Kaieteur News

K

AIETEUR

Sexual harassment allegation at CJIA... Tuesday Edition

Female employee files police complaint

June 18, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 26

NEWS

Guyana’s largest selling daily & New York’s most popular weekly

Online: www.kaieteurnews.com Price $80

Online readership yesterday 107,925

IMF meeting with Govt…

Concerns raised over absence of ring-fencing provision in ExxonMobil-Guyana oil deal Car plunges overboard driver found dead nearby The car after being pulled from the trench

Dead: Lynson Grant

CCJ in landmark rulings today Wakapoa woman dead, Guyanese man Confusion erupts at G/T family hospitalized in robbed, killed Magistrates' Court as suspected poisoning in Venezuela prisoners escape, recaptured Corruption in the Police Force...

Guyana lauded for Seniors reportedly hunting corruption fight; financial sector stable for whistle-blowing ranks

- IMF mission warns of impact of Venezuelan migrants to hinterland, rural areas - Alleged corrupt cop “reverted” to uniform, transferred

How did 4.8M acres offshore Guyana end up in the hands of four companies with no track record in the oil industry?

Kaieteur News

PAGE 02

Tuesday June 18, 2019

WAKE UP

GUYANESE

BROTHERS & SISTERS R

Paid Ad

Our Mom and Dad die in an accident and leave 10 children.

Robert, the eldest brother, is put in charge of all of our properties.

Suddenly, we hear that two of the most valuable properties were secretly transferred to Robert’s wife’s sister and brother.

As we dig deeper, we find out that the wife’s sister and brother sold PART of the properties for US$100M. What did Robert do to his siblings?

Whose pocket is the US$100M going into?

Will it be found in the hands of the wife’s sister and brother?

Do you think Robert loves his wife’s sister and brother so much to let them have that US$100M? Think about it!

That is exactly what has happened with Guyana oil blocks. They were transferred into the hands of ??

And some of them were sold for hundreds of US $$ millions.

What have they done to the Guyanese people?

Think about it.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 03

Corruption in the police force CCJ in landmark rulings today Seniors reportedly hunting for whistle-blowing ranks G …Alleged corrupt cop “reverted” to uniform, transferred

Tough times for Berbice police: President David Granger with Deputy Commissioner, Paul Williams; top cop, Leslie James (2nd l), Deputy Commissioner, Nigel Hoppie, and Crime Chief, Lyndon Alves (right)

A

s silence continues to prevail among the hierarchy of the Guyana Police Force and calls to the Divisional Commander, Paul Langevine, continues to go unanswered, Kaieteur News was reliably informed that the Detective Lance Corporal whose number, ranks confirmed, was found in the cell phone of now dead bandit, Kelvin 'Kelly' Shivgobin, was reverted (put back in police uniform) and transferred to the Central Police Station (within B'Division).

Shivgobin was shot dead in Black Bush Polder, a few weeks ago.

However, it should be noted that the GPF itself and the seniors of 'B' Division have not confirmed whether there is an investigation currently ongoing into the allegations.

While the call is to have an independent investigation (not the GPF conducting it), there has been no response to what is being alleged by the informing ranks.

This publication also understands that two other ranks (Detective Constables) who were not fingered in any of the corruption allegations made by their fellow colleagues, were also reverted and transferred. It is

unclear whether their transfers are connected to the issue at hand.

According to a police source, he was told that the two detective constables transferred were suspected to be "the whistleblowers".

They however, are not.

The source disclosed, "Dem trying to find who talking to the media." The other ranks whom "the whistleblowers" mentioned that are allegedly involved in corrupt activities are "still stationed where they are".

Pressure continues to mount at the helm of the GPF. President David Granger and the Public Security Minister are being asked to intervene and order an independent investigation into the allegations made by several ranks of the force.

While many have

indicated that what were published are facts, they are scared to come forward and speak out. A few of them took the chance a week ago.

They approached the press and revealed some shocking details of the activities their fellow colleagues are involved in.

They revealed that a senior officer attached to Headquarters, Georgetown is also at the center of corrupt acts. As such, they believe that that the matter should not be investigated by the police (see previous articles for details).

Stakeholders and Regional officials in Berbice have all expressed concern over the brewing situation.

They were in high praise of the ranks that came forward.

They too called for an independent probe.

uyana's court of last resort, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will deliver landmark rulings this morning that will ultimately decide the country's political stability. At 10:00hrs, this morning the entire world will tune in as the CCJ pronounces on the validity of the No-Confidence Motion which the Court of Appeal ruled was validly passed on December 21, 2018 in the National Assembly.

Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, reasoned that the rulings will decide whether a NoConfidence Motion exists, or not and if it does its impact and consequences after a successful passage.

He also reasoned that the rulings will decide whether defects in the qualification of a member of the National Assembly can affect its potency and whether the President has the powers to reject nominees submitted to him by the Leader of the Opposition for the appointment of a Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), and instead unilaterally appoint one of his own choice.

If the court rules in favour of the government, it will serve out its five-year term which expires next year when elections are initially due.

Should the court rule in favour of the Opposition, elections will have to be held within three months in accordance with the provisions of Article 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana. However, everything rests on how far the court goes with its consequential orders.

It is without a doubt that the CCJ ruling will establish precedent, and will substantially affect the interpretation of existing laws. From the outset, President of the CCJ Justice Adrian Saunders said that the court recognized the importance of the cases and so ordered that they be treated and regarded as urgent.

On May 8, the Trinidadbased court heard marathon arguments in relation to the appointment process for a Chairman for GECOM in this case, retired Judge James Patterson.

The Opposition has contended that the process breached the Constitution.

Over a two-day period, May 9 and May 10, the regional court entertained arguments on the Opposition-sponsored motion of no-confidence against the coalition government.

The foremost issue in this case was whether 33 or 34 votes were required to carry the motion given that the National Assembly comprises of 65 members.

The government has insisted that 34 votes, or what they deem “an absolute majority” is needed. The Opposition, however, says this is not the case, and that only 33 votes, more so a “simple majority”, were required for its successful passage.

Furthermore, the CCJ 's ruling will settle a dispute on whether expelled Alliance for Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Charrandass Persaud, who voted in favour of the motion was ineligible to do so owing to him being a citizen of Guyana and Canada—holding dual citizenship.

