Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News

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Monday June 18, 2018

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

EDITORIAL

CLUTCHING ONTO STRAWS In the absence of desperately needed political traction, the PPP has latched on to a rusty political strategy which well-thinking Guyanese largely see as outdated, unproductive and tribal. In recent months, the PPP has not advanced any policy on the major issues in the country such as how to improve the economy, lower crime or reduce corruption. Instead, it has repeatedly criticized almost every policy by the government on these issues. In some cases, it has taken legal action to overturn the appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Election Commission and has issued frivolous charges against several ministers for misuse of state funds. The charges have been quashed and the case against GECOM has been thrown out by the Court. The PPP has also threatened to “rouse-up” the country over the sedition clause in the Cybercrime Bill. It did not happen due to the lack of support. It seems that the actions by the PPP fly in the face of simple political intelligence or the lack thereof. They show that the party is bereft of pragmatic ideas. While such actions are likely to score cheap political points, they will not lead to the PPP salvation. The truth is the PPP is on very shaky grounds; it is on political life support and is clutching onto straws to remain relevant. The PPP was booted from office in the May 2015 general election after more than 15 years of massive corruption, abuse of power and contempt of the people by its leaders. Despite severe warnings, rebukes and pummeling by the public to change course, the PPP remained steadfast. It continued on its destructive path, knowing fully well that it could lead to dire consequences for the party. The PPP utterances of wrongdoings and corruption against this government suggest that common sense has taken leave of the party. After 23 years in power, its leaders became very arrogant, unrepentant and out of touch with the people. They felt that they were invincible and were ordained by the Almighty to rule Guyana indefinitely. But they have learned the hard way that governments cannot succeed without the support and the involvement of the people. They did not seem to understand that politics in Guyana is a fight for the crossover votes and spoils of the two hostile groups that appear to be at war during every election cycle. It is said, that once the toothpaste is squeezed from the tube it is almost impossible to put it back in. This is what happened to the PPP in the 2011 and the 2015 elections. In 2011, it did not capture a majority of the votes, yet it formed a minority government and governed as though it had a majority. In 2015, it was defeated by the APNU+AFC Coalition, and even though it was a very narrow victory, the PPP became the official opposition for the first time since 1992. But it did not blame its supporters for staying home as they apparently did in 2011 because the polls showed that voter turnout in 2015 was extremely high in most PPP strongholds. Instead, the PPP accused the APNU+AFC Coalition of rigging the election and has asked the court to declare the 2015 election null and void. The case is still pending. As the government, the PPP was in control of the election apparatus, so for leaders to accuse the opposition of rigging is beyond silly. The PPP has not realized that some of its supporters have left the party and like the toothpaste analogy, it may be difficult for them to return. Its support has plummeted over the years from 42 percent to 38 percent as shown in the 2012 census. It is for this reason that while in government, the PPP had refused to publish the census. The PPP seems to be in crisis mode. But a wise person once said, “In the moment of crisis, the wise build bridges and the foolish build dams.”

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.

Those double-barreled surnames Dear Editor, Kindly grant me some space in your newspapers to clear up a legal misunderstanding, which I have been accused of perpetuating. I consider the issue to be of immediate social and legal significance. In recent years, a growing number of women have been adopting the use of double-barreled surnames, immediately after their marriages and have been using a hyphen to join the two surnames that they wish to use, together. Even judges of the High Court have been allowing their surnames to be reported as double-barreled identifications. Without a doubt, this practice is illegal. Except these persons can produce credible documentation that can support the identification of

themselves in this manner, then the use of these hyphenated surnames will assume the roles simply as aliases. The relevant provisions of the Marriage Act, in most countries, and Guyana is no exception, requires that the wife takes the surname of her husband or if she so chooses, to continue her identification in her maiden surname. In my case, I wanted to have a special identification, for very personal reasons. I approached the courts with my petition and the necessary registration and documentation was ably handled for me by my friend a n d c o l l e a g u e , M r. Fitzgerald Yaw. The result is that I will always have in my possession a document bearing a number and year of the Supreme Court of

Judicature, in the County of Demerara that allows me to use the surname of Holder (hyphen) Allen, HolderAllen. A document, which must be obeyed by all whenever and wherever I should present it. As a member of the legal profession who has the highest regard for the laws and the legal tenets and the practice of it, I was under no illusion as to what course of action I had to take if I wanted to assume a particular identification. My reason for writing this letter however, has much to do with the personal annoyance of having institutions such as banks, and utility companies making ‘’mass’’ with my name because of the frequent dealings with this new practice being adopted by many Guyanese women at all

levels. Just recently, a young male relative of mine complained to me that his new wife, who is a teacher, was trying to register her new double-barreled name with the school and the school’s administration was resisting this change. He wanted me to intervene on behalf of his wife, and to tell the school what was the ‘’law’’. Sad to say, the law is not on her side. For this reason, I will iterate that a ‘’name change’’ is an important item of identification, and persons should seek legal advice if he or she is desirous of taking this step. I do hope that things can be returned to their normal state. Yours faithfully, Juliet Holder-Allen Attorney-at-Law

A shakedown at the border Dear Editor, My name is Henri Saelens, living in Belgium, active as a timber agent since 1994 and buying timber in Brazil, Suriname, Bolivia and Guyana. I have my own company, Saelens Trading BVBA in Belgium. I have been coming to Guyana since eight years now, and always being treated very nicely by everybody. Great country, friendly people. This time, it was different… On, Tuesday 14 June, I travelled by car from Paramaribo to Nickerie to take the boat. Unfortunately, I just missed the boat so the person who sells the tickets told me I could go to Nickerie and take backtrack, which I did one hour later. What they did not tell me at the Suriname side, is that this passing is only for Guyanese and Surinamese people. So I arrived at the Guyanese boarder where I saw no customs office, just someone who asked me for my passport. I showed that man (dressed in jeans and blue shirt) my passport but then I asked him to show me his ID, as he had no uniform, no police or customs badge, nothing. He never showed me anything official. We Europeans have no problems to show our ID, as

long as it is to an official person. I asked to see a “real policeman” as he immediately told me I was illegal in the country and I would go in prison till tomorrow and would have to go to Court, pay 250 USD to get released and if not, stay in prison for three weeks and been sent to Belgium straight and would not be allowed to enter Guyana anymore for five years! All very heavy words for someone with no official badge, dressed in fancy clothes, cheap golden watch and being nearly rude. No one could imagine he was a police officer, or that it is a “new Guyanese Police style” I am not used to seeing anywhere in the world. Then an official agent came from the police office and all three of us went to the police office, on the other side of the road. There the real intimidation started again at another level. How much money do you have? We will put you in prison. Make a list with all your belongings now, as we do not know how many times you will stay in prison etc., etc. Have you been ever in prison? Did you study high school, and when I said yes, he answered; you don’t look like having been to high school. Now I don’t know what the level of education at the Guyanese Police School is,

but this person is absolutely NOT in the right position to say this to me. He is a shame for all other Guyanese Policemen who do their job correctly, a shame for his country. This person with his attitude, should be cleaning the streets for a few days, so his ego comes down a little bit and should never been accepted as an official policeman. Twenty minutes later, a man came in the office. He called the owner of the boat,

who wanted to speak to me. (Afterwards, I saw him on the street; he was a taxi driver… so one lie after another, done by an official policeman to extort money from strangers.) He suggested that I pay the policeman and then I would be released, which I did not do. That started the second round of intimidation by questioning. How much money do you really have in your bag? (Continued on page 05)

Prosperity comes with Peace, Mr. Jagdeo Dear Editor, This beautiful and bountiful country Guyana is peacefully moving along the road to progress and prosperity as expressed by former President Bharat Jagdeo, who seems very Jealous of the gains made over the last three years by the Coalition Government. He mentioned in a recent newscast that the peace that Guyana now enjoys would be something of the past should there be perceived rigging of the 2020 election. Bharrat Jagdeo is bent on creating turmoil in this country to seize power. He should take a page out of President David Granger’s book, that while in opposition he never practised or promoted violence. He

struggled with his constituency and the Statesman that he is; he kept a constituency that was beaten down for 23 years with PPP corruption, victimization and racial discrimination very peaceful even though hundreds were being killed extra judicially. Now that peace has returned to this nation, Bharrat Jagdeo remains the formidable threat to National peace and prosperity. This nation will not be subjected to the whims and fancies of the PPP CABALS. We have experienced enough under this crew and have no reason to return to the claws and clutches of Jagdeo and his colleagues. Yours respectfully, RAS Aaron Blackman.

Monday June 18, 2018

Lies and deception Dear Editor, The Minister within the Ministry of Public Health, Dr Karen Cummings and the Director of Clinical Health Dr Shako, recently visited Region Six to do an analysis of the Health Sector. I assume they visited the majority of the Hospitals and Health Centres in the region. As such, they reported that the sector has a lot of positives since the APNU/AFC Coalition Government took office in 2015. The lies and deception by the Minister and public officials of the Granger government continue to disregard the truth that the Health Sector is really in a critical state and is suffering from incompetence, mismanagement, corruption and failing miserably to improve services to assist hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Guyanese depending on this important lifesaving services. At the meeting with Minister Dr Cummings, we were told that the National Ophthalmology Hospital will commence cataracts surgeries in the next three months. This was shocking since the senior Minister of Public Health, the Director of Health Services, and the Department of Public Information publicly informed the Guyanese people that the National Ophthalmology Hospital is presently doing laser cataract surgery. In summary, there is diffi-

culty in comprehending who is actually speaking the truth and who is lying. As I was identifying the issues in the Health Sector in Region Six, the Minister abruptly informed me that she is busy; she has to visit two hospitals before leaving for Georgetown and was unable to listen to the cries of the people. This was the level of arrogance that was shown by the Minister and this Granger government is preaching about cohesion and inclusive government. Before May 2015, the majority of the drugs and medical supplies for cataracts surgeries were purchased from New GPC Guyana but because of the vindictive attitude of the government, the Ministry of Public Health is refusing to purchase from New GPC Guyana and as such, thousands of vulnerable Guyanese awaiting cataract surgeries and other drugs are getting blind and dying. If there is an availability of the necessary drugs and medical supplies, cataract surgeries can be done at the New Amsterdam Hospital and prevent a huge backlog and even stopping people from getting blind.The APNU/AFC Coalition Government should stop political victimisation of this supplier and purchase the necessary drugs and medical supplies immediately. Another promise by Minister Dr Cummings is 24 hours phar-

macy at New Amsterdam Hospital with only one pharmacist in Region Six who is near retirement and a limited amount of drugs for the entire Region Six. Before I conclude, let me extend my sincere condolences to the family of young Beyonce Ross, who is a victim of the gross incompetence in the Healthcare systems of Guyana. President Granger at Guyana’s 52nd independence anniversary was showcasing youths and denied a young teenager the right to access proper health care. Many Ministers went to have publicity with Beyonce Ross but failed miserably to resolve the problem. The cost for all those Ministers and Public officials who visited her might have covered the expenses for Beyonce Ross’ medical bills overseas.Numerous Guyanese are identifying their medical issues but are unable to afford medical attention and as such causing them to die a slow death. The reality is that this APNU/AFC Coalition Government only makes provision for themselves to enjoy the good life and behave like “carrion crows” and “vampires” on the taxpayers of Guyana. Regards Zamal Hussain Chairman Regional Health Committee Region Six.

