Kaieteur News
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Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUTHS The development of any country be it in the first world or the Third World, depends largely on youths, who are the nation’s future leaders. Any investment in youths is actually an investment in the future of the country. It is true that youths who are properly cultured will most likely become responsible citizens, good parents, effective decision-makers and efficient workers. Those who are not, will probably become a menace to society. Many are likely to indulge in criminal acts. In Guyana, there could be a positive impact on the society if it instills values on its youths and create opportunities for them to build character, acquire knowledge and skills, and develop their abilities. In order to reduce crime, especially murders and armed robberies, the government must invest in young people, impoverished and vulnerable communities to ensure sustainable socio-economic and human development and stability. Through partnerships with the private sector, the government must continue to support activities aimed at giving youths a voice and a stake in society, regardless of their circumstances. A distinct incentive that could help motivate youths is hope. It could help them face challenges boldly, courageously and fearlessly and focus on building a strong, prosperous and united nation. However, given the misconduct and misbehaviour of some public officials in high offices, youths have no one to emulate as role models. Many are beginning to question the relevance and sincerity of our institutions because they have failed to rein in those who transgress the law or engage in illicit and illegal activities for personal gains. Youths face an uncertain future in a society that is characterized by greed, the unequal distribution of wealth, unsustainable approaches to development and the destruction of the environment. In the hands of the present leadership lies a moral responsibility to ensure that our youths have a bright future which they can look forward to without fear or trepidation.In this context, our present leaders cannot be anything but professional in their approach to their tasks, which must not be restricted only to services but also to inspire youths. Our leaders must exhibit model behaviour so that youths can look-up to them. They must also understand that when they made that all important decision to become leaders, they entered into a moral and social contract with society to help define future generations. Notwithstanding the negative criticisms and attacks on the government from people and segments of the society, (some of the criticisms, we must admit, are wholly justified), the society at large must hold leaders to very high expectations and standards. As leaders, their duty is to perform a public good and their actions must at all times be in keeping with that dictum. In other words, they must set a proper example for youths.Leaders are the most powerful and influential role models to our youths in society, therefore, they have a sacred duty to conduct themselves properly. They must safeguard and advance the interests of the young. Their influence and impact go well beyond their official functions and serve as a platform upon which good and decent citizens are created. Their levels of commitment and dedication to the job and to the country must never be in question by society as a whole and worst yet by our youths. Their perception as good and decent human beings is of paramount importance to all. We cannot afford to allow our youths to fall by the wayside.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The Granger Administration is practicing ethnic preferences Dear Editor, I have noticed an increased assault against the Guyanese people by the Granger administration. Do they really think they can develop all of Guyana by cutting out 70% of the people from the decision-making process and get away with it? Socially, economically and politically, if they are not aware, Guyana has retrogressed, and have they not observed that a collective
fight back using all the tools at the people’s disposal has begun? This fight back does not need guns; it needs leadership, mobilization, and consciousness. It has now gotten that, and slowly but surely at the village level the collective fightback has started to gain traction. It is only a matter of time that the masses in a peaceful way coalesce against these forces of oppression led by the Granger administration. The
collective voice of the people is more powerful than all the armies in the world. What has happened to that tradition from 1966 to create one nation with one destiny? These people in the Granger Team speak of Burnham morning, noon and night, but they are not committed to anything that Burnham represented. Burnham wanted to mould a nation and what is happening in 2017 is certainly not how you mould
a nation. From my reading of history, all the presidents of Guyana before President Granger were committed to moulding the nation. Today the evidence is there to prove that we have a real situation of ethnic bias under the Granger administration. As an example, look at the 16 Permanent Secretaries in the Granger Government. Fifteen of them are from one race and these facts cannot be washed away (see below).
Where is the balance? Where is the fairness? The social cohesion damage to this nation has to be repaired or else this breach will become impossible to seal. Or is this
really what the political extremists in the PNC want; a split nation? Let the record show that for all of our 51 years as a politically independent nation, these last 12 months
during 2016/2017 have been the worst at fostering national unity and social cohesion. Is this what Granger wants to be remembered for?
Finally, where is the voice of the AFC Ministers; the so-called liberal democrats? Has ruthless ambition replace moral conviction? Sase Singh
On this day we must remember the Enmore Martyrs Dear Editor, Whether Enmore factory stands or not, sugar remains a productive part of the economy or not, ceases to be produced or not, the family of the martyrs alive in Guyana or not, those of us who have championed this cause are around or not, Enmore Martyrs Day is indelibly etched in the social, cultural, economic and political fabric of this nation. The historic event that led to the fateful incident (June 16, 1948) represents a symbol of workers’ determination to sacrifice and fight against systems and authorities that oppress them in their quest to be treated with dignity and respect. History has proven from slavery to now that labour (enslaved, indentured and voluntary) has gained nothing without sacrifice, sometimes paying the ultimate sacrifice. To this we must not only commemorate but commit to return.
The national recognition of the Enmore Martyrs fought for by the Guyana Trades Union Congress and approved by the Forbes Burnham Government in 1976 is a symbol of government's covenant to workers that they will be treated with dignity and respect and never shall there be a repeat of the 1948 incident. Regardless of which party/group is at the helm of government Enmore Martyrs Day will continue to be recognised. The sugar industry has always been one of Guyana’s major employers. At the same time the impact of sugar on the wider economy/society cannot be ignored. Decisions have to be made but out of concern, there remains the treatment of sugar workers in the process of it. The PPP/C will seek political mileage blaming t h e A P N U + A F C Government for the state of
the industry when sugar could not have reached its nadir were it not for the PPP/C's ineptitude. The APNU+AFC Government would want sugar workers to believe they are working their hardest to save the industry and that they have no choice but to accept being shut out of the consultative and decision-making processes about their lives and livelihood. For the trade union community this day must find us engaging in serious introspection as to state of the working class. The premature deaths of Lallabaggie, Dookie, Rambarran, Harry and Pooran because they refused to relent or give in to the employer and colonial authority stomping on their inalienable rights must not only be observed but see reinforcement of commitment of what’s required of us. The 1948 incident
intensified the people’s struggle for selfdetermination, given it was felt when we take charge of our destiny, respect and dignity for all would be assured. The attainment of self-government must not now find us thinking we are subservient to any group or individual nor can our welfare only be assured by turning a blind eye to wrongs. This generation of trade unionists must ask what legacy we want to leave and how we want to be remembered. When those who violate the principles of trade unionism are met with support or silence from fellow trade unionists the enabling environment is being ensured to continue violations. Any trade unionist or friend of the trade unionist must know and be told friendship is contingent to respecting the principles. The principle and (Continued on page 5)
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I congratulate the Minister for this positive and long overdue move DEAR EDITOR, I wanted to congratulate Minister Volda Lawrence on bringing the Tobacco Control Bill to Parliament. I am hopeful that all MPs will support the passage of the Tobacco Control Bill. I have not read the Bill that is being introduced for its first reading on Thursday, June 15, but I am aware that the Bill is largely based on a Bill which I presented to Cabinet in 2011 and which had its first draft in 2009. I am hopeful that nothing egregious has been added to the Bill that will cause any MP to object to it. The 11th Parliament has not distinguished itself so far, but the passage of this Bill will represent a momentous event
for our legislators and, more importantly, will be to the benefit of all Guyanese. The passage of the Tobacco Control Bill will rank as one of the great steps in improving the health of our people. There is no downside in passing this Bill. Between 2001 and now, I have been urging a global ban of tobacco by 2040. In the meantime, we need to enact the Tobacco Control law in Guyana. We need to also increase tobacco taxation and I hope that this will also be done. With the impending passage of the Tobacco Control Bill, I hope that our MPs will have the courage to increase taxes on tobacco. It is ironic that the government has introduced
or increased more than 200 new taxes, but did not touch tobacco. This is reprehensible. Since 2001, I am on record in calling for higher tobacco taxes in Guyana and around the world. Although generally supportive of my position, the PPP under President Jagdeo did not move in that direction because its taxation policy did not support new taxes. Even though it did introduce VAT, those taxes replaced a number of other taxes. But I think the PPP was wrong on this issue and I think that APNU+AFC is also wrong in not introducing increased taxes on tobacco, particularly since they have introduced or increased 200 new taxes. I am on record calling for
This PPP Parliamentarian has attacked are being kept clean and en- asked the workers to pose so my family hanced so that the beautifi- that he can take the pictures. DEAR EDITOR, As I have said before in one of my missives that I will only reply to Harry Gill if he speaks on issues that deal with the development of the region and not personal attacks. So, I would like to respond to a letter written by this MP in the Kaieteur News letter column dated 14\6\2017 under the heading "This Region 5 Councillor is an embarrassment to the APNU+AFC Govt". Let me remind Harry Gill that as long there are developments occurring, you can label me anything; I will not fall that easy. In Region 5 developments are happening and the CORE project is yet another program that will see the beautification of villages. I must applaud the Hon. Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson for another "A" plus initiative in getting the CORE program started. Now, to educate MP Harry Gill as to what CORE means. CORE stands for Community Organise to Restore the Environment. The aim of CORE is to ensure that communities
cation of the area is seen as pleasing and welcoming to visitors as we adopt and promote a "Green Economy". So, the CORE workers have all right to weed and clean up areas that need enhancement. They have been working in various villages over the past month. They have done work in No.27, Forth Wellington, Woodley Park, Bath Waterloo and Hopetown. Harry Gill seems to be upset that the communities are looking good and welcoming to all. I know Harry Gill as a “PPP leftovervotes” MP will want to see overgrown bushes in all the areas but that won't happen, Harry. I must also say that I am very grateful for the interest shown by this MP - visiting the CORE workers while they were on duty. But what I am upset at is the lies that this MP told the workers just to be photographed with them. Harry Gill told the workers that he is from overseas and that he would like to take out a few pictures with them to take back and show the people how hard Guyanese work. He
Imagine this MP is barefacedly misleading to the workers to ensure he has his way. He mentioned that the CORE workers were used to enhance the street where Carol Joseph lives and the street leading up to my house. Well, Harry Gill, you need to understand those are government streets, likewise the one next to Freedom House at Bath that was rebuilt about a month ago. Did you question why the NDC proposed that street be done and not the others that are in very bad shape? NO! The CORE workers will clean where has to be cleaned. Under the PPP the CIIP workers were used during the 2015 elections to weed and clean around Freedom House, to wash Freedom House, etc at Bath. Did you question the PPP as to why the workers were not used to clean the drains that needed cleaning? NO! I don't know what you term misuse of authority, because the CORE workers do what they required to and that (Continued on page 6)
a global minimum tax on tobacco, a minimum tax that applied to all countries. When I called for a minimum tax, it does not mean a low tax; it means a high tax that represents the lowest ceiling that any country can have. In May 2001, I committed to bringing a Tobacco Control Bill to Parliament. After much consultation and technical support to draft the Tobacco Bill, I was ready to introduce the Bill in 2009. Although generally supportive, the then Cabinet and President Bharrat Jagdeo took into consideration the urgings of the Private Sector Commission which thought that excluding the Tobacco Companies from consultations was unfair. It is true that the tobacco companies were excluded from the intense and c o m p r e h e n s i v e consultations. But that was because the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) which Guyana was a signatory to prohibits consultations with tobacco companies. The FCTC was the first and still only global health treaty ever. Guyana was an early signatory and 2016 marked our 10th anniversary since becoming a party to the FCTC. Although very disappointed, to satisfy the Cabinet and the Private Sector, we started another round of consultations in 2009. I explained to the Private Sector that I could not invite the Tobacco Companies
because we were prohibited to do so by the FCTC. The Private Sector invited the General Manager of DEMTOCO to lead the private sector team to the consultations. It was subterfuge, but I turned a blind eye and allowed the DEMTOCO General Manager to lead the private sector team because I wanted to ensure that the private sector was fully on board. In 2011, I prepared again to introduce the Bill. But Parliament was dissolved for elections. By 2012, I was shifted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the new Health Minister decided to resume consultations. By the time he was ready to bring the Bill to Parliament, it was prorogued and subsequently dissolved for the 2015 elections. I re-published the Bill earlier this year and asked people to lobby the government and our MPs to move the Bill through the Parliament. I would like to note that the chief drafts person on the Bill was Ms. Kasundra Alves who is the present Chair of the GPHC Board and I hired her to work with me to ensure we had the bill. My inability to have the Tobacco Control Bill passed remains one of the biggest regrets I have as the Minister of Health between May 2001 and December 2011. I also regret that I was not able to get government to increase taxes on tobacco. Tobacco is the world’s greatest extra-judicial killer. We agree as the world to do
something about stopping tobacco when we brought into force the first global health treaty - the FCTC. But we are far from doing enough to stop BIG TOBACCO. The United Nations has agreed that the MDGs resulted in a better world, even if we did not achieve everything we had hoped for. There is less poverty and hunger in the world, people live longer than ever before, there are fewer child deaths and we have reduced maternal mortality. But we still face major obstacles for improved lives and greater equity around the world. Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases continue to ravage the world and the NCDs are increasingly creating disease burdens that affect disability-free lives. Now we have agreed on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a better world by 2030. Unlike the MDGs, there is specific recognition of the importance of the NCDs. This is encouraging. There is also recognition that tobacco is a killer and globally we need collective action to reduce and eliminate the negative impacts of tobacco. Now that the SDG has embraced the goals of the FCTC, it is time we are more robust in our action to stop BIG TOBACCO. In this regards, we must strictly enforce our agreements in the FCTC to increase taxes on tobacco. Research has shown clearly that increased taxes do reduce tobacco use. Dr. Leslie Ramsammy
On this day we must remember the... From page 4 sacrifice for self-determination is intended to realise the success of indigenous government. When government succeeds the environment and workers/citizens succeed. But success is only attainable when there exists respect for and enforcement of timehonoured principles, laws, international conventions
and charters. It must matter not which group or party is in the seat of government, but what they do and must do to ensure good governance. Enmore Martyrs represent the fight for equal rights and justice in the society. Where these are enshrined in laws, thanks to the struggles of the five and others that preceded us, we must stand fearlessly today and
demand that they be respected. Specific reference is being made to Articles 38, 147 and 149C in the Guyana Constitution. These articles vest the right, freedom and power to and in workers to participate in the decision-making processes and management of their welfare, the state and economy. Lincoln Lewis
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The President is out to appoint a Gecom Chairman of his choice. DEAR EDITOR, The identification and selection of a suitably qualified and competent individual to serve as Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (Gecom) must concern all Guyanese regardless of their political preference. We must ensure that the electoral wrongs of the 1970s and 1980s are never repeated and the political and democratic gains of the period October 1992 to May 2015 are not undermined or jeopardized. Section 161(2) of our revised Constitution clearly sets out the eligibility requirements and the process that must be followed in the selection of the individual who will have to shoulder the responsibility of overseeing Guyana’s electoral machinery and personnel. Any attempt to undermine the process as set out in the Constitution would only undermine public confidence in the fairness of future elections regardless of assurances that they were transparent. This can result in political chaos. No amount of political machinations must be allowed to cloud or corrupt the clear language of the Constitution. Where clarity is needed, it is the Court that must provide that clarity. Much has been said and written with respect to President Granger’s rejection of
twelve (12) Nominees submitted on two lists which the Leader of the Opposition Cde Bharrat Jagdeo submitted to him. Indeed, the President’s announcement that he rejected the Opposition Leader’s first list because the constitutional preference is for a judge or former judge has been considered unacceptable by a majority of Guyanese. Our constitution does not limit the eligibility requirement to a judge or former judge or someone with judge like attributes, but allows also for the consideration of “Any other fit and proper person”. No specific reason has been advanced by the President for his rejection of the second list of nominees which the Opposition Leader submitted. It could only be assumed that the second list also did not meet ‘the characteristics” of the Gecom Chairman as outlined by the President, characteristics that definitely go outside those set out in the Constitution. Mr Jagdeo’s second list of nominees came out of extensive consultation with civil society, though not a requirement of our Constitution, but in the interest of our democracy. It does include several former judges and a practising attorney at law, all of whom were obviously rejected by the President as being unsuitable. Many believe that the President will reject every list submitted by the Opposition Leader irrespective of the qualifications, experience and attributes possessed by the candidates proposed by Mr Jagdeo; as the President has already identified his own candidate and is determined to unilaterally appoint him/ her as Gecom Chairman. But the President must knowthat
his rejection of the twelve Guyanese proposed by the Opposition Leader as being fit and proper to hold the position of Gecom Chairman brings the character and reputation of these prominent and respectable Guyanese into question; even as it brings into question the discretion, utility or futility of submitting a third list. The President must prove us wrong. The process and arrangement for selecting and appointing the Gecom Chairman has worked well from 1992 until now. Ambassador Rudy Collins, Senior Counsel Mr Doodnauth Singh, Major General (retd) Joseph Singh and Dr Steve Surujbally were all selected and appointed following this process. All were on lists of nominees submitted by the PNC/R when in opposition. None of them was a serving or former judge while two of these lists did include the name of David Granger; not a judge or former judge or person possessing judge-like qualities. There is no guarantee that a third list would identify the unique heavenly candidate that the President
seeks. If the stalemate in the appointment of the Gecom Chairman does lead to the unilateral appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, all that thousands of the Guyanese people have successfully fought for and won in terms of electoral gains will be placed in serious jeopardy. Even now I ask myself what is the motive behind the government’s determination to reinterpret specific sections of the Constitution, more especially the sections that deal with election matters. The President’s intent is obviously to unilaterally appoint a Chairman of his choice to head Gecom. Furthermore, he may have, in all probability, identified this person. But it must not be that the President can simply reject the names and the recommendations of the Leader of the Opposition arising out of the several consultations with civil society and choose and appoint someone of his choice without offering some explanation re his refusal to concur with the choice of the opposition. Do you not think