As it is, Guyana's High Court and Court of Appeal have both ruled that Persaud was not eligible for membership in the National Assembly because he held dual citizen. Both courts has held that its findings were based on the provisions set out in Article 155 (1) (a) of the Constitution. But although declaring that Persaud was ineligible, his “yes” vote on the motion was saved by the proviso of Article 165 (2) of the Constitution.

However, the CCJ rules, both Government and Opposition have signaled its preparedness to abide. These litigations have gained widespread recognition.

They have been the subject of commentary by political commentators, university professors, media personnel and the walking man on the streets.

This morning's rulings can be streamed live from the CCJ's website at https://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=Dgjs0Mkucvk

PAGE 4

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

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

LETTING GO OF GRUDGES Unless Guyanese do, they are lost. Unless citizens let go of racial and political grudges, then any visions and efforts towards environmental and national mending and rising are doomed to the garbage heap of failure.

It is a high heap that is killing slowly. Very few are immune to what traps in a terrible spiral. Whatever the CCJ announces today will not reverse.

For a great majority of locals, casting off the political grudges that robs this nation is not an option. It is unthinkable in the extreme. Why should we? To shorten aspirations? To limit promise and participation? What about them?

Half a fig is better than no fig. But there is neither listening nor understanding nor readiness towards letting go, of starting over clean. CCJ cannot live this; has to be by Guyanese.

The advice from a New York Times article dated May 19, and titled, “Let Go of Your Grudges. They’re Doing You No Good. What does holding on to grudges really get us?” applies to all Guyanese. Try telling that to local citizens.

No listening. No interest. Not here, where “Nothing is too small or petty, when it comes to grudges.” Not with individuals; not with any of the two major groups; not on a national level. Not with regard for the future. CCJ could point, citizens have to act.

A more than decade-old study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology as part of the Stanford Forgiveness Project notes that “skills-based forgiveness training may prove effective in reducing anger…stress…and physical health symptoms” as well as the related “stress we put on our immune and cardiovascular systems.”

And further “that carrying anger into old age is associated with higher levels of inflammation and chronic illness.” The price is high; simply look where this nation has been mired forever, where it could have risen, if only it gives itself a chance. No CCJ counseling needed.

But no! There are a lot of angry middle-aged and older people in this country, who walk around with the baggage of racial grudges that cripple at every level. This country is not progressing; for that is what is passed on to children who, in turn, carry that angry torch that inflames this angry society, and make it hateful.

The study reveals that “If it’s bitterness” it is held “with anger.” And “if it’s hopeless” there is “despair.” That is what powers (bitterness and anger) and paralyzes (hopelessness and despair). Who is going to win? That means somebody loses. That means many are out. That means more anger, more outflow, more despair in an unending and vicious circle.

How to confront? How to reverse? “Full forgiveness can…reverse the negative repercussions of holding on to anger and grudges.” In Guyana, that is best embodied by racial angers and racial grudges. Moreover, that wordforgiveness-is a dirty one in this country. Not to be mentioned, but abhorred here.

Like incest. Like perceived dirty diseases. Like feared spirits of the netherworld.

For those who seek a better Guyana, forgiveness involves a multi-step process: forgiveness starts with freeing self; then others; it starts now. Not the CCJ’s role; true freedom must originate from Guyanese.

The freedom to reconcile, a soothing hand. All Guyanese are in desperate need of such reconciling hands.

In the heart, there must be readiness to adjust thinking on the sources of group grudges: History. Memory. Legacy.

Those are the universes of individual stories of mindless, baseless anger for others, which form the great Guyanese collective that cripples this nation, and causes it to cower through decimation of its spirit, its potential, its present and future.

Many of the younger ones (older ones, too) harbor anger and hate for which they can identify neither root nor cause. Except that it is “them.” Therefore, it is justified; it is right. It must stay that way. Except that it can’t.

Regardless of how the CCJ rules.

A law enforcement housecleaning is due, way overdue DEAR EDITOR, In this instance, it is a cop.

Only one. So far. I would hope that there are more like this unprecedented speaker.

Because when a senior police officer dares to breach the impregnable blue (khaki) wall of silence, then that says something. Many things.

First, it is that things are really bad, have deteriorated to the point where the sights and stenches and sounds can be neither ignored nor denied.

Those perverse police things cannot be dissembled nor obscured for much longer. The police have run out of both brooms with which to sweep and carpets under which to shelter the chronic, crippling wrongdoing that imperils citizens.

The police have run out of time and excuse and credibility. For its part, the government cannot be a disinterested and disengaged bystander, waiting for the second coming of something.

Something vague, indefinable, insignificant.

That hour is behind this country.

It had better be at this time after all that has happened; and if the peoples of this society are going to be ready to deal with what is

in front of them.

Second, when a senior officer of the force (as reported) has broken ranks that reveals certain truths raw and ugly and hemorrhaging and spiritsapping - that, of necessity and principle, must be faced with eyes locked straight ahead, face set like flint, and soul committed to searching for a way forward.

A real way, a meaningful way, and in an absolutely unflinching way.

Any other way, and I am unmoving that it would be the usual six for nine, and the subtle and not-sosophisticated institutional slime that causes all to fall.

That breaking of ranks and silence is indicative that matters may have already proceeded past the point of remediation.

That is, unless arrested right now and in the most comprehensive and punitive fashion. Otherwise, there are only paltry poultices for the terminal and now confirmed basket case.

That is how bad things are perceived as being with the Guyana Police Force.

Third, the fact that a senior officer has stepped forward to join the growing volume of voices tells something about that

particular watchman over the world of Guyana. It is that he had better be clean himself before he could even have thought to take such a fateful step. I take the plunge and believe. That benefit must be given, and inhaled for the breath of fresh air that it is; it is a rare waft emanating from the cancerous bowels of the Guyana Police Force.

If he is not clean himself, nor confident in the impeccability of his own credibility and credentials then he, too, would have been shackled into silence and distancing and pretending.

There has to be no fear of self-incrimination; no fear of finger-pointing through counter accusations; no fear of a career that may now be in jeopardy as to upward mobility. It could be the kiss of death, through the furies unleashed in institutional vengeance for violating the deep-seated omerta that prevails.

