though our Labour Laws asDEAR EDITOR, Guyana Revenue Authority The areas of improvement inclusionary democracy and lions for repairs cannot be ig- signed specific responsibiliDEAR EDITOR, The purpose of this letter is to express my disgust at the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)’s system. My first time working at an establishment was in July, 2016. That was the first time having a TIN became a necessity. I did the necessary process and was given a slip with the TIN and was told by an agent that the machine is not working and that I should call from time to time to know when the TIN certificate would be ready. Mr. Editor, I do admit that I was very lazy regarding uplifting the certificate. I kept procrastinating. I only called once but the call went unanswered. Then June of this year (this month) I decided that I would uplift the certificate. The agent was not alarmed that I came almost a year later. She took my ID card and went to a cabinet where she

just skimmed through a few files and told me, “we keep those certificates in that cabinet and it’s not there so you will have to pay $5,000 for reprint.” Mr. Editor, I asked her if she has proof that the certificate was ever printed. She responded in the negative. Mr. Editor, I know I was lazy but there is no deadline to uplift the certificate that I am aware of. Why should I have to pay for a reprint if I didn’t have an initial print out? The fact that the machine was not working at the time does not guarantee that the certificate was even printed in the first place. I had even asked the agent to double check but she did not. Mr. Editor, is GRA so organised that they will keep the certificates in one cabinet? Isn’t there the possibility that it was placed in another if it was printed in the first place? Akeeta Kingston

DEAR EDITOR I would like to draw to the attention of the GPHC a situation that I think warrants immediate remedy. For the past week I have been visiting a relative who is a patient at that hospital but the problem is not within the hospital but rather on the road. The New Market Street entrance (emergency) and its immediate environs are always clustered with taxis. On both sides of the street, hire cars can be found parked. When you arrive at the hospital there is no space for your vehicle to pull in the corner and let you out. It is either you hustle and jump out the vehicle or you are taken further down to exit as some taxi drivers do not want to hold up traffic or block the hospital entrance (emergency entrance). When I took my relative who could not really

walk properly we were forced to go down New Market Street, disembark, then walk back. That is not fair since the hire cars out there are making it difficult for persons who are trying to access medical attention. I know persons utilize the services of these hire cars but would it hurt for them to have a particular cut off point as to where they can park and ply their trade? If someone wants a taxi I’m certain they can have a relative go out get one and let that hire car driver come to the entrance and do the pickup. This way there will be no hassle when persons have to disembark from their vehicle to enter the GPHC and the road will be less crowded on both sides. It would be very helpful if this matter can be looked into and remedied. Lydia Noble

No place to walk into the hospital on New Market Street

in governance by the twoyear old APNU+AFC Administration are noted. At the same time the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) desires not partial/selective improvement in performance or enforcement of laws, but full compliance to the principles of good governance and respect for the Guyana Constitution and Laws. GTUC notes with concern the hodge-podge and reckless approaches in decisionmaking. Several instances show clear absence of issues being well thought out, mindful of the impact on society political, cultural, social and economic. Such conduct will not redound to the benefit of all nor create a conducive atmosphere for social cohesion to thrive. Social cohesion cannot thrive where there remains exclusion, unnecessary conflicts, and disregard for timehonoured principles, laws, international conventions and charters.

blame game” Guyanese are left to wonder who is working for their betterment? The starting point for these politicians, across the political divide, is to acknowledge that neither side have the solutions to all of Guyana’s problems and as such they need to co-operate with each other for the betterment of all Guyanese. They also need to be able to acknowledge that we all want what is best for Guyana and Guyanese. Yes, we will have our differences of opinion on the way forward to develop Guyana for the betterment of all

nored. Guyanese continue to get the short end of skewed investments and have to suffer the consequences, including repayment of laws, agreements violated, and local workers denied employment. GTUC calls for meaningful public engagement on the future of the oil and natural gas industry. It’s not enough to have public advertisement inviting people to meetings. There must be serious approach that includes Government, Opposition, Business, Trade Union and other stakeholders in national conversations on how this industry will be developed, resources exploited, and laws put in place for citizens/workers’ benefit. Government must not be allowed to singularly make decisions on this major development. The industrial relations climate remains unstable and workers’ rights continue to be trampled. There remains an absence of a Ministry of Labour

ties to the “Minister of Labour” which Guyana does not have. A minister with responsibility for Labour is distinctly different from a Minister of Labour. Collective Bargaining is not being conducted between the State agencies and public sector unions, primarily the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), and the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU). The nation continues to witness arrogance and abuse in the treatment of workers. GTUC condemns Region Five Regional Executive Officer Ovid Morrison’s arrogance in the withholding of Region Five teachers’ salary. His decision is recklessness. Annual vacation is earned and there is no authority given to any public official to withhold earned income. Another area of this arrogant display is the dismissal of acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of Continued on page 6

An insult to the WPA and the memory of Walter Rodney DEAR EDITOR, I am both puzzled and appalled at the firing of Dr. Rupert Roopnarine and the reasons given. The spin is that Dr. Roopnarine has not been fired and that his ouster from Education is simply a Cabinet reshuffle in which he has assumed other responsibilities. This is simply insulting the Guyanese people. The fact that this happened on the day Guyana is observing the death anniversary (the murder anniversary) of Dr. Walter Rodney, a genuine Guyanese patriot and hero, the founder-leader of the WPA and a friend of Dr. Roopnarine is intriguing. I believe it is an insult to Dr. Roopnarine and it is another dagger into the heart of Dr. Rodney. I believe it is deliberate and is intended to let the WPA know that they are

The media have to hold both Govt. and opposition accountable DEAR EDITOR, There is no denying that Guyana has a lot of political, social and economic problems. It is deemed that many of these problems are caused by the political infighting in-between the governing APNU+AFC coalition and the main opposition PPP. There seems to be a lack of political will by Guyanese politicians to set aside their political differences and work for the betterment of Guyanese. As these politicians continue their fighting and playing the “who pon top game” and “the

the promised “Good Life” won’t be for all governing by command, gut-feelings, sectional and self-interest. The country’s natural resources belong to the people and must be exploited for their benefit and where possible their direct involvement respected. GTUC is concerned about Government’s engagement with China with the aim of investing in our gold industry, given its track record. GTUC is not opposed to foreign investors but to the preferential treatment given for the exploitation of our resources while Guyanese are denied opportunities to do so. The syndicate miners are protesting to get access to land for their own economic survival and are being ignored by Government. The Chinese’s track record in Marriott, BaiShanLin (forestry and gold), and the construction of the over US$200m Skeldon Factory, which is a white el-

Guyanese. But, we should not let this stop us from working together for a better future for Guyanese. You’re not going to be there forever. So, the sooner politicians across the political divide start co-operating on issues the better off Guyanese will be.In the mean time, what are Guyanese to do? We can only hope that the media houses will acknowledge that they need to hold both the APNU+AFC Government and the PPP/C Opposition accountable. Hold them both accountable! Sean Ori

still regarded as outsiders and interlopers and they no longer serve any useful purpose for APNU+AFC. Already, Nagamootoo and Ramjattan are simply holding on as Trotman completely incorporates the AFC into APNU. This is just another step in reaffirming the People’s National Congress (PNC). The fact is that Dr. Roopnarine has been fired as the Minister of Education, a senior Ministry in the Cabinet. He has been assigned to a junior role as a Minister in the Ministry of the Presidency, meaning he must report to Minister Harmon. APNU+AFC from the inception regarded the public service as not important enough to have a Minister and that the public service will be handled as part of the assign-

ment of the Minister of the Presidency. Now Dr. Roopnarine has a title as a Minister in the Ministry of the Presidency, but for all intents and purposes will be doing the work of a PS with limited duties under Harmon. Not only have they fired him from the Ministry of Education, they heaped insult on him by saying that they are seeking a more efficient way to manage Education. In so doing, they have made Dr. Roopnarine a fall guy for the mismanagement of Education. They make it appear that he had to be removed from his role as Minister of Education so that they could do a better job of managing education. Not only have they fired and scorned him, they have assaulted his dignity. It is disrespectful to treat Dr. Roopnarine this way. Not

only is Dr. Roopnarine a distinguished scholar, but he has been in the struggle for freedom and democracy. While I was disappointed that Dr. Roopnarine joined the APNU coalition, and while I believed he was misguided in his justification for doing so, we remained friends. I have always admired Dr. Roopnarine, even if I could not agree with him all the time. No matter what our disagreement, I always gave him the benefit of the doubt that he was genuinely looking out for the interest of our people. I remembered in 1997 when I was an MP with the PPP sending him a note that I am proud of his struggle and his courage fighting for what he believe in, after one of his speeches in Parliament. Between 2011 and 2015, as Minister of Agriculture, I Continued on page 6


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The “golden toilets” that City Hall pays for DEAR EDITOR, Finally, some steam is escaping from the pressure cooker of corruption at City Hall. We are now beginning to get some details of just one outrageous act of financial mismanagement and that is the rental of a large quantity of portable toilets for a whopping $82,000 each per month. It is just no wonder the folks there do not wish and from last media reports, are vigorously resisting an audit of their records. One can only imagine what else is transpiring there; from hundreds of millions in contracts being awarded without tender and adherence to procurement procedures, to the hiring of many friends and relatives to senior positions at super salaries, to sole sourcing goods without good reason, to spending extravagantly on trips out of town at resorts, foreign first class travel and dinners and lunches at fancy restaurants and hotels. And the list goes on and on and on. But guess what? No one will be sanctioned for this lavish misuse of funds pitilessly extracted from the

citizens of our capital city. All the Council will do, is to make scapegoats of a few engineers, whilst the real culprits are laughing all the way to the bank. How is it possible that the Council is paying $82,000 per month for a similar portable toilet that the Ministries are paying $20,000 per month for? Is the toilet inside made of gold like Idi Amin’s? Was there a tender process for the awarding of this portable toilet contract or was it another parking meter contract-like arrangement? Whether gross corruption or simple economic foolhardiness, it is still very serious financial malfeasance and the culpable officials should be dealt with condignly. But of course, not at City Hall. In fact the perpetrators may be encouraged to continue renting these ‘gold’ toilets. And just imagine the Council is always claiming to be cash strapped and in need of more financing. This is simply preposterous! It is clear that this Council is at sea, and consequently some corrupt officials are having a field day. Modi Sankar

This is a dictatorial party whose leaders were never elected DEAR EDITOR, The continuous attempt by some members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) to ascribe sainthood to Dr. Walter Rodney, given honest reading of the man, it begs the question if he would have been comfortable being profiled in such a manner. Dr. Rodney was no saint and never pretended to be; he was a Marxist revolutionary who believed in violent overthrow of government/ political power. Debasing what he believed in and stood for politically is hypocritical and downright dishonest. Let’s have conversations on the aspect of Rodney’s political life in context of the era, what he stood for, and tried to achieve. The WPA revels in talking about Rodney’s efforts to remove a dictatorial government, which it claims the PNC was, given what is says that that government was not elected by the people. If dictatorship is so defined, the WPA is the epitome of dictatorship. In 2017 it remains the longest and only party in Guyana to hold this record. From Rodney’s leadership in the 1970s to present, none of the WPA leaders was ever elected by the members.