Mr President that the Guyanese people deserve an explanation? No President from Hoyte to Ramotar has refused to name someone from the list submitted by the opposition. In fact, they all went through the process of appointing a Chairman of Gecom with relative ease; within the spirit and intent of the framers of the Constitution and devoid of any conflict. In the process, the expectations of a majority of the Guyanese people were met. And so even the assurance of the Minister of State Joseph Harmon that ‘the General and Regional Elections scheduled for 2020 will be conducted as required by the Constitution of Guyana’; does very little to allay the fears and concerns of the Guyanese people that the constitutional Office of Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission be filled with some urgency; as the work of the Commission was being stymied. We owe it to ourselves and our children to ensure our Constitution is followed. At present Mr Granger has only succeeded in arous-
ing the suspicion of a significant number of the Guyanese voters with respect to his intention and agenda on this important electoral matter. The Opposition Leader’s acquiescing to again engage civil society with a view to preparing and submitting to the President a third list of Nominees must be seen as a determined effort by him to keep the wheels of our democracy turning; notwithstanding the fact we are running out of choices among those qualified and interested in the Office of Chairman of Gecom. Even now the ‘assembling of a high level team representing the President and the Leader of the Opposition to explore modalities to bring a resolution to the matter in the event that the third list is rejected’ offers very little hope. I am concerned that those who presided over the political and the concomitant social and economic chaos of the 1970s and 1980s and who now seem to be positioning themselves to return for ‘a long haul’ are denied that opportunity. Norman Whittaker
This PPP Parliamentarian has attacked my family From page 5 is to enhance the community. CORE workers don't have to go where you go, Harry Gill. It was our plan to clean those streets in Woodley Park. The school street was part of the plan and so the workers had to wait until school was called-in before they could have started working on the street shoulders. What amazes me is the way you, Mr. Gill rushed to take pictures of my house and threatened my family to send people to ‘take care of things’. I should let you know
that as a young politician I have NO fear. So, I am not afraid of you and the PPP’s personal targets on me, but leave my family is out of this. This is how the PPP reacts - if they cannot get directly at the person they then drive fear into family members. I will continue to be strong and work for the development of my region and its people. I will continue to represent the people's interest. I will continue to stand with the people to ensure there are developments and positive outcomes. The PPP MP who gained
a seat in Parliament by leftover votes must stop lying to the nation and see things the way they are. This MP is calling on the Minister of Communities and the leader of the AFC to rein in me. Well, I must let you know the AFC does not direct government workers on what to do and where to do it. The PPP did that and that is why we are in this mess today. The PPP government was harassing people who speak for their rights. Today the people won and that is why many can stage a protest and speak openly. If this MP
thinks that cleaning the community is a bad thing, then let it be. Development will continue to happen under this APNU+AFC government no matter what the PPP try to do. Region 5 will continue to develop and move forward positively, no matter what Harry Gill or the PPP think or say. We will continue to work so that there can be improvement and a Good Life For All including this MP. Abel Seetaram APNU+AFC Region Councillor Region 5
More needs to be done to root out David Granger is approach seems to be only corruption President trying to reduce the level of targeting political opponents. corruption in Guyana. This This top-down approach is DEAR EDITOR, It is admirable that the APNU+AFC Government of
can be seen by the launch of the audits which some describe as a witch-hunt, as the
welcome. However, more needs to be done to tackle corruption and as such a multi-prong approach is needed. That is, tackle corruption at the top, bottom and at every level of Guyanese society. Sean Ori
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Tobacco Control Bill Region Ten Chairman admits he thwarted cops who tried to stop dance 2017 laid in Parliament “This thing was blown way out of proportion!” - Councillor Charles Sampson Regional Councillor Charles Sampson commenting on an incident that occurred at the Bayroc Community Centre ground involving Regional Chairman Rennis Morian, and which was carried in this newspaper said that the entire episode was blown way out of proportion. The incident occurred at the community centre where Lindeners had gathered to celebrate Guyana’s Independence anniversary on May 26. According to reports a police rank had attempted to stop the revelry about 5am, but a call was made to the Regional Chairman who promptly responded and restored the session. There was also footage taken on the morning of May 26 that revealed that Morian had indeed intervened in a police matter. According to the article published in the June 13 edition of Kaieteur News, the music was shut off by police after their station had received numerous complaints from residents. But after the ranks arrived, the promoter reportedly called Morian who came out of his house some time around 05:00am to stop the ranks from doing their job. Councillor Sampson in an exclusive interview said that if the police had kept their end of the bargain, where they had granted permission for the celebrations to continue up to six o’clock on the morning of May 26, there would have been no need for an intervention by the Regional Chairman. Sampson said that once there are national activities,
the commemoration committee of the Region develops a calendar of events. “These (events) are funded by the Region; the committee has a budget, and we sit down and plan for them. In all our planning, the police and other stake holders are involved. “We know that the police dont have enough ranks, to do a lot of things, so they should pay these ranks that have to work excessive hours -and pay them properly. “As far as we know the police are there to maintain law and order, and their presence at events serves as a deterrent to bad behaviour, especially from some of our youths.” “That particular event on that night was scheduled to go until 6,o clock Independence morning. It was a special and national event, which doesnt happen every week or every month. So I dont know how after we would have gotten the green light from the police for this event to go until six on Independence day, police ranks went to the venue and demanded that the session be stopped before five. There had to have been some kind of miscommunication between the lower and higher ranks, because that should not have happened given our prior understanding.” Sampson said that after the music was stopped, and then subsequently resumed after the Chairman’s intervention, “there was loud applause as people were becoming fed up with the way the police have been stopping events, especially the national events because there
has been some degree of inconsistency. I dont want to accuse the police of anything because they have their job to do— but they have to be consistent. “I dont see anything wrong in what the Chairman did, because somebody had to do something— had to take the bull by the horns, because for years people been complaining about this issue of the police stopping events which many times dont warrant such action. “Im happy that the Chairman intervened, because whenever there is a national event there are usually waivers, and this is good because we have a lot of people coming in from overseas just to be part of these celebrations. “These people accustomed to celebrating till the
wee hours, so the Chairman did the right thing, if you consider that permission was given for the event to go until six.” Anthony Roberts who said that he was in total support of what the Chairman did, pointed out, “I think something like this should have happened a long time ago. Morian, commenting on the issue, said that it is “at an end” and that his focus presently is on helping with job creation by attracting investors to the Region, and the maintenance of a stable climate. He said that he had gone out on the morning of May 26, because it was a slap in the face of the people for the police to go to the venue with big guns, after an agreement had been made with them that the event would go until six am. He added that the event was blown totally out of proportion.
The Tobacco Control Bill 2017 was read for the first time and laid in the National Assembly yesterday by Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence. Lawrence reminded that the purpose of the Tobacco Control Act 2016 is to fight the tobacco epidemic by implementing the evidencebased requirements of the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), to which Guyana acceded on September 15, 2005. The Bill, she noted, now seeks to provide for the adoption and implementation of tobacco control policies in accordance with the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The WHO Framework aims to accomplish a number of things, including protection of present and future generations from the devas-
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence tating harms of tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke; prevention of tobacco use by minors; protection of workers and the public from exposure to tobacco smoke; and the prevention of exposure of the public especially minors, to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
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Police force records 5% decrease in serious crimes
The Guyana Police Force has recorded a 5% decrease in serious crimes The Guyana Police Force, (GPF) has recorded a five per cent decrease in serious crimes at the end of May, 2017 relative to the same period last year. The GPF has noted that the numerous police social crime prevention activities across the country along with the robust traffic enforcement exercises, are some of the many factors attributed to the overall reduction of Serious Crimes and Traffic Accidents. The large number of firearm seized and the reduction in gun related crimes and that of breaking offences are testimonies that an excellent relationship exists between the police and the public. According to statement from the GPF, there was a 27% decrease in murder; a three per cent decrease in robbery under arms where firearms were used; a one per cent decrease in robbery under arms where instruments other than firearms were used; a 14% increase in robberies where no instruments were used; a 60% increase in robbery with violence; a 10% increase in robbery with aggravation; a 60% increase in larceny from the person; a 10% increase in rape; a one per cent decrease in burglary and a 21% decrease in break and enter and larceny. A breakdown in 47 mur-
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Kaieteur News
ders include 22 killings due to disorderly conduct, nine as result of domestic violence , nine were due to robberies, eight are execution style killings, the reasons for three are unknown and one was recorded as other. So far this year, 64 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets, compared to 29 for the corresponding period last year. The firearms were identified as pistols, revolver, shotguns and rifles. In respect of Traffic Management, the GPF recorded a 29.3% decrease in fatal accidents. At the end of May, 44 fatalities were recorded, compared to 62 for the s a m e p e r i o d l a s t y e a r. There was also a 75% decrease in death of children. Serious, Minor and Damage accidents were also decreased by 16.4%, 32% and 36.3% respectively, in the order aforementioned. Additionally, 28,822 cases were made from January to May, 2017. Of these 7,475 were for speeding, 1,402 for Breach of Conditions of Road Service Licence/Music, 1.040 for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, 732 for using cell-phone while driving, 664 for Breach of Traffic Light Signals and 646 for tinted motor vehicles. Exposure to training both locally and internationally, continues to be a top priority at all levels of the Force. From
January to May of this year, 60 officers and other ranks benefited from overseas training in all aspects of policing including cyber crime; conductors course for bandmasters; modern form and method of counteraction against terrorism and extremism; border protection; gang prevention and intervention; combat human trafficking extortion; maritime intelligence; crime observation and intelligence gathering and analysis. Countries in which some of these courses were conducted include Cuba, Jamaica, Argentina, Russia, Singapore, India, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Antigua, Mexico, Colombia, El Salvador, Belize, Portugal, United States of America, Aruba and Barbados. The Police Force also lauded the efforts of the Cops and Faith Community Network which was launched in September of 2014. They have so far made 389 interventions of juvenile and young persons who were first offenders of minor offences of which 247 were males and 142 were women. In all the cases, the youths were counselled by the religious leaders and following the involvement of parents/ guardians, and the victims, where necessary, the majority of them were warned and sent away. The Cops and Faith body has also made significant input as it relates to the supervision of the Learner/Drivers Theoretical and Practical Examinations throughout the country as well as marking of the examinations; resulting in a more transparent and fully supervised process in obtaining a Driver’s Licence. They have also offered counseling to police ranks who experienced traumatic encounters and to victims of serious crimes.
GTT gets approval to increase landline rates …international charges reduced By Murtland Haley The Public Utilities Commission has approved the application of the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) to increase its landline rates and reduce the international rates on calls.
The order was handed down on June 9, last by the PUC. T h e i n c r e a s e i n landline rates and services will take effect from August 1, 2017 while the reduction of international rates will take effect from July 1, 2017. The PUC said that its
order will be for temporary rates and that it will continue to monitor the services continuously to ensure that GTT improves the quality of service offered to the public. The changes to landline metered rates are as follows:
According to the PUC, the landline metered rates are to be billed on a per minute basis for the first minute or part thereof and on a per second basis after the first minute. In addition to these increases, the installation charge for dial tone access line has also been increased. For residential lines, the new charge is $2000, an increase of $1500; for business places, the old fee was $1500 while the new rate is $4000. In the PUC’s decision it was stated that the installation charges include the cost for the handset which GTT will supply. Further, in the event that the device is damaged or becomes useless due to customer misuse, the telephone company may replace the handset but the customer pays the cost for a new handset. The increases do not stop there. The monthly rental dial
tone access charge will also go up in the coming months. As it relates to residential customers who have no more than two lines the charge will now be $750 instead of $500 as was previously charged. For residential customers using more than two lines, the new rental charge is $1500, a 50 per cent increase from the old charge of $1000. Business entities using no more than four lines will now have to pay $2250 as against the previous rate of $1500. Businesses using more than four lines will now pay $4500 instead of $3000. Moreover, charges for wire line switched features such as speed calling; threeway calling, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail and caller ID among other services were also increased. In some cases where no charges were applied for certain services such as ring again, call
forward busy, call forward simultaneous and make set busy will now attract rates of $255 and $360 for residential and business customers respectively. Increased rates were also approved for Miscellaneous Non-Recurring services such as programme charge, record change, observed line and activate observed line. In some cases increases were by 20 per cent. Under Operator Assistance, rates for services were increased by 20 per cent from $116 to $140. Previously, there was no charge for domestic directory assistance but that service will now attract a charge of $140. Directory charges are now $340 as against $284 that was previously charged. Despite these increases, the PUC approved the reduction for outbound international calls to 250 destinations.
GTT’s application for the changes to these rates was first made in July 2014. According to the PUC, in that application the company had asked for a variation of rates, certain increases in the landline services, a reduction in outbound rates and a change of methodology in the manner in which some services are billed. The PUC said that the application was based mainly on a claim by the telecommunications giant that it was not earning a 15 per cent rate of return on capital dedicated to public use. This application was dismissed by the Commission. However, the order was appealed by GTT and the matter was referred to the Court of Appeal for a final decision. Subsequently, the company filed an application for the PUC to review the order. The appeal before the Court of Appeal was then withdrawn and the Commission granted leave for a review of the application. It was noted during the
original hearing that the 15 per cent return on capital dedicated for public use is based on a ‘guarantee’ in terms of the agreement signed by their principal A t l a n t i c Te l e - N e t w o r k (ATN) of the USA and the Government of Guyana. The PUC recognised that the company has been earning below the 15 per cent threshold. However, it was stated that any increase of landline tariffs must lead to an expanded and improved quality of service and the company a better public image. As such, the Commission said that it expects that certain conditions need to be met. These conditions are that GTT must complete the end to end provisioning of the FITX Phase one in La G r a n g e , We s t Bank Demerara and to commence the commercial launch of services in the areas which they have identified. Secondly, the Commission expects GTT to submit quarterly detailed appraisal of progress show-
ing the number of new services rolled out, inclusive of rural areas. “This should not be less than 1000 lines per quarter; which may include up to 25 per cent reissue lines.” Further, the Commission said that it has found GTT to be tardy in their response time and remedial actions with respect to fault reporting. “To this end, the Commission requests a quarterly report from the date the rates take effect showing details of the average time taken to resolve consumers’ complaints, residential and business; and for the company to determine a daily compensatory credit for consumers which will be contingent on its failure to comply.” In December 2016, the Guyana Consumers Association (GCA) refuted claims made by GTT that Guyanese are no longer interested in owning a landline. This position was communicated to the PUC concerning GTT’s (Continued on page 09)
Friday June 16, 2017
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Kaieteur News
GRA Gone Wild The Guyana Revenue Authority, to use cricketing parlance, is stepping too far out of its crease, a sure sign of confusion within the tax agency about its fit and proper role. This muddle is often the result of the politicization of the functions of an office. In a press release, the GRA said that it has observed that a number of businesses have not been passing on the 2% reduction in VAT to consumers. The GRA is of the view that some businesses have used the reduction of the VAT to increase their profits at the expense of consumers. But just what concern is this to the GRA? Since when is it a concern of the GRA what businesses do in the context of a tax reduction? Since when is GRA arrogating to itself a role to determine that businesses have to reflect reduction in taxes in a reduction in the prices of the goods and services they offer. It is no business of the GRA if businesses refuse to reduce their prices, so long as
they do not rob the government of taxes. The GRA has no legal mandate to decide the prices at which a business should sell and whether they should decrease their prices in the face of a tax reduction. Guyana has a free market system. Businesses are free to set their own prices. It is no business of the GRA whether businesses refuse to pass on the reduction in VAT. Once the correct VAT of 14% is paid, it is no consequence to the GRA whether the importers increase their profits by refusing to reduce their prices by 2%. The market has a way of correcting itself. Those who refuse to pass on tax reductions are eventually going to face competition from other companies. This is how the market works. There is no need for the GRA to be concerned about pricing policy within a market economy. Competition will drive prices down. In any event, a 2% re-
duction in VAT was always going to be negligible. The government ought to have known this when it took almost two years to reduce the VAT by a mere 2%. It is hard to ask a company to decrease their prices by 2%, unless you are dealing with an item which is priced in six figures. The danger in the GRA’s statement is twofold; it suggests that the GRA is venturing into an area in which it has no legal mandate. The GRA should concern itself with collection of taxes and not be concerned with consumer protection. The Ministry of Trade has a desk which is supposed to be undertaking surveillance of prices in the economy. The GRA threat of sending its enforcement officers to businesses to see
that the law is being complied should never have been juxtaposed with a statement about VAT reductions not being passed on to consumers. It will create a feat in the minds of businesses that the GRA is targeting them because they have not reduced their prices. Such things are associated with authoritarian countries, not democracies. The GRA, of course, has suffered a shortfall in VAT collection. It is seeking to increase its revenues to compensate for that shortfall and has to find an excuse for the shortfall. The scapegoat is the claim that businesses are cheating consumers. And if they are cheating consumers, they may well be cheating on the taxes. The GRA should go after the tax cheats but not try to
do this on the basis that businesses are not passing on VAT reductions. The GRA cannot be expected to collect more taxes from a shrinking economy. Business is down. Those who pay their taxes are being crowded out by those who do not pay. For every person who has a business and pays taxes, there are about ten vendors who do not. There is unfair competition. The GRA should be concerned with unfair competition because the established businesses are being unsold by illegal busi-
nesses that are not paying taxes. GRA should be concentrating on regularizing the informal economy. Not going beyond its legal mandate by being concerned about the passing on of VAT reductions. That is none of its business.