Fourth, it is hoped that there are more that are like this official of yearned-for character in the Guyana Police Force; and that they, too, will venture forward. I would hope that this pioneering voice possesses the stamina to stay the course, lead the charge forward, come what may. He

must be prayed for, rallied around, lauded and rewarded in due time.

Right now, a law enforcement housecleaning is due, way overdue.

Detoxification.

Rehabilitation. Sanctification even. It may take years, but this country needs it. This country needs it and now; so that it does not have to look over shoulder, live in suspicion, function in fear.

Fifth and finally, I believe that the ball is now in two courts simultaneously: police administration and central government.

This is opportunity and circumstance, perhaps the waited-for perfect storm of time and occasion, to seize the moment and act. Let it be faced: the place has to be purged. Thoroughly and from top to bottom. Too many dragging it down, and all the rest of Guyana with it. That includes me.

There is little to recommend and applaud from what is getting done now.

Less is to be anticipated in the future, should things remain the same. It is time to stop the scandalous knavery.

For as the police goes, the government goes. Guyana, too.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

Bilateral ties that will benefit all Guyanese DEAR EDITOR, I am certain that the saying “Short and sweet’’ is the apt description that can be applied to the just concluded visit of the President of Ghana, His Excellency, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to Guyana.

But such a momentous and historical occasion, as it certainly was, has to be placed in its proper context, for the absolutely great satisfaction of finally having a visit to these shores of the leader of the We s t A f r i c a n c o u n t r y, Ghana, which descendants are numbered among African Guyanese.

It was a visit that has served to re-kindle that very special Guyanese– Ghanaian connection that began over three hundred years ago with the early Akan people arriving as slaves.

This was the beginning of the bonds that have over the many decades been standing at the heart of the spiritual symbolism between the two countries.

It was unbelievable, listening to sister Penda Guyan, that indefatigable Africanist who publicly spoke of former presidents,

Donald Ramotar and Bharrat Jagdeo not only refusing to consider a visit from a Ghanaian president, but the reason given – that there were no benefits to be had.

E d i t o r, i f s u c h a response does not reek of discrimination, then what does? It was a perception, I suspect, concluded from the fact of the general challenges that many African states were encountering, and the PPP/ C administration adopting a o n e - s i z e - f i t - a l l v i e w, rather than an objective appraisal as to the state of affairs of individual states, which would have seen Ghana, already reaping the benefits of democratic s t a b i l i t y, a n d s o c i o economic growth and development that would have eventually made her a blueprint for other African nations to follow.

Not even promoting cultural ties with a country which people, because of slavery, had been forcibly brought to these shores, was considered.

Is it not ironic that this very African state is prospering, and whose leader has been “promoting economic security and stability on the Continent

of Africa; “regionalism”, “the interests of developing states’’, and whose ‘’continued leadership and stewardship to protect their gains and secure their future”, but which had been shunted into the column of states, deemed as “no benefit to Guyana” can now offer this c o u n t r y, a n a r r a y o f benefits through improved bilateral ties?

Of course, these offers are welcomed, and are in keeping with President G r a n g e r ’s v i s i o n o f a n economic foreign policy.

S u r e l y, such an economic powerhouse, with a very high single digit of economic growth, and with a visionary president giving leadership to his continent, just did not occur overnight.

It would have been a gradual process that would have begun with the Jerry Rawlings presidency, and sustained by his successors onto this current Head of State.

As the sixth largest oil producer in Africa, with five to seven billion barrels of oil in reserve, and six trillion cubic feet of national gas reserves, Ghana is well placed to

guide Guyana in the crucial establishing of its oil and gas industry. Its plan to send its experts to train Guyanese in this field, at its own expense is indeed welcome, and will build much needed human capacity. Further, it will help to shut the mouths of the numerous gas experts that have mushroomed overnight.

There is tremendous benefit for Guyana, coming from a country that has almost 50 years of experience in this vital economic resource.

And with a Memorandum of Understanding that has now placed relations on a very firm legal footing, particularly removing visa requirement for travelling between the two countries, and establishing the parameters for trade and investment between the two countries.

As further proof of Ghana’s development of its human resource capacity, and sincerity towards helping developing countries, albeit a sister Commonwealth country, Ghana and Barbados are in the process of an agreement, whereby the (Continued on page 5)

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Guyanese diaspora eagerly awaits CCJ ruling DEAR EDITOR, The Guyanese diaspora (in USA and Canada) eagerly awaits the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) scheduled for today, on the long delayed constitutionality of the Gecom Chair appointment and no confidence motion.

In recent days, I conversed with Guyanese in person in New York and Florida, as well as spoke with Guyanese on the phone, located in distant places in Canada, UK, Trinidad and elsewhere.

Everywhere, Guyanese and people of other nationalities also expressed a keen interest in this pending CCJ ruling on the two critical constitutional matters.

The diaspora felt the no confidence motion should

not have gone to court, as it is a legislative issue, which the Speaker of the House adequately and correctly addressed.

They also feel that once the matter was taken to court, it should have been disposed of within days (High Court, Court of Appeal, and CCJ) and not the five months it has taken.

They are confident that the CCJ will reverse the Court of Appeal ruling legitimizing that 33 is a majority of 65 and not 34.

O n t h e P r e s i d e n t ’s unilateral appointment of a Gecom Chair, they feel the President has violated the constitution. They are shocked that the High Court and Court of Appeal endorsed a unilateral Gecom Chair appointment

when the constitution was amended in 2000 ending that practice. They are of the view that the President must appoint a Chair of Gecom from among the nominees recommended by the Opposition Leader and are confident that the CCJ will rule that way.

The bigger problem that the diaspora is concerned about is enforcing the rulings of the CCJ. They note that the government has not abided by previous court rulings.

They hope the CCJ issues specific orders with time frames – a specific date (w ithin a few days from today, June 18) for a Gecom chair appointment and elections within ninety days of today.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Let’s applaud local oil and gas companies DEAR EDITOR, It is disheartening to read every day the bad press on two local companies that are trying to establish themselves in Guyana’s oil and gas sector - Cataleya Energy Ltd and Mid Atlantic Oil and Gas. Criticising with the

Bilateral ties that will benefit...