A shakedown at the border... From page 04 What is the price of your ticket to Europe? What is the price of your renting car that is waiting for you in Suriname border because this is what you gonna lose if you go in prison now. You got a choice; we divide this by two, you pay me this and then you can go, or you go to prison tonight. So I paid him 1650 SRD that he put immediately in his pocket. The other policeman – Indian type with a beard (back office of the building on the left side, downstairs) on the other desk, was also involved

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as he heard everything but never interfered. He is as guilty as the person who interrogated me. They probably share this extortion money by themselves. Dear Sir, I am travelling in South America since 1994, but never experienced this before. Maybe these people should be paid more, have decent clothes, a computer in the office, and get a better education at school so when someone makes a mistake as I did yesterday, he can be treated correctly. I come to Guyana to do business. I am not a drug dealer,

never killed someone, never went in prison, and surely do not want to enter illegally into Guyana to stay in your country. That agent should know that. I finally, after paying, was allowed to continue my trip to Georgetown illegally, but I lost too much time so I went back to Suriname. Best regards, H E N R I SAE LE N S

Don’t trivialise history Dear Editor: The APNU+AFC Administration has to be very, very careful what it does and what messages it wants to be transmitted to society. Saturday 16th June marked the 70th anniversary of the killing of five sugar workers, a tragedy immortalised as the Enmore Martyrs. Outside of the statement issued by the Department of Public Information this watershed event of history has been reduced to another low denominator. There is growing concern, corroborated by daily evidence, that this Administration is taking for granted the bitter and bloodied struggles waged and the achievements gained by the workers in this nation’s evolution and development. On Friday, 15th June at approximately 4:00 p.m. I received a call from a male, identifying as that from the Ministry of the Presidency, inviting me to the event of Saturday and asked that I speak on behalf of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC). I advised the caller I would be unable to attend due to the late notice and a prior engagement that could not have been rescheduled at such short notice. It was the GTUC during the period of Joseph Pollydore, General Secretary that fought at the international level for martyrdom to be conferred on the five Lallabaggie, Dookie, Rambarran, Harry and Pooran. When this was ap-

proved at the Inter-American Regional Organisation of Workers (ORIT) the Forbes Burnham Government, in 1976, made it a national calendar event and the Monument at Enmore erected in honour of.The GTUC played a leading role in organising the events, with the full support from the state, until 1985 when a decision was taken that given it was a national event the state will take full control; but this decision did not exclude the trade union community in the planning and execution of the programme. At the latter stage of the Bharrat Jagdeo era, his administration rejected persons identified by the GTUC to speak on its behalf at the event, though GTUC remained part of the planning committee. Under the APNU+AFC Administration, it has reached the point where the trade union is called and asked to send a representative to speak and is shut out from the planning and executing of the programme.To the trade union community, what is happening to the Movement today also must serve as lesson when principled positions are not taken in the interest of the workers, their struggles and history, how such come back to haunt and undermine the workers’ rights, freedoms and gains. Ours is the responsibility to deliver the type of leadership, we demand and expect of others, including from the political leadership, and it must matter not where politi-

cal loyalty or support lies. We must be unwavering in the principles of solidarity, and our friends and foes must likewise know they cannot sway or compromise these. The events of 1948 strengthened the determination of the workers in this country to fight for internal self-government. This incident where colonial police shot at striking sugar workers, resulting in the death of the five, gave impetus to the PoliticalAffairs Committee (1946) and the formation of People’s Progressive Party in 1950, among whose founding members were trade unionists Jane Phillips-Gay and Hubert Nathaniel Critchlow. This nation owes organised labour significant gratitude, for it was the Movement that not only laid the precursor for self-government but put in train actions to the effect since 1926, including the fight for and attainment of one-man-one vote (universal adult suffrage) in 1953. The Department of Social Cohesion, which falls within the Ministry of the Presidency, is apparently now tasked with organising national commemorative events. Just coming out of the faux pas with the alteration of the colours of the national flag that was used to mark the country’s 52nd Independence Anniversary and an apology extended by the subject minister, here again we have witnessed another untoward incident on Saturday.As an aside but not insignificant, there is equal concern as to removal of the time (Continued on page 06)

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Vindication for mother of four wrongfully accused of damage to property A mother of four, employed with the government for over 20 years, Odessa Newton, is a final year Social Work student at the University of Guyana. Just last week, she had a charge of damage to property dismissed in the magistrates’ court. The woman stated, “It’s hard to be accused of a crime, I didn’t commit and for the case to be dragged out for months.” She stated that she hopes that officers of the law understand their role and the need to execute their duties professionally, with due diligence in a manner that is fair, transparent, unbiased. Newton recalled that on February 6, last, she received a telephone call from an officer and was told that she was needed at the East La Penitence Police Station in connection with investigation into an allegation of damage to property. She said that she was subsequently charged and told to return to the police station the following day. The woman added that after going to the station on many occasions, she stopped and she was called again on February 21 for a confrontation between herself and the alleged victim. She added that after the confrontation she asked for the matter to be addressed in court because she was not going to pay for a crime, she did not commit. In fact, she said that she was in her bed at 04:40 hrs on the day and then she went to church the same morning when the victim alleged to have seen her damaging her car. The woman said what was most appalling to her was the way in which the case was

Monday June 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

Odessa Newton handled, “someone can make a false accusation and be allowed to not come and defend their accusation for six instances in court.” The woman said that the alleged victim was forced to make an appearance before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman after two summonses were issued. On the alleged victim’s third court appearance, which was last Monday, she told the court that she does not wish to continue with the matter, hence the matter was dismissed, Newton said. But after all those court appearances, the woman said that the police file was still incomplete. This situation, Newton said was truly baffling to her and frustrating to have to be travelling to court for the four months, which saw her making eight court appearances. She travelled all the way from her home on West Bank of Demerara, which was of much inconvenience to her children and her work. Newton said that her professional image was tarnished and she had to be grappling to explain to her col-

leagues at school, church and the nature of the allegation. The thoughts of her not being able to complete her final year and semester exams plagued her. “Why this was happening to me, persons would look at me and make utterances of what was published in the newspapers. It was truly traumatic and disheartening experience.” Despite the case being dismissed and she was vindicated, the residue of the false accusations still lingers, given the digital age where electronic records of everything posted on the web remains. According to Newton, this may impact her life in regards to gaining employment and seeking references. She went on to say, “As someone who believes in the rule of law and always tries to be a role model and upstanding citizen, I was quite puzzled as to what and why this was happening. I would have read of persons being victims of false accusations and things of that nature. And could I never in my wildest dreams believed that I would have been the subject of such an occurrence.” With what was being said about her, she’s now seeking advice from her friends and lawyers and she is deciding whether to press charges against the alleged victim for defamation of character. She is also considering whether to file a lawsuit against the State for wasting her time. Moreover, she concluded that she hopes one day the alleged victim will understand the consequences of her actions. According to Newton, with her firm faith in God and dedicated friends, she was able to make it through and justice reigned, and for such she wish to thank God and would urge others to not always judge.

Mistakes are being made Dear Editor, Political parties campaign vigorously and go about trying to convince people that their vision for governing the country is best should they win. Now this Coalition Government’s track record seems to be riddled with more mistakes/incompetence/allegations of corruptions compare to pleasing the public. Everywhere I go I hear complaints more than praises so I wonder how they will bounce from that. I don’t believe oil alone can save our country. Look at our neighbouring Venezuela. Each party would have supporters from all over the country and many would join/support because they would need to see development especially for their area. They too would have a tremendous amount of ideas and I wonder if the politicians would stop to listen to them after acceding to power. I don’t believe so. Now over the years, I’ve complained of numerous things and make recommen-

dations and many seem to fall on deaf ears even though they are important. Recently, a six-year-old boy lost his life due to (my views) the negligence of teachers who were directly responsible for their safety given the location and condition of the area. I’ve written about the riverine areas and the dangers lying there and even make recommendations but apparently, they are not important because I don’t believe any politician or their families could be affected whilst those directly in harm’s way continues in the same conditions. We see the newly elected president providing buses, speed boats, bicycle etc., all over the country, which is very commendable but, these donations are not enough to handle the capacity. Many children still resort to the normal mode of reaching to schools and in the riverine areas, mainly boats, and some are very dangerous. One only has to use the Social Media and occasion-

ally they would see videos/ images of the struggle. Now, one would see that none of these children has any lifejacket. I know that lifejackets are rather expensive in Guyana. Now if our politicians have any sort of vision or care for this nation, they would have already put plans in place to either provide free life jackets or make them way cheaper for the school children because their way of travelling is very dangerous. What’s the purpose of them hiring companies and individuals to write and print glorious manifestos election time and most of the plans/ vision cannot materialize whilst simple problems cannot be solved? Can we say that we are a country with vision being run by the visionless or their vision is only focus on oil and their rewards? Sahadeo Bates

From page 05 in hoisting the flag to commemorate our independence. Independence was achieved a second after midnight on the 25th May 1966, which marks the beginning of the 26th May, the time and date of our freedom from colonial domination. There is the tendency of copying what other societies/ cultures do without giving serious thought to our history and why marking events appropriately are considered important.Unlike the United States that hoists its independence (July 4th) events in the afternoon, which I suspect the administration is copying, that country independently declared itself independent from Britain as against us who fought for and went through years of negotiations and a process that saw the Proclamation delivered to us at a

specific time and date, cementing our Independence status. This significance must not be trivialised, or the practice of another country copied. Our uniqueness must be held in high regard, protected, and defended at all times. There was also the incident last year of the Minister of Education reading a prepared statement commemorating an ethnic event but referring to another ethnic event. Preceding that was the seating arrangement of the Opposition at the flag raising ceremony marking the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary. These faux pas, while they can be considered part of the learning curve for ministers, also highlight the importance of preparation, rehearsals and the necessity of having competent personnel in the plan-

ning and execution of national events. Now that these incidents are starting to look like a pattern it suggests the importance of dedicating time and personnel with the requisite knowledge to arrest and halt the slide. A people that do not know, care for, or respect their history would be doomed by the errors of their ways. The essence of who we are, the journey travelled, and our aspirations are being threatened. It should be to our credit this nation has a historian, by education, in the Head of State and Government. And it is not unreasonable to expect if at no other time in our history national events and achievements are preserved and elevated is that of now. Lincoln Lewis General Secretary GTUC.

Editor’s note: The Maritime Administration is distributing life jackets to riverine communities.

Don’t trivialise history...

Monday June 18, 2018

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SWFs aren’t enough to save economy when you become hooked on oil - Ramson By Kiana Wilburg Top oil producing nations such as Norway and Algeria are well equipped with Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs). These accounts serve as a safe keeping for money derived from natural resources. The funds can be used for investments overseas and budget stabilization. But even with a solid SWF in place, there is no guarantee that the economy would be safe from the vagaries of a low oil price environment. Attorney-at-law and Oil and Gas Academic, Charles Ramson presented a case on this matter last Thursday at Moray House. He was at the time, making his contribution to a discussion on “Oil and the Economy: Themes and Concerns”. During his presentation, Ramson highlighted how difficult it is for nations to get sustainable economic growth and overall development when they are heavily reliant on oil and gas. On this note, he highlighted some statistical data for seven countries as it relates to their economic performance from 1960 to now. These countries include: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia,

Oil and Gas Academic, Charles Ramson Kazakhstan, Algeria, Angola and Norway. Using financial data compiled by the World Bank, Ramson showed how the Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) for each country took a hard hit during the low oil price environment, which existed from 2013 to 2016. Ramson said, “Norway, arguably the best run oil and gas economy in the world, look at the sharp decline in their GDP from 2013 to 2016. If you use US current prices, the decline represents US$150B off of its GDP (see graph attached to article)... Therefore, we are establishing how difficult it is to get and maintain economic growth

when you are dependent on oil and gas. What I want us to do as a nation is to see what oil really is and how volatile it is…” He stated that oil creates an imbalance even with all the countries that are said to have well managed SWFs. “SWFs aren’t enough to save the GDP when you become hooked on oil...” Ramson, who is also a member of a Consultancy firm, believes that the government has failed to show how it intends to diversify other sectors. He noted too that Guyana is still without a Green State Development Strategy (GSDS). That document will cost Guyana $230M to prepare. Its objective is to provide a strategy that will reorient and diversify Guyana’s economy, reduce reliance on traditional sectors and open up new sustainable income and investment opportunities in higher value adding and higher growth sectors. The document is still in its draft stage. “We are essentially marking time,” expressed a concerned Ramson. As he made his call for diversification, Ram said, “Let’s not see oil as some are seeing it now – as a cash cow

FORMER PRES. ADVISOR…

Investigate all oil blocks given out under PPP - suspects they were given out in highly inappropriate ways Former Presidential Advisor, Dr. Jan Mangal is calling for an immediate investigation into all oil blocks given out during the era of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/ C). In a missive to the media on Saturday, the Oil and Gas Consultant said he suspects that the blocks were awarded in highly inappropriate ways or even corrupt ways under the last administration. He emphasized that an investigation is needed to ensure the people of Guyana were not robbed of tens or even hundreds of millions of US dollars. Dr. Mangal also issued a word of caution to the current administration as it relates to the announcement by the Ministry of Natural Resources to hire a consultant to help negotiate the remaining blocks. Dr. Mangal said that all efforts in this regard should be halted.

“There is no rush to award the remaining blocks, and there is time to do it properly. The current administration risks repeating the same mistakes if they rush.” The Oil and Gas Consultant insists that before this is to take place, Guyana must equip itself with the most ethical and professional individuals in the industry. Dr. Mangal also said he believes this new industry can be tremendously transformative for the poor people of Guyana if handled well. He noted however that the only way this new industry will be successful and sustainable in a way that benefits the poor is for local authorities to negotiate hard, be prepared to walk away from a particular negotiating table, and for the authorities to hire the best and the most ethical individuals. “If we do not get a fair deal, and also prove that we

Former Presidential Advisor on Petroleum, Dr. Jan Mangal can manage the revenues well, it will backfire. Already we are seeing many negative signs. The cost of living is increasing but the salaries of the majority are unlikely to, hence the poor may already have started to get poorer. This is unacceptable, especially since there are so many lessons from around the world on how to manage things well, and on how not to manage things.”

A graph showing the sharp decline experienced by Norway’s GDP during 2013 to 2016. salivating with wild dreams like winning the lottery on what will we spend the money on, and how they can get rich like the Arab sheiks – or worse as the solution for our every problem – hoping that the government will put money in our bank accounts every month like Cinderella’s fairy godmother.” GUYANA’S SWF

The draft legislation, which will pave the way for the establishment for the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is still receiving finishing touches. Finance Minister, Winston Jordan has announced that the draft document will be the subject of several rounds of consultations before it gets to

Parliament by year end. In the interim, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has already provided advice to the government on the different areas in which they should improve on in the draft document. One of the areas it commented speaks to the need for clearer reporting requirements when the SWF is used by officials.