This dictatorial party rotates its co-leadership between two persons, and one of whom, because of his race, is always assured the title if he wants it. Guyana has at least six races yet the socalled acclaimed WPA anoints only Africans and Indians to its leadership. Making logical deduction of the WPA’s actions would lead to conclusion that at the nation level once the party would have gotten into government the votes of the electorate would have been ignored and it would have imposed a rotating leadership on the society. What the WPA expects from and calls for of political parties and at the national it does not practice at the party level. The society continues to be ‘reminded’ what Rodney would have wanted. But if what is being said Rodney stood for and same is being practiced by the WPA, the actions and in-actions of some in its leadership leave much to be desired. Outside of some few instances as in the work of Dr. Clive Thomas in his writings on the State and the State Asset Recovery Unit which he heads; there are many minuses in the party. The work-

Govt must improve performance and demonstrate respect for laws From page 5 Nursing (DON) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The acting CEO was fired on frivolous accusations and his right to natural justice denied- i.e. to be heard. The DON was dismissed based on a Commission of Inquiry Report. Even as she was asked to respond to its findings, and requested the evidence that led to them be made available to her, the GPHC has refused. Exclusion of sugar workers and their trade unions in determining the future of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is making an already unstable environment

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Kaieteur News

more untenable. Government cannot say it is not being forewarned. There is a difference between confronting the challenges in GuySuCo and treating workers with due regard. This marks the third year the APNU+AFC Government has not sent a delegation to the International Labour Organisation Annual Conference, held in June. Government is more interested in finding time to use workers/ taxpayers’ money to send several minsters and those in its upper echelon on joys rides around the world. The non-establishment and proper staffing of the Rights and Services Commis-

sion is condemned. In this polarised environment that sees continual trampling of rights and excesses in government it is important the Human Rights Commission, Integrity Commission and Ethnic Relations Commission be up and running. Government must recognise it has responsibility to institute an Economic Programmne to realise increase and expansion of wealth for citizens. Willy nilly

approaches to give impression an economic plan exists will not do. Since the Structural Adjustment Programme, instituted during the Desmond Hoyte Administration, Guyana has not had the benefit of similar programme. Thankfully the underground economy is on the retreat but government must establish a programme for legitimate wealth to flow and stem the deepening of economic woes. Several attempts to en-

ing class activist Rodney is always projected as is not being practiced in this government where the WPA has a voice and notably in the Ministry of Education, where his colleague is the Minister. Looking at communist countries around the world it is a clique who leads and rotates leadership. Observe China, Cuba and Russia. A Walter Rodney government, given his communist belief, and going by the example he and other leaders set in the Party, Guyana would have been governed likewise. In 2017 the WPA wants the agreement on oil to be released on the date of Rodney’s death anniversary in homage to him. Dr. David Hinds is now asking that the University of Guyana (UG) be named after him. Carrying the ridiculous to conclusion it is only a matter of time before the WPA asks for a national holiday in his honour or Guyana be renamed Rodney. The U.G should not be renamed after Rodney. Distinguished a scholar some may think he was, he does not have the body of work and ground breaking intellectual thoughts like the late internationally renowned Guyanese, Dr. Ivan Van Sertima. There may be more

out there of similar stature. If the renaming is because of his foray into national politics, U.G should be renamed in honour of Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham. The former is the realisation of the idea and the latter the expansion of it. There is a chair at U.G in honour of Rodney. The WPA should work to make it meaningful or create a school in honour of him. An intellectual giant he is being impressed on the society to be, it should not be difficult for those who claim they are walking in his footsteps or thrive on claimed association, to be able to achieve. The yearly sanitising and rewriting of Rodney’s history were he alive he would not even know himself nor be proud of the pearly white robe his followers are sewing for him. Dr. Rodney was no saint and from his politics he never attempted to be. Let’s be honest about who he was and respect what he stood for. Some of his praxis is relevant today and some not, but it is dishonest to paint an image of what he was not or ascribe to him what he does not deserve. Minette Bacchus

gage Government consistent with Articles 38 and 149C of the Guyana Constitution continue to be ignored. GTUC in exercising its responsibility to society shall speak out stridently on issues of national import that impact governance and the workers’ welfare-past, present and potential. The federation shall continue the rejection of the Bharrat Jagdeo/Donald Ramotar exclusionary governance given it conflicts with the Principal Objective of the

political system outlined in Article 13. APNU and AFC, in opposition, condemned this unconstitutional management, campaigned on and committed to uphold said Article, which remains critical for stability and nation building. Government is being put on notice that since the State was designed to be managed by the Rule of Law it would be held accountable for ensuring so. Lincoln Lewis Guyana Trade Union Congress

An insult to the WPA and the memory of Walter Rodney From page 5 hosted Dr. Roopnarine many times in my office in his role as shadow Minister of Agriculture for APNU+AFC. We always mutually and in the interest of Guyana addressed concerns that he raised and, as far as possible, I sought to find a comfort zone where we placed politics aside and find

solutions to concerns that may have existed. A Government makes changes. A president has the right to change his Cabinet and every Minister serves at the pleasure of the President. No one is too sacred that they cannot be touched when you serve as a Minister. But either you remove that person as a Minister or shift him or her to another Ministry of the same rank. When Minister Jeffrey was shifted from the Ministry of Health in 2001, he was shifted

to the Ministry of Education, a Ministry with the same rank. When the same Minister was shifted from Education, he was made Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade. In this case a Senior Minister has been shifted downwards, not even being given his own Ministry. There is no “ands, if and buts”. Dr. Roopnarine has been dumped and the shift as a Minister in the Ministry of the Presidency is just to placate t h e WPA . B u t D r. Roopnarine and the Members of the WPA will be dishonoring Dr. Rodney if they cannot see that APNU+AFC has just heaped absolute scorn on the party, on those party members serving the government

and most disgusting a deliberate insult to the memory of Dr. Rodney. It is a signal that APNU does not need the WPA and people like Rupert Roopnarine anymore. They were used, just as the United Force was used in 1964, to help secure political power. Now that they have begun to take control of the State and they have made progress in consolidating a repressive machinery to reinstitute dictatorship, there is no place for the WPA and Dr. Roopnarine. The spin will be wild in the next couple of days, but Guyanese are not foolish and are not fooled. Dr. Roopnarine has been fired and silenced. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy


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All options to be assessed before borrowing against future oil revenues - Finance Minister Finance Minister Winston Jordan recently reminded of the Government’s position when it comes to borrowing against future oil revenues. At the recent opening of the second national workshop on sustainable funding strategy, Jordan stated that the Government is actually uneasy about borrowing in that regard. The Finance Minister said that while tempting, as it would provide important resources to finance many critical pipeline projects, “we have to be wary of the volatility of the oil market and our capacity to utilize such resources in a transparent and accountable manner.” Jordan said that the Government will “continue to assess the situation and weigh carefully our options before any decision, in this regard, is made.” With these challenges, the Finance Minister said that the workshop which was organized in partnership with the Centre for Latin American Monetary Studies (CEMLA) is opportune, as the Government moves to assess the economy in the context of its debt sustainability, and craft strategies that strike a prudent balance of cost and risk. Additionally, the economist asserted that the workshop is an opportunity to reinforce the technical capacity of government officials in areas related to sustainable funding strategy. Out of that exercise, Jordan expressed intentions to have a permanent team in government established that will be able to revise the national strategy, periodically. He said, “It is my steadfast belief that we should have the capacity to conduct these assessments, annually, so as to maximize ownership of the strategies, track progress made, monitor macroeconomic stability, and foster sustainable growth. This

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Finance Minister, Winston Jordan will go a long way towards achieving and sustaining a ‘good life’ for all”. The Finance Minister had explained that with the help of CEMLA, Guyana has made notable progress in the area of debt management. He had said that the notable achievements to date include the formulation of a National Sustainable Funding Strategy in 2015, inclusive of a Debt Sustainability Analysis and Public Debt Strategy; a comprehensive Public Debt Management Procedures Manual which has improved and ensured consistent debt management operations whilst reducing operational risk, and the first National Workshop on Debt Management Self-Evaluation and Improvement (DMSAI) in 2016, using the World Bank Debt Management Performance Assessment (DeMPA) Methodology to assess Guyana’s debt management operations, and chart a course for improvement and achievement of international best practices. The Finance Minister had also stated that these achievements are tangible indications of the Government’s redoubled efforts to ‘raise the bar’ in the

management of public finances, including the public debt, in order to heighten transparency and accountability, value for money, and efficient and effective allocation of the nation’s resources. (Kiana Wilburg)

2009 Albouystown murder…

Court hears accused provided alibi to detectives Police witness Dharampaul Etwaroo told the court yesterday that murder accused, Steve Allicock had given an alibi after he was arrested for the 2009 killing of Albouystown resident, Wendell Tappin. Detective Etwaroo testified in the trial for which Allicock is facing Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12 member-jury at the Georgetown High Court. Allicock was charged with the murder which occurred on December 31 2009. Initial reports are that Tappin left his home on New Year’s Eve to collect a phone that he had given to someone to charge in Hill Street, Albouystown, when he was confronted by two men - one of them held him down while the other chopped him. Allicock, also a resident

of Albouystown, was one of the persons implicated in the killing of Tappin. He remained on the run for five and a half years before he was captured. His father, Leonard, and his uncle Randolph, were also charged with the murder. Randolph Allicock never appeared before a judge, but after a lengthy high court trial conducted by Justice Diana Insanally, Leonard Allicock was acquitted of murder. Following the commencement of the trial, Officer Etwaroo was called to the stand by State Prosecutor Tuanna Hardy. Etwaroo was among some four police witnesses to testify yesterday. During his testimony, the officer told the court that in May 2015, he was contacted by the accused, Steve Allicock, at the Golden Grove Police Station, and he put the

allegation of murder to him. The officer said that this was after the father of the deceased had pointed out the accused as the person who had stabbed and killed his son on December 31, 2009. In response to murder allegations put to him, the policeman told the court that Allicock related that he had an alibi. “He said ‘officer I was not in this country at the time. I was in Suriname.’” As a result, Detective Etwaroo said a confrontation was held between the accused and the father of the deceased. During the confrontation, the officer recounted that Allicock repeated his statement. Steve Allicock replied “you never see me uncle, I was never around. I went to Continued on page 23

Marudi small miners recover 900-plus ounces in deal with Canadian firm A Vancouver, Canadianheadquartered gold mining company says it is finding success with local partners at Marudi, Region Nine. According to Guyana Goldstrike Inc., some 910 ounces of gold has been mined and recovered by local small-scale alluvial miners (artisanal miners) on the Marudi Gold Project, an area that is about 230 kilometres from Lethem. “We are very proud of our accomplishments over such a short period of time,” said President and CEO, Peter Berdusco, in a statement yesterday. “With the full support of the government and the local communities, the artisanal miners now have the opportunity to create income in an environment that adheres to

acceptable mining practices” continued Mr. Berdusco. “Further to this, it allows us to immediately generate sales from alluvial areas that generally fall outside our potential mining model or area of interest. This definitely makes it a win-win for everyone involved.” Through a cooperative agreement, artisanal miners have been given companycontrolled access with company oversight to work the alluvial areas-creeks, edges and new channels - of the property and also the alluvial tailings that had been previously mined by artisanal miners. A stipulation of the agreement is the requirement that the artisanal miners incorporate only those mining practices acceptable to the Envi-

ronmental Protection Act of Guyana. “As a result of their efforts the company has successfully poured its first doré bars and sold those bars to the Guyana Gold Board.” Under the agreement, the artisanal miners pay the company a 10% royalty on all gold mined from the property. In the five months ending March 31, the artisanal miners recovered approximately 910 ounces of gold from mineralized material mined from the property’s alluvial areas and artisanal alluvial tailings. “This resulted in 90.9 oz/ Au paid to Guyana Goldstrike in royalties. Company staff and security monitor the activities of the artisanal miners.” The company said it sold its 90.9 oz/Au to the Guyana

Gold Board for a price of US$1266.45/oz and for a net sale of US$106,490.00 after smelting costs and a 5% royalty, which was paid to the Government of Guyana. The gold was assayed at 97% purity. “This alluvial mining activity is expected to continue following the end of the rainy season in June. The decision to allow artisanal miners to commence small scale mining on alluvial areas of the property was a decision solely based on corporate social responsibility, Guyana Goldstrike said. The mining of gold from the property by the artisanal miners has not been based on a feasibility study nor are there any mineral resources or reserves identified in the area Continued on page 11


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Protecting children online, key component of cybersecurity – Telecoms Minister By Murtland Haley It has been noted that with the unlimited benefits offered by the internet, children are vulnerable to online bullying and other menacing consequences when used in a perverse manner by other persons. This was acknowledged by Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes yesterday during a cybersecurity workshop for education stakeholders held at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School. The theme for the workshop, which continues today, is: “The Role of Education in Cyber Security: Developing Digital Citizenship.” According to Hughes, her Ministry is working assiduously towards universal access to the internet and the many citizens, who are already connected, have learnt a great deal in a short time. She said that students, especially, have become familiar with almost everything that is available online. She said that it is known by many that the internet is a good tool and extremely progressive. “Students are seizing opportunities for higher education, signing up for online training courses, while others are able to research the wide range of exciting entrepreneurial opportunities.” Despite these benefits, Hughes said that the negative effects must also be dealt with, such as unwholesome content being circulated and threats to the country’s security. “With the easy availability of online data, it becomes easier for your information, your online accounts to be hijacked. You must have heard the stories about information at some huge North American and European conglomerate being stolen by

hackers and placed in the public domain. Maybe you’ve heard or read about the countless incidents of identity theft; or of people with very bad intentions getting access to little children and luring them away from home. And I know you know that online bullying is common, even in Guyana.” According to the Minister, Guyana is not alone, as different countries and a number of groups are developing ways to deal with this major concern in schools. She said that the workshop is about finding solutions to the challenges of protecting children at every level of the school system. She said that adults have the responsibility to enlighten children about the possibilities lurking behind their cell phones and computer screens. “We have to teach them to be cautious when talking to people they don’t know, and even with the people they think they know; and we have to teach them how to deal with online bullies.” Meanwhile, Programme Officer of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Sylvester Cadette said that the United Nations’ specialised agency for Information Communication Technologies, has observed that certain barriers are diminishing rapidly as it relates to the affordability of ICT devices such as smart phones, computers and tablets. According to Cadette, persons that use these devices must be well aware of the real and potential negatives lurking online. Some of these, he said, are the grooming for sexual purposes and cyber bullying. He said that previously, school children being bullied was done covertly, but has since become

From left: Sylvester Cadette, Public Telecommunications Minister Catherine Hughes, Dr. Kay Xeureb and Mr. Marcel Hudson. quite the opposite, and is being done overtly. “Schools and their administrations across the (Caribbean) region are struggling to find solutions to combat the psychological and performance-related effects on vic-

tims of cyber bullying.” Further, Chief Education Officer, Mr Marcel Hutson, said that his ministry with assistance from the ITU and the Public Telecommunications Ministry, is working to devise strategies to face down cyber

bullying and to keep students safe from other types of online threats. He said that his Ministry is driving to integrate ICT with schools’ curricula which results in better information sharing and much more inter-

active teaching and learning experiences. He said that about 102 secondary and tertiary education institutions, including the Cyril Potter College of Education and technical institutes, now have free access to the internet.