From page 4 former will send 400 nurses to plug this vital manpower shortage that has been p l a g u i n g t h e i s l a n d ’s health system - and all this coming from a country against which the PPP/C administration had discriminated.

This is a diplomatic achievement for A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC), which will benefit ALL of Guyana.

Regards Earl Hamilton

PAGE 5

Kaieteur News

benefit of hindsight is easy, but it’s worth recalling two factors prior to 2015: at the time they began negotiations for these blocks not a drop of oil had ever been discovered offshore Guyana, and Exxon was a long way off from drilling.

Aside from the geological risk, it is also worth remembering the political uncertainty then, including the interception of the Anadarko vessel and the vigorous diplomatic protests by a then far more powerful Venezuela against Exxon’s first rig, the Deepwater Champion, back in early 2015.

Even though Exxon has

subsequently had tremendous success, deep sea oil exploration remains a very expensive hit-and-miss business, with an average 30% success rate. So there is no guarantee whatsoever that these two companies will strike oil even as they use their own personal funds and raise capital for the drill programmes.

The irony is that while everyone likes to talk about local content and local jobs, here are two local businesses that are being attacked.

Instead they should be applauded for their entrepreneurship.

Yours sincerely Albert Russell

Deputy Toshao debunks claims about Linden-Lethem Road Deputy Toshao of Toka, a North Rupununi Village in Region 9, Eugene Isaacs has refuted “spurious claims” that have circulated in an article purporting to characterise the Linden to Lethem road project in a negative light.

In an interview with DPI, Deputy Toshao Isaacs called on Guyanese to be fair in their critique, noting: “I do not find the comments being fair because minibuses are passing on the road”.

Moreover, in his praise of the project, Isaacs said, “there is fairly good road.

There is no part on that road from Kurupukari right up to Mabura that you can actually say is impassable. We have seen that there were even problems up to last year, where there were real big holes in the road, but nevertheless those things are fixed. It’s a bygone right now.”

On the other hand, the Toka Deputy Toshao revealed that the Lethem to Annai road has been fixed, with the exception of a few minor improvements that are needed on the approaches to Pirara bridge. He mentioned that on minor sections of the road, the surface appears to be a bit smoother than usual, but expressed confidence in the smooth sections being remedied.

“The main thing here is that I am seeing machinery on the road fixing the road at this time, which never happened before. I have never seen this since the road started to break up. So, that is a big plus.”

Reflecting on the former

state of the Linden-Lethem road, the indigenous leader related, “every year before we used to have problem. Every year real major problem, [but] this year we don’t have no major problem.”

While the journey may have lasted up to a day during last year’s rainy season, the Deputy Toshao explained that

the journey from Toka to Lethem can be completed in about an hour now. This is attributed to the improved roadway.

The ongoing works have had a lasting impact on the Toka indigenous community.

“You feel real nice like somebody is thinking about (Continued on page 6)

PAGE 6

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Deputy Toshao debunks claims Antigua PM calls for support for LIAT ST. JOHN’S, Antigua fashioned and the links that together by providing a about Linden-Lethem Road... (CMC) – The Antigua and have been established, could network of daily air bridges

From page 5 you... it kind of make you feel like something is happening...

There’s going to be improvement. It gives you hope for a better road,” the Deputy Toshao declared.

Toka village and many others have also benefited from stable fuel prices. This is so due to the reduction in transit time of the fuel tankers.

Referencing his recent travel to Georgetown, Deputy Toshao Isaacs remarked, “the price at one of the fuel stations had drop a little bit.

So, rather than going up at this time of the season, you see it coming down.” The Toka leader further added, “those kinds of things take the pressure off the people”.

“I believe that generally they’re doing a good job, and especially on the Lethem road.

I want to commend the

Deputy Toshao of Toka, Eugene Isaacs government, you know and let them keep the work up and keep their contractors because these men are doing an excellent job. I’ve never seen the road lifted [elevated] over the years,” Isaacs told the Department of Public Information.

Construction of the 450km Linden to Lethem road began

this year under the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Phase one includes building 125km of road, as funding was received from the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIPF).

The project aims to bridge the gap between the Coastland and the Hinterland.

Barbuda government says it has no intention of allowing the cash-strapped regional airline, LIAT, fail saying it is a necessary component of regional unity and integration.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 67th meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean Sttaes (OECS) Authority, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said that the nine-member OECS countries are a single economic space, “offering all our people the opportunity to produce for a larger market than the limited boundaries of their small-island states.

“Without that single economic space and its single currency, the financial benefits that have flowed to every household over these last 38 years would not have been possible. Economic stability and economic growth were the benefits that the single OECS space provided. “Integral to that space in economic and social terms was LIAT. The airline was the workhorse of the OECS and beyond,” Browne told the meeting, adding “without it, goods would not have been sold; businessmen would not have been able to travel to make deals; tourists would have had to travel by long and circuitous routes.

“But more importantly than anything else – the people of our common community would not have been able to travel between each other ’s islands or maintain the contact that makes us a community. The bonds that have been

not be sustained; nor could the community of the OECS itself.”

Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to become the largest shareholder government of the airline and is soon to enter into negotiations with Barbados to acquire most of that country’s shareholding in the Antigua-based airline.

The other shareholders are Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada.

Antigua and Barbuda currently holds 34 per cent of the shares and if it succeeds in convincing Bridgetown to part with its LIAT shares, would have 81 per cent of the airline that employs over 600 people and operates 491 flights weekly across 15 destinations.

“LIAT has been to all of us a regional good. It is as important as the Internet that has made instant telecommunication possible – through Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and other social media. And, LIAT has served all our countries faithfully,” said Browne, noting that other airlines have come and gone.

“But, LIAT remained, providing transportation to all, and, vitally, keeping our people connected.

In its 1992 report, Time for Action, the West Indian Commission, made the important observation that: “West Indian integration would wither on the vine and die without adequate sea and air transportation services”.

He said LIAT has ensured that West Indian integration has not withered on the vine.

“In the OECS particularly, LIAT kept our sub-region

that all have crossed to their benefit. That is why LIAT should be an OECS-owned airline, serving the needs of our people within our community and beyond.”