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Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Nagamootoo has to cope with the psychic world of self-destructive PPP voters In this age of high technology, it is easy to find out how the people in any village or Georgetown ward voted. The statement of poll in each polling station is tabulated by GECOM. GECOM then publishes a countrywide station by station voting result. All political parties would have copies of that data-base. So the researcher can know which party won in Turkeyen, Plaisance, Enmore and so on. It is this database that generated an early uneasiness between t h e AFC and APNU (not the PNC alone in APNU b u t t h e W PA t o o ) . The results in heavy Indian areas in Region Five and Region Six showed that the AFC did not do well. Many Indian AFC leaders did not outpoll Indian PPP leaders in the 2015 elections in perhaps all t h e h e a v y I n d i a n a r eas. So the APNU people said to the AFC from day one; “Hey, you guys did not bring in the expected 10 percent of the vote. Of course the AFC did create the ambience that led to victory which would
have eluded the APNU had they gone alone in the elections. As to the WPA; if it had contested on its own, it would not have even come near to the 300 votes Mark Benschop got. What sugar workers do not understand and perhaps will never understand are the things swirling inside the mind of people like Moses Nagamootoo and other Indian leaders in both the AFC and APNU. Sugar workers put up w i t h f i f teen years of J a g d e o a n d R a m o t a r, watched as the industry declined, yet in 2015 went and voted for the very party that jeapordized the industry and put a high toll on the Berbice Bridge to please the minority shareholders who were private companies while it was NIS money that built the structure. That very party that did so much wrong to this nation, lost the 2015 election by just under 5000 votes, and lost a parliamentary seat by just one vote. So now in 2017, these very PPP voters are imploring that Nagamootoo and company
put money in the sugar industry to save it when the man who barely lost the election, Donald Ramotar sat on the Guysuco board for ages; the minutes of Guysuco meetings would show that he never took the side of the workers and the union itself had a leader who sat as a PPP parliamentarian for over thirty years. S u r e l y, N a g a m o o t o o and Ramjattan are made of flesh and blood; you can’t expect them to be so angelic that they will say yes, we will put money into helping these areas that didn’t vote for us. Of course, they should. Because they rule in the interest of all Guyanese but at some point in the requests of the P P P ’s d e m o g r a p h y t o these Indian AFC and APNU leaders, this demography must understand that they are seen as self-destructive voters. And such an attitude does not help transform Nagamootoo and company into altruistic politicians. So the people of Industry just next door to where I live at Turkeyen
are complaining bitterly that the roads in the village are disappearing and they have the temerity to say that the streets have been in such a deplorable condition for years now; they actually used the words, “for years now.” But I just consulted the GECOM election results for 2015 and the PPP handsomely won in Industry. And in the 2016 local government elections, the PPP won in Industry. Surely, a self-destructive psyche is at work here. You voted in 2015 for a party that when it was in power refused to rebuild your roads, then you went again in 2016 and gave them your ballot. Now you are demanding that the
people you didn’t vote for must fix your muddy streets. Well, they should but reality is reality; while they govern for the entire country and should fix rehabilitate your roads, the hard reality is they may not treat your request with urgency because you are seen as self-destructive. Let’s end with what we call the Nagamootoo paradox which can only end in ignominious humiliation for the Prime Minister. He says, yes, I will give twenty billion dollars to help the sugar industry and yes I will repair all the r o a d s i n I n d u s t r y. T h e people of New Amsterdam and Dem Amstel are annoyed at that. Come election in 2020,
Frederick Kissoon and an annoyed electorate in New Amsterdam a n d Den Amstel refused to vote for Nagamootoo. The people in the sugar sector and the village of Industry that he was generous too didn’t vote for him. Indians voters better face reality and quickly too.
Dem boys seh ...
Watch how you tekking people at dem word When you tek a man at he word always believe anything can happen to you. Nutten he ever talk was true and onto now people still believe in him. Brassington, de fat crook, tek every word he seh now he run to Florida to slow down de jail process. Ashni, that Shaat scamp, is another one. He swallow every word that come out Jagdeo mouth. He disappear from Guyana. All dem boys know is that like Brassington he slowing down de jail process, too. Some judges waiting fuh jail dem and some men in Camp Street waiting fuh shaft dem, just like how dem
shaft de nation. Jagdeo give nuff words to Soulja Bai. Dem words mek up a set of names fuh de GECOM head. Soulja Bai refuse to tek any word from Jagdeo. That is why he refusing all dem list. And that is why Gaskin gone to court to ask a judge to interpret why Soulja Bai reject Jagdeo words. Yesterday de whole Bar Association join him. It look like everybody want to know and understand Jagdeo words. Dem boys wonder which judge in Guyana want to try to understand anything wha Jagdeo seh. Is de same thing mek a blind man end up in front a judge. He tek a man word and
end up before a judge, not a Guyanese one. He beat a man to death wid a piece of wood. When de judge ask him why he do it, de blind man seh “He tell me knock me and you gun see. Me tek him at his word and me still nah see, Your Honour.” De judge tell de blind man to bring some Guyanese lawyers to explain wha happen. De lawyers going in front de judge wid dem own problem. Dem want de judge to explain de criteria needed to head GECOM. Dem want him to look at names wha Jagdeo send to Soulja Bai. Talk half and wait pun de judge decision.
Friday June 16, 2017
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Kaieteur News
PAC to increase monitoring in Kaieteur Park as Joint Services leave - body mulls prosecution, equipment seizure The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) is examining the recommendations made by the Joint Services team, which was deployed to the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) to clamp down on mining. The operation ended on Monday. Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Denise Fraser, said that the Commission will be upping its monitoring activities in the area and will work to establish a plan to ensure that the recommendations, which fall within its remit, are put into full effect. The Joint Services Report recommended that all operators should be prohibited from transporting mining equipment and other such paraphernalia into the KNP from any port of entry. Additionally, the report called for the impounding of all equipment seized and prosecution of the registered owners. It was also recommended that there be a clear and obvious demarcation of the protected area boundary. With significant water pollution and damage to trees observed in all of the mining areas identified, the team has recommended that remediation efforts should be considered to restore the distorted waterways and damaged patches of forest. It
also called for charges and fines to be instituted against the owners of the equipment, which caused the degradation of the environment. The Joint Services also called for the prohibition of mobile mining activity near the park and for the removal of ‘draggers’ or mobile dredges from the Potaro River. The report also pointed out the need for clear and appropriate public information directed at residents and visitors to the park. The park is home to the world renown Kaieteur Falls. Following the conclusion of the operation, most of the ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Police Force and officers of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have already left the area, with the remainder expected to be transported to the capital city by the end of today. According to a government release, as a result of the operation, which included foot patrols and aerial surveillance throughout the park, illegal mining activity has been brought to an end with equipment seized and mining camp areas secured. During the two-week operation, eight camps were discovered, six of which were active. According to the findings
reported by the Joint Services, 26 mining engines were seized, as well as the equivalent of two and a half barrels of fuel and a diving suit. The team also reported the presence of mobile dredging operations (draggers), which were quickly moved by operators, once they became aware of the presence of the Joint Services. The release stressed that Section Four of the Kaieteur National Park Act notes that:
One of the mining operations.
“It shall not be lawful for any person to enter into, travel or encamp within the park or to build any structure therein, or to hunt, chase, catch, shoot at, kill or otherwise disturb any animal or cut, pluck or gather any of the flora or interfere with or disturb the soil by mining or other operations within the park or to remove anything whatsoever from the park except in accordance with regulations made under this Act.”
The Act also said that any person acting in contravention of any of the provisions of the subsection shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of $97,500 with any items found forfeited. Further, according to the regulations made under the Mining Act 2005, Part XXVII Section 251 (1) (a), “No person shall conduct mining and quarrying activities in the following areas - In specified nature reserves and parks
where resource extraction is prohibited; (c) In buffer areas without express approval of the Commission and the notification of parties likely to be affected by the activity.” Additionally, Section 122 of the Protected Areas Act 2011 states that “Any person, except persons under the Amerindian Act, who mines, quarries, drills or removes any minerals, stone, gravel, earth, sand, or other substances or prospects for (Continued on page 31)
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Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Outright stupidity, reckless
Army says of cameraman Rudy Morris’s conduct in Kaieteur Park The army has deemed the conduct of Capitol News cameraman, Rudy Morris, as reckless and stupid. In an unusually harsh statement yesterday, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said that it was astonished at Morris’s actions. “After a thorough investigation into the allegations brought about by Mr Rudy Morris, a cameraman attached to Capitol News, who attempted to breach the Operational Area of the Guyana Defence Force at Mure Mure, Kaieteur National Park.” The army said it is astonished, that even after duly cautioning the said journalist about the nature of the operation and the various dangers that were present, he nevertheless, took it upon himself, whether for personal or financial gain or otherwise, to attempt to breach our security ranks in order to access GDF’s operational space.” The army would be referring to a reported incident Sunday in which the cameraman and a man of Amerindian descent, were
Cameraman, Rudy Morris detained in the Kaieteur National Park after going to shoot footage of a signboard that show the boundaries of the park. The army kept the two overnight. The area had been under a Joint Service control after reports came out of significant mining in that protected area. Several dredges, fuel and other items have been seized and persons were detained and later released. According to the army, an operational area duly
falls within the jurisdiction of the operating force. “Illegal mining operations are not only a breach of the law, but can also attract violence amongst illegal miners, who are bent on breaking the law. As such, access into an operational area must be scrutinized not only to ensure the security of all citizens, but to enable operational forces to accurately discern between the illegal miners and law abiding citizens.” The army insisted that Morris’s actions may have been an outright attempt to provoke a confrontation, or some other adverse response from the GDF, for the sake of sensational news. ”The GDF deems the conduct of the journalist as reckless, irresponsible and outright stupid. We therefore, call on the press association to condemn these actions and encourage journalists to adhere to the rule of law and to respect our operation space.” The issue had drawn debate between the press b o d y, c o n s e r v a t i o n i s t s and others.
Digicel’s presence leads to reduced profits for GTT Since the 2007 arrival of Digicel in Guyana, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) has been recording reduced income. This was noted by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in its June 9, 2017 decision to approve the hike in rates for landline services and the reduction in charges for international calls. According to the PUC, figures submitted have shown that over the years GTT was earning in excess of 20 per cent on its return on capital dedicated for public use but with the arrival of Digicel, income began to reduce. The Commission noted that Digicel is involved in the cellular services. It currently has a mobile market share greater than GTT since it has attracted very many of GTT’s consumers. To effect changes to the rates for services offered, GTT had explained that the loss of market share has resulted in insufficient sums to adequately deal with the landline service. This reality begs the question as to what will happen to GTT when the telecommunications market in Guyana becomes fully liberalised. Since, with a monopoly the company’s performance is being challenged by competition from Digicel particularly as it relates to the cellular market. The PUC said that GTT has conceded that it is in default with its license obligations but requires assistance to level the playing field to expand its services. Further, the Commission said that it would appear that enough was not
Digicel Guyana’s CEO, Kevin Kelly
GTT CEO, Justin Nedd
done by GTT to retain the position of strength and to try to expand its consumer base. “They were complacent with their monopoly and now faced with competition and with the coming of new regulations they recognize that they are likely to fall further behind.” Meanwhile, Minister of Public Telecommunications, Catherine Hughes, during her mid-year press conference had said that all of the issues between the two companies have not been completely ironed out as it relates to the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector. However, she said that it is a work in progress. According to the Minister, the most important part of the liberalisation process was passing the Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill that will allow other parties to enter the market place leading to increased competition which should re-
sult in reduced rates. Hughes reported that currently, negotiations are on-going with Atlantic Tele-Network (ATN) and GTT. The Minister said that her Ministry is working with a July 2017 timeframe to create an environment where more players can begin entering the local market. She said that currently there have been oral expressions of interests by some international players to enter Guyana but she believes more concrete steps will be taken. The Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill was passed in July 2016 and signalled the end of the monopoly which GTT held over certain services. This means that companies can now compete on a level playing field. Hughes said that a Telecommunications Agency will be created to look over the telecommunications sector and ensure that there is fair competition in the market.
Friday June 16, 2017
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Kaieteur News
GCCI wants national Officials vow tougher monitoring database to deter cover-up of to tackle fish, shrimp smuggling contractors’ inefficient works By Abena RockcliffeCampbell The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) yesterday hosted a press conference at its Waterloo Street office to bring the media up to date on a number of topical issues of interest to the Chamber. At that forum, GCCIs President Deodat Indar made known the Chambers call for a national database containing information of ongoing contracts and the contractors executing such. Indar said that GCCI recently met with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson. He said that the discussions were fruitful. Among the topics discussed were the issues surrounding weak infrastructural works being executed by some contractors. Also, the GCCI pointed to the fact that there are some contractors who seem to be hoarding contracts and as a result find themselves in positions where they become incapable of effectively carrying out the works for which they are being paid. Indar said, “There was some frank discussion in terms of refurbishing of roads and when you go back a month after only to see the same holes that were there before or even bigger ones.” Indar said that Patterson admitted that the issue raised has been proven perennial and that the fight to address this issue will continue. “Also raised was the issue of overloading a single
GCCI President, Deodat Indar contractor with four to five contracts and they cannot execute them to the required level of quality,” said Indar. According to the GCCI President, Minister Patterson said that there will be more monitoring in this regard. “But a national system is required because they (contractors) get contracts from NPTAB and they go to the other Ministries as well.” He said that in cases like these where contracts are secured through both avenues it becomes difficult to track. “We need a national database to monitor what is going on (with infrastructural construction) cross the country and to understand if someone is overloaded and do not have the resources to finish the works.”
Indar said that because of “overloading” there have been several delays in infrastructural projects. He noted that these delays may have several social and financial connotations. Indar said that after GCCIs members brought up the issue, Minister Patterson indicated that he has a spreadsheet at his Ministry that looks at all of the contractors with details of the state of each. He said that that is when the Chamber suggested a broader view on the matter so that other Ministries will have the same level of scrutiny. “That is how he manages his Ministry. But you cannot have tunnel vision with this thing. So he has his Ministry covered but what about the contractors who may go to the Ministry of Communities of the Ministry of Education? Those same contracts get jobs there too; so how will he know about those others. “And remember, different ministries have different mandates. Some do not look at what is going on with the kind of microscope that the Ministry of Infrastructure would look at it. So there needs to be a national structure or databases to track the project.” Indar said that the database should be so designed to keep track of companies that may guise under various names.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
Minister Holder and other officials during the meeting yesterday.
The issue of illegal importation of shrimp and fish onto Guyana’s shores is continuing to raise concerns. As a follow-up to this, a high-level meeting was yesterday convened in the boardroom of the Ministry of Agriculture and a number of decisions were taken to ensure the issue becomes a thing of the past. Among the interventions, there will be a collaborative effort taken to ensure compliance, increased monitoring and enforcement of borders to tackle the known smugglers within Guyana
and Suriname and an increase in fines levied against offenders. Crime Chief, Wendell Blanhum, has committed to ensuring stronger enforcement, working along with the Commander of B Division. He added that while it is important for the police to ensure compliance, it is also necessary for all players involved to work together. “It is important for all the key personnel’s to work together to ensure that the issue of smuggling is addressed...we (police) have had a close relationship with
Aquaculture Association and together I am adamant we can have this matter addressed,” he said. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, in addressing the matter spoke of the constraints which such an issue has posed on the local market adding that it has paved the way for ‘unfair competition’. “The smuggling of shrimp, fish and fish products in and out of the country affects us all. In addition, the smuggling of shrimp and fish into Guyana has the potential (Continued on page 14)
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Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Bar Association joins legal action over GECOM Chairmanship The Bar Council of the Bar Association of Guyana has joined the legal action over the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, (GECOM). The matter, filed in March, is seeking certain declarations on the true interpretation of Article 161(2) of the Constitution of Guyana, which governs the appointment of the Chairman of the Elections Commission. Businessman Marcel Gaskin had moved to the High Court questioning whether the President is required under the Constitution to state reasons deeming each of the six names on the list submitted by the Leader of the Opposition as unacceptable for Chairmanship of the Guyana Elections Commission. In addition, the businessman wants the court to decide whether the list of persons for appointment as Chairperson of GECOM required to be submitted by the Leader of the Opposition under Article 161 (2) must include a judge, a
former judge or a person qualified as a judge. The matter was filed after President David Granger rejected the first list provided by Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo describing the list as being unacceptable. The names which were submitted by Jagdeo were Lawrence Lachmansingh, Rhyaan Shah, James Rose, Norman McLean, Ramesh Dookoo and Christopher Ram, none of whom are judges. Jagdeo provided a second list to be Chairman of GECOM. That list was also rejected. In his application to the court Gaskin listed the Attorney General and Leader of the Opposition Bharrat Jagdeo as the respondents in the matter. Recently the Bar Council’s applied to be named as a friend of the Court in the action. The Fixed Date Application filed on June 12 was heard and granted after no objection was offered by any of the parties. In a statement yesterday,
the Guyana Bar Association noted that the new Civil Procedure Rules gives the power to a judge to permit or invite anyone to intervene in proceedings as a friend of the Court, without becoming a party, for the purpose of rendering assistance to the Court by way of argument. The Bar Council feels that it is its duty, where possible, to offer assistance to the Court in matters of national constitutional significance such as these proceedings and, in furtherance of that duty, the 12 members of the Bar Council are actively collaborating in the preparation of written arguments to be submitted by 21 June. Even as there is still much debate over the President‘s criteria for the GECOM Chairmanship, opposition critics have raised concerns over the difficulty of providing names that can fill all of the conditions required by the Head of State. Critics have noted that “persons doubted if the President himself could find any-
one who fulfilled his own criteria. Some wondered what the reasons were for the President making the range for selection so extraordinarily restrictive.” The President is asking for names of persons that fit the following criteria. The candidate should be a person who is qualified to be a judge of the High Court under Article 129 of the Constitution and under Section 5 of the High Court Act, Cap 3:02. That person should have been an attorney-at-law for a minimum of seven years, according to Section 5 of the High Court Act, Cap 3:02. In the absence of 1 and 2 above ‘any other fit and proper person’ should be appointed according to Article 161 (2) of the Constitution.