Water pollution…Countries least responsible being called upon to sacrifice the most – Trotman Countries least responsible for polluting oceans and seas, and those with the least resources are being called upon to sacrifice the most in undertaking measures to reverse these transgressions. This was the concern expressed by the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, during the recent Ocean Conference that was held in New York. Trotman told the attendees including the Prime Minster of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama; Spokesperson of the Green Party of Sweden, Isabella Lovin; CoPresidents of the Conference, and other Heads of State, that small states have to contribute more to reverse

the effects that stem from indiscriminate practices. These indiscriminate practices, he said, include the use of pesticides that run off into the sea, and the dumping and disposal of solid waste, including the millions of tons of plastic that is disposed of each year in the ocean. The Minister noted that this “injustice” must be addressed holistically by supporting small-Island developing States and coastal States to enable them to put in place the policies that are necessary to preserve the health of the oceans and to ensure the sustainability of livelihoods. The conference was convened in support of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is to conserve and effectively use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The Minister told the con-

Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman ference that Guyana is also in the process of developing a suite of inter-related services to better manage its coastal ecosystem, including data gathering, social mobilization and capacity development under its recently launched

Green State Development Strategy. Trotman noted also, “with alarm” the unsustainable levels of overfishing and destructive fishing practices, much of it illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as the effects of pollution on marine life, fish stocks and on the use of the oceans for recreational purposes. IUU fishing was a major talking point during the convening of the 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) that was held in Georgetown a little over three weeks ago. Executive Director of the CRFM, Milton Haughton, had stated that IUU fishing continues to be a source of serious concern for the region. This was echoed by the Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts, yesterday. The official told Kaieteur News that in order to ensure the sustainability of these resources, regulations have been introduced to limit fishing by trawlers to only a certain number of days each year and to require the installation of by-catch reduction devices and turtle exclusion devices on all trawlers. Monitoring and surveillance of artisanal vessels is also being increased to ensure compliance and to reduce the incidence of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing activity. Roberts said that the Coast Guard is assisting in ensuring that IUU fishing is eradicated.


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Kaieteur News

The latest Cabinet reshuffle didn’t go far enough The President’s latest reshuffle of his Cabinet was minor. It did not go far enough. It has, however, created an imbalance within the government, with a minister within the Ministry of Education, essentially a junior Minister, being named as the person with responsibility for education. That person replaces Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, who has been reassigned responsibilities relating to the public service. Education is too important a portfolio to place in the

hands of someone who has only had experience as a junior Minister. Such an important portfolio should have been assigned to a senior Minister of the government. The President has recognized this, and is reportedly going to assume responsibility for innovation in education. This is another way of saying that the President will be the de-facto Minister of Education. But will the President be able, given his myriad responsibilities, to handle the additional workload which will go with him being the de-facto

minister of Education? And is such a move desirable? This compounds the problem for education, because the least thing that the education system needs at the moment is for the portfolio to be split between two ministries - the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Presidency. This is all the more reason why there is concern over the timing of the decision to relieve Dr. Roopnarine of the education portfolio. Dr. Roopnarine has been ailing for some time now, but his removal as the Minister of Edu-

Dem boys seh...

Govt is useless and de people helpless Guyana always want to ketch up wid de rest of de world. Everything, every fashion, every style, every drink. Guyanese got to copy. Even to de talks. Jagdeo, that scamp, copy from Trump and talk about fake news. Joe Shan copy from Jagdeo and he too talking bout fake news. Everything about Babbie and Jagdeo is fake, right down to de drugs. Now Guyana ketch up wid everybody and everything. Our phone are wireless Cooking is fireless; Cars are keyless; Food is fatless; Tyres are tubeless, Tools are cordless, Dresses are sleeveless, Youths are jobless And our leaders are shameless. Relationships are meaningless; Attitudes are careless, Wives are fearless, Babies are fatherless, Feelings are heartless, Education is valueless Children are meaningless And our government is useless. Parliament is clueless, And de masses are helpless And most of dem are speechless. Talk half and hope City Council sh*t less, so people can pay less, so dem big boys can tief less.

cation seems a bit too premature, and ill-advisedly did not involve consultations with his party, which is symbolically an important component of APNU and the coalition. The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) had reason to complain in the past that APNU was not meeting and that there was little consultation taking place. This means that the WPA, as a member of the coalition, has little or no input into the policies of the coalition government. In other words, the lack of consultation reduces the WPA to a rubber stamp within the government. But the WPA probably knew that it would have been sidelined ever since the 2011 elections, when it had reason back then to complain about a lack of consultation in determining the list of candidates for the elections of that year. The WPA will feel even more slighted, considering the timing of the announcement of Dr. Roopnarine’s removal

from the education portfolio. The decision took place on June 13th, the 37th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, the former co-leader of the party, widely believed to have been killed by the PNC government with which the WPA is now in bed. There will be skeptics who will want to link what has happened to Dr. Roopnarine to the call for Walter Rodney’s policies to be part of the praxis of present-day governance. There will be elements who will feel that the removal of Dr. Roopnarine is a direct response to that call. The WPA should ask for a clarification of the matter. It will have to consider the fact that Dr. Roopnarine’s health may have been a consideration in relieving him of the education portfolio. But the WPA will also have to consider that he was not the only Minister who was has fallen ill. A junior Minister had to be wheelchaired out of hospital to be

in parliament. That Minister was not reshuffled. And a senior Minister was recently hospitalized. It is doubtful whether he will be relieved of his portfolio which in any event does not attract as heavy a workload as that of education. The WPA will have to carefully analyze this situation. Even if it was felt that eventually Dr. Roopnarine’s health would have required him to cede the portfolio, he should have been at least given more time to recuperate before being relieved of his portfolio. It is not as if he was totally incapacitated. He is now effectively a junior Minister, because the Minister of State in the Ministry of the Presidency has ministerial responsibility for the public service, and therefore Dr. Roopnarine will fall under him.


PAGE 10

Thursday June 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The two GECOM lists and Jagdeo’s realpolitik My deep feeling about the imbroglio with the GECOM chairmanship is that Jagdeo outsmarted Mr. Granger, and this is because either Mr. Granger was not getting finessed advice or his newness to politics is showing up. Anyone who studied the evolution of the PPP would know that despite the mythologies that captured the imagination about Dr. Jagan from the fifties onwards, Dr. Jagan was more flair than substance, and did not have the commitment to people, places, friendships and philosophy as other leaders of his era did. It is sad how Burnham got crucified on the altar of these

mythologies, when the juxtaposition was made between him and Jagan. I would never accept that Jagan had the ugliness of authoritarian instincts that Burnham embodied. If Burnham did not start out that way, he surely ended up in that direction. My consistent adumbration is that those who admire and praise Burnham, will achieve intellectual acknowledgement from the world, if they can bring a more dispassionate assessment to Burnham rather than seeing him in one-dimension lenses, meaning that he was a great leader par excellence; he was not.

Maybe it is time that two of the most enduring admirers of Burnham – President Granger and Vincent Alexander – engage some of us in a public debate about Burnham’s politics. I once had such an online debate with Aubrey Norton. And just when it was getting elegantly objective, Aubrey stopped replying to the e-mail exchange which I still have. The problem with Jagan is that his authoritarian instincts lay elsewhere, and he became just as intolerant as any other leader, but the process worked through his wife, Janet. So whereas Burnham would call you and say “you’re fired,” Jagan would let his wife do it, and he remained above reproach. For more on this aspect of Jagan’s character see the interview with the iconic Trinidadian, Lloyd Best in Frank Birbalsingh’s, “The People’s Progressive Party, 1950-1992: An Oral History”. Cheddi and Janet Jagan moulded the PPP into a ruthless machine, and it has remained like that ever since. One of the most bestial acts

of betrayal in world politics since the end of WW2 is Cheddi Jagan’s inhuman discard of the WPA after he became President. This was a party that sustained him in the ferocious days of Burnham’s descent in dictatorship, and the party that helped him to come to power. History is not going to judge this man nicely at all. Whether it was Jagdeo or Luncheon or Ramkarran or Mrs. Jagan that was set to take power after Jagan died in 1997, the PPP, as a cunning organization obsessed with power, would have been the same. The sad thing about our politics is that the PPP and PNC are unchanging outfits. The AFC isn’t far behind them. Desmond Hoyte became obsessed with removing Jagdeo, but his passion went back to some racist things he saw President Cheddi Jagan doing. For Hoyte, the PPP was a deadly force that he should not have negotiated with Jimmy Carter to allow it to come to power. The rest is history. All

PPP leaders will play power politics. They will not cooperate with any aspect of this government’s agenda, no

Frederick Kissoon matter how nationalistic it is. This is not in the nature of the PPP. We come now to the caption of this column. Jagdeo had no intention of handing Mr. Granger a list of professional, objective, good Guyanese. Granger was livid when he saw the first list. It was simply awful. The names, James Rose, Norman McLean, Ryhaan Shah was too much to take. Jagdeo was playing realpolitik. But Mr. Granger couldn’t see that.

Instead of telling Jagdeo; “you cannot be serious, these people will not be neutral and objective, these people will not bring integrity to the election process,” Mr. Granger went in a strange direction and cited constitutional requirements that were not there, and Jagdeo smiled. Those who supported Granger, egged him on by assuring him he was right that “any other fit and proper person” also means the person has to be a judge or former judge. Jagdeo was winning the chess game. Jagdeo submitted another unacceptable list, and Mr. Granger added more fictional constitutional requirements that no one has ever heard about. He laid down a list of criteria that the names must meet. Again Jagdeo won out. All Mr. Granger had to say was that; “I want persons that are politically neutral and I don’t believe these people will be.” So Jagdeo will submit a third list. My prediction is that this one will be more unacceptable than the first two.


Thursday June 15, 2017

PAGE 11

Kaieteur News

Regional hospitals must take CARICOM to implement system to strain off GPHC - Former CEO deal with defective, harmful goods By Brushell Blackman Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman, says that the institution is under strain because enough efforts are not being placed on the upgrading of peripheral health care institutions across the country. Additionally, Hanoman said that GPHC is in a ‘mess’ administratively, and this too forms part of a plethora of problems that continue to bedevil the institution. Dr Hanoman told Kaieteur News that the regional hospitals are not working to their optimum and serious efforts should be made to address this. He said that what obtains at present is that persons from areas where there are regional hospitals and health centres, come to the GPHC for treatment of medical conditions that their regional health facilities should be able to address. It is Dr Hanoman’s view that the GPHC should be a referral hospital and nothing else. He said that too many times, people journey long distances to access the services of the hospital to treat simple illnesses like the common cold. The respected medical practitioner emphasised that this is one of the main reasons why the waiting time at the GPHC is one that leaves much to be desired. He said that unless this is addressed, patients will continue to bemoan the length of time it takes to access medical care at that institution. Added to that, the former GPHC CEO said that there is

Former GPHC CEO, Dr Carl ‘Max’ Hanoman a serious disconnect between the Accident and Emergency (A&E) Unit and the wards at that hospital. Hanoman said that when he was at the helm of the institution, he found that there was little coordination between the wards and the A&E. He asserted that one of the reasons for the disconnect is the disunity among the staff at the institution. He said there are many instances where there are rifts between doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff, and this affects the quality of medical care. Added to that, Hanoman said that GPHC has too many administrative staffers and also doctors. He said currently there is a shortage of nurses, and he is aware that efforts are ongoing to have more nurses serve the institution. On the issue of excessive

Marudi small miners... From page 7 which is subject to the artisanal mining. “The decision to mine is one made by the artisanal miners and the company acknowledges that there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risks of failure associated with the actions of the artisanal miners.”

The Marudi Gold Project is a permitted mining license consisting of approximately 13,500 hectares. The property was acquired in 1998 by Vanessa Ventures from Sutton Resources/Barrick, and then further acquired by Guyana Frontier Mining where the project was partially funded by Teck Resources.

doctors at the GPHC, Dr Hanoman said that the hospital administration needs to decentralize. He said if it were up to him, he would transfer many of these doctors to the regional hospitals to improve the health care in those areas. Hanoman is of the view that if the citizenry has confidence in the quality of care at these outlying institutions, many persons will not see the need to make the journey to the GPHC. Moreover, he said that unless these issues are addressed, there will continue to be disquiet about the waiting time and the quality of care at that institution. Hanoman said that he was not speaking out because he has any issues with anyone, but because he wants what his best for the institution and a profession that he loves dearly.