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Govt’s approach to parliamentary process eroding Guyana’s democracy - Jagdeo By Abena RockcliffeCampbell

The National Assembly has met only six times for the year. Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo pointed to this by saying that democracy is being eroded. Jagdeo said that this is one of the reasons that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s advocacy—for certain national issues to be resolved—remains at the level of him making announcements and pronouncements at his weekly press conferences.

At his most recent Press Conference, Jagdeo was asked if the opposition has any intention of going the extra mile to ensure certain “ills” are corrected. Reference was made to the “worry” that Jagdeo expressed over the fact that the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has been operating all year without a Board. Jagdeo was asked if the PPP/C might look at avenues available via the parliamentary system to influence the change the party wishes to see.

City Hall drafts policy to guide disbursement of funds for constituency projects The Georgetown Mayor and City Council, (M&CC) is moving to establish a framework which will help guide the disbursement of funds for constituency projects. Last week, the Council announced that the Ministry of Communities released $57 million to fund community projects in the 15 constituencies. Council officials had confirmed that all of the projects are to be executed under the ‘Restoration Grant’. Officials said $24M has been set aside for the fiscal transfer plan and that the Ministry has since asked that all procurement procedures be followed. During a recently held statutory meeting at City Hall, Town Clerk Royston King said that the policy is expected to cover a number of issues including what makes a candidate eligible to obtain a contract, in accordance with the laws, that govern the operations of City Hall. In his remarks to the council, King specifically highlighted sections of the Municipal District and Council’s Act, which deals with the terms and conditions that a member of the Council, who might be interested in a specific contract, can benefit. Alluding to Section Seventy (70), subsection (1) of the Municipal District and Council’s Act Chapter 28:01, the Town Clerk outlined “if any councillor has any pecuniary interests in the contract, direct or indirect including (proposed contracts) or any other matter, he shall at the meeting, as soon as practicable after the

He responded, “That’s when we can get our motions heard. In another country, where you have a thriving democracy, you have a weekly Parliament. Here, you have one where every two months we wait for a sitting. By the time you go through formalities and Nagamootoo needing to go home to rest, we only have three to four hours and then the government will say, ‘oh we need to bring something emergency, let us pass it.” “They forget all of those issues (our motions) get deferred again. So that is what Parliament has become. We cannot even get our issues debated there. So when you have to wait two, three months to even get something on the agenda (the National Assembly Order Paper) and then another six months to have it debated, it defeats the entire argument about a functioning parliament. That is the limitation there.” A few months ago,

Attorney-at-law, Christopher Ram

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

Attorney-at-law and Social Commentator, Christopher Ram noted that the first quarter of the year had been completed and the National Assembly convened only four times. Ram said that such a state of affairs is not reflective of a country faring well with democracy. He said that while the Coalition Government has

proven to be friendlier with democracy in certain areas, the government’s performance in other areas is disappointing. Ram said, “This Government has a much better record than its predecessor in terms of constitutional bodies and local government elections. But there are other developments that are cause

for concern. “President (David) Granger has appointed himself as the counterpoint to pronouncements by the judiciary. He has unilaterally handpicked a Chairman of the Elections Commission whose principal function is the declaration of who is to be President.” Ram said that the Granger Government decides if and when the people’s representatives—the National Assembly—will meet and what business they can transact. The National Assembly has had four sittings for the year even though 100 days have already passed. The House met three times in January and once in March. Ram said that this is unacceptable and “it is not the democracy that we have been promised.” The National Assembly met twice after Ram’s comments were made, this was on April 27, and May 11.

Alexander challenges Jagdeo to face-off on GECOM hiring Town Clerk Royston King commencement, disclose the fact and shall not take part in the consideration or discussion of, or vote on any question with respect to the contract and any other matter. “Provided this section shall not apply to an interest in a contract or any other matter, which a councillor may have a ratepayer or inhabitant of the council area or as an ordinary consumer of electricity or water or any matter relating to the terms on which the right to participate in any service including the supply of goods, is offered to the public. For the purposes of this section, a Councillor shall be deemed to have an indirect pecuniary interest in the contract or other matter; If he or any nominee of his is a member of a company or other body with, which the contract is made or is proposed to be made or which has a direct pecuniary in other matter under consideration; or he is a partner or is in the employment of a person with whom the contract is made or who has a direct pecuniary Continued on page 22

L o n g - s e r v i n g Commissioner of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vincent Alexander has challenged Opposition leader Bharrat Jagdeo to faceoff on the facts surrounding recent hiring of senior personnel at the elections outfit. In a letter in the Sunday edition of the Kaieteur News, Alexander refuted numerous allegations made by Jagdeo at his Thursday press conference in relation to the non-selection of Vishnu Persaud, the leading candidate for the post of Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO). The three People’s Progressive Party (PPP) GECOM Commissioners had expressed the view that Persaud, an Indo-Guyanese, did not secure the job because of his ethnicity. “What we are faced with is the ruse of Jadgeo to have his way even if it means using ethnicity and lies as his trump cards. I challenge Jagdeo to a face-off on the facts,” Alexander stated. Jagdeo did not immediately respond to queries from Kaieteur News. When the DCEO position was brought to the level of the Commission, GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson (ret’d) cast the deciding vote on the seven-

GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander member Commission for Roxanne Prince-Myers. Persaud emerged from the interviews with a score of 76 while the second ranked candidate, Prince-Myers scored 72. According to Alexander, this is not the first time that a leading candidate for a post at GECOM was not selected. He stated that a few weeks ago, the position of legal officer engaged the Commission. According to Alexander, there was a hung decision of the interviewing panel, which resulted in the matter being determined by the full Commission. He stated that in that instance, the Chairman‘s decisive vote coincided with the votes of the PPP

Commissioners and the candidate with the highest score was not offered the job. According to Alexander, the affected candidate was an Afro-Guyanese. “There is therefore no basis on which to conclude that the Chairman has been biased,” Alexander pointed out. He explained that he opposed Persaud‘s candidacy on the grounds that the other candidate is superior, in addition to the fact that Persaud was appointed as the Public Relations Officer of GECOM when he was not qualified for the job. “He was elevated to DCEO on the pretense of being the holder of a first degree, here again, he was appointed in a position for which he was not qualified. He himself, in the presence of the entire interviewing panel, admitted that he was not the holder of a first degree or its equivalent. That alone should have made him ineligible,” Alexander stated. According to Alexander, he never scored an applicant 100%. Jagdeo claimed that the “PNC Commissioners” had scored Indo-Guyanese low and Afro-Guyanese high, to wit, 100%, in an attempt to deny Indo-Guyanese employment at GECOM. “Let it be known that I

never scored anyone 100% or zero percent and that in the interviewing process, the first person to have awarded someone 100% was Commissioner Shadick, Jagdeo`s nominee. Jagdeo is therefore in one swipe lying and indulging in double standards,” Alexander noted. Alexander had previously indicated that in 2013, on the eve of GECOM‘s consideration of Mr. Gocool Boodoo‘s application for a renewal of contract, the PPP started a campaign accusing the “PNC” Commissioners of ridding GECOM of IndoGuyanese. “On that occasion, I responded with the evidence that the Indo-Guyanese, whose contracts had not been renewed, were victims of Boodoo`s initiatives. Boodoo was the one who initiated, and insisted on, the nonrenewal of their contracts. “In 2018, the PPP is attempting the same ruse: play the racial card and have Persaud appointed as Deputy Chief Elections Officer. That ruse having failed, once again, the Leader of the Opposition is spewing his racial venom at the so-called PNC Commissioners,” Alexander pointed out. The PPP Commissioners have since filed a complaint with the Ethnic Relations Commission.

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Kaieteur News

My performance at GECOM is unsullied and I am aptly qualified- Former DCEO Former Deputy Chief Election Officer Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud has broken his silence on his non reappointment. Last week Tuesday, GECOM Chairman, James Patterson used his casting vote to ensure that Persaud was not reappointed DCEO. He did this despite the fact that Persaud emerged as the highest ranking candidate. Since then, several articles and letters were published in the local media reflecting the view of GECOM Commissioners who were for—as well as those who were against—Persaud’s appointment. Persaud is now seeking to defend himself in the midst of what he calls “defamation and stigma that has now been accordingly cast upon me.” Persaud penned a letter to the media where he responded to most of the allegations leveled against him, especially those contained in an article published by the state newspaper. Persaud’s letter was published in Kaieteur News Saturday edition. Read: h t t p s : / / www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/ 2018/06/16/these-statementsabout-me-are-baselessreckless-defamatory-andmalicious-in-their-design/. POOR PAST PERFORMANCE Persaud said that while Patterson is claiming that past performance stands as one of the reasons he (Persaud) should not be reappointed “there is absolutely nothing in the article to so substantiate.” He said that he joined the GECOM in November of 2001

Former GECOM DCEO, Vishnu Persaud in the capacity of Public Relations Officer (PRO) and worked continuously up to August 2017 – serving in the last three years as DCEO. “Throughout my tenure, I was never cautioned, reprimanded, rebuked – orally or in writing – by Senior Management of the GECOM Secretariat or the Commission for failure to honour my responsibilities,” said Persaud. The former DCEO said that on the contrary, since about 2004 up to the end of his stint, he was multi-tasking by carrying the responsibilities of additional substantive Offices. He said, “In 2004, the person who was employed as Personal Assistant (PA) to the Chairman – a position on the GECOM organogram – was promoted to Logistics Manager. The then Chairman from then onwards had me function as his de facto PA, which I did up to August 2014, when I was appointed DCEO. Simultaneously, I was tasked with the responsibilities of Scribe to the Commission, since this responsibility was also being carried by the Chairman’s PA. I carried out this responsibility for about eight years with a short break when a Legal Officer was employed for a short period.”

Persaud said that during his stint as PRO, in the runup to the 2011 General and Regional Elections, the Commission, as well as political stakeholders, complained severely that the Civic and Voter Education (C&VE) Programmes of the Commission were severely lacking. He said that notwithstanding the C&VE function was vested in a substantive Manager in a designated position senior to PRO, the then Chairman informed the Commission that “he was tasking me with significant responsibility for the print and electronic media aspect of C&VE. There was no objection at the level of the Commission or Secretariat.” He said that that fact can be substantiated from the Minutes of the relevant Statutory Meeting of the Commission. Persaud said that he continued to carry that responsibility up to early 2014 when the C&VE Manager demitted office. From then up to August 2017, Persaud said he carried the totality of the C&VE responsibilities because no one was appointed to the vacant position of C&VE Manager. To date, the position remains vacant. Further, Persaud said that following the 2015 General and Regional Elections, and in preparation for the 2016 Local Government Elections (LGEs), the Human Resources Manager (HRM) resigned. This happened somewhere in mid-2015. “The Secretariat was deeply involved in the training of approximately 12,000 temporary staff for the upcoming LGEs. Upon the resignation of the HRM, the Chief Election Officer assigned me responsibility for

SEA DEFENCE BREACHED... From page 3 losing all her groceries, after flood water seeped into her ground floor cupboard. Civil Defence Committee personnel were yesterday working around to the clock to close the breach. A release from the Department of Public Information stated that Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lt. Col. Kester Craig and other officials are in the villages assessing the situation.Engineers from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure are on the ground conducting remedial works since another high tide is expected this evening. Also present were Wakenaam NDC Chairman Sheikh Ahmad, and Regional Executive Officer of Region Three, Dennis Jaikaran. Ahmad told Kaieteur News that yesterday’s breach was the second in four days. He noted that there was a similar breach in the same

location just last Tuesday morning. He said the situation resulted from negligence and shoddy work of a contractor, who is presently working on the river defence project in the area. “This is a contract on the Sea Defence Board through the Ministry of Public Infrastructure… It is of the opinion of residents and the NDC that this flood was as the result of negligence of the contractor who is not on sit; he should’ve been there to seal the breaches. The other thing is that the work wasn’t done properly, if it were properly done, a flood would’ve been avoided… So far, the contractor has been avoiding calls and he hasn’t been responding.” The DPI quoted REO Denis Jaikaran as stating that the region responded swiftly and is presently providing support to 12 severely affected residents. It stated that 37 residents suffered

minor losses. According to the DPI, Lt. Col. Craig said the CDC will be providing cleaning supplies to residents as well as supporting the regional administration in its efforts. Thus far, there have been no reports of illnesses and the health centre is providing residents with assistance. The CDC’s Acting Director said the region’s response is testimony to the efficiency of the Regional Disaster Risk Management plan implemented two years ago.He informed that the Public Health Ministry will be on standby in the event of any outbreak of vector borne diseases.The situation is being monitored and supplies are en route to the island. It is said to be the first time the CDC has been able to respond and provide supplies on the same day. REO Jaikaran said that the RDC and NDC will be distributing detergents and other supplies to residents.