Browne lamented that many Caribbean governments are prepared to give subsidies to large, foreign airlines to fly into our countries.

“Those subsidies are paid regularly on the basis that they are necessary to our tourism industry. But, LIAT is also necessary to the tourism industry; it moves more tourists among the OECS sub-region than any other airline; it pays landing fees to every airport, helping to keep them viable; it employs people in every OECS country.”

Browne said LIAT may be based in Antigua, but its benefits spread across the region.“It is time that we acknowledge LIAT for what it is: an essential service to the OECS and a regional good of irreplaceable significance.

Antigua and Barbuda is determined to keep LIAT in the Caribbean skies where it belongs and in which it has earned its place.

“It is time that OECS governments take ownership of this airline and, build it together as an everlasting pillar of our single space equivalent to our common central bank, our single judicial system, our common economic space and our common and enduring identity. And, I urge them, once again, to do so,” said Browne, the incoming chairman of the OECS grouping.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Sexual harassment allegation at CJIA…

Female employee files police complaint A female employee at the Timehri airport has filed an official police complaint against a senior official whom she accuses of sexually harassing her last year.

Yesterday, the woman, an employee at a duty free concession at the airport, visited the Timehri police station, and gave a detailed statement.

The police there were expected to also pick up and interview the senior official.

The incident was said to have taken place last year July with the woman claiming that after back and forth, she was only told recently, almost a year later, that the matter has been “addressed”.

She was not told what “addressed” meant.

Over the weekend, in confirming that the matter had come to the attention of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir, said that it had been investigated and that the airport could not confirm that anything happened.

However, the woman, a supervisor, is insisting that

she was inappropriately held and kissed by the man in his office last July.

She claimed in statements that she went to the official’s office to appeal a case of the wheels of her employer’s vehicle being clamped in the airport’s parking lot.

The woman said that while she was in the man’s office, he invited her out, saying it was his birthday.

The man allegedly left his desk and hugged her and then kissed her.

Shocked, she turned around to leave but the official blocked the door and kissed her a second time.

The woman claimed that she threw up after leaving the office. She met Ghir and a representative of the Human Resources Department the next day where she reported the matter and made a statement.

According to the woman, she was assured that the matter would be investigated.

However, weeks passed and on inquiring, she was told there were no developments.

The woman had claimed that there were cameras

around the office area of the official which would have shown she was there and would have indicated her state of shock.

Kaieteur News was told that it was only last week, after almost a year that the Human Resources Department sent her a WhatsApp message, after she demanded an update, saying that the matter has been “addressed”.

She was not told what that meant.

Police officials over the weekend said that it is shocking that the matter was dealt with in-house at the CJIA instead of immediately being reported to the police.

Kaieteur News was told that sexual harassment, including unwanted kissing and touching, are all serious crimes.

They advised the woman to make a police report.

A confrontation between the alleged victim and a senior official of that stateowned airport is expected to be held before a file is prepared and sent for legal advice.

Wakapao woman dead, family hospitalized after suspected poisoning A number of persons from the Wakapao community, Lower Pomeroon in Region Two have recently been hospitalized after contracting a mystery sick.

Selena Thomas, 38, one of the individuals who was hospitalized, was confirmed dead yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Based on reports reaching this publication, the persons who were hospitalized after showing symptoms of the same sick were her husband, Richard Thomas; Edward Richards, her father; brother, Gavin Richards and Oscar Phillips, her father-in-law.

Kaieteur News understands that Richard Thomas, Selenas husband, had been the first to develop symptoms of feeling unwell.

A close friend to the man told this publication: “Is me close relative and he [Richard] went in the backdam all the time and he de working…

When I call the man [Richard], he wife answer and she said Richie aint feeling good, that he had vomiting and diarrhea.

When I called him he said he not feeling too nice.”

Reports indicate that Richard was first taken to the Wakapao Health Centre, then later rushed to the Oscar Joseph Cottage Hospital, Charity, last Friday.

It is believed that the

Dead: Selena Thomas

woman also reported the same symptoms of feeling unwell, while her husband was being transferred to the Suddie Public Hospital. The couple was eventually transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, by which time her medical conditions had worsened.

The womans brother, Gavin Richards, was apparently the third victim who reported the same symptoms.

Another resident who spoke with this publication said: “The wife take down with the same problem. Her brother now, he in the back dam and he said he gotta come out to see what going

on. When he come out he said he get bad feelings and now he too in the hospital for the same thing.”

Reports reaching Kaieteur News suggest that Richard and Gavin are in a stable condition, while Oscar is still in the emergency department.

Community members believe that the familys water or food supply may be linked to their sudden illness.

In the meantime a medical team has been deployed to the Wakapao Community to carry out an investigation.

There are unconfirmed reports of the family eating cassava that may have been poisoned from their farm.

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

One freed in murder of Sophia bread vendor Tears of joy were shed in the courtroom of Justice Navindra Singh when a 12member jury was ordered to return a formal verdict of not guilty for Shaquille Grant, one of the men who were on trial for the May 5, 2017 murder of Sophia bread vendor, Andre Alexander.

Alexander was shot and killed by two men on a motorcycle.

Grant and Neville Forde were charged with the murder of 42-year-old Alexander. The prosecution led by State Counsel Tuanna Hardy closed its case on Friday.

Grants lawyer, Nigel Hughes, later made a no-case submission.

Among other things, Hughes contended that the evidence against his client was tenuous, and should not be sent to the jury for deliberation.

Yesterday, Justice Singh upheld the no-case submission, thereby discharging Grant and telling him that he was free to go.

Grant walked out of the

prisoners dock calmly and was greeted by his relatives who hugged and kissed him compassionately.

Meanwhile, Forde is still facing the music. He was called on to lead a defence and he chose to give an unsworn testimony.

Forde told the jurors, “I am innocent of this charge. I was arrested on May 9 (2017). No one cautioned me and I did not give any statement. I did not tell the police anything about Bread Man murder. I dont know anything about Bread Man murder. I do not know Shaquille Grant.”

Fordes lawyer is Adrian Thompson.

Justice Singh will sum up the evidence this morning before putting the case to the jury for its deliberation on a verdict.