Guyana and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states are currently testing a consumer protection alert system which will aid in ensuring that consumers get value for money, and at the same time, protect them from harmful goods. The CARICOM Rapid Alert System on Dangerous Goods (CARREX), has been described as a web-based electronic system, and will cover all goods with the exception of food items, pharmaceuticals and tobacco products. The system aims, essentially, to permit the rapid exchange of information between the Member States and the CARICOM Secretariat when the presence of a product which represents a grave and immediate risk to consumers’ health and safety has been detected. The initiative was birthed in response to concerns expressed over the years by consumer representatives of the need to protect consumers from unsafe goods, and to ensure that they do not purchase sub-standard products. The platform, with its live public portal, will be used to provide alerts on dangerous non-foods consumer goods on the markets in all fifteen CARICOM Member States. CARREX went live recently, can be accessed via the following link: www.carrex.caricom.org Speaking to Kaieteur News yesterday, a Senior Consumer Affairs Officer attached to the Ministry of Business’ Consumer Affairs Division, Kushana Archer, said that the

portal can also be used by the public to submit complaints electronically to consumer protection agencies on defective products purchased from suppliers. The Official noted that the mechanism was developed with assistance under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Economic Integration Programme, and patterns a system that exists in the EU called “Rapex”. Asked how soon the portal can be implemented here in Guyana, Archer said that the system is currently being checked and tested. She noted that this is necessary due to the technical nature of the mechanism. “Because it is an online portal, you need to work out all the programming kinks and that kind of thing. After this phase, they (CARICOM) will roll out the portal for everyone.” She said. She noted also that the system is welcomed, since it will work in a way which the division physically cannot. Archer said that the programme is a step in the right direction since there was no system in place prior to this intervention. An official from the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) told Kaieteur News that what existed before was based solely

on information garnered by staff from the bureau. “This (system) will obviously provide consumers the opportunity to register their complaints conveniently. Further, their complaints can reach the authorities faster. It will also help regional regulatory bodies to tackle this issue of sub-standard and harmful products, holistically,” the official noted. He added that the GNBS will be supporting the project. Food and pharmaceutical items have been excluded from this system, as procedures which monitor such products tend to have a higher level of stringency and are regulated by different processes. However, Government Analyst Food and Drug Department (GAF&DD) Director, Marlon Cole, is expected to be briefed on the mechanism at a upcoming engagement scheduled to be held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Cole told Kaieteur News that he believes that the mechanism will aid his department tremendously in executing its mandate particularly in the area of monitoring.


PAGE 12

Kaieteur News

Ruling looms for sisters accused of killing father

Magistrate Alisha George will, on June 27, rule whether or not a prima facie case has been made out against 19year-old Nalini Manikram and her 13-year-old sister, who are both charged with the murder of their father, Roger Manikram. Charged jointly with them for the murder is 24-year-old Veeran Dais Lall also known as Adam, the boyfriend of Nalini Manikram, and Devon Browne, also 24, of Crane, West Coast Demerara, the taxi driver who is alleged to have transported the body of the 65-year-old man. When the Preliminary Inquiry continued yesterday in the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts, Police Prosecutor Hattie Anthony replied to no-case submissions made by Attorneys-at-Law Dexter Todd and Collette Marks who are representing Brown and the juvenile murder accused respectively. At the previous court

hearing, both lawyers during their submissions argued that Prosecutor Anthony failed to present sufficient evidence against their clients to establish the elements of murder. The attorneys said that their clients should not be called upon to answer to the charge nor should they be committed to stand trial at the High Court for the indictable offence. According to reports, the body of the senior Manikram was found on April 3, 2016 in a drain several corners away from his Lot 237 Section B Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara home. There was reportedly a chop wound to the back of his head. A post mortem examination revealed that he died as a result of brain haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head. There are reports that the father was in the habit of harassing his daughters and they allegedly hatched a plan to kill him. After the pensioner was allegedly hit to the head with an axe by a male suspect, he collapsed to the ground. His body was then reportedly wrapped in plastic and dumped in the drain.

MURDER ACCUSED: Veeran Dais Lall and Devon Browne

MURDER ACCUSED: Nalini Manikram

MURDERED: Roger Manikram

Thursday June 15, 2017

Missing Prospect woman’s lover arrested ….as Major Crimes Unit reopens case Ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF)’s Major Crimes Unit have arrested a lover of missing Prospect woman, 37-year-old Shawnette Savory, as they reopened the case. The man was arrested at his Grove, East Bank Demerara home on Tuesday. Kaieteur News understands that the individual was involved in an extra marital affair with Savory just before she went missing. It was while the police were interrogating another suspect that they learnt about the individual in Grove. “We had no idea about this man in Grove, but we pulled in someone and he told us about the person (Lover) she (Savory) was having an affair with,” the rank noted. This newspaper understands that the case was reopened after ranks received a tip-off from a relative of Savory a month ago. “We were gathering information, but we had to wait until we had certain things before we made an arrest,” a rank said. Savory’s mother, Dhanrajie Murray had made contact with ranks from the

Missing: Shawnette Savory Major Crimes Unit and expressed her interest in having the case reopened. Murray would have provided the cops with information that also helped them in making the arrest. Shawnette Savory disappeared on August 28, last after leaving her apartment at 222 Prospect, East Bank Demerara, to pay her electricity bill. Shortly after her disappearance, the police issued wanted bulletins for Patrick Continued on page 23


Thursday June 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Special counsel is investigating Trump for possible obstruction of justice, officials say Washington Post -The special counsel overseeing the investigation into Russia’s role in the 2016 election is interviewing senior intelligence officials as part of a widening probe that now includes an examination of whether President Trump attempted to obstruct justice, officials said. The move by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III to investigate Trump’s conduct marks a major turning point in the nearly year-old FBI investigation, which until recently focused on Russian meddling during the presidential campaign and on whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin. Investigators have also been looking for any evidence of possible financial crimes

among Trump associates, officials said. Trump had received private assurances from then-FBI Director James B. Comey starting in January that he was not personally under investigation. Officials say that changed shortly after Comey’s firing. Five people briefed on the requests, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said that Daniel Coats, the current director of national intelligence, Mike Rogers, head of the National Security Agency, and Rogers’s recently departed deputy, Richard Ledgett, agreed to be interviewed by Mueller’s investigators as early as this week. The investigation has been cloaked in secrecy, and it is unclear how

many others have been questioned by the FBI. The NSA said in a statement that it will “fully cooperate with the special counsel” and declined to comment further. The office of the director of national intelligence and Ledgett declined to comment. The White House now refers all questions about the Russia investigation to Trump’s personal attorney, Marc Kasowitz. “The FBI leak of information regarding the president is outrageous, inexcusable and illegal,” said Mark Corallo, a spokesman for Kasowitz. The obstruction-of-justice investigation of the president began days after Comey was fired on May 9, according to people familiar with the matter.

Chinese tycoon reportedly caught up in sweeping corruption crackdown The Guardian- The chairman of an influential Chinese insurance company has stepped down after domestic media reported that he had been detained as authorities pursue a sweeping campaign against alleged corruption in the financial industry. Wu Xiaohui, the chairman of Anbang Insurance, was “unable to perform his duties for personal reasons”, the company said. Caijing, a respected Chinese news magazine, reported that Wu Xiaohui had been taken away by police on Friday in Beijing and that government regulators had then met the company the following day. The report was quickly deleted, highlighting the sensitivity of the case. Anbang, which is closely connected to the Chinese government, said the company was operating normally and that Wu had delegated power to other executives. The company had been in controversial talks earlier this year to invest $400m (£313m) in a New York building owned by Jared Kushner’s company. The deal was scrapped after intense public scrutiny, amid criticism from lawmakers and government ethics experts who saw it as a potential attempt by China to curry favour with the White House. Kushner, who is Donald Trump’s son-in-law and an adviser to the president, has been tasked with heading up the White House’s relations with China. Wu’s detention comes amid a flurry of political activity among Chinese tycoons

Wu Xiaohui has delegated power to other executives at Anbang, the company said. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters in the months leading up to a critical Communist party meeting later this year. In January, Xiao Jianhua, a billionaire, was abducted by Chinese secu r i t y a g e n t s from his apartment at the Four Seasons in Hong Kong and spirited across the border. In recent months, Guo Wengui, a businessman in self-imposed exile in New York, has accused top Communist party off i c i a l s o f c o r r u p t i o n , threatening to release documents proving his allegations while publicly hoping to come to a deal with Chinese leaders. Many saw Wu as more politically secure. He is married to the granddaughter of Deng Xiaoping, China’s paramount leader in the 1980s credited with the country’s rapid transition to a capitalist system

and economic fortune. Wu was recently barred from leaving China, according to previous reports. China’s anti-corruption watchdog has begun targeting the insurance sector, including the country’s regulator, and Anbang has been banned from offering new products since last month for “wreaking havoc on market order”. Anbang has about $300bn in assets. Wu led the company as it embarked on a worldwide buying spree, including purchasing the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, spending $6.5bn on another 16 luxury hotels and buying South Korean and Dutch insurance companies. Last year Anbang made a failed $14bn bid for the Starwood hotel chain.

PAGE 21


PAGE 22

SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620

FOR SALE LARGE QUANTITIES OF HIGH PURITY MERCURY (QUICK SILVER) 99.99995% PURITY$19,000 PER POUND CALL: 592-227-4754. SALON - Make-up Courses with Mac, Bare Minerals, etc. - Cosmetology Courses: $120,000 - Technician Course: $45,000. Call: 6471773/660-5257

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Guyana passport application. Graphics design, advertisement. Tel: 6267040; 265-4535. INNOVATIVEMARKETING & PUBLISHING INC –TEL: 600-4212: We create A/ works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Passport, permanent & visitor visa application, Professional Immigration Consultant – Sabita Immigration Services. Call: 225-6496/ 662-6045 Repairs to refrigerators, gas stoves, A/C units, washing machines. Call Lindon: 6411086/ 694-2202 Hello the doctor is back!! Have your gas stove repaired and service. Call: 601-0595/ 220-4073 Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158 ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 6421783/ 646-3011634/7182301695 LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages).

Reduced Price! Apple Iphone 6, 6 Plus, 7 Plus, 64GB (like new) (not 16GB), factory unlocked - $69,000, $109,000. Call: 675-3062 Pit-bull pups for sale. Call: 672-7884 Nine (9) pure bred German shepherd pups, location: La Grange, W.B.D – Call: 6546354 Mixed breed pups- Tel: 6469002/ 601-9414

VACANCY Cook/ Baker and welder/ fabricator for interior. Applicants must be experienced. Call: 6182020 for more information One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630 Refrigeration/ Electrician technician: Apply in person at BM Enterprise Inc. GFl Wharf, Houston East Bank Demerara.

Design & Make Aluminum windows, doors, stainless rails, showcases, rolling shutters, make & install automatic doors. Call: 2336818/677-5599/659-9999 Bully dogs mix with pit-bull puppies. Call: 684-9994/6878320 ask for Keno (1) 600 amps automatic transfer switch, price negotiable. Call: 627-7835 1 Transported property. Call: 265-3586

Office Assistant: passes in Maths and English, computer Literacy, submit CV: ifsvs@hotmail.com Shift Cashier 7-2pm for general store on the E.C.D. Call: 649-2950 1 Experienced person to work in office for fish export company call: 674-1846/ email: 20112011@gmail.com One female cleaner for office in Eccles call 233-2745. WANTED Cashiers & Pump attendants tow work in the interior with experienced. Call: 644-6366/ 699-9458 FOR SALE/FOR RENT American Pool Table. Call: 277-0578

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CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807

WANTED Experienced curry cook, roti/ puri cook, cleaners & counter servers. Apply @ Hacks Halaal. 5 Commerce St. Salesgirls & boys with supermarket experienced , apply with written application to Best Buy Food supplies, Dennis & Middleton Street, Campbellville. 1 Accounts Clerk, preferably from E.B.D – 5 subjects CXC minimum @ gtcareers592@gmail.com 1 Diesel Mechanic, must have knowledge of Perkins & Duetz engines, Cat & Doosan Excavator. Call: 2269768/660-2998 Middle age couple (40-50) to live and work on farm/resort at Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke Highway. Call: 643-0333/697-8008 Looking for a family of four to live & take care of a farm on the Upper Demerara River. Call: 670-7920 Wanted land to buy: Eccles, Tuschen, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Uitvlugt, we pay cash. Call: 604-6724/ 686-9608

VEHICLE FOR SALE

FOR RENT

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

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Hairdresser/Nail Technician apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight, W.C.D. Call: 269-1524/656-3561 LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, Zeelugt -$2M, Tuschen Phase 1 and land -$4M. Call: 642-1252 La Parfaite Harmonie Main Road - $1.8M, $1.6M, $1.4, $1M, Herstelling -$3.5M, Eccles $6.5M, Tuschen - $1.2M. Call: 604-6724 or 686-9608 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.7M, $1.4M, $1.2M, Herstelling $3M, Tuschen -$1.2M, house & land in La Parfaite -$17M. Call: 666-2326

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

Providence (corner lot) $4.5M & $3.5M, Farm-$2.8M, Herstelling - $ 3.5M, Uitvlugt - $2.6M, La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.3M. Call: 651-1969/6292881 CAR RENTAL