management of the Human Resource Division. I carried this responsibility along with that of C&VE simultaneously with my substantive duties of DCEO up to the appointment of a substantive HRM at the beginning of 2017. There was no additional pay and none was ever sought.” Persaud went on further to state that while he was DCEO, he acted in the capacity of CEO once, and “held the fort” several times for the CEO when he had to leave the office for a week at a time. “I was never cited nor censured for any wrongdoing whatsoever. Naturally, I have seen all of the Performance Appraisals prepared for me by former Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally under whose direct supervision I worked up to August 2014. There is nothing in any of those Appraisals that would suggest that I was lacking in any area of the regime of responsibilities with which I was tasked.” He said, “In view of the foregoing, I am at a loss to determine how my past performance could have led to my detriment. I chal-

lenge anyone, and specifically the Guyana Chronicle and Mr. Alexander, to dispute the provable facts I have outlined above.” OTHER CANDIDATE HAS BETTER QUALIFICATIONS Persaud said that the position that he is less qualified than the second ranking candidate who was appointed to the position was put forward without any comparison of the qualifications of the two concerned candidates, specifically in relation to the criteria delineated in the advertisement for the vacant position of DCEO.He went on to list the advertised criteria and listed his compatibility with each these requirements. Persaud then said, “In view of the foregoing, I humbly request that facts be put forward to prove that the ‘other candidate has better qualifications’.” HISTORY OF MISREPRESENTATION OF QUALIFICATIONS Persaud said that there is nothing to support this allegation, which was made by

Commissioner Vincent Alexander. Persaud wrote, “I need to be pellucid that at no time have I ever misrepresented my qualifications to the GECOM.” Persaud said that during Alexander’s ongoing tenure at the Commission he submitted applications with relevant CVs twice for the position of DCEO in 2014 and 2017 respectively. “On both occasions, I presented to the Commission certificates in support of my qualifications documented in the respective CVs. Should I have misrepresented myself in any manner, I submit that would have been sufficiently egregious a transgression to warrant my immediate dismissal with prejudice. Let it be known, this was not done, and I have no reprimand on my personnel file.” Persaud said that in 2014, his appointment as DCEO flowed from a “transparent recruitment process” which involved advertising the vacant position, receiving (Continued on page 22)

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THE FREDDIE KISSOON COLUMN

Life in Guyana is the cheapest in the world I didn’t want to lose concentration when the card was in the ATM because if you do not pull it out in time, the machine retrieves it. I didn’t want that to happen because the institution I fear the most in Guyana is a commercial bank. If the card was sucked in back, then, I had to go to Republic Bank to have it returned. And you know what fate awaits me there. It would go like this; “I am here to get my ATM card which went back into the machine on Sunday morning” to which the teller would say, “Do you have identification and proof of address? “ Yes madam, I have my driver’s licence and a letter from the GRA with my address.” Sorry, Mr. Kissoon, we do not accept driver’s licence as proof of identification and we do not accept any paper with

an address if it is not accompanied by the envelope with the post office stamp.” It was Sunday morning. I was at the ATM with my card in the machine when Keith Campbell called me. If you are a music lover, you would know Keith Campbell. Every week on Tuesday evening, he hosts a programme on Channel 9 named “Kool and Classy Music Hour.” I did not want to reject the call because as a media operative you never do that; it could be someone witnessing a murder. While trying to talk to Keith, the card was coming up, so with dog in one hand, money in the other hand, and phone in the same hand, I shouted to Keith to keep holding. I did my transaction and Keith proceeded to talk to me. “Freddie, did you read Saturday’s Kaieteur News?”

“Yes Keith, I read the newspapers every day.” Did you see the story about the snake bite victim and what happened to her?” “No, I didn’t but I am going home to read it now.” When Keith spoke to me, he was angry about the Kaieteur News item. I have just read it and I am even more livid than Keith. Captioned, “Police stop dying snake bite victim’s vehicle - tells them speeding not a good excuse.” I am quoting from the article; “A Guyanese man heroically rushed a dying snakebite victim through winding jungle roads to a hospital – only for police to refuse to let him off for speeding. ‘I knew instantly, she had very little time to live and we had to get the poison out of her and get her to the hospital. Kevin then sped to the

nearest medical centre about an hour away in Mabura Hill, but was turned away there because the guard didn’t want to wake the nurses. Doctors in Linden gave Lizzy first aid but did not have the right anti-venom to properly treat the deadly snakebite. The trio got back in the car and rushed towards the capital Georgetown, another 108km away, but were pulled over by police when speeding around a bend. ‘I explained to the officer what happened and that she needs the anti-venom; he then said, “That’s not my problem and no excuse to break the law.” He said the officer refused to let them go while Lizzy lay dying in the back seat, and threatened to search the jeep and look for extra things to fine him for. ‘Be happy, it’s only one

charge I’m giving you because your vehicle has too much mud on it and I can’t make out the number plates,’ Kevin said the officer told him. The group eventually made it to Georgetown and doctors managed to save Lizzy’s life with anti-venom and she is now on the mend.” Do you know what you have just read here can only happen in Guyana? Do you know that this story is dead and gone and forgotten after Saturday when it was reported? Do you know the Police Service Commission, the Police Commissioner, the Minister of Home Affairs (oops, sorry, Pubic Security) and the President are not going to act? Do you know not one women’s group is going to ask for an investigation? Do you know that police rank and that guard will not even

Frederick Kissoon be spoken to much less be dismissed. That girl could have been your mother or your wife or your sister and she would have died just like that because a guard had no respect for her life and a police rank could not have been bothered if she had passed away. As I write this sad commentary, no doubt, the policeman, the guard and all their bosses must be busy watching World Cup football. Some people are not fit to be part of modern society.

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Kaieteur News

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Benn claims GECOM bungled handling of multi-million procurement fraud There are moves afoot within the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) to move on from revealing Auditor General’s report into allegations of over $100M in procurement fraud at the election agency. This is according to People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP) – nominated GECOM Commissioner, Robeson Benn. “My recommendation was that GECOM should turn the matter over to the police because you are not even getting documents. You are getting different stories as to what may have happened in terms of the paper trail for documents,” Benn told Kaieteur News. The GECOM Secretariat has been accused of deliberately overseeing a system of procurement irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars in purchases – from radios, to pliers and batteries,

- ignored recommendation to hand probe over to the police

GECOM Commissioner, Robeson Benn to toners. Audits were conducted at GECOM following the 2015 General Elections. The Auditor General’s office prepared three reports based on its investigations into the procurement of radios totalling $100M, the purchase of pliers and the

procurement of toners. According to Benn, the audits were examined by the Admin and Finance subcommittee of the sevenmember Commission. However, he noted that there was a decision to ‘more or less move on’. “My position remains that it should be turned over to police for professional detective work and whichever way it turns out, it would be a warning to the agency that the Commissioners take these allegations of fraud seriously,” Benn noted. Justice James Patterson (ret’d) took the reins as GECOM Chairman last year October with the Auditor General’s report on his desk that detailed the allegations of procurement irregularities at the Commission. Auditor General Deodat

Sharma had insisted that the Commission turn the report over to the police, but Patterson insisted that he was not going to adhere to any directions from the AG on how to deal with the report. Benn stated that he is unhappy with the situation because the Commission has not brought closure to the issues. Sharma is preparing a file to be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) based on his findings. “I know there was a statement in the press by the Chairman that if the Auditor general wants he can carry the matter to the police. I have

to point out as I did at a recent meeting that we have a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the integrity of the accounts of GECOM and so in the first instance, it is our duty to turn the matter over to the proper authority for a thorough investigation,” Benn noted. Sharma and his team had descended on the GECOM office to investigate worrisome procurement practices at the entity that overlooks general and local government elections. One of the activities for the 2015 general elections was the purchase of a number of communication radios.

This particular report raised many unanswered questions. It was found that less than 90 percent of the radios were used, despite the strong reasons advanced by GECOM to the administration for the purchases. Some $100M was spent. It was found that the radios arrived too late to be deployed for the May 11, 2015 elections. The report also found that on top of that purchase for the radios, which were all outdated, GECOM went ahead and bought 12 satellite phones for use, in case the radios could not be put into operation.

Almost four years after case dismissed…

Former postal employee struggles to overcome stigma of cocaine charges Even though he has cleared of drug-related charges almost four years ago, 25 year-old Soesdyke resident, Syaer Grant –Stuart is still struggling in the aftermath of the sordid experience. In 2013, Grant – Stuart was held for allegedly trafficking 15.354kg of cocaine and placed before the Courts. According to the charge, the incident is said to have occurred between March 21, 2013, and March 22, 2013, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA). Grant – Stuart was a mailman on duty at the Timehri Post Office when CANU intercepted packages which contained the cocaine. He along with two other staff members attached the Post Office were taken in for questioning by law enforcement agents. However, Grant –Stuart was the sole defendant in the matter. On the day of the incident, Grant –Stuart had the duty of transporting the packages from a secure location to the aeroplane. He is convinced that he was singled out by the police because he had handled the packages. He contends, nonetheless that he knew nothing of the drugs in the parcels since they were all sealed. Grant –Stuart consequently underwent a trial at the Providence Magistrates’ Court and after several months, the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit, (CANU) moved to have the matter discontinued against him in 2014.

Syaer Grant- Stuart Relieved that the charges were dismissed since he always held that he was innocent, Grant- Stuart proceeded to pick up the pieces of his life. “I left the job at the post office even though it was offered to me after the case finished. All I wanted was to pick up the pieces of his life and move on,” he recalls. He said that he began to feel optimistic about his dreams again and set his sights on some of his goals, which included travelling to the United States of America and Canada. The young man soon found out that it was not that simple. “I been trying for the past three years to leave the country but because of this incident, I keep getting rejected by both the Canadian and US Embassies.” Grant –Stuart claims that the Embassy officials keep referring to the case as the

basis of their rejection. “I was charged not convicted. The matter was dismissed against me after CANU decided to drop the charges. My record is clean. I even have a police clearance to show but it’s never enough for them (the embassy officials),” a clearly frustrated Grant –Stuart added. At present, the father of two lives with his parents and operates a small block-making outlet from his Lot ‘H’ Grant Sand Road Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara, (EBD) residence. “I have a small business and it has been helping to sustain me and family. All I want now is to be able to travel freely. I want this stain removed.” The young man further noted that his hope of travelling was further shattered when he was not allowed to travel to Canada with his brother, Walter GrantStuart, who was competing in the Paralympics Games in Canada. “I was supposed to be helping my brother out with his bicycle,” Grant –Stuart said adding that his brother is a gold medalist in cycling. He hopes that he will be allowed to travel after the issue is highlighted in the media “I am turning to the media for help now because all there is really no other option. All I want at this point is for the authorities to understand my situation and not hold the incident against me because at the end of the day, I didn’t commit the crime,” the man added.

Monday June 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

GRA not responsible for delays in opening of MovieTowne – Statia says investor requested backdated concessions The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) last evening denied being responsible for the delays in the opening of MovieTowne, a US$40M entertainment investment at Turkeyen. In a statement to the media, GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia refuted claims by MovieTowne’s main principal, Guyanese-born Derek Chin. Chin had cited that among the major contributing factors, which prolonged the postponement of the opening, was the equipment and seating were at the wharves for weeks, awaiting “simple” signatures. According to Statia, this implies that GRA may have been responsible for the tardiness in clearing the equipment. He stated that this is not true. He stated that MovieTowne’s container arrived at the wharf on October 21, 2017, and without the approval of an Investment Development Agreement (IDA). However, he stated that the

GRA’s Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia

MovieTowne’s main principal, Guyaneseborn Derek Chin.

GRA facilitated MovieTowne to clear its goods with a Prior to Processing (PTP) arrangement on November 19, 2017. “The goods were uplifted on November 28, 2017, demonstrating that there were no delays on GRA’s part,” Statia noted. “While legally guided by the rules of confidentiality, the GRA wishes to set the record straight in this instance. The facts are as fol-

lows:” The GRA boss outlined that construction of MovieTowne commenced in 2011 and by mid-2017, the principal of MovieTowne first met with GRA to discuss the issue of concessions. At that meeting, Statia said a request was made for concessions to be backdated to the commencement of construction. Statia stated that (Continued on page 23)

Offshore medical schools no substitute to UG Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG) Dr. Ivelaw Griffith says offshore medical schools operating here should not substitute UG’s medical school as they are a “far cry” from what is really needed in Guyana. “Many of those students come to us asking for a transfer, I say there is nothing like a transfer from X to Y, you have to apply,” the VC told reporters earlier this week at a media luncheon at the Herdmanston Lodge. According to the professor, in one instance, a group of students from one of the medical schools approached him. However, they did not meet the minimum requirement to enter into UG’s medical school. “We don’t want you to be unsuccessful as our student. We want when you come you can be successful. I want a doctor who can pass math and biology and chemistry. So, it is not about the money,” he emphasized. “Any thought about our medical school being an “either or” is a thought that needs to be dispensed with,” he argued. The VC said the onus is on all stakeholders to make the necessary investments towards the foundation for education in medicine in Guyana. The University’s medical

Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana (UG), Dr. Ivelaw Griffith school currently has a threeyear accreditation. The VC said there are some issues the school must address, including being able to attract fulltime lecturers. “We have a compliment of part-time lecturers who are not able to give their full dedication and attention to the university.” The VC said the challenges facing the medical school and the university, stem from years of neglect. These are things that the institution is working to address. Another of the challenges is the inadequate facilities.The accreditation

body, the Jamaica-based Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education, Medicine and other Health Professions [CAAM-HP], granted accreditation to UG because of the tireless efforts that were engaged to put recommended measures in place. Last year, the government of Guyana signed an agreement with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for the construction of a new school of medicine complex for $8.5 million. When that complex is completed, it will address one of the “weaknesses of not having the facility to include teaching.”