When the trial commenced last week, prosecution witness, Paulburn David, said he was unable to make out the facial features of two men, both of whom hopped onto a motorcycle and made good their escape after Alexander

was shot. David said that he lived in close proximity to the stand where Alexander sold bread.

He added that he and Alexander attended the same school.

According to him, on the night in question, he was at home watching television when he heard two explosive sounds. Curious about what was happening, David said he peeped outside where he noticed a man sitting on a “CG-type motorcycle”. The witness said that seconds later, another man ran and jumped onto the motorcycle and sped off.

Questioned by State Prosecutor, Teriq Mohamed, as to whether he was able to identify either of the mens facial features, David replied in the negative, but said that they were not wearing masks.

He said, too, that one of them was “slim built.” The witness recalled that the men wore dark-coloured clothing and that the motorcycle was probably black or dark blue.

Another prosecution

witness, ONeil Bovell, a bus driver, also of Sophia, said that on May 5, 2017, he was driving out of the community in his minibus when he was stopped by a group of people who told him that somebody had just been shot. He said that persons placed Alexander, whom he knew, inside of the bus, and he transported him to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

He said that while on the way to the hospital, Alexander complained of “feeling weak.”

According to previous (Continued on page 23)

KILLED: Andre Alexander

FREED: Shaquille Grant

IMF meeting with Govt…

Concerns raised over absence of ring - fencing provision in ExxonMobil - Guyana oil deal One of the most worrying loopholes in Guyana’s Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its two partners, Hess Corporation and CNOOC/NEXEN, is the absence of robust ringfencing provisions.

This provision is important as it prevents the oil company from offsetting the costs incurred on an unsuccessful well, against one that is successful.

For example, ExxonMobil had spud two wells in the Stabroek Block called Skipjack and Sorubim. Both wells came up dry.

Exxon and its partners, however, have more than a dozen other discoveries in that same block. Because there are no ring-fencing provisions, Exxon has nothing to worry about as it can easily offset the costs incurred for the two unsuccessful wells on the profits made on any one of its successful finds. When this occurs, Guyana’s cut of the oil riches gets smaller.

This disturbing flaw of the GuyanaExxonMobil deal was raised with the I n t e r n ational Monetary Fund (IMF) during its recently concluded Article IV Mission with the coalition government and other stakeholders.

The Article IV Consultation is conducted by the IMF with the intention of assessing the member c o u n t r y ’s economic health while laying out probable financial difficulties.

The IMF in its statement that was issued yesterday, said that its team w a s l e d b y M r. A r n o l d

McIntyre. The IMF visiting team was in Guyana from June 3 to 14, last.

The IMF members met with Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Finance Minister, Winston Jordan; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams; Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga; representatives from the private sector, banks, the opposition party, labour unions, and other stakeholders.

The IMF said, “The authorities have indicated their concerns that the absence of a ring-fencing arrangement in the Stabroek Production Sharing Agreement could potentially affect the projected flow of government oil revenues.

The rapid appraisal and development of multiple oil fields could affect the timing and amount of profit oil to be shared with the government from a producing oil field by allocating costs from various fields under development to the producing field.”

The Fund noted that the authorities are developing strategies to mitigate such a possibility. It said that this includes a national oil depletion policy to guide extraction and production and clearer ring-fencing rules for new investments.

UNDP MAKES APPEAL A report that was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and prepared by Oil and Gas Consultant, Anthony Paul, had called on the government of Guyana since 2016 to have future oil deals subjected to strict ring-fencing provisions.

The Local Content expert also notes that the government must require where there is no prior commitment, a new model licence, asserting that the holder of that instrument will be subject to new oil laws and regulations.

He said that government must require signature bonuses, retain equity in all new licences, and seek early or aggressive relinquishment clauses.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

One-term governments are here to stay Guyana loses whatever happens at the Caribbean Court of Justice today. The people of Guyana have become so polarized about this court case that constitutional issues have become secondary to the concerns about the political implications of the judgment.

Guyana loses because its people are not interested in ensuring respect for the Constitution. Some are bent on ensuring that the government is not removed while others want to see the resignation of the government.

The no-confidence motion is a perfectly legitimate democratic mechanism for holding Governments accountable. But it has become in Guyana a highly divisive issue. It has revealed the deep divisions in the country, and the failure of the APNU+AFC to reduce these divisions.

No confidence motions are here to stay. Guyanese have to become accustomed to no confidence motions because the ethnic arithmetic is of such that

any future government will either be a minority government or hold a very slender majority. The supporters of the APNU+AFC, since assuming office have behaved as if their government has a commanding majority and not a slender grip on parliament.

As such, the no confidence motion has left many of them in shock. Many of them supporters are traumatized. They are not thinking straight. They have found themselves in state of deep shock and distress because they were operating under an illusion that their government was strong and invincible. How could any government with one seat majority be stable and impregnable?

No government with less than a four-seat majority should believe that it is secure. Even Burnham, in 1964, took steps to have persons from the opposition cross the floor in order to ensure that his party had a comfortable majority.

As declassified documents have revealed, the 1964 govern-

ment was never stable, not within the government nor within the National Assembly.

In the 2011 parliament, the PPP found itself as a minority government. The combined opposition had a one-seat majority and used it to frustrate the Donald Ramotar government.

That entire parliamentary session was highly contentious.

Eventually the APNU and the AFC agreed to move a motion of no confidence against the Ramotar administration.

He would have fallen had he not prorogued parliament.

If elections are called tomorrow or next year, the result is not likely to be much different from 2011 and 2015. Whoever holds the government will hold a slim majority. Voting remains primarily along ethnic lines and Guyana’s ethnic composition will always, in such circumstances, be an ethnic census.

The country is likely to witness musical chairs with the government. One-term governments

Dem boys seh ...

Monkey see; monkey do is a dangerous thing.

People does see odda people do things and believe dem can do it and get away wid it. Nuff days dem boys does pick up de papers and read how prisoners escape. Prisoners escape from Mazaruni prisons wha surrounded by water.

Some of dem get ketch but dem have a few who people don’t know if dem living or dem dead.