The categories of persons specified above are necessary because such persons should have the following characteristics; that person is deemed to have wide electoral knowledge, capable of handling electoral matters because he or she is qualified to exercise unlimited jurisdiction in civil matters; that person will discharge his or her functions without fear or favour, that is, he or she will not allow any person or organization to influence him or her to compromise his or her neutrality ;that person will discharge his or her functions neutrally, between the two opposing parties, as he or she would have done in court between two opposing litigants; that person will not be an activist in any form (gender, racial, reli-
Businessman Marcel Gaskin gious etc); that person should have a general character of honesty, integrity, faithfulness and diligence in the discharge of his or her duty as Chairman.”
Officials vow tougher monitoring... (From page 13) to generate many problems such as the introduction of pest and disease into our environment...so while you may be getting a cheaper commodity, you may be damaging your health and the health of your family,” the Minister said. Meanwhile, Suedat Persaud, Secretary of the East Berbice/ Corentyne Aquaculture Association voiced his concerns at the manner in which the issue is being handled allegedly by the Customs and law enforcement officials at Springlands. While adding that more needs to be done at the level of the Customs department, Persaud lauded the efforts of the Food and Drug officials, the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Police Force for assisting where necessary in the past. “While we have had some assistance in the past,
it remains insignificant. Our livelihoods are on the breadline and as such, we (association) believe more needs to be done,” he said. The Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department has been working around the clock with the Guyana Police Force, and the Guyana Revenue Authority to put an end to the issue. “As such, a holistic approach will now be taken which will not only include stronger border patrols but will see the Ministry of Public Health and the Food and Drug Analyst Department working to have in place sanitary and phytosanitary certificates issued.” The farmers/importers would be now be required to produce the certificate in order for their shipment to be certified and released. Failure to do so will result in the Environmental Health
Officers seizing the shipment. Stronger penalties will also be levied against offenders in the event they are caught in the illegal act. Presently, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has a heavy fine ranging from $150,000 to $350,000 attached to vehicles caught transporting the illegal catch. Discussions have now commenced to having this increased even more. The team also agreed to have the new plan run for a period of three months, after which a review will be done on the progress and will determine the way forward. Representing the Guyana Police Force was Crime Chief, Assistant Commissioner, Law Enforcement, Wendell Blanhum. Also present were Chief Fisheries Officer, Mr. Denzil Roberts and Mr. Suedat Persaud, Secretary, East Berbice Aquaculture Association.
Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
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GuySuCo: We will no longer need cash bailouts by 2020 - Uitvlugt moves to double production within three years At the beginning of last year, the initiative to improve productivity at the Uitvlugt estate of the Guyana Sugar Co-operation (GuySuCo) was heavily considered by its management. Even as the government has amalgamated some estates leaving three functioning, support has been lent to the Uitvlugt Estate Improvement Programme. This programme, according to a Government statement, aims to see expanded cultivation, increased cane supply and increased sugar production which will assure the sustainability of the estate and lead to greater job opportunities. Estate manager, Yudhisthira Mana, and the managerial team at Uitvlugt highlighted some of the areas where improvements have already been recorded over the past 18 months. Prior to January 2016, infrastructure at Uitvlugt which would have facilitated efficient cane sugar production was in a deplorable and abandoned state. The move to improve the estates infrastructure came as part of governments plan to re-organise the sugar industry. In Mana s simple presentation, it was noted that replanting, cultivation on rehabilitated fields is expected to increase by 20 percent. Moreover, the production target is progressively increasing from 20,178 tonnes in 2017 to 21,000 tonnes by
the end of 2018. The ultimate goal is to eventually produce 40,000 tonnes by the end of 2020. “How will we produce 40,000 tonnes of sugar at this location? I know you will ask the question because we are currently producing just about 16,000... We would have embarked on a vigorous programme to ensure we have our cultivation rehabilitated in the shortest possible time.” Some of the issues affecting poor production at this particular estate include poor yields, low harvesting results, poorly maintained navigation systems, among other infrastructural deficiencies. Uitvlugt factory is also being upgraded to ensure its reliability to deal with an increased cane supply. Infrastructure works have commenced to relocate the cane gantry, weigh hopper, feeder table and cane carriers from the Wales factory to Uitvlugt factory. Also, under the reorganised structure, the Uitvlugt estate currently has 406 vacancies existing in the agriculture department of estate. Additionally, to increase the output of this estate, GuySuCo is making lands available to farmers to have the cultivation expanded from 1,500 hectares to 3000 hectares by the year 2020. Communications Specialist of GuySuCo, Audreyanna Thomas, noted that, “with the improvements that are taking place at Uitvlugt and the other
Uitvlugt Estate, West Coast Demerara
amalgamated estates, GuySuCo would no longer need government subventions by the year 2020.” The factory at Utivlugt is configured differently from the one at Wales. This means that the infrastructural improvements that are being undertaken will facilitate joint cane production from Wales, Uitvlugt and the private cane farmers. The loss-making industry is facing tough times with the current administration announcing the closure of Wales last December and the planned closure of Enmore, East Coast Demerara, and Rose Hall, East Berbice. Billions of dollars are being poured into GuySuCo every year to prop it up despite indications in the world market that long term demand will become less in a health conscious world and the availability of alternative sweeteners.
The rehabilitated fields and canals as well as fallows that were created as part of maintenance of the lands at Uitvlugt.
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Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Chinese 12th Medical Brigade completes one-year tenure - 13th Brigade already here The 16-member team of medical professionals from China, representing the twelfth Chinese Medical Brigade to Guyana has completed one year of service within the local Public Health sector. The Ministry of Public Health Wednesday evening hosted a farewell dinner in honour and appreciation of the work done by the team over the past year. According to a report presented by head of the twelfth Brigade, Dr. Chen Lianhua, the team saw 20,000 outpatients, 4000 inpatients, 2000 surgeries, 1,700 anesthesia cases and 500 acupunctures. They also completed 8700 xray reports and 4600 pathological reports. “During this period, we completed new surgeries and tough cases. Some wonderful speeches were shared with colleagues. Teaching young doctors was also our responsibility. In our spare time, we provided medical services in nursing homes, orphanages, schools and communities.” The specialties offered by the team included General
The 12th medical brigade surround the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, other members of the Chinese diplomatic community, Minister Lawrence, Minister Karen Cummings and other members of the local medical community. Surgery, Orthopedics, Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Nephrology, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Pathology and Acupuncture. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings, also welcomed the incoming 13th Medical Brigade consignment, charging them to perform more medical outreaches
in the hinterland. “I want to apprise you of the fact that Guyanas health sector is fraught with challenges but I know of your keen humanitarian services to mankind. I know that you have come with high expectations and you will work around the many problems and inconveniences that may arise to ensure many of our citizens receive medical attention that
Dr. Chen Lianhua and Minister Volda Lawrence support the banner proclaiming the 12th Brigade will help to transform their lives and in turn, help the Ministry of Public Health to fulfill its mandate of goal three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the Minister explained. The relationship between Guyana and China has also resulted in the establishment of an Eye Centre at the Georgetown Public Hospital
Corporation (GPHC) and the commissioning of a laparoscopic surgery centre at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) in September, 2014. The first batch of Chinese medical professionals came to Guyana in 1993 as a result of the Protocol on Medical Cooperation, which was signed between the two countries on May 26, 1993.
The relationship between the two countries has flourished since formal diplomatic relations were established on June 12, 1972, particularly in the public health sector. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, recognised that the Chinese medical team in Guyana has contributed significantly to the development of a healthy population.
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Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Hijacked driver held after burglary next to police station Bandits yesterday morning broke into an electronics and stationary store situated a few buildings away from the Albion Police Station. It was at about 2:30hrs when a constable on duty observed a male with items in his hand exiting the store and a burgundy coloured motor car parked outside. After suspecting that something was amiss - since it was unusual for someone to be on the property at that hour - he ventured over. Reports are that upon seeing the constable, the man dropped the items and ran off into the village whilst the car sped off, two shots were fired by the constable but the perpetrator managed to evade the officer, who was on foot. The officer immediately made contact with the Rose Hall Town Police Outpost. Ranks responded promptly to the call and shortly after the car was discovered, abandoned at Rose Hall Town Reef. It had crashed into a dumpsite. At the time of the discovery a 12-volt battery and an inverter were found in the car. These were taken to the Albion Police Station and lodged. One of the store owners
said that when he arrived police were already at the scene investigating, “All I heard is that someone broke in the store and when I arrived the door was open and stuff was on the floor”. He stated that the security surveillance cameras were removed during the break in. An hour after the incident a man walked into the police outpost and reported that his car was hijacked. Divisional Commander, Ian Amsterdam, told this publication that the man who gave his name as Freddie Butler, 37, of 367 Section B, Turkeyen, Georgetown, claimed that he was hired from Georgetown and on the Corentyne the car was taken from him. He alleged that he was taken to a cemetery, tied up and thrown out of the car. By that time the owner of the store Jailall Motilall, 59, of Albion was contacted by the Police. Police later went to the area where he claimed he was thrown out and also contacted the Berbice River Bridge verify the time of crossing and to confirm his story. According to Amsterdam his story did not add up.
The burgled electronics store
Butler was subsequently arrested. Meanwhile, one of the store owners said that surveillance footage was also removed from the store. According to a police source, the said car was seen driving slowly in the vicinity of the store the day before the break in with the driver fitting the description of Butler. The items valued at $1.9M and include five speakers, ten amplifiers, two lap top computers, one inverter, one car battery, a surveillance camera set and $68,000 cash. Investigations are continuing.
The car used by the burglars that was later found in Rose Hall Town by police.
Gold miner remanded for ganja in haversack A man who police say was caught red-handed transporting two haversacks which were discovered to contain marijuana, was remanded to prison after he made an appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Particulars of the charge against Junior Stephens, 31, alleged that on June 11, last, at Fifth Avenue, Bartica, he had 554 grams of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded to prison until June 27, when he will appear before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for the matter to be assigned to another court. According to Police
Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves, Sergeant English who is stationed at the Bartica Police Station, was in an unmarked vehicle observing Stephens for about 15 minutes. During that period, Prosecutor Gonsalves related, that Stephens was seen carrying two red bulky haversacks in his hands. This aroused the suspicion of the police rank, who contacted the Bartica Police Station and requested that additional ranks be sent to assist him. The court was told while Sergeant English awaited the arrival of his colleagues, he observed the defendant stashing the haversacks which were later searched in his presence and found to contain marijuana. During a bail application, an Attorney-at-Law for Stephens told the court that his client was at the Seventh Avenue beach waiting to board a boat. While there he said his client was conversing with a man when police ranks in a car approached him and asked him where the bags were. The lawyer said that the police ranks demanded his client walk to Seventh
REMANDED: Junior Stephens Avenue beach where he was ordered to open a bag but refused. The lawyer claimed even though Stephens was harassed to open the bag he still refused and was taken to the Bartica Police Station. “No criminal will allow the police to come and hold them and carry them to a bag laden with drugs,” the lawyer argued. Prosecutor Gonsalves opposed bail for the defendant citing that no special reasons were provided to the court. These objections were upheld by the Magistrate.
Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
Pensioner’s missing car…
Vehicle found, con man charged Seventy-Two year old Sukdai Ramsammy, the pensioner who gave O’Neil Simon, the con man, her blue Toyota Corolla, HC 5044, to work for hire has now been reunited with her vehicle. According to the police the car was found abandoned somewhere in South Georgetown a while ago. The car is now at the East La Penitence Police Station and once all issues are cleared up with the court the car will be in Ramsammy’s possession shortly. Yesterday, Simon appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ court before Magistrate Leron Daly, and was charged with fraudulent conversion; he was placed on $150,000 bail and is to return to court on June 26. Ramsammy told Kaieteur News that she placed an advertisement in a local newspaper in late March for a hire care driver since the car was parked in the yard not being utilised. The elderly woman said that she received a call and a subsequent visit from Simon, 31, of 1430 Cummings Park, East Coast of Demerara, expressing his interest in being the driver. Ramsammy said that when Simon arrived he was accompanied by his young son and she thought that she was about to make a good decision. Simon told the pensioner that apart from plying the taxi trade, the only other business he would use the car for was to take his children to school and to attend church.
O’ Neil Simon Ramsammy said that she agreed with Simon that he would ‘work’ the car and at the end of the week he was expected to give her $15,000 and he concurred. Things went well for the first two weeks, so much so that the woman even added Simon’s name to her insurance policy. It was at the end of that 14-day period that everything changed for the worse. Simon stopped taking the pensioner’s call and she enlisted her son to help in this regard. The son said he managed to make contact with Simon and was given all assurances that the car would have been returned. The man added that after constantly calling Simon he was instructed to uplift the vehicle but when he and the pensioner went to the location to which they were directed they were confronted with a track filled with bush. The day after the story was published, a passenger
who travelled with a hire car from the Stabroek Market car park, recognized Simon as the driver. The car (not the pensioner’s) was attached to a city taxi service. ‘A’ Division Commander Marlon Chapman was informed of Simon’s whereabouts and he arranged for two officers from the Kitty Police station to accompany the individual who had made the report to the taxi base. All this time, Simon was unaware of what was about to unfold. He turned up at the base in good time after hearing of a potential Georgetown to Parika drop being requested. When he arrived, however, he was promptly arrested and taken to the Kitty police station. He reportedly told ranks there that he no longer has the elderly woman’s car, since he parked it on a bridge in the Joint Services Scheme in North Ruimveldt. He claimed that he had called the woman’s son and informed him where the car was parked. The pensioner’s son repeated the story to the lawmen that when he went to the location the car was not there, and instead, he saw men with cutlasses approaching, thus he quickly retreated. Simon admitted that he should have taken the car to the pensioner rather than leaving it where he claimed he did. He explained that his only reason for doing so was because he had some outstanding money for Ramsammy and he had a minor accident with the vehicle.
Cocaine in fish accused to know fate today Senior Magistrate Leron Daly is expected to hand down her ruling today in the matter against a minibus driver who is accused of trafficking 18 pounds of cocaine in frozen fish at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). Shafur Alli, 27, of 27 La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara, is accused of having 9.044 kilograms of cocaine in his possession on June 8, last, for the purpose of trafficking. According to reports, ranks of the Police Narcotic Branch intercepted and seized
the cocaine in a cargo shipment of frozen fish at the airport. Court facts revealed that the defendants declared 33 boxes of fish to be exported. Routine checks were conducted on the cargo by the ranks and the cocaine was found concealed inside the seafood. The accused is being represented by Attorney Bernard DaSilva. Alli was jointly charged with his sister Imrazie, 22, of Lot 8 Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara but the matter against her was dismissed in August.
Charged for trafficking cocaine: Shafur Alli
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Woman gets bail for forging dead spouse’s will A woman was granted bail in the sum of $200,000 on Wednesday after she appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts on a charge of forgery. Forty-nine-year-old Liloutie Prasad of Vreed-enHoop denied the charge which alleged that on December 11, 2015 at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, she uttered a forged Last Will and Testament property of Sase Narine Ramsaywack to the Deeds Registry. The court heard that the accused was in a commonlaw relationship with Sase Narine Raysaywack, who is now deceased and he is the owner of Lot 159 DeSilva Street, Newtown. The court heard that the
deceased has a son who reported to the police that his stepmother took his fathers Will and Testament and forged it. An investigation was carried out by the police, which showed that the documents were forged by the defendant. The defendant was then arrested and charged. According to information the defendant and the now dead Ramsaywack was in a relationship. After his death she realized that he left all his property for his son and she was not given anything. The woman then took the Will and forged it in her
Liloutie Prasad favour. She will make her next court appearance on June 30.