Thursday June 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

One large business place at ‘X’ Durban St. W/Ville. Call: 616-2445 or 226-1091

Wanted land to buy: Eccles, Tuschen, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Uitvlugt, we pay best price. Call: 666-2326

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Security guard wanted to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

One able bodied labourer. Tel: 219-4533/616-5954/231-2029

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House and land available @ La Parfaite Harmonie, Providence, Etc, We also assist with financing. Contact Pacific Development: 2236035/ 227-8274 Beautiful transported roadside property; East Canje Berbice with all amenities flower and vegetable gardens. Call: 592626-7450

I.A.E – Registered now for full-time secondary school, lessons, CXC/CSEC classes, adults, students, repeaters. Call: 683-5742/621-7365 Book Club: Book of the Month “ Find the one you want” Dr. Phil’s best seller. Call Harmony Singles: 6262629/676-6312

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Thursday June 15, 2017

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Lindeners accused of robbing driver at gunpoint Two men were remanded to prison yesterday after they made an appearance before Magistrate Sunil Scarce, accused of robbing a motorcar driver at gunpoint. Seon Mayers, 37, of 1031 First Alley, Wismar, Linden and Shemroy Dover, 31, of 181 Blueberry Hill, Wismar, Linden, pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on June 5, at Providence, East Bank Demerara, while being together with others and armed with handguns, they robbed Samuel Austin of a Toyota Premio motor car valued $2M, property of Mohamed Rahaman, together with a gold chain worth $250,000 and other items to the value of $364,000, property of Austin. Police Prosecutor Aduni Inniss told the court that on the day in question, Austin was about to reverse the motorcar when he was attacked by the two defendants who held him at gunpoint and relieved him of the articles mentioned in the charge before escaping. According to Prosecutor Inniss, the matter was reported and police

apprehended the defendants who were positively identified by the victim. The court was told that Mayers sustained a wound above one of his eyes. None of the items were recovered. During an application for bail, Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway told the court that Mayers has no prior convictions. The lawyer added that his client is not a flight risk and is willing to subject himself to any conditions attached to bail. Meanwhile, Attorney-atLaw Jochebed Pollard, who represented Dover, told the court that the police went to her client’s home and informed him that a car registered in his name was used in the commissioning of a robbery. The lawyer stated that her client was never found in possession of a weapon or any of the articles mentioned in the charge. While Prosecutor Inniss had no objections to the accused being admitted to bail, Magistrate Scarce remanded both of them to prison citing the seriousness of the offence.

From page 7 Suriname backtrack.” Questioned by the Prosecutor, the officer told the court that he could not say why it took investigators so long before Allicock was charged for the murder. Under cross-examination by Defence Attorney Maxwell Mc Kay, the Policeman told the court that he made no checks to substantiate the alibi provided by the accused. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Osmond Semple told the court that he was on duty Brickdam Police Station on December 31, 2009, when he acted on information and investigated a murder which occurred at Hill Street,

Albouystown. While at the scene of the crime, the witness said that he observed a truck and what appeared to spots of blood at the side of the road. He recalled that Crime Scene Investigating rank, Detective Desmond Johnny was also present at the scene; he took photographic exposures of the area. During the investigation, the Sergeant noted that he met with a group of men from the Allicock family at Ruimveldt Police Station; they had been arrested in relation to the crime. The policeman noted that after the allegation was put to the men, and they did not respond.

From page 12 Bannister and his wife, Ritesha Rahaman. Savory and Rahaman were said to be best friends. Savory was last seen in the company of the couple. Just after the wanted bulletins were issued, investigators went to the couple’s home at Belle West and dug up the concrete floor of the one-bedroom shack after they were informed that Savory might have been buried there. They did not find anything. Bannister’s mother has been providing the cops with conflicting information about her son’s whereabouts. There are reports that he has fled to Venezuela, but his wife and son are said to be some-

where in Berbice. Bannister is said to be the last person who made contact with Savory on her mobile phone. Investigators never got the chance to question him.

Court hears accused...

Lover arrested as Major Crimes...

Donations continue to roll in for flood victims

Chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission, Doreen Jacobis, handing over the supplies to Director General, Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup in the presence of Commissioner Patricia Singh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Neil Bacchus and Administrative Assistant, Surujdai Chung. Donations continue to pour in to bring aid to flood affected residents of Region Seven and Eight. The most recent donation came from the Indigenous Peoples’ Commission (IPC), which contributed over 50 hampers. The hampers were yesterday handed over to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), which will be allocating the items to their central locations in Region Seven and Eight for distribution. During a simple handing over ceremony, Director General of the CDC Colonel (ret’d) Chabilall Ramsarup explained that the supplies are being deployed to those areas on a regular basis. He added that next Monday, June 19, a truck load of supplies will leave for Mahdia. Two flights loaded with supplies are also being organised for Kato and Kamarang. Some of the supplies being distributed include clothing, washing and cleaning detergents, food and farming implements. Colonel Ramsarup said that CDC will also be providing construction tools including saws, hammers and nails, so that where there is need for repairs to a building, the tools will be available for the residents to engage in selfhelp. On the issue of the flooding, Colonel Ramsarup said that on Tuesday, Kurupung,

Region Eight was under water and some eight families had to be relocated to a nearby community. He noted that the water has been receding in the other areas, however, “because of the levels of the rivers, if there is any hard shower of rain, the water will rise automatically.” Colonel Ramsarup expressed gratitude to all those who have been donating items, especially the IPC, to assist those persons who were severely affected by the

recent floods. Meanwhile, IPC’s Chairperson, Doreen Jacobis said that the commission is pleased that they are able to assist those flood affected persons. “I am extremely happy on behalf of the IPC to hand over these items to the CDC which I know will ensure these hampers reach the villages to my brothers and sisters who have suffered great losses. I can only imagine but I can’t say that I feel what they

are going through at this time. I trust that our gift will bring cheer to their hearts, especially the young ones and the elderly,” Jacobis said. To date, the Government has spent more than $8M on disaster response and relief activities as a result of flooding in the affected regions. This amount does not reflect donations, which have been made by private individuals and companies over the past weeks.


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Venezuelan general quits over constituent assembly plan BBC-A Venezuelan top general who resigned last week has revealed his reasons for stepping down. The head of Venezuela’s National Defence Council, Alexis López Ramírez, said he had resigned over President Nicolás Maduro’s plans for a constituent assembly. The general said he did not agree with the way the assembly was convened and how its members would be selected. His resignation amid a political crisis has caused waves in Venezuela. While polls suggest that 80% of Venezuelans are unhappy with the way Mr Maduro runs the country, the military has so far expressed its loyalty to the president. Government critics have

repeatedly tried to get the armed forces to switch sides. Most recently, jailed opposition leader Leopoldo López published a video message on Twitter calling on the military to rebel. But so far there has been very limited dissent within the armed forces. When news of the renunciation of General López filtered through on Monday, speculation therefore was at fever pitch about what had triggered it. On Tuesday, he broke his silence and published a letter on Twitter [in Spanish] in which he stated his “appreciation, gratitude and friendship for President Nicolás Maduro” before writing that the reason for his renunciation was due to “my disagree-

ment with the procedure used to convene and elect the constituent assembly”. President Maduro first announced plans to create a citizen’s assembly to rewrite the constitution on 1 May. There is also disagreement over whether the way the assembly was convened was legal, with some saying the president should have held a referendum. However, a legal challenge filed by the chief prosecutor has been dismissed by the Supreme Court, which critics say is stacked with supporters of President Maduro. Opposition politicians have called on Venezuelans to further increase the pressure on the government by stepping up their protests.

Doctor Convicted in Michael Jackson’s Death Allegedly Working in Trinidad Without Medical Licence Caribbean 360– Trinidad and Tobago health authorities are investigating reports that Dr ConraCaribbean 360– Trinidad and Tobago health authorities are investigating reports that Dr Conrad Murray, who was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of King of Pop Michael Jackson eight years ago, has been practising medicine in the twin-island republic without a licence. This follows a revelation by the Trinidad Newsday newspaper that Murray was attending to patients at a private medical facility in central Trinidad. According to the Sunday Newsday, when it called the Rampersad Medical Centre and Private Hospital last Friday and asked for Dr Murray, it was told that “Murray was available for appointments at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.” However, the newspaper said that when a team went to the facility on the same day and requested to see the doctor, the hospital’s receptionist said he was there but was not “interested” in speaking to the media. Efforts by Newsday to speak with the hospital’s owner also proved futile. According to the newspaper, it was informed by an administrative official of the medical board last Friday that Dr Murray, a Grenadian who was raised in Trinidad, was registered to practise in the twin-island republic in 1999, but last renewed his licence in 2004. The official said Dr Murray applied to have his licence renewed two years

ago, but because he had not done so in more than ten years and had practised outside of the country, he was asked to provide valid licences and letters of good standing from the medical boards in the places he last worked. The official said Murray was unable to do so and was not granted a licence. Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram is now investigating the claim that Dr Murray is working without a licence. In a statement issued to the media on Monday, the medical board said: “The Ministry of Health wishes to advise members of the public that it has been made aware of the allegation that Dr Conrad Murray is attending to patients at a local private medical facility without the required medical licence. Dr Parasram said the new council which was approved by Cabinet last week, would examine the matter at its first meeting in another two weeks. Dr Murray was arrested, charged, and found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011, following a six-week trial. During the trial, the jury heard how Dr Murray: abandoned his practice to work exclusively for Jackson for US$150,000 per month; ordered gallons of the surgical anaesthetic propofol in response to Jackson’s complaints about insomnia as he was preparing for a new world tour; administered propofol on the morning of Jackson’s death; and – ac-

cording to the prosecution – was directly responsible for delivering the final, lethal dose on June 25, 2009. He was sentenced to four years in prison but he only served two years after he was released early due to a California state decision to reduce prison overcrowding. Dr Murray’s medical licences for California and Nevada were immediately suspended in the wake of his convictions. Before and after his release, Dr Murray said he was saddened by Jackson’s passing, but maintained he was not responsible for his death.d Murray, who was convicted of the involuntary manslaughter of King of Pop Michael Jackson eight years ago, has been practising medicine in the twin-island republic without a licence. This follows a revelation by the Trinidad Newsday newspaper that Murray was attending to patients at a private medical facility in central Trinidad. According to the Sunday Newsday, when it called the Rampersad Medical Centre and Private Hospital last Friday and asked for Dr Murray, it was told that “Murray was available for appointments at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.” However, the newspaper said that when a team went to the facility on the same day and requested to see the doctor, the hospital’s receptionist said he was there but was not “interested” in speaking to the media. Efforts by Newsday to speak with the hospital’s owner also proved futile.


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Rihanna and former Australian PM to raise US$3 Billion for education in Malawi

Rihanna (left) and former Australian leader Julia Gillard (right) in a classroom in Malawi. Caribbean 360 – Barbados’ superstar Rihanna and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard first came together for a good cause in 2016 and were reunited earlier this year while doing philanthropic work in Malawi. Last week, a video of their January trip was released, showing the multiple Grammy award-winner and the former politician meeting with community leaders and schoolchildren as they seek to raise US$3.1 billion between 2018 and 2020. “I’m really here to see it. It’s one thing to read the statistics, but I want to see it first-hand and find out all that can be done and where to

start first,” Rihanna said in the clip. “We’re here really to get a sense of the dimensions of change and what more needs to be done, and we know these challenges are profound,” Gillard added. The pop princess and the politician previously joined forces for the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), a campaign designed to improve the quality of education in developing countries. Gillard joined the charity in 2014 as chair of the Board of Directors, while Rihanna, who founded The Clara Lionel Foundation in honour of her late grandparents, is an ambassador. Also present on the trip

was Hugh Evans, CEO of Global Citizen, an organisation committed to helping GPE raise money and help children access education in more than 60 impoverished nations. Various issues impact the education system in Malawi, including a lack of skilled teachers and limited access to education. “Statistically 70-75 percent of students get into primary school, but only eight percent get to complete secondary school,” said Angeline Murimirwa, Regional Executive Director of Camfed. There is approximately one teacher to every 100 students in the south-east African nation.

Oil prices struggle on doubts OPEC can rein in oversupply BBC-Oil prices wallowed near their lowest levels in seven months early on Thursday, hurt by high global inventories and doubts over OPEC’s ability to implement production cuts. Brent crude futures were down 7 cents or 0.2 percent at $46.93 per barrel at 0053 GMT, after slumping nearly four percent in the previous session. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were down 12 cents or 0.3 percent at $44.61 per barrel.

Crude futures benchmarks are sitting near their lowest levels since late November last year when production cuts led by the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) were first announced. Brent and WTI are down over 12 percent since their opens on May 25, when the agreement to cut was extended to the end of the first quarter next year, instead of expiring this month as initially planned. “OPEC 2017 year-to-date exports are only down by 0.3

million barrels per day (bpd) from the October 2016 baseline,” analysts at AB Bernstein said in a note to clients. OPEC’s pledge was to cut some 1.2 million bpd, while other producers including Russia would bring the total reduction to almost 1.8 million bpd. However, some OPEC members including Nigeria and Libya have been exempt from cutting, and their rising output undermines efforts led by Saudi Arabia.