Perhaps dem deh in de gold bush or dem run to Venezuela. Of course if dem deh in Venezuela things wuss than in de jail suh dem might come back. Prisoners get away from de Camp Street jail and start a problem that tek more than six years to deal with. In fact, dem boys know prisoners was getting away all de time. Some get ketch and some disappear off de face of de map.

Dem boys know that prisoners from de last prison break still at large and it look like if nobody ain’t looking fuh dem.

But yesterday, two of dem try to get away and cause more confusion than people who does go to de magistrates’ court ever see in years. And

if dem didn’t get ketch some prison officer woulda been in trouble.

Two men handcuff together. As soon as dem reach de court dem pelt a shot. One of dem after he get ketch tell de magistrate how he didn’t get away.

Was de odda one who get away and drag him along. Police does have a hard time dragging a man to court. Imagine a prisoner dragging anodda one away from de court.

And of course de handcuff snap. It had to be made in China.

Dem boys seh one of de prisoners only come out of jail five days ago. It got to be that he like de place or he head ain’t good suh he don’t know wha he doing. That is why de prosecutor seh he didn’t learn so he got to get a longer sentence.

But at least he got life. A man did try de same stunt about escaping and he get shot. He dead.

Anodda one still alive but he did escape from a police vehicle.

Talk half and watch what you copying.

are likely to become a feature of national politics.

The APNU+AFC is likely, regardless of whether elections are held later this year or next month, to be replaced by a PPP government.

But since no ethnic group has majority at the moment, elections are likely to result in very close results, as was the case in the 2011 and 2015 elections. In fact the APNU+AFC barely got into office by narrowest of margins in any local election.

Since 2015 the PPP has rebounded. Whether you like Jagdeo or not, he has been smart in his political tactics. He has won back most of the support which the PPPC lost between 2011 and 2015.

While local government elections are not an effective predictor of what will happen in general elections, the commanding majority gained by the PPPC at both the 2016 and 2018 elections suggests that it will be impossible for that party to be defeated

at the next general and regional elections.

But even so, the PPPC is not likely to win by any landslide and may struggle to gain a working majority in the National Assembly. Election patterns in Guyana have been consistent. The result of the 1997 elections were almost similar to that of the 1992 elections and after constitutional change in 2001, the elections of that year and the following elections in 2006 more or less saw the ruling party and the combined opposition gain more or less the same percentage of votes.

In 2012 census demonstrated why the PPP fell slightly behind in 2011. Their ethnic base had shrunk just enough to cause the party to slip below the 50% mark, a pattern that was repeated in 2015. Only that time there was a coalition which gained 51% to the PPPC 49%.

As such, a new government was formed.

Whatever the decision of the CCJ today, a new government is very much likely whenever elections are held in 2020. And in 2025, there is likely to be a minority government as the smaller parties become stronger and new parties emerge.

There is even a strong likelihood that the PPPC will lose in 2025 to a resurgent APNU as the smaller parties eat into the PPPC’s support base.

Guyanese therefore should grow accustomed to regular changes in government. Oneterm governments are here to stay. Get with it!

PAGE 10

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Moses Nagamootoo: A political obituary Something has to be seriously wrong with a politician that he can lose three successive elections in his hometown where the past fifty years he has kept an ongoing relation with. In the 2015 general elections, the PPP won more votes than the party of which Moses Nagamootoo (MN) was its prime ministerial candidate in Whim, the birth village of MN. The next year, in local government elections (LGE), the PPP won the NDC in Whim again while its son, MN, was the Prime Minister. In 2018, while still the Prime Minister, the PPP won Whim’s NDC for the third consecutive time.

In any part of the world,

party mandarins would have said such a politician has lost staying power and should go.

In one of his Chronicle columns, MN offered the reason for the PPP victories in Whim. It was an unhistorical and dishonest type of reasoning. He said to understand what took place in Whim in the 2018 LGE one needs to understand the permanent effect of racial influence.

There are many ways of refuting such nonsense but two should suffice.

There was no protracted influence of racial thinking in the 2011 general election when Indians in Whim defected from their Indianized party, the PPP, and voted

for one of the two major opposition parties – AFC. The second rebuttal is that politics is a dynamic process. The dialectics are unpredictable but the dialectics are always there.

Barack Obama ran for the presidency and picked up White votes in parts of America that voted for the anti-Black Republican Party since the sixties. Edward Seaga was a local White who repeatedly beat Black candidates in Jamaica.

A month ago, a White presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, Elizabeth Warren, got more after-speech applause than her African American rival, Kamala Harris. The sponsor was a non-white women’s organization. The audience was predominantly Black Americans.

One would like to think that the Whim alienation was one of several factors that went into the planning to end

MN’s prime ministerial career.

But were the Whim villagers vexed with MN because of Whim’s neglect only? Or like the rest of the country they saw a Prime Minister that was virtually absent from the policy making board room but perambulating the territory of Guyana sharing out watermelons and blessing new factories opening up throughout Guyana?

If ever a country had a Prime Minister that did nothing important politically it was Guyana with Moses Nagamotoo Will the APNU+AFC go into the elections with him again in defiance of the AFC’s wishes? That is a non-starter.

Even if they want someone other than Ramjattan, MN’s political career is over.

It has been a long journey of power ambition. He wanted the presidency after the aging Cheddi Jagan left the scene but he went into selfdestruction mode by showing his hand too early.

Two fatal mistakes denied him the presidency. He leaves in a few months time and he will regret these two line faults for the rest of his

life. First he lied on Cheddi Jagan. On a trip in the interior Jagan in response to a question from villagers, told them that there are many in the PPP to succeed him and he said pointing his finger, “like people like Comrade Moses.”

MN argued with PPP leaders, including Jagan’s wife, that Jagan anointed him as successor when he made that statement. The PPP hierarchy from here on knew that MN has become Macbeth.

The second fatality was during the PPP’s learning curve when it formed the government after 1992. He left the government and spent two years preparing for his law degree in Trinidad so he would be intellectually equipped to succeed Jagan. It wasn’t to be.

All the major players in the PPP kingdom hated him for that Macbethian journey. Janet Jagan hated MN more than her formidable enemies in the PNC. It was over for MN in the PPP. But he didn’t believe that.