A mini health check is the first step to donating blood
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ExxonMobil gets production licence for Liza well By: Suraj Narine The Government of Guyana (GoG) has taken a decision to grant a production licence to US oil company ExxonMobil, for the Liza field project. This announcement was made last evening by the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, during the 65th Sitting of the National Assembly in Georgetown, yesterday. The announcement would come on the heels of Government’s review of the technical and environmental aspects contained in the Development Plan for the Liza Project, which was submitted by ExxonMobil late last year. T r o t m a n ’ s announcement would also come one month before the oil-giant was expected to make its Final Investment Decision (FID). “Government had said a few weeks ago, that it had prepared to issue that license so that the investment decision could be made expeditiously, and I wish to report that Government has taken a decision to issue that license. This follows on the advice of world-renowned experts who reviewed the development plan and advised that it was appropriate to do so,” Trotman told the House. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources in a press release last evening stated that in a separate process, the Guyana Environmental Protection
Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
This arrangement that was brokered, has not been sitting well with several sections of society. The Main Parliamentary Opposition – the People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) has been very vocal over the arrangement despite, they would have inked the initial exploratory agreement with the company a little over a decade ago. Government has since maintained that the new arrangement is an improvement on the previous one signed by the PPP/C. Natural Resources The administration – based on previous reports – Minister, would have indicated that the Raphael Trotman arrangement was tailored in Agency (EPA) would have keeping with the already issued the Liza field arrangements that exist in environmental permit since other hydro-carbon June 1. extracting countries The environmental permit, worldwide. the Ministry states, ensures However, this publication that the environment is would have found otherwise. protected through the Trotman told the House lifecycle of the project. also, that the estimated Extraction from the Liza quantity of oil in the Stabroek field is e x p e c t e d t o Block – which is controlled commence in 2020 at an Exxon – may amount to as initial rate of 120,000 barrels much as two billion barrels of of crude per day in the first recoverable oil. phase, with a Floating Th e w o r l d c u r r e n t l y P r o d u c t i o n S t o r a g e a n d consumes approximately Offloading (FPSO) vessel 96 million barrels of oil per providing the m a i n day. infrastructural support for The Minister reported the project. also, that apart from The Liza reservoir is ExxonMobil and its partners, estimated to contain between other operators have also 800 million and 1.4 billion signalled their intention to barrels of oil. continue exploratory It was reported that activities in Guyana and G u y a n a w i l l r e c e i v e a hopefully, to go onto royalty of two percent on production if and when gross earnings and benefit discoveries are made. Other f r o m 5 0 p e r c e n t o f t h e companies have also profits from the sale of indicated “great interest” in petroleum once production coming to Guyana, Trotman commences. said.
Fly Jamaica opens Brooklyn office
Cutting the ribbon is Fly Jamaica’s Director of Marketing Kayla Reece (second from right) and Ms. Barbara Atherly flanked by Fly Jamaica staffers. Even as it seeks to enhance an already laudable service to its customers, Fly Jamaica Airways on Thursday evening launched a Brooklyn, New York office. The Brooklyn office located at 1397 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, is the second United Statesbased Fly Jamaica office dedicated to selling tickets. The airline has Guyanese couple Captain Paul Reece, the Chairman and CEO, Ms. Roxanne Reece its Managing Director at its helm. Their daughter Kayla Reece is the company’s ever-efficient Marketing Director. Indulging some questions ahead of the opening ceremony was Mrs Reece. She disclosed that the rationale behind opening the Brooklyn office was to target yet another area where Caribbean people are located in their numbers. “We found that there was a need for our people to access our services easily.” The opening ceremony was blessed by religious lead-
ers of the Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities. Following the official opening segment, a reception to celebrate the opening was held at Trelawni Place at Utica Avenue also in Brooklyn. Speaking at the forum, Captain Reece said, “This is a very important step in the expansion of Fly Jamaica Airways.” At this juncture he stressed the airline vision to always “provide good services to our customers.” In achieving this goal he said “we really appreciate the support from everyone...everybody here and overseas have been supportive and we hope the support continues.” According to Captain Reece, Fly Jamaica Airways, a still relative small business, which took a long time to be realised, took solid root in 2011 but got approval to evolve on February 14, 2013. “The whole team has been working together to make it a wonderful operation,” said Captain Reece of Fly Jamaica.
Among those present at the opening ‘ceremony was the Consul General of the Guyana Consulate, Ms Barbara Atherly, and Vice Consul of the Jamaica Consulate, Ms. Yonna Bailey Magalhaes. The new office adds to another Fly Jamaica office located at South Ozone Park, Queen’s, New York which like the Brooklyn office is dedicated to ticket sales. However, customers can also purchase tickets at the airline’s JFK Airport office too. Fly Jamaica has over the years been driven by a ‘One Team, One Dream’ motto. The Jamaica headquartered airline has been in operation a fleet of two aircraft. But according to Mrs Reece the company is hoping to not only add a couple more routes in the near future but also add two more carriers by next year. Currently the airline is able to cater to customers flying to four destinations: Guyana, Jamaica, Toronto and New York.
Parliamentary sittings spark widespread confusion on city roads Amidst growing concerns over the traffic build up around the city, the Guyana Police Force is informing members of the public that in order to facilitate sittings in the National Assembly at Public Buildings, Brickdam, Georgetown sections of a number of roads will be closed to vehicular traffic. The roads include Croal & Cornhill Streets, Cornhill to Water Streets, Avenue of Republic & Regent Street, the eastern carriageway of Avenue of Republic & Croal Street, Smyth Street & Brickdam, Smyth & Hadfield Streets, Manget Place & Hadfield Street, Cross & Durban Streets, Breda and Durban Streets, Lombard & Leopold Streets, High and Leopold Streets Water and Schumaker Streets. Additionally the Route 43 Minibus Park has been tem-
porarily relocated to High Street in the vicinity of Ashmin Supermarket and the Route 42 Minibus Park will be on Water Street in the vicinity of DDL Wharf. According to the advisory, usage of this main thoroughfare will be restricted to facilitate the two-day sitting of the National Assembly, June 15 and June 16, 2017. Notwithstanding the security concerns of Parliament, the issue has resulted in widespread confusion to several city roads. Yesterday, persons continued to complain about the situation. Barricades and police officers were seen along Lombard Street, Smyth Street and along Avenue of the Republic. It was noted that those utlising public transportation had to walk farther and pay more than normal to get to their destinations,
The traffic build-up along Princess and Smyth Street yesterday. mainly because buses had to travel a different route to get there. Last month, A” Division Traffic Officer Superintendent Calvin Brutus confirmed that due to the 2017 Westminster Attack outside
of the United Kingdom House of Parliament, security measures have been heightened around Public Buildings. Superintendent Brutus explained that due to the foreign attack around the UK parliament building, the GPF
found it necessary to up security measures for Guyana’sParliamentarians. On the March 22, 2017 a terrorist attack took place in the vicinity of the Palace of Westminster in London, seat of the British Parliament. Four
persons died including a police officer, and 50 persons were injured in this major att a c k . The attack was treated as “Islamist-related terrorism” by the police.
Friday June 16, 2017
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Kaieteur News
Tax exemptions…
GRA has no authority to approve bigger engines for its employees The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has been advised that it has no authority to take it upon itself to unilaterally increase the engine size (cubic capacity) on vehicles granted to public servants via tax exemptions. In a letter dated last week Tuesday, June 6, to Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia, the Department of Public Service, warned that it has to first authorize any increase in the ‘cc’ before GRA can act. The tax collection authority has come under the spotlight with a transaction involving a senior official and a vehicle he brought in. Late last year, Customs’ head, Lancelot Wills, applied to the Department asking for a tax exemption on Toyota Harrier- its engine was over 2300cc. However, the department refused the request, noting that Wills was only entitled to a vehicle that had an engine capacity of up to 2000cc.(2
Litres) Additionally, it was pointed out that the vehicle was over the 8-year-old limit that was introduced last year as a measure to ensure Guyana does not become a dumping ground for older vehicles. Despite the vehicle being rejected for a tax exemption, GRA went ahead in January and registered it. It appeared that Wills was allowed to pay a 10 percent rate- equivalent to what remigrants would be asked to pay. There were attempts, almost three months later, to correct the situation. Statia, explained last week, that only two officials at GRA- himself and his deputy, Hema Khan- are entitled to unlimited engine sizes. He has made applications for the Customs head and the head of the Law Enforcement and Investigations Department to also receive unlimited because of the nature of their field work.
PS Reginald Brotherson In April, attempts were made to correct the transaction with Wills who was asked to pay an additional $1.7M, in addition to the $180,000-plus he had paid in January to clear the vehicle. He was given a payment plan. Statia last week admitted that a mistake had been made. The transaction was described as irregular but GRA insisted that it had the
GRA’s Customs chief, Lancelot Wills and Commissioner-General,Godfrey Statia flexibility to grant its employees certain allowances. In late April, Statia wrote the Department of Public Service asking for a “Review of Procedures on Issuance of Department of Public Service Recommendation for Tax Exemptions on Motor Vehicles- Public Officers/Officials”. In his response, Permanent Secretary,
Guyanese man, woman charged with raping girl in Barbados Barbados (Barbados Today) - Two Guyanese nationals, a man and woman, are now on remand after appearing in a Bridgetown Court on a rape charge. It is alleged that Carla Alexis Martin, 37, and Sean Christopher Nelson, 29, both of Kings Street, St Michael, had sexual intercourse with a
female on June 11, knowing that she did not consent to the act or was reckless as to whether she consented. The two were not required to plead to the indictable charge when they appeared before Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court Wednesday.
Prosecutor in the case, Sergeant Cameron Gibbons, objected to bail on several grounds, including the seriousness of the offence and the alleged victim’s tender age. However, Martin, in her application for bail, told Magistrate Cuffy-Sergeant that she knew nothing “bout what
the girl say ‘bout me”, while Nelson submitted that they would not be in the area and “will not interfere” with the complainant, even as he denied having any knowledge of what was being alleged. However, their applications were denied and the two were remanded to prison until July 12.
Gold miner remanded on break and entry charge An 18-year-old gold miner was on Wednesday slapped with two charges and remanded to prison after he appeared before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Shawn Cornelius denied the first charge which alleged that between June 4 and June 5, last, at Waterfront, Port Kaituma, Essequibo, he broke and entered the business premises of Vonetta Rodrigues and stole a quantity of articles. The court heard that the victim secured her business and went to bed. The following morning when she returned to her business she observed a hole in the roof of the shop. Checks were then made in the shop and she discovered a quantity of articles missing. The matter was reported to the police and an investiga-
Shawn Cornelius tion was carried out. Cornelius was arrested and charge for the offence. Shawn Cornelius also denied the second charge which alleged that on March 24 at Port Kaituma, North West District, he assaulted Evenly Baptise. Police Prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves told the court that the defendant and the virtual
complainant are known to each other but are not on speaking terms. The court heard that on the day in question about 05:00hrs at the said location, the virtual complainant was walking when she felt someone holding her from behind, covering her mouth and saying to the victim ‘Me and you have to f*%k tonight’ the
court heard that when the victim turned around the defendant dealt her several slaps about her face. The matter was then reported and the defendant was arrested and charge. Police prosecutor Shawn Gonsalves objected to bail being granted to the defendant citing the serious nature of the offence. The penalty the charge attracts and the fact that the defendant has pending matters of similar nature in the court. The prosecutor’s objection was upheld by the magistrate and the defendant was remanded to prison for the break and entry charge and placed on $10,000 bail for the assault charge. He will make his next court appearance on June 27 where he will go before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for reassignment.
Reginald Brotherson, indicated that the department has no objections to granting another approval for a different year and model. But these would have to fall within the law. Brotherson also addressed the issue of GRA’s defence of granting permission to Wills for an engine size that is above the 2000cc limit. Legal minds have disagreed with GRA on its position, pointing out that the tax agency has little leeway
when it comes to tax exemptions. In addition to the Department of Public Service, there are other agencies including the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and ministries which have to first screen and issue tax exemption letters first. GRA’s job, it was pointed out, is merely to ensure that the tax exemptions were issued in accordance to the law. GRA has no power to grant those waivers.
Albouystown man remanded for rape Forty-nine-year-old Sherwin Leitch of Lot 133 James Street Albouystown was yesterday charged with rape of a child under the age of sixteen. Leitch appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before City Magistrate Judy Latchman and was not require to plead to the charge. The felony is said to have been committed on May 12, last. The matter was held in camera. The accused will make his next court appearance on June 29.
Remanded to prison Sherwin Leitch
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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 Hundreds of Items, new & used – www.guyamazon.com For your packaging needs: scotch tape, manual strapping machine, polystraps, polybags, shrink wrap, waxed boxes, etc. Call: 6292292 New Generator Diesel 110W, Generator/welder diesel 110w, waterpumps-3" gasoline. Call Melissa: 6292292 Sale! Sale! Seafood Mania!! Fish & Shrimp, all types and different processes. Call Cassie: 227-8176/77 ext 10
One three bedroom concrete house for sale Contact Mala: 917-254-2909, location: Vryheid’s Lust, North. Call: 699-4111/626-2208 CAKES & PASTRIES For all your catering needs please contact: 226-4001
1 Diesel Mechanic, must have knowledge of Perkins & Duetz engines, Cat & Doosan Excavator. Call: 2269768/660-2998 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665 Hairdresser/Nail Technician apply at West Shore Plaza, 15 Public Road, Ruimzeight, W.C.D. Call: 269-1524/656-3561 Security guard wanted to work in Georgetown. Call: 227-1717 One able bodied labourer. Tel: 219-4533/616-5954/231-2029 Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518 One experienced kitchen assistant. Call: 618-5080 after 2pm for details.
Responsible Hire Car Drivers. Call: 231-7200 We pay in $US for land in Eccles, Herstelling, Providence, Farm, Parfaite Harmonie, Zeelugt. Call: 6117223/684-5822 Looking for cleaner/maid to work from Monday –Saturday. Call Keysha: 667-0094
Post classified ads free on www.guyamaon.com
WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THE SEASON. CALL: 690-6494
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL: 225-7126/226-3693 DOLLYSAUTORENTAL@ YA H O O . C O M / W W W. DOLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM
I.A.E – Registered now for full-time secondary school, lessons, CXC/CSEC classes, adults, students, repeaters. Call: 683-5742/621-7365
PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: SUV FOR RENTAL- $4,000 & UP PER DAY- CALL: 677-7827, 6435122 ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM
AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTING, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807
WANTED Cashiers & Pump attendants tow work in the interior with experienced. Call: 644-6366/ 699-9458
VEHICLE FOR SALE
FOR RENT
Allion, Primo, Fielder Wagon, Spacio, Bluebird, 212 Carina, NZE, Honda CRV, Toyota IST, RZ & Pit-bull – Call: 650-7501
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Apartments – $45,000$160,000. Call: 644-5151
2011 ALLION - $3.3M, 2011 RACTIS -$2.5M, 2009 SIENTA - $2.1M, NOAH & VOXY - $2.6M, VEHICLES UNREGISTERED & FULLY LOADED. CALL: 642-7295 One Toyota Raum, PMM series, low mileage, excellent condition, one owner. Call: (592) 626-7450 Landcruiser Prado, low mileage, 2007, colour: white, PNN Series, fully loaded, excellent condition, serious inquires. Call: 624-0005 3.5 TON & 4 TON CANTER, OPEN BACK WITH 4D35 & 4D34 ENGINE, PRICE -$3.8M & $4.2M. CALL: 617-2891 TOYOTA FIELDER – 2009 WITH BODY KIT & RIMS $2.5M, SIENTA -$2.1M. CALL: 617-2891 One used Suzuki Escudo, excellent condition. Call: 6238078/ 645-4131 JustArrived: One Toyota Premio, never registered, excellent condition, fully loaded. Call:6238070/645-3131
Live in general domestic, must know to cook & waitress from E.C.D (live in/out) salary $20,000 weekly. Call: 610-3974 One experienced cook, ages 20-40 to work in snackette & bar. Call:663-7741/ 223-5798 Experienced caterpillar mechanic contact 223-5273/4 One cleaner to work at hotel contact 223-5273/4
1 - 3 Bedrooms self-contained fully furnished upstairs in Diamond, 4-2 bedrooms apartment in Providence, furnished and unfurnished. Call: 672-1906/ 216-2299 Semi-furnished, 3 bedrooms upper flat located at Durban Street, Wortmanville. Call: 600-2828, serious enquiries only. One business place @ 152 Albert & Sixth Street Alberttown. Call: 691-7123 1 Bedroom apartment to rent in Charlestown for a couple or single - $20,000 monthly. Call: 684-0951 156 Alexander, Kitty, Georgetown, bottom flat for rent, suitable for restaurant, office, etc. Call: 226-9731 One large business place at ‘X’ Durban St. W/Ville. Call: 616-2445 or 226-1091 Salon stations to rent; facilities available for spa & massage. Call:642-6204 or 227-4198
Hardworking, pleasant, physically fit, literate, team player (Plant Shop Staff) 1825 years. Tel: 646-2108, Georgetown.