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Thirty -four caregivers complete elderly care... From page 13 The five-day workshop was aimed at providing caregivers with the requisite knowledge that caregivers need to be effective at their job. Areas covered in the training include responsibilities of the caregiver and skills in communicating with the elderly. It also focused on dealing with mental health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, stress management, abuse of seniors, management and care for diabetics and feeding of seniors. It was facilitated by Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ms. Ismay Griffith and Gender Consultant at the Ministry of Social Protection, Ms. Hazel Halley-Burnett.

City Hall drafts policy...

From page 8 Data Entry/ Accounts clerk interest in the other matter Tel# 616-5595. Email: under consideration.” Sales@tradelinc.com The Town Clerk noted further that the section stipulates FULL TIME/PART TIME that where a Councillor has WAITER/WAITRESS TO indirectly a pecuniary interest in WORK AT AAGMAN a contract or other matter and RESTAURANT SHERIFF would not fall to be treated as STREET. CALL: 219-0161/ having such an interest but for 219-0158 the fact that he has a beneficial interest in shares of a company FULL TIME/PART TIME or other body ,then, if the H O U S E K E E P I N G / nominal value of those shares DOMESTIC TO WORK AT does not exceed five hundred AAGMAN RESTAURANT. dollars so much of subsection CALL: 219-0158/219-0161 (1) prohibits him from taking part in the consideration or Maid for East Bank area to discussion of, or from voting on any question with respect to, the cook and clean #614-4358 contract or other matter shall not apply to him, without prejudice, One experienced legal however, to the duty of computer clerk. Call: 624-7087/ disclosure imposed by 226-4283/258-0213/ email: subsection(1).” husainsaphier@yahoo.com King simplified therefore that law does not prohibit For Interior location logging members of the Council from truck driver, Skidder operator, benefiting from projects, “all Tree feller. #218-3399 that this means is that Female supervisor 35-55, male desks staff 30-48 233 South road, Lacytown. Tel#225-0198.

In an invited comment, Ms. Dianna Deonarine, a graduate of the programme, said she plans to pursue the personal care assistant programme as she works towards her new career path as a full-time caregiver or nurse. Ms. Oneisha Lane, another graduate, expressed her gratitude the First Lady for coordinating the programme and said that, “I have gained a lot of knowledge about how to care for elderly persons and how much this need is overlooked by other people in society. So this programme really raised a lot of awareness about how we should care for the elderly,” she said.

Councillors must disclose whether they may have a financial interest in a specific project or matter” The Town Clerk disclosed a draft of the framework will soon be available for dissemination to members of the council. Additionally, he noted that a register will be created for the purpose of disclosures by Councillor who might be interested in special community projects slated to commence shortly. Twelve constituencies have submitted proposals for projects and they were all given the green light by the Ministry of Communities. Constituency 1 – Kingston East & West, Thomas Lands, NonPariel Park, Cummingsburg, Alberttown & Queenstown –and Constituency 15 –Meadow Bank/Agricola were among the communities left to finalize their projects.

My performance at...

From page 09 applications and shortlisting Experience waiter/waitress, candidates, and the conduct of chef/assistant cook. Call us interviews by a panel 225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff comprisingthe GECOM ChairStreet. man, four Commissioners (two from both sides) and the Driver & Female cleaner for Chief Election Officer. office in Eccles #233-2745 “While I expect that the entire foregoing may WANTED notserve to adequately counter a headline and front Diamond/Grove EBD truck page misrepresentation acdriver wanted. Call: 677-6620/ credited to Mr. Alexander, 216-1043 which has already led to my defamation and personal deg1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase radation, I wish nonetheless 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/ to be on record that the state698-1134. ments are baseless, reckless, defamatory and malicious in Drivers, Porters, Office clerk. their design. “ ...As the DCEO or any Apply to Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd Survival Wholesale Depot role held, I always conducted myself professionally, withFemale workers wanted just out fear or favour, and withfinish writing CXC exam 2018. out bias in any area or level of my responsibilities. This Call: 622-5518 was and will always remain

the definition of my core as a human being and a professional which I will steadfastly defend,” said Persaud. In a letter in yesterday’s newspaper, Alexander said, “I stand by my word and hereby restate emphatically that Vishnu Persaud`s candidacy was opposed by me on the grounds that the other candidate is superior, in addition to the fact that Vishnu was appointed as the PRO of GECOM when he was not qualified for the job. He was elevated to DCEO on the pretense of being the holder of a first degree, here again, he was appointed in a position for which he was not qualified. He himself, in the presence of the entire interviewing panel, admitted that he was not the holder of a first degree or its equivalent. That alone should have made him ineligible.”

Monday June 18, 2018

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Kaieteur News

GRA not responsible for delays in opening... From page 21 GRA advised that concessions cannot be backdated and should have been applied prior to the commencement of construction. Then, it was discovered that MovieTowne was utilizing equipment, which was part of an investment agreement for a different project. Statia stated that GRA advised the principal that equipment currently being

utilised in the construction of MovieTowne, was in breach of the terms of another IDA, since, based on the said IDA, equipment earmarked for use on another major project was being utilised in the construction of MovieTowne. “Rather than terminating the IDA, and notwithstanding the breach, the GRA agreed to allow both projects to continue, with the understanding that the available

remedies under the said IDA will be enforced subsequent to the completion of both projects,� Statia noted. According to Statia, MovieTowne submitted an IDA application to Go-Invest, which was copied to the GRA and was advised in September 2017 by the GRA that only concessions similar to those granted to competitors in the industry will be allowed.

Additionally, Statia noted that additional information was needed inclusive of source of financing before a recommendation can be made to the Minister of Finance for approval. Statia outlined that on

December 29, 2017, MovieTowne was granted an IDA consistent with those granted to competitors in the industry, which allow for the waiver of Duty and VAT on certain equipment. Roy Beepat, the head of

the Giftland Mall, located a short distance from the MovieTowne complex has called on authorities to make public the concessions granted to MovieTowne. The two facilities would be competing against each other.

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Monday June 18, 2018

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Captain Kolarov fires Serbia to victory over Costa Rica Regal Masters overcome SAMARA, Russia potentially vital three points sive organisation and clinical Serbia bossed the ball as (Reuters) - Aleksandar for Serbia and lifted a weight counter-attacks that pro- their enterprising midfield, Albion Masters Kolarov produced a moment from coach Mladen Krstajic, pelled them to the quarter-fi- fusing the experience of of captain’s inspiration, curling home a superb free kick as Serbia got their World Cup Group E campaign up and running with a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica yesterday. With the Central Americans proving a tough nut to crack, Kolarov stepped up to bury a 25-metre effort from wide on the right, lighting up an otherwise tight game in the southern Russian city of Samara.Serbia had dominated against a Costa Rica side who rarely threatened after a bright start, but chances were thin on the ground until Kolarov made the breakthrough in the 56th minute. With Brazil heavy favourites to win the group, which also features Switzerland, the victory delivered a

in what was his first competitive game. “Frankly speaking, there was a great deal of pressure on the team, and on me, over the past seven months,” said the Serbia coach, who took the job in October. Krstajic’s relief was matched in equal measure by the disappointment of Costa Rica boss Oscar Ramirez, whose side are in a precarious position. “Maybe we have lost a certain margin for qualifying,” he said. “It’s going to be difficult, but our intention remains the same. I told the lads in the changing room ‘This isn’t over’.” If Costa Rica are going to recover, however, they will need to rediscover the defen-

nals four years ago. While a number of their players remain the same from Brazil, they lacked the energy of that side. Serbia found it hard to break them down, but they rarely looked troubled at the back and barring a late half chance for substitute Joel Campbell, they coasted through the game. It had not looked like that in the opening minutes. FURIOUS FASHION The match began in furious fashion with Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic having a header scooped off the line and Costa Rica’s Giancarlo Gonzalez failed to convert two headed chances. But it soon settled into a more predictable pattern.

Monday June 18, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're organized and rigorous, Virgo. You plan everything. But with today's energy, you'll be inclined to let the day go by without keeping to a tight schedule. After all, not every day has to be a workday. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) There's a great day ahead of you. You'll be blessed with the ability to solve problems, and others will come looking for you today. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Do you feel like your life hasn't changed a bit over the past few weeks? You feel that certain things need to change but you do nothing but sit there. CANCER (June 21–July 22) There is a fire burning deep inside of you, Cancer. It gives you a lot of power and energy. People around you are receptive to this energy. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Enthusiasm and energy will be your allies today, Leo. Something different is in the air and inciting you to move forward. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You're organized and rigorous, Virgo. You plan everything. But with today's energy, you'll be inclined to let the day go by without keeping to a tight schedule. After all, not every day has to be a workday. You can worry easily, but don't let this get you down.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) A lot of people around you might think that you are a strong individual, Libra. For example, you stand up against wrongs in the established social order. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Scorpio, you are worried that some of the people close to your heart might change. You have been watching and paying attention to subtle signs and changes for quite some time now. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) You've always been a loner, Sagittarius. You tend to act on your own and you don't trust outside help. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) You've always felt the need to create, Capricorn. The simplest tasks can fulfill this need. You're even happy if you sketch on a small piece of paper. Over the last month or so you've been finishing a project close to your heart. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Some people around you might think that you have never really matured, Aquarius, that you still have the mind of a child. It might not seem obvious at first PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) If you analyze your life, you'll see that it has completely changed over the past twelve months, Pisces.

Manchester United enforcer Nemanja Matic and the raw talent of Sergej MilinkovicSavic, got on top. The Lazio playmaker was Serbia’s most creative influence, although his blushes were spared by the linesman’s flag when he fluffed a firsthalf chance after racing through on goal.

T&T defeat... From page 28 Guyanese midfield and were awarded a penalty corner. Guyana’s goalkeeper saved the initial drag flick but Trinidad’s Michael O’Connor converted the rebound. By the start of the second quarter the Guyanese started to grow in confidence and created several goal scoring opportunities of their own but were never able to get past the Trinidad goalkeeper. The two countries will play two more matches on Saturday and Sunday as part of their preparations for the CAC Games next month in Colombia. Trinidad is the top ranked team in the tournament and will oppose Cuba, Barbados and Colombia in pool A, while Guyana are in pool B with Mexico, Dominica Republic and Jamaica.

Linden Technical... From page 29 rained out and that is to be played tomorrow. Today at 14.30hrs Linden Technical Institute will be seeking to end the group-play unbeaten when they face Wisburg Secondary. The LTI have played four games for eight points, while Wisburg Secondary are on five points from two wins and one loss. The other match brings together Harmony Secondary who are without a win having lost four games and are on three points against Christianburg Wismar Secondary at 16:00hrs. Mackenzie High School have seven points from three wins and one loss, New Silver city Secondary have completed their matches finishing with three wins and two losses for eight points, while Christianburg Wismar Secondary have four points from four losses. The semifinals will be played Wednesday and final on Friday at the tournament venue the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.

Regal Masters defeated Albion Masters by nine wickets when action in the Regal Sports/ Crown Mining Supply/Elegance Jewellery and Pawn Shop and Ink Plus softball tournament continued yesterday. Albion Masters batted first and managed 853 off their allocation of 20 overs at the Everest Cricket Club. Ricky Deonarain slammed two fours and one six in a top score of 35, while John Sumair made 24 with one four. Mahendra Hardyal, Troy Kippins and Parsram Persaud took one wicket each. Regal Masters had little trouble in overhauling their target as they finished on 86-

Mahase Chunilall 1 in 11.2 overs. Opener Mahase Chunilall reached the boundary on four occasions and cleared it once as he top scored with an unbeaten 43, while Eon Abel made 19 with two fours and Fazleem Mohamed 17 not out (1X6). Sahadeo Kissoon had 1-12.

GCB mourns the... From page 27 by ball commentary of many of our Regional cricket matches. He always had his heart well placed in assisting our cricketers and was a great cricket administrator. Rocky took ill quite a few years ago and has quietly passed away at his home in Mc Doom this past week. The entire cricket community will join the GCB in extending its sincerest condolences to his wife, Zel Mann, his children, Jason & Alyeah and the rest of his family and relatives at this time of bereavement.