US Senate overwhelmingly backs Russia sanctions BBC-US senators have voted overwhelmingly to impose fresh sanctions on Russia over its alleged interference in last year’s election. They also agreed, by 97-2, to set up a process by which Congress can block any attempt by President Trump to scale back those sanctions. The legislation was filed as an amendment to an Iran sanctions bill.

It comes amid concerns that memb e r s o f M r Tr u m p ’s c a mpaign team colluded with Russia over the election. President Trump and Moscow have always denied any collusion. A number of investigations into the allegations have been opened in Washington, including a justice department probe led by former FBI director Robert Mueller.


Thursday June 15, 2017

Spencer exonerated, as attorney... From page 31 Greene added. The threemember Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel comprising chairman Kent Gammon, Heron Dale and Dr Donovan Calder was not convinced that Spencer breached any rules, as Gammon read the verdict at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston. “The decision that we arrived at today was that we were not persuaded based on the evidence presented that the athlete Miss Spen-

cer had committed a breach of article 2.3, in particular of the Jamaica AntiDoping Disciplinary Commission rules and that’s the decision that we handed down,” said Gammon. “The deciding factor was the equivocation that the athlete was properly notified as to the anti-doping violation and the non-compliance with article 5.0 of the International Standards t e s t i n g o f WA D A , ” h e noted. An obviously re-

lieved Spencer refused to speak to the media, but her manager Marvin Anderson, who finished sixth in the 200m final at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, and who also won a silver medal in the 4x100m relay, said he was happy his client will be able to return to the track. “From the outset we believed that she was innocent and we feel good that now she can go back to what she loves doing and that’s running on the track,” said Anderson.

Thursday June 15, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) Make changes regarding your friendships. Tone down and put some of that hard earned cash into a safe, long-term investment. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Look into some personal changes. Your childlike quality may get you into big trouble today if you neglect your responsibilities. You'll be pleased with the results if you take the time to decorate your home. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) It might be time to do some of those chores at home. Self-deception is likely. Take the time to do something nice for your friends and relatives. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Don't be too quick to sign documents. Beware of someone who is trying to make you look bad. Property investments, insurance, taxes, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Trips will be exciting. Someone may be trying to damage your reputation. Your lover probably won't put up with your behavior. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Don't play on your partner's emotions. Your emotions may be hard to control if your mate is forcing you to undergo drastic alterations in your relationship. Get back to basics and reevaluate what is important in life.

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

KSM Investment and V-Net... From page 29 The eight teams that have confirmed their participation for the tournament are Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Albion, Young Warriors, Blairmont, Tuckber Park, Young Achievers, Kildonan and Upper Corentyne. The first round of matches along with the semifinals on the 1st of July would be played using the 10/10 format, while the 3rd Place Playoff and the finals would be played over 20 overs on the 8th of July. Due to reasons beyond the control of organisers, no Guyana con-

Foreign Ministry Tapeball set for Sunday The Foreign Ministry Sports promotion team will be hosting a Tapeball competition on Sunday at the National Cultural Centre tarmac starting at 09:00hrs. Entrance fee is $10,000 and teams are asked to note that national players are not allowed to take part. Entries close tomorrow and registration can be made through James Lewis on 628-1656 or 666-5857. The winning team will take home a trophy and $75,000 and the runner up a trophy and $40,000. The bowler with the most wickets and the best batsman in the final will also be rewarded. The competition is open to any team.

Father’s Day of Sports for Durban Park Sunday The South Turkeyen Sports Committee and Bannas Foundation will host a Father’s Day of Sports on Sunday beginning at 10:00am at Durban Park featuring a sixover Tapeball cricket competition for teams from the area and a five-a-side small goal football competition and penalty shootout. According to a press release, some of the teams invited to participate include Lodge, North Sophia, Sophia ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Fields, Vryheid’s Lust, Meadow Bank and others with $6,000 for the registration of teams. The release said that food and drinks will be on sale, while P&P Insurance Brokers, National Sports Commission, Tent City, Trophy Stall, Bourda Market and Mr. Zaman Alli donated the trophies. Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell and Kevin Walcott are the organisers.

tracted cricketers nor CPL player would be allowed to participate, while teams would be allowed a maximum of six first division players who have played more than four Berbice or GCB first division matches in 2016 and 2017 combined. Under-19 players would not be considered first division players. The prize package of $1M has already been secured and the winning team would take home $500,000 and a trophy, the 1strunner up $300,000 and a trophy, 2nd Runner up $100,000 and trophy, while 3rd runner up would receive $50,000. The Man of the Finals would collect $50,000 and a trophy, while the four teams that did not place in the tournament would receive $15,000 each. President David Granger during the presentation cer-

emony would be distributing schoolbags and bicycles to less fortunate children across Berbice under the RHTY&SC Patron’s Fund Programme, while 20 Cricket Clubs would also be receiving a large donation of cricket balls under the Club’s Cricket Development Programme. Among the Clubs to benefit would be the eight teams participating along with Bush Lot, Fyrish, NO.19, Big Star, Whim, Courtland, Skeldon and Chesney. Kares Engineering Ltd is the main sponsor of the tournament with sponsorship of the prizes while the RHTY&SC has announced that entry to the venue would be free. The Club at the end of the tournament would be providing a comprehensive financial statement and report to President Granger and all sponsors.


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

Sparta Boss not ready to abdicate monarchy just yet - joins Sophia, Tucville and Albouystown in tonight’s semis By Rawle Welch When Eusi Phillips unleashed his right-foot missile that blew past defenders and goalkeeper one minute before full time, it was a clear signal that Sparta Boss were not ready to abdicate the monarchy just yet. The reigning Futsal champions have not been in peak form throughout the tournament, but their tenacity and experience continue to be the difference between them and opposing teams and their 3-2 triumph over imminent contender Future Stars were irrefutable evidence of those two important assets. Playing in front of another large crowd in the Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament, at the National Gymnasium, the two teams clashed in the final game of the night and what a game it was as they stood toe to toe in an encounter that was littered with end to end action. Sparta Boss were the first to enter the scoresheet when talisman Devon Millington sprinted on to a pass, before hitting a fierce right-footer into the left corner of the goal in the 4th minute. However, one of the starts of the future, Jeremy Garrett’s response was sensational as he let loose a ripper from the right side following a pass from centerfield two minutes later to level the match. Both teams’ missed opportunities to take the lead as the excitement reached fever pitch with the respective band of supporters screaming instructions from the stands. Sheldon Shepherd then broke the deadlock in the 17th minute, finishing clinically after being fed through by Millington to make it 2-1 in Sparta’s favour. Searching for the equaliser, Future Stars threw

everything at Sparta’s defence, but the champs confidently shut down all attempts, before Keron Solomon silenced their supporters when he hammered a cracking shot into the goal four minutes from full time. Once again, the champs answered and their reply came one minute before the final whistle with the Phillips rocket to seal a berth in the semis where they face the tournament’s most in-form team Albouystown. Albouystown, the only team to win all their matches, squeezed past a stubborn Broad Street 2-1 with Roy Cassou and Marlon Nedd’s 8th and 12th minute strikes proving just enough to take them over the line, while Samuel Hunte’s 5th minute effort threatened to spring an upset. Another team that are playing at a high level is Tucville that thrashed favourites Back Circle 6-3 with Jermaine Junior continuing his fine form, firing in a pair in the 25th and 28th minutes, while Delon Williams, Jahaal Greaves, Tefon Daly and Ryan Hackett each supported with a goal apiece in the third, fourth, 17th and 27th minutes. Selwyn Williams, Curtez Kellman and Jermaine Beckles were the players on target in the 10th, 21st and 26th minutes respectively for Back Circle. Tucville will now face Sophia in a rematch that is likely to provide entertaining action from the first whistle. Sophia showed what great form they are in presently with a convincing 4-1 win over Bent Street. Desmond Cottam netted two goals in the fifth and 17th minutes, while Omallo Williams had a similar tally, scoring his in the 28th and 30th minutes.

Part of the action between Tucville and Back Circle which the former won to advance to tonight’s semi-finals. Orandel Williams made the lone response for Bent Street, netting in the 25th minute. The winning team takes home $500,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth placed finishers collect $200,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively. The tournament’s Most Valuable Player will receive $50,000. Among the other sponsors on board are: Fas Grafix, Jefford’s Distribution and Sales, Giftland Distribution

Store, Windjammer International Cuisine & Hotel and FARMSUP Mining Investments Inc. The final will be played on June 17, at the same venue. Among the other sponsors on board are: Fas Grafix, Jefford’s Distribution and Sales, Giftland Distribution Store and FARMSUP Mining Investments Inc. The night’s full results: Game-1 Broad Street-1 vs Albouystown-2 Albouystown Scorers Roy Cassou-8th

Marlon Nedd-12th Broad Scorer Samuel Hunte-5th Game-2 Bent Street-1 vs Sophia-4 Sophia Scorers Desmond Cottam-5th and 17th Omallo Williams-28th and 30th Bent Scorer Orandel Williams-25th Game-3 Tucville-6 vs Back Circle3 Tucville Scorers Jermaine Junior-25th and 28th

Delon Williams-3rd Jahaal Greaves-4th Tefon Daly-17th Ryan Hackett-27th Back Circle Scorers Selwyn Williams-10th Curtez Kellman-21st Jermaine Beckles-26th Game-4 Sparta Boss-3 vs Future Stars-2 Sparta Scorer Devon Millington-4th Sheldon Shepherd-17th Eusi Phillips-29th Future Scorers Jeremy Garrett-6th Keron Solomon-26th

Hasan Ali stars as Pakistan crush England to reach ... From page 30 (not that Morgan ever settled), but it was Stokes’ careworn innings that was most revealing. Stokes had pummelled Australia at The Oval to knock them out of the tournament, but he failed to hit a boundary in scraping 34 from 64 balls before he struck a slower off-cutter from Hasan straight up in the air 15 balls from the end. It felt like hard work: he might have been batting in dense air. England hit only 15 boundaries, only one in the last 11 overs - and that was an edge. Pakistan restricted England despite the sensation that luck was siding with the home side. Three reviews fell in their favour in the first half of the innings. Bairstow might have fallen lbw second ball, for nought. But Bairstow sur-

vived against Junaid by virtue of umpire’s call and a plentiful supply of leg-side whips gave England the sort of start they had been lacking all summer. Bairstow was dropped twice, too, on 27, when Azhar failed to cling to a tough, leaping catch above his head, and again on 42 when he swiped at a wide one from Shadab and another head-high chance this time evaded Babar at slip. Generally, however, Pakistan’s outfielding was at the top of its game. Alex Hales overturned his dismissal, lbw to Raees on 9, but failed to prosper as the same bowler defeated his advance down the pitch courtesy of a catch at short extra cover. Morgan also benefited from a review, on 19, rightly confident that the deflection when he reverse-swept

Shadab would prove to have come off his forearm. If Bairstow had become anxious at England’s slowing progress, it was nothing compared to the disquiet in the second half of the innings as the ball softened and reverse swing became evident. It has been a while since Morgan allowed himself such a prolonged period of assessment, a succession of defensive pushes at deliveries angled into him symbolising England’s unease. Joe Root was England’s fall-back on such a surface and he proceeded to 46 from 56 balls with a succession of learned pushes that were beyond his team-mates - 30 singles in all. He took painkillers in case his back played up, but fell cutting when Shadab summoned a little extra pace and bounce. Morgan, fortunate not to

be bowled by Hafeez when he tried to pull early in the innings, eventually charged at Hasan in desperation and the ball, not just wide but moving wider, was edged into the wicketkeeper’s hands. Jos Buttler soon followed, Junaid angling the ball across him. As Stokes laboured, nobody else filled him with hope. Moeen Ali departed to a top-edged pull against Junaid, excellently held on the run by Fakhar at deep square leg. Rashid suffered a hangdog run-out after being struck on the pad by a yorker. England’s bowlers hoped they would be happier with a ball in their hands. Instead, the truth was far less palatable. Scores: Pakistan 215 for 2 (Azhar 76, Fakhar 57) beat England 211 (Root 46, Bairstow 43, Hasan 3-35, Junaid 2-42) by eight wickets.


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Grove, Eccles claim male and female titles

Members of the Eccles male and female teams.