Experienced Dredge, workers for land dredge. Call: 685-0689
EDUCATIONAL Canadian School of Arts & Science: Summer Classes 2017- Pre-K, Nursery, Primary, Secondary (July 10th – August 11th). Call: 216-6921/ 22 for registration
CAR RENTAL
Friday June 16, 2017
Kaieteur News
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. 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
LAND FOR SALE La Parfaite Harmonie -$1M, Zeelugt -$2M, Tuschen Phase 1 and land -$4M. Call: 642-1252 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 40 Acre Land @ Port Kaituma Rd. Side with spring & creek. Call for information: 684-7516 Land located in Friendship E.B.D, land size 50X198, price -$3.9M. Call: 645-6498 Prime Gold & Diamond Mining Land for sale contact 223-5273/74
One female cleaner for office in Eccles call 233-2745.
Truck driver for TM and Model M trucks contact 2235273/74
Find job listings www.guyamzon.com
Canter Driver; must have a lorry License contact 2235273/74
AmericanVarietyStore,140Regent & Light Street, Georgetown: experienced cashier and Salesgirl, apply in person.
on
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 225-7878 (24HRS) Continued on Page 31
Friday June 16, 2017
Miner charged with rape of 10-year-old A miner yesterday made an appearance before City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts for allegedly raping his 10-yearo l d s t e p d a u g h t e r. Tw e n t y - s e v e n - y e a r old Ron Charles was not required to plead to the charge which s t a t e d that on June 10, in the North West District, he engaged in sexual penetra tion of a child. The matter was held in camera. The accused was remanded to prison and he will make his next court appearance on June 27.
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Remanded to prison Ron Charles
GTT gets approval to increase landline rates From page 8 application. The GCA has accused the telephone company of hiding its true profits and employing creative accounting practices to hide its assets and true profits. Further, t h e G C A said that GTT was easing its landline expansions in favour of the more lucrative mobile services. F u r t h e r, t h e g r o u p said, “GTT does not repair consumers’ telephones in good time, sometimes for months. People are therefore forced to buy cell
phones. More import a n t l y, t h o u s a n d s o f people have a p p l i e d f o r landline phones, but GTT does not ever supply them. Sometimes applications are in the system for several years.” According to the PUC decision, statistics from GTT reveal that there are over 19,000 outstanding applications for land lines. This was described as “an unacceptable position. This is without doubt one of the reasons for the loss of revenue of which GTT complains s o b i t t e r l y. ”
PAC to increase monitoring in Kaieteur Park as Joint... From page 11 such substance in a national protected area commits an offence under paragraph (a) of the Fourth Schedule.” The Fourth Schedule (a) states “A fine of not less than $10,000 nor more than $50,000 and (f) a fine of not less than $500,000 nor more than $2M per day for continuance of activity with imprisonment for five years for repeating activity after the second instance.” This is not the first time that miners have been ejected from the area. On Sunday, a cameraman and an Amerindian were detained after venturing into the park, in Region Eight. They were later released. Over a week ago, several miners, including women, were brought to a city after being detained in the park. Authorities had announced that they were no longer proceeding with charges after a number of Amerindian bodies protested. They were disputing whether the miners were actually conducting activities in the park.
An area that had been cleared for mining.
A soldier at one of the areas that was being mined.
From Page 30
TO LET 4 AC Rooms/ 1 extra room, for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. C/Ville, Georgetown. Call: 226-1877, 624-7436, 654-9350 One bedroom apartments to let for more information. Please contact: 226-4001 Rooms in Alberttown. Call: 225-3234
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London fire: Prime minister orders full public inquiry BBC-Prime Minister Theresa May has ordered a full public inquiry into the fire that engulfed a west London block of flats, killing at least 17 people. That figure is expected to rise, as fire chiefs do not expect to find any more survivors in the burnt-out Grenfell Tower in North Kensington. The PM said people “deserve answers” as to why the fire spread so rapidly. The first victim has been named by the Syria Solidarity Campaign as Syrian refugee Mohammed Alhajali, 23. Six victims of the blaze have been provisionally identified, Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said, but “there is a risk that sadly we may not be able to identify everybody”. Asked about the number of dead, Cdr Cundy said: “I hope it is not triple figures, but I can’t be drawn on the numbers.” Fled war in Syria In a statement, the Syria Solidarity Campaign said Mr Alhajali, a civil engineering student, had been in a flat on the 14th floor when the fire broke out, and had spent two hours on the phone to a friend in Syria. He had been trying to get through to his family while he was waiting to be rescued. Latest updates: Death toll expected to rise What we know so far
The group said: “Mohammed bid his friend goodbye, saying that the fire had reached him. He asked his friend to pass on the message to his family... “Mohammed undertook a dangerous journey to flee war and death in Syria, only to meet it here in the UK, in his own home. “Mohammed came to this country for safety and the UK failed to protect him.” His older brother, Omar, told the BBC he had lost Mohammed on the way out of the building. Prime Minister Theresa May with firefightersImage copyrightGETTY IMAGES Image caption The prime minister spoke to fire commissioner Dany Cotton as she surveyed the damage Earlier, Mrs May made a private visit to the scene, where she spoke to Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton and members of the emergency services. She said: “[They] told me that the way this fire had spread and took hold of the building was rapid, it was ferocious, it was unexpected. “So it is right that, in addition to the immediate fire report that will be produced and any potential police investigation, that we do have a full public inquiry to get to the bottom of this.” Media captionLabour
leader Jeremy Corbyn visited the site and spoke to locals Number 10 confirmed the public inquiry will be judgeled. Sources say the government hopes to announce the name of the judge “soon”, the BBC’s assistant political editor Norman Smith said. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said one of the issues the inquiry would consider was whether the tower block had been refurbished in a safe way. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also visited the site, meeting residents affected by the fire. He told community leaders “the truth has to come out”. The Labour MP Harriet Harman criticised Mrs May for not meeting residents, writing on Twitter: “She should have been prepared to listen to them.” BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg said Mrs May’s team believed the decision not to visit residents was made for the right reasons. “They didn’t want to get in the way, they wanted to allow the emergency effort to carry on unimpeded and, frankly, it is just not her style to have TV cameras trailing her every move,” she said. But she said the decision could “prove to be a miscalculation” because events like this “can require real displays of empathy”
Jamaica Gov’t urged to press CARICOM on free movement of workers (Jamaica Gleaner) Weeks away from the annual meeting of CARICOM heads, one Jamaican legislator has made it clear that the Government here must insist that its regional counterparts amend their laws to facilitate free movement of workers or threaten them with protectionist policies. On Wednesday, officials from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security complained to Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee that while Jamaica has taken steps to make it easier for CARICOM nationals with skills certificates to work in Jamaica, other countries are refusing to do so. Artistes, musicians, university graduates, media workers, medical and sports persons were the first groups of persons allowed to use their regional skills certificate and travel freely to work in any of the
12 nations that are members of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). STATES SLOW TO MAKE CHANGES The categories have now grown to 10, but Lisa Grant, the director of permits in the ministry, said that most CARICOM states have not made the changes to their laws to accommodate the additional five categories, which comprise teachers, nurses, artisans, domestic workers, and holders of diplomas or associate degrees. “You find that our nationals, if they have moved, for example, with a skills certificate as a domestic worker to, say, a member state such as Trinidad or Barbados, bec a u s e they have not amended their legislation to recognise that category, unfortunately, our nationals are challenged. They have to get
what we refer to across the region as an extension of stay,” she said. “Even when our (Jamaica) laws were not yet amended, in the spirit of CARICOM, we, administratively, allowed the additional five categories. Unfortunately, we are still challenged by the fact that other member states don’t quite see things the way we see it.” Grant said that the ministry has raised the issue with the Kamina Johnson Smith-led Foreign Ministry, which has responsibility for the CSME. ... A MAJOR WEAKNESS OF CARICOM Mikael Phillips, a member of Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriates Committee, said that the Government needs to pressure non-compliant CARICOM states whose laws affect free movement of workers between countries.
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The Russia investigation is now inside the Oval Office Washington (CNN)-For months, President Trump has been obsessed — publicly and privately — with clearing his name in relation to the ongoing investigation into Russia’s meddling in the 2016 election and potential collusion with members of his campaign. Trump, we know now, repeatedly asked then-FBI Director James Comey whether he, personally, was under investigation. On three occasions, Comey said he was not. “I know I’m not under investigation,” Trump told NBC’s Lester Holt in a May 11 interview that came just two days after Trump had fired Comey over, according to the President, the FBI director’s handling of the Russia investigation. “I’m not talking about campaigns. I’m not talking about anything else,” Trump added. “I’m not under investigation.” Donald Trump doesn't get the special counsel investigation. And he's never going to. Donald Trump doesn’t get the special counsel investigation. And he’s never going to. That isn’t true anymore, according to reporting by The Washington Post on Wednesday night. That report makes clear that three
senior intelligence officers — Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers and and former NSA deputy director Richard Ledgett — are being interviewed this week by special counsel Bob Mueller as he looks into whether Trump obstructed justice in the Russia case. A source familiar with the matter later told CNN that Mueller’s investigators have asked for information and will talk to Coats and Rogers. This paragraph from the Post story speaks for itself: “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.” Trump wasn’t under investigation personally prior to Comey’s firing on May 9. But he is now, according to the Post. That’s absolutely huge — for several reasons. First, it makes it virtually impossible for the President and his administration to dismiss this probe as a sideshow or small potatoes or a distraction somehow created by the biased media. (That doesn’t mean they won’t do exactly
Venezuela politician’s ‘disappearance’ stirs Chavez’s home state (Reuters) He had just left his office by car and was passing a nearby church when the state security vans swooped in on Wilmer Azuaje. Put on a military plane hours later on May 3, the 40year-old regional lawmaker one of the best-known opposition figures in the rural home state of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez - has not been seen since. “He’s disappeared. They kidnapped him. There is complete silence,” said his mother, Carmen Cordero, who has been traveling between Barinas state and the capital, Caracas, to seek information on him at the headquarters of national intelligence service Sebin. There has been no official word on Azuaje’s case, and requests to authorities for information went unanswered. Azuaje is one of more than 3,000 activists, mainly young protesters, rounded up since massive demonstrations began against President Nicolas Maduro and the ruling Socialist Party at the start of April, according to rights groups. Nearly half of those remain behind bars. Opponents of Maduro
say the 54-year-old successor to Chavez has become a dictator and unleashed repression to intimidate a population fed up with economic hardship and demanding general elections. Maduro casts the arrests as a legitimate reaction to “armed insurrection” by violent coup-plotters following a U.S. agenda to take control of Venezuela’s oil wealth. Government officials view Azuaje as a ringleader in a particularly sensitive region. A career politician always courting controversy, he backed Chavez in the early years of his 1999-2013 rule. But Azuaje later split with Chavez, who died in office, and accused the president’s increasingly wealthy relatives of corruption in Barinas, a poor agricultural state in the Venezuelan “llanos” or plains where Chavez was born in a mud hut. In 2010, Azuaje was briefly put under house arrest for assaulting a policewoman in a spat over a vehicle. An avid swimmer and prominent member of the opposition party Justice First, he aspires to run for the Barinas governorship, currently held by a brother of Chavez.
that, of course.) We are now talking about the President of the United States being investigated for possibly obstructing justice in relation to a criminal probe about a foreign government meddling in our elections for the purpose of defeating his Democratic opponent. Consider that paragraph. And consider we are less than 150 days into Trump’s presidency and this — an investigation by a special counsel who also happens to be the former FBI director — is where he finds himself. Second, it suggests that not only is the special counsel’s investigation reaching upward in the White House but that is also broadening out from simply an attempt to answer the question of the breadth of Russia’s hacking and whether it caught up any Trump officials in it. Looking into whether Trump obstructed justice means that Mueller is also examining the circumstances surrounding Comey’s firing, which was obviously not part of the original federal probe led by Comey when he still had a job as FBI director. “The interviews (with Rogers, Coats and Ledgett) suggest that Mueller sees the question of attempted obstruction of justice as more than just a ‘he said, he said’ dispute between the President and the fired FBI director, an official said.” That’s critical given that Comey’s sworn testimony regarding the pressure put on
him by Trump to leave off an investigation into deposed national security adviser Michael Flynn runs directly
counter to Trump’s assertions about their conversations. Trump — while not under oath, it’s worth noting — has
insisted flatly that he had never urged Comey to slow or stop the Flynn investigation.
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Mayweather and McGregor must learn lessons from Ali’s infamous ‘Bout of the Century’ against Inoki Two years on from when Conor McGregor first laid down his initial challenge to Floyd Mayweather, an agreement has finally been reached which will see the two men face each other in a money-spinning mega-fight in the bright lights of Las Vegas. The controversial bout, which will be fought under boxing rules on August 26, is widely-expected to become the highest grossing pay-perview fight in history, but has divided opinion across the sporting world.
Some see it is as an enthralling contest which pits arguably the greatest boxer of his generation against the biggest name in mixed martial arts, while others have dismissed it as nothing more than a money-making exercise which makes a mockery of both sports. Almost inevitably, comparisons have been made between the upcoming fight in Las Vegas and Muhammad Ali’s infamous encounter with Japanese wrestler Antonio Inoki in 1976. Ali, attracted by the offer of a $6m fight fee,
agreed to face Inoki at Tokyo’s Nippon Budokan arena, just eight months after defeating Joe Frazier in the ‘Thrilla in Manila’. The 34-year-old world champion travelled to Japan expecting an exhibition match in which both fighters would perform choreographed moves on each other, in the same style as the American Wrestling Association shows of the time. However, it soon became clear that Inoki was taking the mixed martial arts ‘Bout of the Century’ seriously and that
Caribbean Governments urged to invest in... (From page 38) have no Gym presently to train they are doing road work to keep them in shape and provide much needed glovework ahead of next month’s tournament. In addition to the host Country, French Guiana, Martinique, Guadalupe, Dominica, St Marten, Antigua, St Vincent, Barbados, Grenada and Guyana are expected to participate. The Guyanese born Christopher has severed as SLBA Head for the last three terms after taking over the position in 2005 from another Guyanese, Joseph ‘Reds’ Perrier, who served as Presi-
dent from 1996. The SLBA is refocusing its efforts on urgent completion of the National Boxing Gymnasium construction project in Castries. Construction is 50 percent completed and will be named in memory of SLBA’s former PRO Brian McDonald who died three years ago at age 42. According to Christopher, the Gym is currently needed to afford national boxers with a more conducive environment for training. He thanked the businesses and private citizens in St Lucia for their contributions towards the completion of the project, which he feels
is an important investment in the youth. St. Lucia Olympic Committee has contributed EC$20, 000 to the project. “The standard of boxing in island is high and I would say only second to Guyana, the defending champions from last year’s Caribbean Development tournament in Barbados. But generally the sport in the Caribbean is struggling” Christopher stated. Guyana dominated in Barbados to win 10 gold medals and one silver medal and over the years several Guyanese have played significant roles in the development of boxing in St. Lucia with former Guyana National Coach Carl Franklyn and the late Cliff Anderson and Courtney Artherly conducting coaching stints. This past May in Guyana, St. Lucia finished third among six nations in the Caribbean School Boys and Juniors Boxing Championships. The team, Coached by Guyanese born boxer Conrad ‘Hunt’ Fredericks and Captained by 19-year-old Nathan Ferrari, captured two gold medals, one silver and bronze medal. Ferrari secured a gold medal in the tournament’s featured fight on the last night.
no rehearsals were planned prompting panic in the Ali camp. Negotiations were hastily arranged between the representatives of both fighters, in which a series of restrictions were enforced, mainly on Inoki, to ensure that the fight was an even contest. The Japanese wrestler was banned from grappling or thr o w i n g h i s o p p o n e n t , while kicks would have to be made with one knee on the canvass - effectively neutralising his attacking threat. What followed was a 15round farce, played out in
front of an estimated 1.4 billion people worldwide. Inoki spent the majority of the fight rolling on the floor, aiming feeble kicks towards Ali’s legs, while the heavyweight boxer forbidden from striking his opponent on the ground could do little but beckon him to return to his feet. The crowd soon began to voice their frustration, chanting demands for their money to be refunded, and eventually the bout was called a draw - allowing both fighters to save a small degree of face. The fight was reportedly
a major source of embarrassment for Ali, although the event would later become little more than a footnote his long illustrious career. Unlike Ali and Inoki, McGregor and Mayweather will face each other in a normal rules boxing match later this year. However, the ill-advised encounter in Japan serves as a reminder that events involving fighters from two different disciplines have the potential to permanently damage reputations, even for someone as great as Ali. (MailOnline)
Fowler tames toothless U.S. Open to grab... (From page 33) and officials guessing almost down to the wire, hanging on to the long shot hope that storms might delay the start of the year’s second major and allow him to attend the graduation and then fly from San Diego
to Wisconsin to make his tee time. His withdrawal marked the end of a golfing era with the 117th U.S. Open becoming the first major to not include Mickelson and/or Tiger Woods since the 1994 Masters. Woods, who recently
underwent his fourth back surgery, has not played a PGA Tour event since January at Torrey Pines, the site of the last of his 14 major wins in 2008. The last major he played in was the 2015 PGA Championship. (Reuters)
Friday June 16, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) Don't be critical or overly opinionated with dislikes; it could cause disapproval and unwanted opposition. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) You have been stagnating for some time now and you need a change of pace. Entertainment could cost you more than you expect. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You can help a close friend find solutions to personal problems. Your emotions will be touched off concerning recent encounters with your lover. CANCER (June 21–July 22) You could experience unusual circumstances and meet eccentric individuals. You may be likely to have difficulties with females. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Involvement in groups will be favorable and lead to valuable information. You will be up and down emotionally. Talk to others about your plans. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Your ability to do detailed work will dazzle those who are less creative. However, you should be concerned about what they want in return.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Escapist tendencies may lead to overindulgence. Your outgoing, aggressive nature will attract someone you've been eager to meet. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Dinner, theater, or a comedy club may be just the place. Social activities will be satisfying. Children may be less than honest with you. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your energetic personality will make you the center of attention at social gatherings. You need to spend some time getting to know this person all over again. CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Your charm will attract someone special. Be sure not to burn any bridges. Join humanitarian groups and let your leadership ability take over. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Stop those bad habits. Trips will be enjoyable, and communication with your lover will clear up any misconceptions. Communication will be your best bet. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You need an outlet that will help take your mind off any troubles at work. Opportunities for romance will develop through group endeavors.