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Alonso has a big decision to make after Le Mans win LONDON (Reuters) Fernando Alonso has a big decision to make after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours on his debut with Toyota yesterday, and it could lead him to America and away from Formula One. The Spaniard, a double Monaco Grand Prix winner and two times F1 world champion, is aiming for the ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’, and the Indianapolis 500 is now the only box remaining to be ticked. Alonso led Indy last year before retiring with an engine failure and he knows, with his 37th birthday at the end of July, that time is not on his side. Another crack at ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ next year might not mean leaving McLaren, who are mulling an entry of their own. It could conceivably involve another season in which he skips the Monaco GP that clashes with Indianapolis, as he did in 2017, but that might not be the preferred option for either

Alonso’s (second left with trophy) victory, alongside his Toyota team-mates, completes the second part of the Spaniard’s motorsport ‘triple crown’. (Getty Images) side. McLaren have Formula Two leader Lando Norris ready and waiting in reserve but will be reluctant to lose a driver who brings

something special to the party wherever he is racing. Alonso said on Sunday he remained committed to the full endurance champio n s h i p w i t h To y o t a

through to next June, with the current ‘super season’ featuring two editions of Le Mans. “I didn’t join just for the Le Mans experience, I

joined the Super Season because I want to fight for the world championship,” he told reporters at the Sarthe circuit. The Spaniard celebrated

his 300th F1 grand prix this month but has not won since he was at Ferrari five years ago. His recent comments about the sport have been ambivalent, critical of the current rules but also still fiercely competitive. His two titles with Renault, in 2005 and 2006, are part of history. “I think the biggest thing for me is to think about the direction Formula One is going,” he said recently about his future. “I don’t think too much about how competitive we will be next year as it is impossible to predict: It is just about the sport.” On Sunday he showed just what kind of a racer he is. “Alonso has come and conquered Le Mans...and not put one foot wrong,” said Denmark’s nine times winner Tom Kristensen on Eurosport television. “I would not predict that he stops in F1, but he’ll definitely be back at the Indy 500. Maybe he’ll do a full season.”

ICC likely to approve harsher penalties for ball tampering soon ESPNcricinfo - Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has escaped a more severe ball-tampering charge because the ICC is yet to approve newly-modified sanctions for the offence. Under the revised rules, recommended by its influential cricket committee, that the ICC is likely to pass at its annual conference later this month, ball tampering will be upgraded from a Level 2 offence to Level 3. As it stands Chandimal, if found guilty, will only attract a Level 2 offence. In addition to any monetary penalty, the maximum sanction under a Level 2 charge is two suspension points which correspond to four demerit points and ban of one Test or two ODIs. Under a Level 3 charge, a player is slapped with four to eight suspension points, the upper limit amounting to six demerit points and a ban of four Tests or eight ODIs. During their two-day meeting in May, the ICC cricket committee, which is headed by former India captain Anil Kumble, recommended that it was time to consider severe sanctions against offences like ball tampering. The committee was concerned by the recent spate of events during Australia’s tour of South Africa in March when several players from both

Loads of people were interested in the state of the ball in the Windies vs Sri Lanka Test. (AFP) teams attracted disciplinary charges. Consequently, Cricket Australia had banned Steven Smith and David Warner for 12 months and Cameron Bancroft for nine months from playing international cricket for their roles in the ball-tampering controversy in the Cape Town Test. The ICC’s cricket committee, comprising other former international captains, deliberated on raising the penalty for ball tampering to a Level 3 offence from the existing Level 2. ICC

chief executive David Richardson, who sits on the cricket committee, told

ESPNcricinfo that Kumble’s panel “came hard” at personal abuse and ball tampering spe-

cifically. According to Richardson, the cricket committee

“viewed” ball tampering as “cheating” which went against the spirit of cricket. “Therefore, they (committee) were very strong that we need to increase the sanctions available for that type of conduct,” Richardson said. “So we are talking moving both ball tampering and personal abuse, foul language upto Level 3.” The cricket committee’s recommendations will now be discussed by the ICC’s chief executives committee during the annual conference in Dublin later this month before receiving a final ratification from the ICC Board. Richardson pointed out that, if the ICC Board finalises moving the sanctions to Level 3, in future ball tampering could attract a suspension of “minimum of four Tests”. “We are considering bumping it up to Level 3 and even considering the range of penalty slightly higher as well,” Richardson said.

GCB mourns the passing of one of its stalwarts, Ronald Paul Mann The entire cricket industry has lost a true cricket stalwart in Ronald Paul Mann, popularly known as “Rocky” Mann. Rocky served very proficiently as the Marketing Manager of the GCB during its halcyon days of the 1990s under the Presidency of

Chetram Singh. Those were the days when cricket was still headquartered at the GCC ground, Bourda and there were never any thoughts of a World Cup being held here in Guyana. Rocky was very instrumental in the acquisition of sponsorships from all the

major Banks, Beverage Companies and the general corporate community for the construction of Hospitality Boxes building which still houses the GCB Office presently and the Media stand which still stands tall at the Northern and Southern sides of the Bourda square. Rocky also served as the

Marketing Manager of the East Bank Demerara Cricket Association during the late 90s when they held a successful Raffle with a car being given away as the first prize. Rocky had earlier served the cricket community as a radio commentator doing ball (Continued on page 26)

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Venus Williams’ Net Worth Approaches $95M as She Turns 38 Taylor Bell, GoBankingRates - Just like her younger sister Serena Williams, tennis powerhouse Venus Williams has evolved into one of the greatest athletes and tennis players of all time. With seven grand slam titles and five Olympic medals under her belt, it’s no wonder why she’s still considered one of the dominant forces in tennis today. · Net Worth: $95 million · Age: 38 · Primary sources of wealth: Tennis, brand endorsements · Career highlights: Seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam Women’s doubles titles After more than 20 years in the game, the tennis star is still going strong. She’ll turned 38 on June 17 and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. And although Venus might be well-known for her extraordinary performance as an athlete, she has made millions off the tennis court as well. Take a look at how the tennis champion built up her $95 million fortune.Venus Williams Career Highlights and Awards Venus Williams stepped onto the tennis scene in 1994 in her first professional tennis match. Three years later, she competed in the final of the U.S. Open against Switzerland’s Martina Hingis at just 16 years old. Venus fell short in the final, but she redeemed herself in 2000 by winning her first two Grand Slam singles titles at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open — a feat she repeated in 2001. Both victories came against fellow American tennis player Lindsey Davenport. In 2002, Venus had one of her best seasons to date, ranking as the No. 2 best female tennis player in the world — second to her sister Serena — reaching the final of the French Open and winning seven WTA titles at Gold Coast, according to the Women’s Tennis Associa-

Monday June 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

Mohamed, Hardaiow, Jaisingh lead Everest Select XI to victory over Central Sports

Serena Williams tion. But her success didn’t stop there. Venus’ winning streak continued as she captured her fifth, sixth and seventh Grand Slam titles in 2005, 2007 and 2008. For her Grand Slam title win in 2008, Venus went head-to-head in a grueling match at Wimbledon against her sister. In 2017, Venus was listed as the No. 10 highest-paid tennis player in 2017, taking home a salary of $10.5 million, with nearly $4 million of that coming from match prize money, according to Forbes. But throughout her career, Venus has racked up more than $40 million in prize money. Venus Williams Endorsements and Business Endeavors Like most successful athletes, Venus attracts major brand endorsements. She signed a five-year, $40 million deal with Reebok in 2000, which was one of the biggest endorsement deals at the time. However, her marketability extends beyond athletics. Venus has also partnered with Tide, Electronic Arts and Ralph Lauren among other brands. The tennis star is also a bona fide fashion designer. At 18 years old, she was accepted to design school, which she put on hold to pursue her tennis career. However, in 2007, the world-class

athlete returned to fashion when she launched her activewear clothing line EleVen. Two years after that, Venus and her sister invested in the Miami Dolphins and became part-owners. In addition, the tennis star is also an investor of Ellevest, an online investment resource aimed at helping women. Venus Williams relationship and rivalry with Serena Although sisters and business partners, there has been quite the rivalry between the two as competitors on the court. Serena’s net worth sits at $180 million, which is well over $50 million more than Venus’ net worth. In addition, of the nine Grand Slam title matches in which they have faced off against each other, Venus has only won two. Serena also leads her sister 17-11 in singles matches and 10-5 in Grand Slam matches, according to SB Nation. At the same time, the sisters are a dominant force together, winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and a handful of Olympic medals. The sisters recently won their first Grand Slam doubles match in nearly two years in May, moving on to the second round of the French Open, according to ESPN.

Central All stars accepts the plaque from Everest Select XI skipper Rajesh Singh. By Zaheer Mohamed Half centuries by Saheed Mohamed and Sahadeo Hardaiow coupled by disciplined bowling performances from Ronald Jaisingh and Basil Persaud led host Everest Cricket Club Select XI to a 148-run victory over Central All stars of Trinidad and Tobago in a 25-over fixture Saturday. Batting first, the host lost Tagenarine Chanderpaul without scoring before Hardaiow and Hemraj Garbarran added 84 for the second wicket with enterprising batting in difficult conditions. Garbarran struck two fours and one six before he was dismissed for

27; however Hardaiow and Bhaskar Yadram continued to frustrate the visitors with a stand of 112. Yadram slammed one four and two sixes in scoring 34, while Hardaiow who timed the ball well and hit four fours and three sixes before he departed for 54. Kamesh Yadram and Saheed Mohamed hardly put a foot wrong as they continued the onslaught; Mohamed wasn’t afraid to play his shots and clobbered one four and five sixes in a top score of 57 while Yadram made 42 with two fours. Kevin Chattergoon picked up two wickets, while there was one each for Ravi Mahase and

Govin Doorgha. Jaisingh and Persaud then led Everest bowling as Central All stars were sent packing for 88 in 22 overs in reply. Dillan Sital and Chattergoon added some respectability down the order with a nine-wicket stand of 30. Sital made 21 and Chatergoon 16 while Karrel Bissoon made 15. Jaisingh claimed 3-11 from five overs to take the man-ofthe-match award and Persaud had 2-7 from two overs. Everest Cricket Club presented a plaque to the visiting team following the contest. The game was sponsored by Trophy Stall of Bourda Market.

T&T defeat Guyana in first of three-match hockey series The Guyana Men’s Hockey team started off their three match friendly series against Trinidad & Tobago with a 2-0 defeat. After getting into Trinidad four and a half hours behind schedule due to their flight cancelation and several additional delays, the

Guyanese were forced to cancel their planned practice session and go straight into the first match. The team started tentatively and conceded several turnovers in the midfield which led to penetrating Trinidadian counter attacks. On one such counter at-

tack, outstanding Trinidadian midfielder Shaquille Daniel sent a powerful reverse hit into the scoring area which was deflected in by Akim Toussaint in the 8th minute. Immediately after the restart Trinidad countered off of another unforced error by the (Continued on page 26)

Ronald Jaisingh collects his prize from Anilla Bhola of Central All stars.

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Gabriel gets five again but SL lead nears 300 ESPNcricinfo - Two dashing innings - a confident 87 off 117 from Kusal Mendis, and a stroke filled 62 off 70 from Niroshan Dickwella propelled Sri Lanka to a 287run lead in St Lucia, edging them ahead in this match. Although Shannon Gabriel bowled spiritedly through the fourth day, collecting figures of 6 for 57 to take his match haul to 11 for 116, Sri Lanka still have two wickets remaining in their second innings. Only twice in this century have West Indies chased a higher score for victory. That the visitors found themselves in such a healthy position is a testament to their fight on day four, having found themselves effectively four wickets down with a lead of only one run, in the first hour of play. Two big partnerships built this Sri Lanka innings. The first was the 117-run fifthwicket stand between Mendis and a lucky Dinesh Chandimal, who could have been out twice on his way to 39 off 112 balls. The second was the 99-run association between Dickwella and Roshen Silva, after Mendis and Chandimal had fallen within 10 overs of one another. Silva made his first significant score of the series, hitting 48 off 115, while Mendis and Dickwella batted more aggressively at the other end. Both Silva and Dickwella were out to the second new ball, but late in the day, Suranga Lakmal and Akila Dananjaya put on a useful

Kusal Mendis kept them fighting with a gritty half-century ©CWI Media unbeaten partnership amounting to 27. As that second new ball is only nine overs old, however, West Indies will hope to knock out the last two wickets before the lead stretches to 300 on the fifth morning. Gabriel has been the best bowler in the series by a distance, and Cricket West Indies’ recent decision to switch to the Dukes cricket ball appears to be suiting him well. He sometimes attempted to intimidate the batsmen, sending plenty at the ribs and at the throat, but it was the ball that he seamed in from outside off stump that brought him the most joy on day four. He struck

nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha in front of the stumps in his first over of the day, then bowled Mendis off an inside edge much later. Roshen Silva was also out to a ball that bounced and nipped back at him more than he expected - Shane Dowrich snatching a tough chance close to the ground after Silva had gloved it. Only Dananjaya de Silva and Dickwella got out to Gabriel deliveries pitched on fuller lengths. Dananjaya was caught at slip attempting an expansive drive - the ball seaming away to take the outside edge. Dickwella merely slapped a full ball into the hands of mid-off, after