Naiomi Barkoye Grove defeated New Diamond by one run to win the male title when the East Bank Demerara zone of the National Sports Commission, Ministry of Education AL Sport and Tour Promotions 20th Annual Primary Schools day/night Windball Cricket Champions Trophy concluded recently at the National Gymnasium. Batting first, Grove posted 92-6 with Randy Khan scoring 28 and Tobeer Hussein 24; Jonathan Chandra had 2-5 and Deonarine Dindial 2-10. New Diamond playing in their first zone finals replied with 91-7. Dindial struck 50 and Raj Richards 16. Ramesh Persaud snared 4-5 and Randy Khan 3-30. Eccles overcame Diamond by 42 runs to win the third place playoff. Eccles took first strike and rattled up 101-2. Mikeal John hit 44 and K Singh 36. Diamond were limited to 59- 5 in reply. Joshua

Dias made 18. Eccles beat Covent Garden by 38 runs to capture the female crown. Eccles took first strike and scored 127-1. Doniela Thom slammed 64, while Venus Luke-King made 25. Covent Garden made 89-2 in reply. Lashana Sobers got 41. The Georgetown zone continued at the said venue with action in the female division. FE Pollard batted first and managed 40-6. Abigail Bonar had three wickets including a hat-trick. Bel Air replied with 39-0. Brandy Charles picked two wickets. Tucville made 71- 4 with Rayanna Peters scoring 56. North Georgetown responded with 74 with out lost. North Georgetown got 100-1. Naiomi Barkoye struck 96 (6x6s, 11x4s). Winfer Garden were restricted to 85-3 in response. Keasha Jones made 20.

The victorious Grove side

Windies vs Afghanistan game washed out By Sean Devers in St Lucia In association with Vnet Communications Noble House Seafood, Baksh Travel Service, Payless Varity Store & Golden Arrow Inn in St Lucia It was a frustrating and futile wait for the officials, media and the teams, especially Afghanistan seeking to become the first associate team to win an ODI series against West Indies, as the final ODI was washed out at the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground last night without a ball being bowled as the three match series ended 1-all. Despite torrential overnight rain which continued for m o s t o f y e s t e r d a y, A f g h a n i s t a n

would be the happier of the teams as they became the first associate team not to suffer a series loss against the West Indies. The 50-over contest, set to commence 14:30hrs was delayed due to a wet o u t f i e l d a nd persistent drizzle and when the skies cleared and the covers were removed from the square, play was scheduled to begin at 16:45hrs and the overs reduced to 43 per side. However, the r a i n returned and although the contest could have stared not later than 20:15hrs with a 20 overs affair, the rain did not stop and the match was called off at 19:10hrs. Afghanistan became the first team ranked lower

than West Indies to beat them in an ODI in their own back yard when pulled off a 63-run victory in the opening game on Friday before West Indies won by four wickets on Sunday to level the series. Eighteen-year-old legspinner Rashid Khan befuddled the West Indies and grabbed 7-18, the fourth best figures recorded in the 44-year history of ODI cricket and the most wickets by any bowler in the three-match series even with last night’s game being abandoned. Khan whose next assignment is suiting up for the Guyana Amazon Warriors in this year ’s CPL, was predictably named Man-ofthe-Series for his 10 wickets in two matches.

Rashid Khan, Javed Ahmadi and Nasir J amal walk around the wet outfield © AFP


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Thursday June 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Warriors well-built for success over the long haul OAKLAND, CALIF. (Reuters) The Golden State Warriors made a strong case to be called one of the best teams in NBA history after a near-perfect run through the playoffs resulted in their second title in three years. The scary part for the NBA’s 29 other teams? This may just be the beginning. That is because the Warriors boast an intimidating starting lineup featuring four All-Stars in their 20s who are likely to be with the team for years to come. Two-time reigning league MVP Stephen Curry is expected to sign the richest contract in NBA history this offseason as the league’s best three-point marksman will be eligible for a fiveyear deal worth an estimated $207 million. “I’m just excited to do something special,” Curry said during the presentation of the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy on Monday in Oakland after his team beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals. “I’m ready to do it again.” If so he will have help from shooting guard Klay Thompson and do-it-all power forward Draymond Green, who are already locked into long-term contracts with the Warriors. And then there is Kevin

Durant. The 7-foot (2.13 m) small forward and 2017 Finals MVP has said that after his controversial decision leave the Oklahoma City Thunder and join the Warriors last offseason, he is not eager to move again. Durant is so dedicated to winning multiple championships that he is reportedly considering taking less money from the team in order to free up space to re-sign key reserves like Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala. That all spells trouble for the rest of the league, who saw the Warriors capture a title in 2015, win a record-setting 73 games the next regular season before Durant moved to the Bay Area and the team became a juggernaut. “They’re going to be around for a while,” Cavaliers forward LeBron James said after suffering his second Finals defeat in three years to a Warriors team that went 16-1 in the playoffs. “Pretty much all their big-name guys are in their 20s, and they don’t show any signs of slowing down.” And the team’s coaching staff is equally formidable. After being sidelined for part of last season and again during the 2017 playoffs with back pain, head

Golden State Warriors players and coaches celebrate with the Larry O’Brien Trophy. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports) coach Steve Kerr returned during the Finals and said he intends to coach “for a long time.” General Manager Bob Myers, who helped assemble the Warriors lineup after the franchise spent years as the

GFF begins process to reintegrate Pele FC and GFC into association football

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has commenced efforts to reintegrate the Pele Football Club and the Georgetown Football Club into the activities of the their Association, the Georgetown Football Association (GFA), following their relegation from the Elite League, a release from the GFF informed. This will result in the named clubs becoming registered members of the GFA and participating in the activities of the same. The next major activities of the Association are the GFF-Pele Alumni Frank Watson National U15 Tournament and the GFF-NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power

National U17 Tournament, the latter scheduled to begin this weekend. These competitions will afford the youth players from the respective clubs the much needed opportunity to be engaged in active football. Further, the senior team will be allowed to participate in the Association’s tournaments and compete to regain their position in the elite league. The GFF had taken the decision to relegate both clubs in accordance with Article; 13,1a and 13,1c of the Constitution of the Guyana Football Federation following their withdrawal from the senior league, the release concluded.

league’s laughing stock, and savvy owner Joe Lacob fill out the rest of the team. The big question this offseason is what, if anything, will contenders like Cleveland, San Antonio and Boston do to counter the champion Warriors. Some reports have suggested James, the best player on the planet, may head to

California to join the Lakers or Clippers in 2018, likely bringing talented players along in an effort to topple the Warriors if the Cavaliers fall short again next year. One thing is clear - if no one can assemble a truly special team, the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy could very well reside in the Bay Area for years to

come. “After the parade, the narrative will shift to ‘So, what does the league plan to do about this?’” wrote Ray Ratto, a veteran Bay Area sports columnist. “Right now, the only answer seems to be ‘not a damned thing.’ Because that’s the only answer that makes sense. This is Golden State’s era.”

China’s Xi meets FIFA head amid World Cup speculation (Reuters) Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged continued efforts to improve Chinese football in a meeting yesterday with F I FA P r e s i d e n t G i a n n i Infantino in Beijing, amid speculation that China may be planning a bid to host the World Cup. “There is still a very large disparity in the general standard of China’s football today compared to major footballing nations,” Xi said in the meeting, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Xi, an avid football fan, has launched an ambitious drive to improve Chinese football from the ground up, and has spoken of his wish for China to qualify for another World Cup, to host the tournament, and eventually to win one. The country has invested heavily in the sport in recent years, boosting

its Super League with some high-profile, bigmoney international signings. Its growing influence within FIFA was reflected in the election of Zhang Jian to the governing body’s council in May, and FIFA has appointed a number of Chinese companies as sponsors for the forthcoming World Cups in Russia and Q a t a r. B u t i t s n a t i o n a l team continues to struggle: they have only once qualified for the World Cup — in 2002, when the team lost all three matches and failed to score a goal. Ranked 82nd by FIFA, China is all but certain to miss out on qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, after a late goal cost the team victory against Syria in their most recent match on Tuesday. While the incomplete

summary released by CCTV did not contain any mention of the World Cup, s p e c u l at i o n h a s g r o w n t h a t C h i n a w ishes to launch a bid to host the competition in either 2030 or 2034. Xi told Infantino that China was cultivating a football culture for everyone, building world-class football schools and greatly expanding youth football, CCTV reported. “The true meaning of football is not just about competition, it is more about cultivating people’s patriotism and collective fighting spirit,” Xi said. Infantino commended China on attaching such great importance to football and promoting the sport to its people, according to CCTV. “China plays a critical role in FIFA’s football development strategy,” the broadcaster reported him saying.


Thursday June 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Page 31

Digicel Schools Football Championship

RHTY&SC Patron’s Green Economy Cricket Tournament

Mahaicony edge host Belladrum following intense battle

KSM Investment and V-Net Communication on board as sponsors

The community of Belladrum, West Coast Berbice came out in their numbers to welcome the Digicel Schools Football Championship to their venue for the first time in the seven-year history of the competition, but left dejected after Belladrum Secondary fell 1-2 to the visiting Mahaicony Secondary yesterday afternoon. It was not the first time and wouldn’t be the last that a team which have dominated proceedings did not win as was the case yesterday despite the constant cheering on by the home supporters. The match kicked off with both teams showing some ring rust but as the match matured; they both got into their stride. Belladrum made a few enterprising runs but lacked the requisite resolve to make the chances created count. The diminutive presence of the burly Oinyi Hytmiah in goal for Mahaicony also played its role in keeping the h o m e t e a m a t b a y. H y t m i a h ’s o p p o s i t e n u m b e r, E m o i l B y a s s was also excellent in goal for Belladrum but ended up on the losing end like they did last year. It was Mahaicony which took the lead in the 30th minute and this was so

Hilbert Foster receives sponsorship from V-Net CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen.

Nebert Sears (right) and Dequand Gomes - Mahaicony Secondary School due to a handled ball in the area from a Belladrum player. The ensuring penalty kick was drilled into the back of the nets by Nebert Sears as the elated boys from Mahaicony celebrated their good fortune. The lead by the visiting team would stand until the 75th minute when, like the visitors, the home team were gifted a penalty in similar circumstances to the first one awarded. This opportunity was created owing to relentless

offensive work from the home side. Ntini Bobb was given the opportunity to take the spot kick and did not disappoint himself, teammates or the sizable crowd of supporters as they erupted in applause for the long overdue equaliser. It was exactly what the doctor had ordered for the Belladrum side, but even as they continued to dominate proceedings, Mahaicony q u ietly made a few counterattacking runs of their own whenever they could have.

Wi t h t i m e t i c k i n g away and the tension rising, out of the blues, Byass had a lapse in concentration as he advanced recklessly which allowed an opening for Mahaicony to tap in the go ahead goal and that was exactly what transpired when Duquand Gomes tapped the ball into an open goal with Byass out of position in the 90+1 minute. It was a costly lapse for the home team and spoilt an otherwise excellent display of goalkeeping from Byass. (Franklin Wilson)

A crestfallen Emiol Byass (Belladrum GK) is on the ground after letting in the winning goal against Mahaicony yesterday. (Franklin Wilson photo)

KSM General Manager Mahadeo Panchu hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. The plans of the eight cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, MS to host one of the biggest ever cricket tournament in Guyana’s history received a major boost on Tuesday last when KSM of East Coast Demerara and V-Net Communication of Campbellville came on board as sponsors. The teams during the month of July would be hosting an eight-team knockout cricket tournament in honour of President David Granger’s 72nd Birthday. Club Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster and Vice President Mark Papannah, who are spearheading the planning of the tournament, both expressed gratitude to Managing Director of KSM Investment Mr. Mahadeo Panchu and V-Net Communication CEO Safraz Sheriffudeen for their contribution towards the tournament. KSM Investment apart from making a financial donation would also be providing polo T/Shirts for four teams, an investment of close to $160,000. V-Net Communication handed over a donation of five bicycles that would be distributed to less fortunate children during the presentation ceremony of the tournament under the Club Patron’s Fund Programme. The RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO reassured both sponsors that the tournament would not only be well organised but would achieve all of its objectives. The future areas of cooperation including a community project for the 175th Anniversary Celebration of the purchase of Rose Hall Village in 1842 by 57 free slaves. Foster committed the RHTY&SC and its eight cricket teams towards strengthening relationships with both sponsors. The tournament bowls off on Saturday 1st of July at the Albion Sports Complex while the Ministry of the Presidency has confirmed that President Granger would be available for the finals and presentation ceremony on Saturday 8th of July. (Continued on page 25)


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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 15, 2017

Hasan Ali stars as Pakistan crush England to reach Champions Trophy final ESPNcricinfo England’s quest to secure their first trophy in a 50-over global tournament came to grief in emphatic fashion in Cardiff as Pakistan surged into the final of the Champions Trophy with masterful unpredictability, completing a thumping win by eight wickets with nearly 13 overs to spare. Central to Pakistan’s victory was their commendable vigour and skill with the ball on a dry, abrasive surface to dismiss England for only 211. A reused pitch was the one on which Pakistan had earned their semi-final spot by edging out Sri Lanka in frenzied fashion on Monday, and it might have been designed for them. This time, there were no alarms with the bat as both their wickets and nerves remained intact. England, who have been routine collectors of 300plus scores since the last World Cup, have rarely looked as subservient since adopting a more daring brand of one-day cricket. They became becalmed with the bat as Pakistan’s pace attack found enough reverse swing to be perpetually dangerous, and they did not match their opponent’s standard when it was their own turn to bowl. Neither should this England defeat be remotely put down to an inability to cope with the demands of the occasion, because interest in this tournament on their own shores has been manageable, disappointingly so. They tried to adapt to conditions but came up short. Morgan’s measured comment that they “did not prepare for a used wicket” was revealing. They were simply outplayed. All six Pakistan bowlers acquitted themselves impressively, backed up by combative fielding and the desire of their wicketkeeper-captain,