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Canada rallies to defeat Lawrence upset over unawarded penalty Curacao in friendly San Jose, Costa Rica, CMC – Head coach Dennis Lawrence has blasted the referee’s decision not to award Trinidad and Tobago a second half penalty, during their 2-1 defeat to Costa Rica in the CONCACAF final r o u n d o f Wo r l d C u p qualifiers here Tuesday. Jamille Boatswain went down in the area in the 51 minute under a challenge from a Costa Rican defender but the referee waived away appeals for the penalty. With neither side able to score in the second half, the 2-1 halftime scoreline remained, leaving T&T with their fifth defeat of the campaign and closer to elimination. ”First and foremost I’m going to be careful with how I deal with the situation because I am not really happy,” Lawrence said following the game. “Congratulations to Costa Rica. In terms of our boys, I think we gave a tremendous effort tonight and I don’t think the result reflected the actual result. ”I’ve got to question the penalty because I think the
th
st
Canada’s Anthony Jackson-Hamel (#16) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning goal against visiting Curacao. (Photo courtesy of Canada Soccer) Montreal – Canada scored at the end of each half to earn a 2-1 win over visiting Curacao in an international friendly on Tuesday night at the Stade Saputo. Both sides are p r e p a r i n g f o r J u l y ’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, while Curacao also has the 2016-17 Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup semifinals to contest later t h i s m o n t h . Anthony Jackson-Hamel completed a Canadian comeback and struck for the game-winning goal in the 86th minute. The sequence
started when 16-year-old debutant Alphonso Davies was fouled in the box for a p e n a l t y k i c k . Junior Hoilett’s subsequent effort from the spot crashed off the woodwork and was cleared by Curacao for a throw in. Canada took it quickly, giving Russell Teibert an opportunity to fire i t a t g o a l . On this clearance, Canada’s Samuel Piette got the ball to Jackson-Hamel, who fired it in from long range. Curacao struck first in the 43rd minute as an unmarked Rangelo Janga left-footed
past goalkeeper Milan Borjan from 10-yards out off a feed from Gevaro Nepomuceno in the left side o f t h e b o x . Two minutes later, the score was leveled. Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room couldn’t hold onto Will Johnson’s long free kick, allowing Manjrekar James to net from nine yards. In addition to Davies, Canada head coach Octavio Zambrano gave senior debuts to Raheem Edwards, Mark-Anthony Kaye, and Juan Cordova. (CONCACAF)
Pant, Kuldeep picked for West Indies tour Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav have been picked for India’s limited-overs tour of West Indies, which comprises five ODIs and a T20 international soon after the Champions Trophy ends in England. Opener Rohit Sharma and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah are the only members from the Champions Trophy squad who won’t be making the trip to the Caribbean. It is understood that Anil Kumble will remain India’s coach for the West Indies tour. K u m b l e ’s o n e - y e a r contract ends with the Champions Trophy but he has accepted the BCCI’s offer to stay on until the board decides on the next coach. Kumble is one of the candidates in contention, after the BCCI invited
applications for the job amid reports that Virat Kohli and some senior players were unhappy with Kumble’s methods. When India announced the squad for the Champions Trophy, the selectors had said they had discussed both Pant and Kuldeep, but went with experience for the big tournament. The two were part of the five players kept on standby should there be need for an injury replacement. The chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, had called them players for the future. Pant has had the cricket community excited with his aggressive batting, which included a 326-ball 308 in the Ranji Trophy last season. Kuldeep made his Test debut in the same season, and took crucial wickets on day one of the Dharamsala
Test and helped India win the series against Australia. The BCCI did not state why Rohit and Bumrah had been left out of the squad. Rohit had only returned to the India squad for the Champions Trophy, after missing the majority of the 2016-17 home season because of injury. ESPNcricinfo learned there are plans to introduce Bumrah to Test cricket on the tour of Sri Lanka in JulyAugust and so wanted to rest him for a bit. Squad: Virat Kohli (capt), Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, MS Dhoni (wk), Yuvraj Singh, Kedar Jadhav, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav and Dinesh Karthik. (ESPNcricinfo)
T&T were behind in the open seconds of the contest when Francisco Calvo scored following a corner and even though Kevin Molino equalised in the 34 minute, Bryan Ruiz produced a stunner on the stroke of half-time to regain the lead for the hosts. Neither team could break each other down in the second half and the scoreline remained. Goalscorer Molino said he felt Trinidad had played well enough to earn a share of the points. ”I am disappointed. There is no way to hide this because I felt we did well enough to get a result tonight, at least a point,” the MLS-based attacker said. ”I feel pleased to have scored here in Costa Rica but I am hurting with the result. I would have much preferred to leave here with something. We put out a strong effort tonight but unfortunately we didn’t get the result.” T&T lie bottom of the sixnation CONCACAF final round standings on three points.
Dennis Lawrence onl y people on the football pitch that did not believe it was a penalty were the officials. From that point of view, I thought we should have come out with something from the game and I really feel sorry for the boys.” He added: “I thought we had more of the game in the second half than Costa Rica. I think the entire stadium knew it was a penalty. The only people who did not recognise it was the people who were most important – the officials.”
Fowler tames toothless U.S. Open to grab early lead American Rickie Fowler tamed a toothless Erin Hills to claim the early first-round lead at the U.S. Open yesterday, making the so called toughest test in golf look easy. With only a gentle breeze and rains having taken the bite out of the monstrous 7,845-yard course, early starters tore apart the linksstyle layout, attacking the pins with gusto. Fowler fired a sevenunder 65 for a two-shot clubhouse lead over compatriots Brian Harman and Brooks Koepka and E n g l i s h m a n To m m y Fleetwood. Starting from the 10th tee, Fowler showed why he was among the pretournament favorites, returning a polished bogeyfree effort that matched the lowest first round score in relation to par at a U.S. Open. Not even the sight of a burning blimp crashing to the ground in an open field just a half-mile (800 meters) from the course could distract the world number nine, who failed to make the cut at his previous two U.S.
Opens but finished runnerup in 2014. ”You don’t get many rounds at the U.S. Open that are stress-free,” said Fowler, who got his round off to a flying start dropping birdies on three of his opening five holes. “It is always cool to be part of some sort of history in golf but I’d rather be remembered for something that’s done on Sunday.” No left-hander has ever won the U.S. Open but Harman, winner of the Wells Fargo last month, put himself in the hunt with a bogey-free round. Fleetwood also an enjoyed a error-free trip while Koepka was the only one among the leaders to card a bogey in his 67. Newly branded as the “ultimate test in golf”, the U.S. Open has long been famed for its toughness and Erin Hills, the longest ever layout for a U.S. Open, was expected to add to that hardman reputation. But under sunny skies Erin Hills looked more friend than foe with 22 of the morning wave dipping under par. Not everyone, however,
took advantage of the ideal morning conditions. World number one and defending champion Dustin Johnson, one of golf’s bighitters, misfired for a threeover 75. Johnson, who did not arrive until late Tuesday having remained at home for the birth of his second child, had limited practice and it showed. ”I’m a little frustrated that I shot three-over. I didn’t play that bad,” said Johnson. “You’ve got to hit it in the fairway. “I hit enough fairways today to shoot a good score but I’ve definitely got to roll it better.” The year’s second major started without Phil Mickelson, the five-times major winner withdrawing to attend his daughter’s high school graduation. Six times a runner-up at the U.S. Open, Mickelson skipped another chance at completing a career grand slam when it became obvious Mother Nature was not going to cooperate and delay the start of the opening round. Mickelson had kept fans (Continued on page 32)
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Friday June 16, 2017
Mayweather vs McGregor blockbuster showdown confirmed for August 26 in Las Vegas Floyd Mayweather has named the date. Conor McGregor has been raring to go for weeks. The biggest hybrid fight of all time will take place in Las Vegas on August 26. It may well be that the hype will surpass the occasion but with his customary, control-freak timing, Mayweather has ensured another multi-million dollar extravaganza on that famous Strip. Whether the boxing purists take to the notion or not, this will be the biggest grossing event in the history of combat sports since Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao finally got it together to the tune of more than half a billion dollars between them. Although this will be The Notorious Irishman’s first orthodox boxing match and
Mayweather will go into this cross between a fist fight and a circus spectacle, the Nevada State Athletic Commission have assured their Mr Money that all the relevant licenses and approvals will be forthcoming. Not surprising that, since the casino drop from high rollers and sports punters will guarantee a bonanza for everyone. Mayweather is on a minimum certainty of $100million (£78m), plus the upside on high sales by Showtime, the major US cable network. McGregor’s share of the bounty is thought to be in the region of $80m (£62m) but a percentage of that will go to the UFC, his paymasters in his customary field of action mixed martial arts. UFC president Dana
White told ESPN: ‘We’ve been in negotiations now for a while and to be honest the negotiation went smooth. We got the thing done. ‘The impossible deal is now done.’ White said the fight would be at 154lbs light middleweight - and added: ‘It’ll be in a ring, it’s a boxing event. ‘Conor McGregor is a guy who’s done a lot of good things over here for the sport and this company and he wanted this and the fans wanted it too. ’I talked to Conor McGregor this morning. He is absolutely 100 per cent positive that he wins this fight and I stopped doubting Conor McGregor a long time ago. ‘Floyd Mayweather is 40 years old, he’s always had problems with southpaws. Conor McGregor is 27 and
CONCACAF Announces Schedule of Round of 16 Matchups for 2017 SCL 16 teams to participate in the inaugural season The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has unveiled dates and kickoff times for the Round of 16 schedule for the 2017 edition of the Scotiabank CONCACAF League, the r e g i o n ’s n e w e s t c l u b competition. The Scotiabank CONCACAF League crowns a champion among a field of 16 qualified club teams from Central America and the Caribbean. The pairings for the Round of 16 of the premier edition of CONCACAF’s newest club competition were revealed at a draw in Miami last month. First leg matches of the Round of 16 are scheduled to be played from August 1-3, and will begin in Central America with action featuring Chorrillo FC (PAN) v CD Honduras Progreso (HON) and Santos de Guapiles FC (CRC) v San Juan Jabloteh (TRI). The opening matches are the first to be played among the eight slated for the opening week, as the Scotiabank CONCACAF League kicks off across eight countries in Central America and the Caribbean. The next evening CD Plaza Amador (PAN) will travel to Jamaica to face
Portmore United FC (JAM), followed by CD Aguila (SLV) v Real Esteli FC (NCA) and Platense FC (HON) v Alianza FC (SLV). The first leg matches will be completed on Thursday night, with matches in T r i n i d a d & To b a g o , Nicaragua and Honduras. Central FC (TRI) will host Deportivo Arabe Unido (PAN), CD Walter Ferretti (NCA) faces the Belmopan Bandits (BLZ) and CD Olimpia (HON) will take on LD Alajuelense (CRC), in a Central American “Clásico”. The second leg Round of 16 matches will be played the following week, August 8-10, beginning with San Juan Jabloteh (TRI) vs. Santos de Guapiles FC (CRC), Real Esteli FC (NCA) vs. CD Aguila (SLV) and Alianza FC (SLV) vs.
Platense FC (HON). Play will continue Wednesday night with CD Plaza Amador (PAN) v Portmore United FC (JAM) and CD Honduras Progreso (HON) vs. Chorrillo FC (PAN). The final three matches of the Round of 16, will see Central FC (TRI) at Deportivo Arabe Unido (PAN), Belmopan Bandits (BLZ) at home vs. CD Walter Ferretti (NCA) and LD Alajuelense (CRC) v CD Olimpia (HON), in San Jose, Costa Rica. The range of dates for the first leg quarterfinals, to be disputed among the eight Round of 16 winners, is August 15-17. The second leg quarterfinals are scheduled for August 22-24. The championship home-and-away final of the Scotiabank CONCACAF League is scheduled for October. The tournament champion earns a ticket to join 15 additional club qualifiers from across the region – including Canada, Mexico and the United States, in the revamped Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. The next edition of the Champions League will be played from February – April 2018. (CONCACAF)
After announcing date of the highlyanticipated fight, Mayweather posted this on social media. he is a southpaw. Whenever Conor hits people, they fall. ’I’m not saying Conor McGregor’s going to win. I’m not saying Floyd Mayweather’s going to win. But the reason Conor McGregor ’s as big as he is is he’ll fight a n y b o d y, a n y w h e r e , anytime. He will go after Floyd Mayweather and he will try to knock him out.
Mayweather, as astute a politician as he is a boxing genius, has timed the event to somewhat upstage his old adversary Oscar de la Hoya’s staging of Mexican idol Canelo Alvarez against middleweight knockout supremo Gennady Golovkin. De la Hoya stole the Mexico independence weekend date of September 16, when Mayweather has
always preferred one of his two matches a year so as to draw large crowds across the border. The Vegas casinos have their own take on how competitive the fight is likely to be, or otherwise. They quote Mayweather as an 1-8 favourite. McGregor, at an outsider’s 5-1, insists that he has always been a knockout rather than a kick over and grapple UFC man and has been in strict boxing training now for more than two months. ’This is really an unprecedented event,’ said Stephen Espinoza, who heads Showtime Sports, which will handle the payp e r- v i e w. ‘ R e a l l y w e haven’t seen anything in modern history that resembles it, it’s impossible to predict how many sales this will do.’ Espinoza said the fight came together quickly after McGregor and the UFC reached agreement last month on their end of the deal and Mayweather’s team pushed for the fight in recent days. ’All parties were motivated and reasonable and thrilled we could get everything done,’ he said. ‘The sky’s the limit on this.’ (MailOnline)
CBI programme to finance multi-sports complex Roseau, Dominica, CMC – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says all the finance required to construct the national mulit-sports complex will come from the controversial Citizenship by Investment Programme. The complex is expected to cost in excess of EC$40 million and Skerritt, who is also Minister of Finance, said government had already identified the funds for the venuture and would not have to now engage in a process of sourcing financing. ”I can say to the country, as the Minister of Finance I have set this money aside to build this facility,” Skerrit said. “We are not going to be looking for the money, we have the money to build the facility. The entire sum will come from the Citizenship by Investment Programme.” The programme, which has come in for criticism in some
quarters, is designed to lure wealthy investors to the country in exchange for becoming citizens of the c o u n t r y. A l r e a d y, t h e programme has been used to f u n d s ev e r al v e n tu r e s including a school feeding programme in primary s c h o o l s . Skerrit was quick to push back against critics of the programme, arguing it provided a means of revenue for government that did not include taxation. ”When we have elements in our country who collude with external people who do not even know where Dominica is, and who have never been to Dominica, who have no interest in Dominica’s wellbeing to seek to undermine and destroy a major source of non-tax revenue for our country, it is something that every citizen, irrespective of
Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit who you are we need to frown upon,” the country’s l e a d e r s a i d . The sports complex is expected to provide a venue for basketball, netball, volleyball, tennis and swimming and will boast both indoor and outdoor courts. Only last week, government signed a million-dollar contract with a Puerto Rican firm for the design of the complex.