Gabriel had pitched on a leg stump line. Where during his Trinidad hundred Mendis had had reprieves early in his innings, in this knock he was secure and polished. In the morning, he thwarted Gabriel’s short deliveries, defused Miguel Cummins and Roach, while taking a particular liking to Devendra Bishoo’s legspin, which he hit for 18 off 13 balls. As usual, he favoured the sweep to the spinners, and scored all but 12 of his total runs through the legside, the most attractive of his strokes an elegant push off Roach through mid-on for four early in the day. After lunch, he was

especially confident. He whipped Roach over the leg side for six on two occasions, and swivel-pulled Jason Holder to the midwicket boundary for four. Some of the pressure he exerted on the bowlers through his positive approach had sucked some venom out of the West Indies effort, especially earlier in the day. Dickwella had a slightly easier task, not having to face the newer ball, but his innings was nevertheless important, after he had arrived at the crease with Sri Lanka in some peril. He scored most of his runs in the arc between third man and cover, audaciously carving two boundaries over the slip cordon whenever he was given some width. But even though he struck at 89, less than half of Dickwella’s runs came from boundaries. The big shots may have been the most memorable, but this was an innings held together by sharp singles and twos. Of the two supporting acts, Silva was better than Chandimal in this innings. For the first time in Caribbean, Silva managed to ride that sharp bounce that the West Indies quicks tend to generate, and stuck around while Dickwella scored more quickly at the other end. Chandimal was also reticent, only hitting a single boundary in an innings that stretched to 112 deliveries. He should have been out twice in one Gabriel over in the last half hour of the first session. First,

he was struck in front of the stumps, but the appeal was turned down because two noises were heard. As it turned out, the second noise was the ball hitting his back pad, and had West Indies reviewed, they would have had Chandimal out for 21. Two balls later, Gabriel sent a bouncer at his throat and had Chandimal caught at gully. But thanks to Kusal Mendis, who had watched Gabriel overstep and prompted the umpire to check the front foot, Chandimal survived. All this, after West Indies had threatened to run away with this Test with their earlymorning surge. Inside the first seven overs of the day, they had taken three wickets those of Rajitha, de Silva and Mahela Udawatte. Having had Sri Lanka 47 for 4, they will perhaps be disappointed that the score has now swelled to 334 for 8. Scores: SRI LANKA 253 (Dinesh Chandimal 119 not out, Kusal Mendis 45, Kusal Perera 32; Shannon Gabriel 5-59, Kemar Roach 4-49) and 334 for eight (Kusal Mendis 87, Niroshan Dickwella 62, Roshen Silva 48, Dinesh Chandimal 39, Kasun Perera 20; Shannon Gabriel 6-57, Kemar Roach 2-75) WEST INDIES 300 (Devon Smith 61, Shane Dowrich 55, Roston Chase 41, Kieran Powell 27, Kraigg Brathwaite 22; Lahiru Kumara 4-86, Kasun Rajitha 3-49, Suranga Lakmal 2-50)

Malteenoes Cricket Academy starts Linden Technical Institute seek to July 23 - Registration forms from today at MSC LABA/YBG/Powerade Linden Regional U-19 Schools Basketball

remain unbeaten against Wisburg - Harmony and Christianburg ‘Multi’ clash after first win It’s down to the penultimate day’s play today in the round robin format of this year’s Linden Amateur Basketball Association organised LABA/Youth Basketball Guyana/ Powerade Linden Regional Schools Under 19 basketball championship as points leaders Linden Technical Institute look to end their quota of matches unbeaten when they face Wisburg Secondary in game one at 14.30hrs. The other game of the double header brings together Harmony Secondary and Christianburg Wismar Secondary, both seeking their first win in this tournament. Last Friday, the Linden Technical Institute maintained their unbeaten run with their fourth win in as many games when they

Jamal Gilkes

Daniel Lee

humbled New Silvercity Secondary 78-36 behind Daniel Lee’s 24 points, 16 from Jamal Gilkes and 12 apiece from Randy Patoir and Shamar Chapman. The other game between Harmony Secondary and Mackenzie High did not come

off as Harmony did not show. On Saturday, New Silvercity Secondary scored a 37-14 win over Christianburg Wismar Secondary as Kobe Tappin led them with 21 points. The other game was (Continued on page 26)

Registration forms for the two-week Malteenoes Cricket Academy which starts on July 23 will be available from 15:00hrs today at the club’s pavilion on Thomas Road, Thomas Lands. Registration fee is $3,000 and the Academy runs from 09:00hrs to 15:00hrs each week day and lunch and snacks with be provided for the students. Only the first 70 participants will be accepted. The Malteenoes Cricket Academy was launched in July 1993 in recognition of the Club’s motto “Our Youth, Our Future”.MSC’s principal intention is to add to the National grid young proud confident individuals. The Academy caters for Male and Females between the age of 6-13 and 14-18. It will include class room and field work which will provide the tools to become Cricketers, Umpires, Scorers, Journalists and Broadcasters all

Ramnaresh Sarwan

Narsingh Deonarine

of which can be well paid careers. Qualified Coaches will conduct technical and physical sessions, while facilitators will talk on Education, Social Skills, Health and Hygiene, Etiquette, Child Protection, Laws and History of Cricket,

Umpiring and Scoring. The Academy has produced Test players Ramnaresh Sarwan, Ryan Ramdass, Narsingh Deonarine and West Indies female Test player Indomattie Goordial.

PAGE 30

Monday June 18, 2018

Kaieteur News

Mexico stun champions Germany 1-0 in World Cup opener MOSCOW (Reuters) Defending champions Germany crashed to defeat in their first game at the World Cup yesterday as an enterprising Mexico refused to be intimidated by history and ran out 1-0 winners in a thrilling Group F opener. A shaky warm-up campaign had called into question the dominant form the Germans showed in qualifying, but experience and records were on their side, having won every opening game at major tournaments since Joachim Loew took over as coach in 2006. Juan Carlos Osorio’s side had other ideas, however, holding their own against the favorites’ fearsome but slowing midfield and finding space at the back and seeking to end 33 years without a win against Germany. After wasting a handful of first-half chances while living dangerously in their own half, Hirving Lozano’s 35th-minute strike on the break proved just reward.When center back Mats Hummels lost possession deep in the Mexican half, Javier Hernandez was released through the middle. He outpaced Jerome Boateng

Mexico’s Hirving Lozano celebrates with Jesus Gallardo after scoring their first goal. (REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach) and with a less than perfect pass found Lozano, who controlled the ball, cut inside Mesut Ozil, held off a charging Toni Kroos and slotted past Manuel Neuer. At the other end, Guillermo Ochoa tipped a blistering Kroos free kick on to

the bar minutes later, in what was to prove the Germans’ closest effort of a match in Moscow in which they had more than 60 percent possession but could not make it count.“Our motto was play with the love of winning and not the fear of losing,” said a

delighted Osorio. For Loew, “we played badly”, gave the Mexicans too much space, lost too many balls and rushed chances under pressure. “It’s an unfamiliar situation,” he said, while insisting the team “has enough experi-

ence to not go under with one defeat”. “But the next game is now more important,” he added of Saturday’s clash with Sweden. “We have to win.” Finishing second in the group could well mean facing Brazil rather than Switzerland or Serbia in the next round. “Mexico deserved the win,” Hummels conceded. PRESSURE Germany pressed in the second half but struggled to find the target and Osorio bolstered his lines, pulling off Lozano and, with a quarterhour left, sending on 39-yearold defender Rafael Marquez to become the third man ever to play in five World Cups. Loew threw on Marco Reus in place of Sami Khedira and, with 10 minutes to go, yet another striker in Mario Gomez, to reinforce Timo Werner, who had failed to make much of a mark. Mexico had much of the 80,000 crowd in Luzhniki Stadium on their feet as the Germans left ever greater gaps at the back, and the wastefulness notably of Hernandez on the final pass may reassure future opponents that Mexico, while determined to

end a Cinderella reputation, have not replaced Germany as favorites. Youngster Julian Brandt nearly saved Loew’s night in the final minutes when he blasted a shot past Ochoa’s right post. But it was not to be. With talk back home of a “historic victory” and sombrero-wearing supporters brightening and deafening the summer streets of Moscow, Mexico can dream of going better than a consistent record of reaching the last 16 of the last six World Cups and a couple of quarter-finals. The Germans, branded an “embarrassment” in their home press, should still qualify, with a final group game against South Korea. And there is plenty of historical precedent for teams going on to do well after losing an opening game. But their reputation is not what it was. And coming second could well see the fourtimes champions face the fivetimes World Cup winners Brazil if the latter win Group E. “We are now under pressure,” Kroos said. “We have to get six points from the next games.”

Coutinho scorcher not enough as Brazil held 1-1 by Swiss R O S T O V- O N - D O N (Reuters) - Brazil joined the host of big guns who have failed to fire in their opening World Cup game as lax defending from a corner allowed Switzerland to cancel out Philippe Coutinho’s spectacular curling strike and grab a 1-1 draw yesterday. The five-times world champions took a deserved lead midway through the first half in the Group E game when Coutinho’s irresistible longdistance shot cannoned in off the far post, but Tite’s side, who had looked so impressive in the tournament build-up, failed to build on their advantage. The highly organized Swiss hit back early in the second period from one of their few chances as Brazil’s Casemiro and Miranda switched off and the unmarked Steven Zuber barely had to leave his feet to nod in Xherdan Shaqiri’s whipped corner. Brazil went all out in pursuit of a winner and came agonizingly close to finding it but had to settle for a point and joined fellow tournament favorites Germany, Spain and Argentina in failing to win their first game. Neymar ’s flamboyant blond ‘spaghetti’ haircut certainly caught the eye al-

though he only gave glimpses of the spectacular dribbles and plays he is renowned for and which led Paris St Germain to shell out 222 million euros for. Instead, Brazil’s second most expensive player, Coutinho, pulled Tite’s side’s strings, constantly finding right winger Willian and drifting striker Gabriel Jesus with sweeping passes although Switzerland managed to deal with the threat. They foolishly offered him the chance to demonstrate his most spectacular quality, however, when a cross from Marcelo was cleared into the path of the Barcelona midfielder, who wrapped his right foot around the ball and delivered an irresistible finish to break the deadlock in the 20th minute. The whirlwind finish delighted the Rostov Arena, where yellow-shirted Brazil fans vastly outnumbered the red of the Swiss, although Tite’s side failed to build further momentum, as Neymar was frequently stopped in his tracks by tactical fouls from Vladimir Petkovic’s side. The PSG forward, who was making only his second start since a metatarsal injury ended his season in February, did not look as if he had fully recovered, as his coach

Switzerland’s Steven Zuber scores their first goal. (REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff) had warned on the eve of the game by admitting his side’s talisman was “not 100 percent”. Still, Brazil always looked in control until they ceded a corner and Zuber took full advantage of their collective lapse of concentration.

They made a far bigger effort than the Swiss to find a second goal and were not far from finding it. Coutinho and Miranda each lashed wide from inside the area while Neymar and substitute Roberto Firmino were denied by Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Fixtures: (next two days) MONDAY, JUNE 18 Sweden vs. South Korea Belgium vs. Panama Tunisia vs. England TUESDAY, JUNE 19 Poland vs. Senegal Colombia vs. Japan Russia vs. Egypt

8 a.m. ET 11 a.m. ET 2 p.m. ET 8 a.m. ET 11 a.m. ET 2 p.m. ET

Nizhny Novgorod Sochi Volgograd Moscow Saransk Saint Petersburg

Kaieteur News

Monday June 18, 2018

PAGE 31

Cane Grove dominate Upper East Coast in Unity Cup

T

he Unity Cup organized by the Guyana Softball League will enter its final stage in the areas and then onto the big stage where the winners will clash. In last weekend matches there were several winners who booked their places onto that stage after advancing to the final stages in their respective areas. The results are as follows: Upper East Coast: At Helena Ground: Cane grove defeated Supply Superkings by 8 wkts: Superkings batted first and made a challenging 125 all out in their 10 overs with Robin Singh contributing 44 (4x6;2x4) and Seon Narine 40 (2x6;2x4). Vishnu Jagan with 4-23 was the thorn in the flesh for Cane Grove. In reply, Cane Grove were in a hurry to finish the match and raced to 126-2 in 6 overs with Sachin Jagan in fine form clobbering 52 (7x6) and Vishnu Jagan 40 (3x6;1x4) ensuring no worries for the Cane Grove lads in an unbeaten partnership of 98. Helena #1 Mandir defeated BWL XI by 19 runs: Helena #1 Mandir batted first and made 119 all out in 9.5 overs: Jagdesh Persaud 32(2x4). Hemraj Khemraj took 4-24 in two overs. In reply, BWL XI were held to exactly 100-9 in their 10 overs. Jagdesh Persaud putting a fine all round performance capturing 4-13 from 2 overs. Helena #1 Mandir with this win went thru to the final. Cane Grove defeated Adventure by 5 wkts: Adventure batted first and were limited to 93-4 in

MMZ primary wins West Coast Under-15 zone

10 overs. Marvin Babb clobbered 47 (7x6) in an entertaining knock. Cane Grove in reply made light work of the score making 975 in 8.2 overs with Troy Ford anchoring the innings 42 and the attacking Ramsingh clobbering 59 (5x6;3x4) showing the adventure bowlers how it is done. In the semi final Cane grove hammered Unstoppable by 8 wkts: Unstoppable chose to bat and made a challenging 155-1 in 10 overs with David Narine leading the way with a blistering 57 (8x6) and Daykumar Gansham 44 (5x4) in an entertaining stand worth 130 runs. As the Unstoppable players were gloating they never came to grip with the clean hitting of Mukesh Sookram 59 (6x6;2x4) and Vishnu Jagan 44(3x6;1x4) which brought the crowd to its feet as they raced to 160-2 in 8.5 overs. No bowler was spared this onslaught.