Sarfraz Ahmed, to maintain an attacking intent. Hasan Ali, a fistpumping, arm-outstretching inspiration, finished with 3 for 35 and his 10 wickets make him the leading wicket-taker in the tournament - the face of Pakistan’s success. He continued to sweet-talk the Kookaburra ball into occasional responses - a reluctant grunt of reverse here, a wink of compliance there. Junaid Khan was another impressive suitor. Pakistan had been dealt a potentially grievous blow before the toss when Mohammad Amir, their attack leader, was ruled out of the match with a back spasm. However, Rumman Raees, his reputation enhanced in the Pakistan Super League, put in a solid shift of left-arm fast-medium on his ODI debut. Imad Wasim’s left-arm slows and the leg spin of the recalled Shadab Khan also contained England’s ambitions on a dry, used surface, with the seasoned Mohammad Hafeez equally hard to combat. Pakistan’s chase was a breeze, and Fakhar Zaman’s exuberant innings - 57 from 58 balls - was an unfastened kite that swirled around unpredictably in that breeze. An opening stand of 118 in 21 overs made necessary early inroads into England’s total. While Azhar progressed intelligently to 76, Fakhar pretty much did what he liked. Fakhar, a former navy trainee who is in his first ODI series, claimed his second successive half-century in a do-or-die game. England’s quicks pounded the middle of the pitch in an obsessive belief that they could dismiss him with the short ball. Their c o n v i c t i o n w a s understandable because it was a seat-of-the-pants innings from the moment he

Pre-Father’s Day King of Domino for Beck’s Bar Saturday The South Turkeyen Sports Committee and Black Stallion Football Club will host a big King Domino Competition and Lime for Fathers and other men on Saturday at 6pm at Beck’s Bar and Grill located at 244 Vryheid’s Lust. A press release indicated that the teams invited include Vryheid’s Lust, Better Hope, Plaisance, Ogle, Sophia and others. The entrance fees include $1,000 per player and there will be medals and trophies up for grabs. The release said that Minister of Communities, Ronald Bulkan donated the trophies. Food and Drinks will be on sale. Johnny ‘Overseas’ Barnwell and Wesley Tyndal are the organisers of the event.

Sarfraz Ahmed leads his players on a victory lap, England v Pakistan, Champions Trophy, 1st semi-final, Cardiff, ©Getty Images top-edged the second ball he faced, from Mark Wood, over fine leg for six. Another flew in the same direction off the helmet. An on-the-charge pull against Jake Ball was another variation. By the time England reviewed for a supposed catch behind the wicket, Fazhar had his fifty and one suspected that Wood, back for a second spell, wanted the replay because of sheer

aggravation. It showed, as Fazhar knew it would, that the ball had brushed his hip. He fell in the next over, deceived by Adil Rashid’s googly as he made room to blaze him over the off-side to be stumped by Buttler. Azhar Ali increasingly looks a class act. Little troubled him until he charged a slower ball from Ball and bottom-edged it into his stumps. There is talk of a

slight calf strain and Pakistan need him in the final. Mohammad Hafeez, who should have been stumped by Buttler off Rashid, sparked celebrations by pulling a long hop from Stokes to the boundary. Stokes’ 3.1 overs disappeared for 38 - an offcolour display that e p i t o m i s e d E n g l a n d ’s collective lethargy. Such a towelling was not

remotely signalled as noon approached. That England reached 80 for 1 midway through the 17th over was contentment enough. It was at this stage that Jonny Bairstow - summoned in preference to the woefully out-of-touch Jason Roy, who had made 52 in his last eight knocks - fell for 43 from 57 balls. Joe Root and Eoin Morgan also got starts (Continued on page 26)

IPA in ‘Big’ John Edwards’ corner for Pan Am C’ship Guyanese powerlifter ‘Big’ John Edwards has received support from I n t e r n a t i o n a l Pharmaceutical Agency (IPA) as he prepares to represent the country at the Pan American Powerlifting Championship from July 310 in Orlando, Florida. Edwards will suit up against leading powerlifters from around the globe, and IPA said it is enthused to be in the athlete’s corner, noting that over the years it has sponsored many sporting activities such as Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Karate and Rugby, a release informed. “Besides being a major Pharmaceutical distributor, the company strong believes that sport has a significant economic, p o litical an d cu ltu r al influence on our society, as it has the unique power to attract, mobilise and inspire,” the company said in a statement. Edwards, under the Universal

IPA’s Chief Executive Officer Reginald Persaud (left), ‘Big’ John Edwards (centre) and Manager of Non-Pharmaceutical Shamieza Yadram display the product under which the athlete’s sponsorship has been given. Nutrition brand distributed by IPA, is the current heavyweight champion (equipped and unequipped) and will be attempting to break the current unequipped bench press world record of 467.5lbs, along with the Pan

A m e r i c a n a n d Commonwealth records of 529lbs and 451lbs respectively. “International Pharmaceutical Agency, along with fans of Mr. Edwards, is confident that he will make the country proud and wishes him

success throughout the competition,” the company statement concluded. Edwards expressed appreciation for the support, noting that he is determined to be on the podium brandishing the Golden Arrowhead.


Thursday June 15, 2017

Kaieteur News

Sentinel Security renews sponsorship of RHTY&SC’s Gaskin Award Programme For the fifth consecutive year, Sentinel Security Ltd of Lamaha Street, Georgetown would be sponsoring the Annual Gregory Gaskin Memorial Berbice Sports award Programme of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, M.S. The award ceremony would be hosted on Friday 21st of July at the Club’s Head Office and a total of three outstanding Berbicians and one organisation would be honoured for their outstanding performances in sports during 2016. Another Awardee would also be honoured for lifetime achievement in sports. Secretary/CEO of the RHTY&SC, Hilbert Foster stated that Sentinel CEO Noreen Gaskin has been sponsoring the prestigious Aw a r d p r o g r a m m e i n memory of her late husband Gregory Gaskin, Founder of COPS Security and passionate follower of sports. Under the sponsorship, the awards shared out are Berbice Sportsman of the Year, Berbice Sportswoman of the Year, Berbice Sport Personality of the Year and Berbice Sports Organisation of the Year. The Awardees are selected by a panel of judges headed by veteran Television News Editor Gregory Rambarran after careful consideration of awardees submitted by members of the general public and sports organisations. Foster stated that the main objectives of the programme apart from honouring the late Gregory Gaskin are to honour heroes

GCB Hand-in-Hand U19 tourney

Sinclair slams 97, Arjpaul bags 9 to set up intriguing final day at Everest E’bo reach 100-9 against GCB U17 Select XI

Sentinel Security Operation Manager Cedric Browne hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster. of sports in Berbice, to identify role models for youths to emulate and to inspire others to follow in the awardee’s footsteps. The Berbice Sports Award is one of the RHTY&SC twelve Award Programmes and each of the Awardees would receive a Trophy, Medal, Framed Certificate of Excellence and a collection of gifts. Past Awardees of the programme have included Ve e r a s a m m y P e r m a u l , Shemaine Campbelle, Carol Humphrey, Neil Humphrey, Randolph Roberts, Berbice Cricket Board, Levi Nedd and the Berbice Volleyball Association. Foster expressed gratitude to Sentinel Security for its continued confidence in the

RHTY&SC and hailed the company as a true friend of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation. Sentinel Security also donated a set of bicycles to the RHTY&SC which would be shared out to less fortunate students as part of the Patron’s Cricket tournament on the 8th of July. Sentinel CEO Noreen Gaskin stated that she was delighted to renew the sponsorship package as she enjoyed working with the dynamic Club over the years. She stated that her late husband was a passionate believer in sports and the benefits associated with it for youths. She encouraged the RHTY&SC, M.S to upkeep its high standards and pledged her support in the future.

Spencer exonerated, as attorney labels JADCO’s failed case ridiculous, nonsensical Jamaica Observer - “ Ridiculous “, “nonsensical”, were some of the words uttered by American attorney Paul Greene after his client Kaliese Spencer was unanimously cleared of any rules violation by the Independent Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel Tuesday. “I am relieved for Kaliese. This has been a very trying three months for her and, in my opinion, the case should never been brought. The provisional suspension should have never been imposed. There was no evidence that she actually did anything wrong and the

Page 33

decision vindicated her today,” said Greene, who was not at the hearing yesterday, but spoke via his cellphone. “One of the most staggering moments of the hearing is Mr Wilmot Rowe, who she was supposed to have evaded, admitted that he didn’t even know he was her chaperone at the time. How in the world can she be evading somebody who didn’t even know he was supposed to be testing her? I t ’s j u s t a b s o l u t e l y nonsensical,” said Greene. Spencer, 30, the 2014 Commonwealth Games

400m hurdles champion, was accused in April 2016 of violating article 2.3 of the JADCO Anti-Doping rules which refers to evading, refusing or failing to submit to sample collection. “I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that they brought the case. I mean nothing personal to those guys, but my client’s life was at stake because of what they did. They should never have brought the case and hopefully they will think long and hard about this next time because this is a pretty high-profile loss for them,” (Continued on page 25)

Kevin Sinclair

Karan Arjpaul

Keshram Seyhodan

Skipper Kevin Sinclair struck a fighting 97, while off-spinner Karan Arjpaul grabbed 9-22 from 20 overs to set up an exciting climax to Guyana Cricket Board Hand-in-Hand inter county U19 three-day tournament today. Sinclair’s knock saw Berbice to 166 all out in reply to Demerara first innings score of 190 at Everest Cricket Club. Led by the steady Arjpaul, Berbice restricted Demerara to 95-9 at stumps on day two. Arjpaul became the only bowler so far in the tournament to pick up nine wickets in an innings as 18 wickets tumbled on day two. Berbice resumed yesterday on 19-1 with Sinclair on 12 and Adrian Sukwah on 01 and lost Sukwah who was bowled by Seyhodan for two with the score on 25. Seyhodan then removed Javid Karim (03) before Richie Looknauth trapped Daniel Samaroo (17) lbw, leaving the score at 835. Sinclair, despite being given a few chances, timed the ball well and executed some handsome drives down the ground, but while he continued to gather runs, wickets fell at the other end with Berbice losing Steve Deonarine (00), Matthew Hardyal (03) and Ezekel Kempadoo (00) in quick succession. Sinclair desperately needed a useful partner as he inched closer to a century and in came Sylus Tyndall with whom he added 34 valuable runs. Tyndall hit one four and three sixes before he was bowled by Yadram for 23.

Sinclair put on 35 for the last wicket with Arjpaul (06*) , but when on 97 he attempted a big shot off the second ball of the 63rd over delivered by Yadram and was taken at long off. He batted for 243 minutes and hit 10 fours and two sixes as Seyhodan bagged 6-67 and Yadram 316. Despite taking first innings lead Demerara strangely didn’t use pacers Mark Jeffers and Damuka Nqgando for the day when they should be looking to pick up valuable fast bowling bonus points; this can very well come back to haunt them should Berbice win the game outright. Despite the pitch wasn’t the best in the tournament, Demerara batsmen could have applied themselves better; playing back to balls that kept low, playing across the line, early commitment, playing away from their body and too many airy shots resulted in their demise. Opener Raymond Perez (09) committed himself too early and became Arjpaul first victim who then removed Gavin Boodwah ((13) as Demerara were reduced to

49-2. Joshua Persaud was taken for seven, while Yadram lost his stumps for one as Berbice took control. Ramnarine Chatura (25) and Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (16) were the only other batsmen that reached double figures as Demerara endured a batting collapse. Demerara are leading by 119. Seyhodan is on one and Damuka Ngqando is yet to score. An exciting final day’s play is anticipated on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate as play progresses. At Eve Leary, The GCB Select U17 were all out for 227 just before lunch. Kevlon Anderson led with 101, while Reyaz Khan made 33, Pradesh Ballkishun 24 and Nigel Deosarran 22. Bowling for Essequibo, Mahendra Persaud had 3 for 34, Joel Fortune 3 for 42 and Lesley Allen 2 for 27. In reply, Essequibo closed the day on 100-9. Stephan Campbell made 34, while Mahendra Persaud contributed 21. Ashmead Nedd claimed 4 for 29; Anderson had 3 for 5, while Pradesh Balkishun and Nigel Deodat had one each.


t r o Sp Xtreme Clean & Maintenance /GT Beer ‘Gold Rush’ Futsal Tournament

Sparta Boss not ready to abdicate monarchy just yet - joins Sophia, Tucville and Albouystown in tonight’s semis

P.26

Star of the future Jeremy Garrett (pink bib) of Future Stars watches closely the advance of Sparta Boss’s Devon Millington during their clash on Tuesday night.

Digicel Schools Football Championship

Mahaicony edge host Belladrum following intense battle

P.29 Belladrum (red) on the attack against Mahaicony Secondary yesterday at the Belladrum ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)

Hasan Ali stars as Pakistan crush England to reach Champions Trophy final P.30

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