Kaieteur News
Friday June 16, 2017
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Dominant India march into yet another final The best team at the ICC events this decade marched into its fourth final in seven events this side of 2010 to set up a final against Pakistan, pitting the tournament’s best bowling sides in middle overs. Like they did in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final, first-time semi-finalists Bangladesh went toe to toe with India for about 30 overs - even inched ahead perhaps - but came apart against the non-turning part-time extremely slow offspin of Kedar Jadhav, going from 142 for 2 in 25 overs to posting only 264 on a fresh pitch at Edgbaston. If it was Jadhav who brought it down from the possible 320 territory to 280, Jasrpit Bumrah’s final spell of 5-027-1 to cut a further 20 off what Bangladesh looked good for. In response, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan put up an exhibition, picking apart Bangladesh’s bowling with delectable stroke-play. Rohit brought up his first hundred of this tournament and moved to No. 2 on the run-scoring charts, Dhawan reclaimed the lead from Tamim Iqbal, and Kohli who had been scoring runs despite not looking at his best - signalled return to
sublime form while becoming the fastest to 8000 ODI runs. It was an ominous sign for their opponents in what is their third final in the last four 50-over world events; in the other event they lost in the semi-final. There was a calm to how India chased down the target, the slickness of a team used to such situations. This was their sixth semi-final in ICC events in seven years. Veterans of big matches, they prefer to sit back while their oppositions work themselves into a frenzy; when they make a mistake, India swoop in. It looked like they had done that in the seventh over when Bhuvneshwar Kumar outthought the aggressive Sabbir Rahman after he had raced away to 19 off 12. Having seen him chip down twice to clear mid-off, Bhuvneshwar started to mix bouncers and length balls. Bumrah did his bit by cramping Tamim Iqbal up at the other end. Thirteen straight dot balls brought the expected loose shot, and the wicket, to the sucker ball, reducing Bangladesh to 31 for 2. Mushfiqur Rahim kept attacking, dropping Bhuvneshwar over mid-off, but settled down soon,
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma added an unbroken 178 for the 2nd wicket ©Getty Images carrying the struggling Tamim. Signs were ominous for India - reminiscent of the World T20 semi-final last year - when Hardik Pandya overstepped when castling Tamim, who would have been out for 12 off 36 then. I n s t e a d Ta m i m a n d Mushfiqur batted perfectly against the India spinners. Mushfiqur is a hard man to bowl to for a spinner because his height means that good length balls end up getting cut or pulled. And he has the
various sweeps to unsettle them when they start pitching it up. Tamim grew in confidence, too. Every time India strung together dot balls, either of them would hit a boundary. By the 25th over, they had added 111 in 19.1 overs. They had negated the main spinners, and had also taken 28 off Pandya’s three overs, which meant India now had a fifth-bowler problem. That fifth-bowler problem turned out to be
Once in a lifetime chance, says uncapped Joseph Leicester, England, CMC – Teenager Qiana Joseph has described her call-up to the West Indies Women’s side for the ICC Cricket World Cup as a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and is hoping to make the most of the chance once she breaks into the starting XI. The 16-year-old left-arm seamer is the youngest member of the side and is one of four uncapped players in the 15-member squad for the June 24 to July 23 campaign. ”It means a lot to me and my family because this opportunity comes once in a lifetime and when you get an opportunity like that you must make the best out of it,” said the St Lucian during the training camp at the Ageas Bowl which wrapped up in Southampton on Monday. ”I wasn’t surprised because this year I worked
Qiana Joseph
very hard to be a member of the team.” Joseph managed seven wickets at an average of 15 during the Regional Super50 in the Caribbean r e c e n t l y, i m p r e s s i n g selectors with her potential. She was susbequently picked for the tour of England in order to gain experience but she said once
the chance presented itself, she would look to make her mark. ”If I get the opportunity to play I will make the best out of it. If I get the opporunity to bowl I want to take at least three wickets in that game,” he said. “I will be working on my fitness and accuracy in my
bowling.” So far, Joseph has experienced the vagaries of the notorious English weather with sunshine, rain and chilly conditions characterising the 17-day camp. She said even though t h e d i ff e r e n t w e a t h e r conditions presented a challenge, she was already acclimatising. ”[The weather] is a challenge because it is very moody at times but I’m coping with it.” West Indies arrived here Tuesday to begin their f o r m a l Wo r l d C u p programme which sees them taking on Pakistan Women next Tuesday and South Africa Women two days later, in official ICC warmup games. The y o p e n t h e i r Wo r l d C u p c a m p a i g n against reigning champions Australia Women on June 26.
their blessing in disguise. Bangladesh believed they should have hit four of the first 11 Jadhav deliveries for boundaries. They were short and they were juicy, but because Jadhav’s pace is off, it plays with batsmen’s rhythm. Three of those were hit straight to fielders, and the fourth was rescued by a diving Bhuvneshwar at cover-point. Had any of these balls reached the fence, you can be pretty sure the 12th ball would have gone differently. Now, though, Tamim went for the slog sweep but the ball never arrived, and when it did it clipped the leg bail. India could sigh in relief: Tamim had taken 58 off the last 46 balls he faced. Jadhav and Ravindra Jadeja - 25 in his first four overs - now began to rush through the overs. Shakib Al Hasan slowed them down a touch with a cut boundary off Jadeja, but when he went to repeat it in Jadeja’s next over, he chose a ball not short enough, and MS Dhoni produced a sensational catch. The coup de grâce of this death by slowness came in t h e 3 6 t h o v e r, w h e n Mushfiqur chipped a dipping full toss from Jadhav straight to short
midwicket. Since introduction of Jadhav: 10.2 overs, 37 runs, and three wickets to rip the heart out of the Bangladesh batting. Of the core Bangladesh batting, only Mahmudullah was left. With Mosaddek Hossain, he took Bangladesh to the final 10 overs with five wickets in hand and 207 on the board, but in the final ten came Bumrah. He had had an ordinary start to this tournament, but, like in the South Africa match, he bowled quick, he bowled smartly, and he cramped Mosaddek for a return catch and then hit the base of Mahmudullah’s off stump with what looked like a laser-guided yorker. The bowlers had done their job once again in what has arguably been their best tournament in adverse conditions. The ball hasn’t swung, but you can see - for the first time arguably - that India bowlers have had defensive plans in place, and have executed them, especially Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah. Now it was up to the batsmen to make sure this good work didn’t go to waste. B a n g l a d e s h ’s o n l y chance lay in accessing India’s suspect lower middle order early, but on a flat pitch with no deviation off the straight, India’s top order took them to school. Every shot hit with ease was a message to the Bangladesh batsmen who had ended at least 50 short. If Dhawan went deep to punch them square, Rohit stood tall and played punch on drives; if Rohit cut with ease, Kohli unleashed some vintage cover drives that had not quite been coming off in the league stages. It was as if there was a contest within a contest: who will play the most glorious shots. It all worked for India, who ended the chase in 40.1 overs. India 265 for 1 (Rohit 123*, Kohli 96*) beat Bangladesh 264 for 7 (Tamim 70, Mushfiqur 61, Jadhav 2-22, Bumrah 2-40) b y 9 w i c k e t s . (ESPNcricinfo)
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Friday June 16, 2017
GCB/Hand-in-Hand U19 tourney
Demerara retain three-day title after rain spoils final day action Demerara retained the Guyana Cricket Board/Hand-in-Hand Inter County Under-19 three-day title after rain prevented any play on the final day at Everest Cricket Club, yesterday. An intriguing day’s play was anticipated, but overnight rain left the venue soggy and play was called off following a final inspection at 14:00hrs. After taking a 24-run first innings lead, Demerara suffered a collapse in their second turn at the crease and were on 95-9 at stumps on day two. Off-spinner Karan Arjpaul grabbed all nine wickets to fall with Ramnarine Chatura (25), Ronaldo Ali Mohamed (16) and Gavin Boodwah (13) being the only batsmen to reach double figures in an ordinary batting display. Scores: Demerara 190 all out (Chatura 53, Kevin Sinclair 5-32, Keith Simpson 5-78) and 95-9 (Chatura 25, Arjpaul 9-22), Berbice 166 all out (Sinclair 97, Keshram Seyhodan 6-67, Yadram 316). Rain also prevented any play at Eve Leary where Essequibo were set to resume on 100-9 in reply to
Man-of-the-match Kevlon Anderson (U-17s) accepts his prize from GCB Assistant Administrator, Afadee Grimmond. the GCB Select Under-17s first innings score of 227 all out. Ke v l o n A n d e r s o n scored 101 for the U-17 side while Reyaz Khan made 33, Pradesh Ballkishun 24 and Nigel Deodat 22. Essequibo’s Mahendra Persaud had 3 for 34, Joel Fortune 3 for 42 and Lesley Allen 2 for 27. Stephan Campbell top
scored for Essequibo with 34 while Mahendra Persaud contributed 21. Ashmead Nedd claimed 4 for 29; Anderson had 3 for 5. Demerara finished on 25.5 points while Berbice took the runner up spot with 19.7, the GCB Select U-17 team finished third on 9.1 and Essequibo in the cellar on 8 . 6 . Arjpaul and Anderson were voted players-of-the-match
Man-of-the-match Karan Arjpaul (Berbice) collects his trophy from referee Grantley Culbard. in their respective games while Raymond Perez was the best batsman (259 runs), Keshram Seyhodan best bowler (18) and Yadram the MVP of the competition. Wicket-keepers Joshua Persaud and Robin Williams effected the most dismissals. Meanwhile, Secretary of the GCB Anand Sanasie congratulated the winners and thanked the sponsors while Shafeena Juman,
Business Development Supervisor of Hand-in-Hand Insurance congratulated Demerara and the respective prize winners. Ms. Juman encouraged the players to remain committed and wished them success in the upcoming regional tournaments. The selectors will now name the Guyana side for the regional U-17 tournament set for Trinidad and Tobago
in July and shortlist the U-19 squad for the regional threeday and 50-over tournaments. However players such as Dwayne Dick and Darshan Persaud can count themselves unlucky for not being afforded an opportunity to prove their worth when the selectors would have preferred to see all the players in action.
West Demerara recover from wretched first half to beat L’aventure 3-0; action resumes tomorrow at Leonora
Despite wasting several chances due to poor finishing West Demerara Secondary still managed to inflict a 3-0 drubbing on L’Aventure as play in this year’s Digicel Schools Football Championship, continued yesterday, at the Leonora Track & Field facility, West Coast Demerara. On target for the winners were Exam David, Glenroy Duncan and Kemar Ferreira, who netted in the 45th, 48th and 60th minutes respectively. David commenced the march for victory when he fired in a penalty which was
awarded following a handball infringement. Three minutes later, Duncan sprinted on to a long ball delivered on the left flank and he cut inside, before hammering a fierce right-footer into the far corner to make it 2-0. Both teams squandered opportunities to score, but it was West Demerara that made amends for their lapses when Ferreira outran his markers to hit past the opposing goalkeeper to make it 3-0 and basically game over. It was a mixed display by the West Demerara side, but a disappointing one for L’Aventure that looked a better unit in the opening period. Play in the championship continues tomorrow with a tripleheader at the same venue.
Starting at 11:00hrs, Vreed-en-Hoop takes on Patentia Secondary, this encounter will be followed by the clash between Stewartville and Uitvlugt at 13:00hrs. Then at 15:00hrs, Goed Fortuin square off against Leonora Secondary. The winning school will collect $1,000,000 which is to go towards a project of their choice along with the championship trophy. Second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $700,000, $400,000 and $350,000 respectively and this too is for a project of the schools choice. Over 120 schools from across the ten regions are participating in this year’s event which is slated to conclude on July 31. Chase Academic Foundation is the defending champion.
From left, Glenroy Duncan, Ezam David and Kemar Ferreira pose for a photo op following West Demerara’s win over L’Aventure yesterday.
Kaieteur News
Friday June 16, 2017
Nikkoloi Smith, Jamal Gilkes attending Basketball “College Exposure Camp”
Nikkoloi Smith
Jamal Gilkes
Two of Guyana’s future national senior basketball prospects, Nikkoloi Smith and Jamal Gilkes are being facilitated at a “College Exposure Camp” hosted by Caribbean Hoops. According to a press release, Smith and Gilkes departed Guyana yesterday.
The Camp is being held in Trinidad & Tobago and is aimed at strengthening the skills of players with the view of gaining international recognition. The duo is set to return on Monday. Smith is already a member of the Guyana national team.
Joseph hosts Annual Father’s Day Competition Sunday President of the Guyana National Domino Federation (GNDF) Faye Joseph will host a big Father’s Day Competition t h i s S u n d a y, a t 1 2 2 3 Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt, commencing from 13:00hrs. Joseph, who also serves as Head of the Georgetown Domino Association told this newspaper that the competition is open to teams across the country and the entrance fee is $12,000 per team. However, Joseph indicated that the first ten (10) teams that arrive for the 13:00hrs start will pay $9,000 to enter. The first prize is $175,000, while second and third place
Faye Joseph finishers will receive $100,000 and $60,000 respectively along with trophies. All GNDF rules will apply throughout the competition.
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Kaieteur News
Friday June 16, 2017
Caribbean Governments urged to invest in Boxing Guyana invited to next month’s Creole tournament By Sean Devers in St Lucia
St. Lucia Boxing Association President David Christopher is flanked National Coach Conrad Fredericks (left) and the island’s top junior boxer, Nathan Ferrari.
”It’s time Caribbean Governments invest in the sport of boxing since there are so many spin-offs from this investment” urged President of the St Lucia Boxing Association David ‘Shakes’ Christopher. ”We need more funding,
trained coaches and administrators but the Region is working together and if everything goes to plan, in the next five years we should be back to the standard of boxing of the 1980s” Christopher said. Christopher added that if Regional Governments invest more in Sports this could help reduce the level of crime, produce fitter nations, less cost for Health Care, promote sports tourism and create more champions. ”Governments and the private sector should help to offer sponsorship for more boxing tournaments across the Region since boxing can provide an income to young boxers with scholarships now available. Boxing should be introduced in more schools since the sport is now in the CXC curriculum,” disclosed Christopher. St. Lucia hosted the OECS Boxing tournament in April and is now preparing to hold the ninth annual Invitational Creole Boxing Championships, July 5-9
and Guyana has been invited to participate. The SLBA’s activities will conclude with the Caribbean Development Boxing Tournament in December. Christopher revealed that preparations for the Creole Boxing tournament is going full steam ahead and will be held at the Beausejour Indoor Facility next to the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground. The tournament which was held in French Guiana last year is usually for the French Caribbean but English speaking nations have been invited this year. “Preparations are going nicely and we used the OECS tournament in April to test the facility and already we have 86 Boxers from the Caribbean registered in the four categories including a female division,” Christopher disclosed. He informed that the event which was held in St Lucia for the first time in 2013. Although St. Lucian fighters (Continued on page 32)
BFA/J’S Golden Arrow U-20 Final on today Cougars Football Club is set to clash with Paradise Invaders tonight in the final of the Berbice Football Association / J’s Golden Arrow Under-20 tournament from 20:30hrs at the Scotts School Ground, New Amsterdam.
The opening match at 18:30hrs will feature New Amsterdam United against Hopetown Rangers in the third place encounter. Fans are urged to turn out in numbers to support their teams.
Kaieteur News
Friday June 16, 2017
RHTY&SC Patron’s Green Economy Cricket
New India Insurance and Yokohama Trading join list of sponsors New India Insurance Company of Brickdam, Georgetown, and Yokohama Trading of Barrack Street, Kingston, are the latest companies to come on board in support of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club / Patron Green Economy Cricket Tournament. Eight teams will be vying for top honours from Saturday 1st July, 2017, at the Albion Sports Complex; the tournament is being organised in honour of the C l u b ’s P a t r o n , H i s Excellency, President David G r a n g e r ’s 7 2 n d b i r t h anniversary which would be celebrated on the 15th July, 2017. Yo k o h a m a Tr a d i n g would be sponsoring the costs for the groundsmen, scorers and score board attendants and has also donated branded shirts for the mentioned persons. New India Insurance Company made a financial contribution towards the expenses in hosting the tournament which would be the biggest ever organised in
Berbice. Vice President of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club Mark Papannah expressed gratitude to both companies for their support and stated that the club, despite a few minor challenges was working overtime to make the event a successful one. Special thanks were expressed to Yokohama Trading Marketing Executive Ray De Fraites and to New India Insurance Branch Manager Sarswatie Basdeo for the roles they both played in obtaining the sponsorship. The Patron’s Cup would bowl off on Saturday 1st July, 2017, and President Granger has confirmed his presence for the finals on Saturday 8th July, 2017. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club’s Patron would present all the prizes and hand over $2M worth of bicycles, school bags and cricket balls to less fortunate students and cricket clubs. The tournament would be played at the
Intermediate/Second Division level with no Guyana contracted players or CPL players being allowed to play due to reasons beyond the control of the organisers. The eight confirmed teams are Rose Hall Town Bakewell, Albion, Young Warriors, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Young Achievers, Kildonan and Upper Corentyne. The prize package of $1M has already been secured and the winning team would carry home $500,000 and the Green Economy Trophy. First, second and third runner-ups would receive $300,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively while the man-of-the-final would pocket $50,000. The four teams that are knocked-out in the first round would each receive $15,000. Entrance to the venue would be free while the RHTY&SC at the end of the tournament would be providing a comprehensive Financial Statement and report to President Granger and all sponsors.
New India Manager Sarswatie Basdeo hands over sponsorship to RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster in the presence of a staff member.
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t r o Sp GCB/Hand-in-Hand U-19 tourney
Demerara retain three-day title after rain spoils final day action
The victorious Demerara team with officials of the GCB and sponsors.
West Demerara recover from wretched first half to beat L’aventure 3-0; action resumes tomorrow at Leonora
Part of the action between West Demerara and L’Aventure yesterday at Leonora.
Dominant India march into yet another final
New India Insurance and Yokohama Trading join list of sponsors
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