In the FINAL, Cane Grove playing unbeaten defeated Helena #1 Mandir by 10 wkts: Helena #1 Mandir chose to bat believing the Cane Grove lads were tired after their romp but found themselves in early trouble and never recovered only scoring 93 all out in 10 overs with only Ramesh Jitlall getting to 23 (3x4). Mukesh Seecharran took 4-27 in 2 overs. In reply Cane Grove hit off the runs without loss in 5 overs with Vishal and Sachin Jagan hammering 44(4x6) and 40(2x6;2x4) not out respectively. F E M A L E CATEGORY: Cane Grove Queen of the boundary defeated Mahaica Princesses by 26 runs: Queen of the Boundary batted first and scored 91-3 in 10 overs with Tiesha Houston hammering 42 (4x6). Simone Henry supported with 23 (2x4). In reply Princesses were

bundled out for 65 in 9.3 overs. Tiesha Houston with 314 put in a fine all round performance. She was supported by Sonya Riley with 3-12 from 2 overs. N/A Canje: Flying Stars defeated WCSS XI by 2 runs: Flying Stars batted first and made 112-3 in 10 overs Marvin Durant making 36 (4x6;2x4) In reply WCSS XI were limited to 110-6 in 10 overs with only Martin Grant with 35 (4x6;1x4) making a noteworthy contribution. Rotterdam defeated Edinburgh by 86 runs: Rotterdam batted first and amassed 137-6 in 10 overs with Calvin Adams compiling a belligerent 80 (6x6;6x4). In reply Edinburgh were never in the hunt and ended on 51-7 in their allotment of overs. F E M A L E CATEGORY: All Stars defeated P.YA.R.G United by 2 runs:

All Stars batted first and made 122-5 in 10 overs with Emani Griffith scoring 27 (2x4). In reply P.Y.A.R.G United were held to 120-1 in their 10 overs due some intelligent bowling. Marissa Reece top scored with 62 (1x6;7x4) but with the fall of her wicket and a new batter at the crease United were unable to take it all the way. WEST COAST DEMERARA: Crossbreed defeated Diesel XI by 13 runs: Crossbreed XI batted first and scored 107-7 in 10 overs with Narine Shaw 59 not out(5x6;1x4) Alim Nandaram with 2-21 was the best bowler for Diesel XI. In reply Diesel XI were limited to 94 all out in 10 overs with Travis Drake scoring 19 (1x6). Malcolm Hubbard took 3-6 in 2 overs. Omesh XI defeated Unknown Squad by 5 wkts: Unknown Squad batted first and scored 71 all out

in 10 overs with Ajay Wi l l i a m s s c o r i n g 1 8 (2x6;1x4). Michael Mathura took 2-6 from 2 overs. In reply Omesh XI raced to 72-5 in 8 overs with Diaram Persaud scoring 37 (3x6;2x4). Steve Mohamed took 2-13 from 2 overs. Speedboat XI hammered Tuschen XI by 66 runs: Speedboat XI batted first and made 155-5 in 10 overs Greg Singh scoring the first and only century of the tournament with 107 (14x6;2x4). In reply Tuschen XI could only muster 89-8 in 10 overs with Ryan Adams scoring 30 not out (3x6). Anand Barath 1-4 in 1 over and Shamir Hussain 2-25 from 2 overs were the wicket takers. Under 15 category: MMZ Primary defeated Leonora Primary by 45 runs: MMZ Primary batted first and scored 94-8 in 10 overs. Ahktar Azeez, son of well known Softball player Azad Azeez, scoring 30 (3x4). Anthony Singh with 5-9 was the chief wrecker for Leonora Primary. In reply Leonora Primary found that runs were hard to come be on a treacherous wicket and succumbed for 49 in 9.5 overs. Extras was the top scorer with 24. Chris Edwards showed off his talent by grabbing 4-8 in 2 overs. M e a n w h i l e , Crossbreed, Omesh XI Speedboat and the winner of the playoff between VR XI and Superbet XI will battle it out for top honors on the West Coast. Lower East Coast: Success Enforcers, Durban Quarry, Success Youths, Enterprise Youths and Farm XI will battle in this area for top honors.

GMMAKA among top Awardees at Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Guyana Mixed Martial Arts top performers and Master Lloyd Ramnarine (right) share a moment.

Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association was among the top Awardees at the Hall of Fame Martial Arts Ceremony Class of 2018, hosted by the Guyana Martial Arts Masters Association International. The Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Karate Association (GMMAKA) nominated students who were given the opportunity to receive awards for their dedication and commitment towards martial arts. Master Lloyd Ramnarine would like to congratulate all of the

students who received Awards and encouraged them to continue training hard because without hard work and dedication nothing can be achieved and he encouraged them to continue to living the Martial Arts way.If anyone is desirous of joining any of the four branches of the GMMAKA; the Invisible Kicks Martial Arts Academy in la Parfait Harmony, Vreeden-Hoop Primary Martial Arts Academy, the Canadian School of Arts and Science in Diamond New Scheme 3rd Avenue or the Iron Fist

Martial Arts Academy at the New Grove Primary School they can contact Master Lloyd Ramnarine on 6986727 or his Assistant Instructor on 266-2869 6224857 or 645-5640. The Awardees: Sachin Ram (karate kid award), Mahendra Gorakh (karate kid award), Aditya Basdeo (karate kid award), Dominic Doodnauth (karate kid award), Somesh Banasar (karate kid award), Raul Joseph (outstanding Student award) and Roman Pollard (outstanding student award).

Kaieteur News

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Monday June 18, 2018

Floodlights ready to defend New York Independence Cup

Flashback: Celebration time, Members of the victorious Floodlights team following their victory in the Orlando Cup 2018. The Guyana Floodlight Softball Cricket Association (GFSCA) will be represented by two teams at the upcoming annual New York Independence Cup. The tournament is set for June 29 - July 1 and will be hosted by New York Softball Cricket League (NYSCL). The teams are defending champions Floodlight Over-45, which humiliated arch rivals Regal Masters also from Guyana, in the 2017 final and for the first time, and Floodlights Legends Over-50. (

Floodlights Over-45 team is undoubtedly the reigning International Softball Cricket team winning eight International Softball Masters titles so far. They won Guyana Softball Cup thrice, NY Legends Cup twice, Orlando Cup twice and Florida Cup once. They were also seven times runners up in international tournaments. The well rounded and extremely talented team twice defended their title at international tournaments, namely Guyana

Softball Cup (2016 and 2017) and Orlando Cup (2017 and 2018), in the process defeating Regal Masters both times. GFSCA President Ramchand Ragbeer, says that he is confident of defending the NY Legend Cup Title to make it three times in a row. He said that his team has survived the test of times winning twenty consecutive matches in Annual International Softball Cricket Tournament - beginning with Orlando Cup 2017 and concluding

with Orlando Cup 2 in March 2018. Practice is being held daily at New Trafford all weather Turf Practice facility at 93 Dennis Street, Campbellville. A pool of thirty players was recently selected with Ramo Malone set to lead the Floodlights Over-45 and veteran Dharam Persaud at the helm of the Floodlights Legends Over-50. The players shortlisted are; Ramo Malone, Anil Beharry, Uniss Yusuf, Robert Mohan, Tulshi

Lutchman, Ramesh Narine, Jagdish Persaud, Lloyd Ruplall, Kamraj Sumair, Akash Lutchman, C l i v e C a n t e r b u r y, R i c h a r d Kellawan, Thiladeo Tribhowan, Wayne Jones, Dharam Persaud, Armogan Gopaul, Goordial Mattai, Stephen Narine, Surendra Nauth, Ricky Deonarain, Vejai Lutchman, Mike Singh, Rabindra Singh, R i c h a r d R am s u ch i t , R o h an Dudnauth, Vicky Ramsaywack, Jailall Deodass, Teekchand Madho, Naidu Gopaul and Unos Baksh.

Bounty Farm XVs 2018

GDF defeat Hornets to begin title defence on a high The Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) 2018 XVs season sponsored by Bounty Farm continued yesterday at the National Park rugby field with a very lopsided encounter between defending Champions Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Pepsi Hornets. In the GDF’s first match of the season, with the absence of star player Patrick King, they managed to thrash Hornets 33-7 to get on the right track to successfully defend their title which they won in both the 2017 and 2016 season. GDF also managed to snap up the bonus point after scoring more than the required 4 tries. One minute after kickoff, National player, Avery Corbin registered the army men’s first try before Glenday Poole another to double the champions lead to 10 points. A successful conversion kick from Joseph Rahaman ensured GDF finished the first half of play comfortably with 12 points. GDF full quota of 15 players had outnumbered the tardy Hornets that only had 12, and the lack in numbers further added to the

GDF’s Dillon ‘Pip pin’ DeAbreu tussles with Hornets’ Captain Ryan Gonsalves (right). mountain Hornets had to climb when adding the physical advantage of the Defence Force team. Immediately on resumption for the second period of 40 minutes play, Hornets Toby David scored a

try and Leon Greaves converted to bring the losing side back into the game with the score 12-7. But, Corbin scored two more tries to complete his hat-trick, while Dwayne Schroeder assisted the 33-7 rout with one of his own;

all of which were successfully converted by Rahaman who finished the match with eight points. On Saturday afternoon, Delmar Headley had recorded a hat-trick of tries to help Panthers maul Yamaha

Caribs 41-11 in the game which the winners led throughout. Panthers were boosted with the return of Rondel ‘Bull’ McArthur who had suffered a minor concussion last month. (Story and photos by Calvin Chapman)

Kaieteur News

Monday June 18, 2018

PAGE 33

Windies Women’s T20 C/Ships

Guyana lose again, despite Thompson’s performance A fluent 61 from 36 balls with seven fours and four sixes from Hayley Matthews led Barbados to a 27-run victory and over shadowed a good all-round performance by Guyana’s Akaze Thompson at Sabina Park as the South American ladies stumbled to their third defeat in four matches as the Windies Women’s T20 Championships continued last evening in Jamaica. The 20-year-old Matthews, who made her senior Barbados as a 12year-old, added 44 for the first wicket with Danielle Small, who hit two fours in 21 before Matthews put together 55 for the second wicket with Kycia Knight who also reached the boundary twice in 23 as Barbados reached 134-6 in 20 overs. Twenty-six year-old Thomson bowled a frugal four-over spell in which she had 2-22 for Guyana who were restricted to 107-3 when their 20 overs expired. Thompson topscored with an unbeaten 47 decorated by four fours and a six. Shanika Bruce had 217 with the new ball for the Bajans. Matthews, who

Matthews lead B’dos 27-run win Akaze Thompson

West Indies opener Hayley Matthews dazzled in Barbados’ impressive win. captained her boy’s school team at 11, dominated the opening stand with several audacious shots. But just when the partnership was beginning to flourish, Matthews, a Gold Medalist in Javelin in 2015 CARIFTA Games, watched as Small hit Mandy Mangru to Thompson to break the stand. Knight joined Matthews and smashed Mangru for a couple of boundaries in her

only over which cost 19 runs before Matthews, gaining in confidence as her innings progressed, reached her half century and at 99-1 Barbados seemed set for big total. But after Matthews, who has four fifties from 36 ODIs for the West Indies, was removed by Sheneta Grimmond, five wickets fell for 18 runs as the Guyanese bowlers produced a disciplined

performance. Windies player Deandra Dottin (2) was bowled by off-spinner Plaffiana Millington at 109-3 after being kept on a tight leash for 17 balls and Shamilia Connell (7) was run out at 11 7 - 4 b e f o r e A a l i y a h Alleyne had her stumps knocked out by Thompson for a duck without addition to the score. When Knight was bowled by Thompson at

122-6, Charlene Taitt (12*) and Sherika Selman (3*) added 12 runs before their overs ran out. When Guyana began their reply, Tremayne Smartt, sent in as pinch hitter, was bowled by Bruce for a duck at 2-1 before Grimmond (1) fell at 6-2, while Guyana’s leading run scorer Shemaine Campbelle got going with three boundaries before she was sent packing by Bruce for

16 to leave Guyana on 32-3. Thompson and Guyana U-19 Captain Shabika Gajnabi, who reached the boundary once and cleared it once in her unbeaten 31, batted solidly but found it difficult to put their foot on the gas but their unfinished 75-run stand was a futile effort. Guyana face the Leewards in their final game and can no longer win the title. Matthews was named Player of the Match.

rt o p S

Gabriel gets five again but SL lead nears 300 P. 29

West Indies’ players appeal for the wicket of nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha. (AFP)

Coutinho scorcher not enough as Brazil held 1-1 by Swiss P. 30

Brazil’s Philippe Coutinho in action with Switzerland’s Breel Embolo. (REUTERS/Damir Sagolj

Mexico stun champions Germany 1-0 in World Cup openerP. 30 Printed and published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd., 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown. Tel: 225-8458, 225-8465, 225-8491 or Fax: 225-8473/226-8210.