He waited to see if there was still a chance to be the presidential candidate for

Frederick Kissoon the PPP in 2011. When that dream disappeared, three months before the 2011 general poll, he jumped ship and joined the AFC. He became the PM after 2015 and had explicitly said in 2016 that he was leaving politics after the 2020 election. He cited age and his declining health.

Three months in the US recuperating from a heart attack, he discovered that power and money were too sweet. When Trotman announced in February that the AFC would support him for another term, the knives were drawn.

The power lust he showed in the PPP, he was now showing in the AFC. Like Macbeth he was doomed to fail.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 11

PAGE 12

Cummingsburg Accord still in force - AFCs General Secretary

Youths to be sentenced after admitting to killing Professor Mars Two more young killers were remanded to prison to await sentencing for the May 12, 2016 killing of 75-year-old retired professor Pairadeau ‘Perry’ Mars who was found dead at his Lot 395 Bissessar Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown home.

Orin McRae and 20-yearold Nikisha Dover were brought before Justice Navindra Singh yesterday, indicted for the murder of Mars, who is also called ‘Perry.’ Both McRae and Dover pleaded guilty to the lesser count manslaughter.

The two will return to court on July 12, for sentencing following the presentation of probation reports at the High Court in Demerara. A few weeks ago, 18-year-old Naomi Adams, called ‘Shortee’, also pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing Professor Mars.

She will be sentenced next week Monday, June 24, after a probation report is presented to Justice Singh.

The Judge ordered that probation reports be compiled on them having considered their youthful ages at the time they committed the crime.

According to the prosecution, McRae, Dover, Adams and others went into Mars’s home, and he was subse-

A copy of the last page of the accord which details the time frame.

General Secretary of the Alliance For Change (AFC), David Patterson, who was recently re-elected to that position, is insisting that the Cummingsburg Accord remains in force.

The accord is the official agreement which spells out how the AFC and its coalition partner- the A Partnership For National Unity (APNU)would share governance if they won the May 2015 elections. It was signed on February 14, 2015 by President David Granger, leader of APNU and Khemraj Ramjattan, the leader of AFC. However, it appeared from the copies of the agreement that a small error has been made--

the date Granger signed was on February 14, 2014obviously an error.

The issue of whether the accord remains in force has been raised in recent days.

With Guyana facing a possibility of heading to early elections with a number of decisions on the noconfidence vote of December 21, set to be handed down today by the Caribbean Court of Justice, the accord has become live again.

Yesterday, Patterson posted a copy of the last page of the accord. He said that he was one of the authors.

That last page said that the accord is a sunset agreement with a minimum life

span of 36 months and a maximum of 60 months, or for such time within the time period previously stated as decided by the dispute resolution committee adjudicating on its life.

“It is accepted that these arrangements will govern the relationship of the participating parties in both the pre-and post-election periods, for the duration of the 11th parliament,” the accord said.

The Coalition had won the May 2015 election by a slim, one-seat majority but their term in office is under threat from the no-confidence which has been challenged in the courts.

Guyanese man robbed, killed in Venezuela A Guyanese man who resides in Venezuela, was robbed and shot some time around 03:00hrs Saturday.

Based on reports, 51-yearold Mukesh Rampersaud was robbed and sh o t i n h i s home, located at Tumaremo, Venezuela. This publication understands that Rampersaud was shot at least once, to the head.

Additional information states that Rampersaud had spent the last 35 years in the mining business in Venezuela.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

It is believed that the man, who is formerly of Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast, had accumulated a significant amount of raw gold, after working for almost two years in the said location. Family believes that the man may have been killed over the said gold.

Information surrounding the man’s death is still sketchy, especially since the now dead man’s employer in Venezuela, is failing to co-operate with family members.

Killed: Mukesh Rampersaud

GUILTY: Orin McRae

GUILTY: Naomi Adams

quently choked to death.

Mars’s home was also robbed and Adams was found in possession of his cell phone at the time of her arrest. She also confessed to the crime. According to reports, Mars, a remigrant from the United States of America, was found slumped in a chair in the study room of his home.

His hands and feet were bound together with ducttape, while duct-tape was also wrapped around his mouth.

Professor Mars taught His-

tory at the University of Guyana. He had specialized in African Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Adams is being represented by Attorney-at-Law, Mark Conway, while Dover and McRae are being represented by Attorneys-at-Law Mohamed Ali and Adrian Thompson respectively. Prosecutors Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohamed and Sarah Martin are appearing on behalf of the State.

Guyanese man arrested at JFK with 34 birds in hair curlers

New York (pix11.com) A man attempting to smuggle a flock of singing finches was caught in customs on Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

Francis Gurahoo, 39, was charged with trying to smuggle approximately 34 finches from Guyana into the United States, according to a complaint filed by federal prosecutors in Brooklyn.

Gurahoo, of Connecticut, concealed each live bird in a plastic hair curler in his carry-on bag, prosecutors said.

Gurahoo told pros-

ecutors he planned to sell the suitcase of birds for about $100,000, at a going rate of about $3,000 for each bird, according to the complaint.

The identity of Gurahoo’s attorney was not immediately clear.

Guyanese finches are known to be used for “singing contests” in Brooklyn and Queens.

Gamblers set the songbirds against each other and bet on their voices, according to the complaint.

“In such contests, often conducted in public areas like parks, two finches

sing and a judge selects the bird determined to have the best voice,” the complaint states.

When a bird becomes a champion, its value can spike to over $5,000, prosecutors said. A US Fish and Wildlife Service investigation called “Operation G-Bird” stated that a male finch with a good pedigree and a winning track record can sell for up to $10,000, the New York Times reports.

US Customs and Border Protection says it nabbed smugglers carrying nearly 200 finches in airports in 2018.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 13

Confusion erupts in GT Magistrates' Courts as prisoners escape, recaptured

I

t was like a scene from a movie yesterday, as two prisoners made a daring escape only to be recaptured by police ranks from and around the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

As Seon Ray and Navin Ally were brought to the courts via a police bus, they darted out of the vehicle in an attempt to escape. A police detective who was leaving the courtyard at the time gave chase behind them firing a warning shot from his firearm.

The prisoners were heading west towards the Kitty bus park and they fell to the ground as the warning shot was fired. They then scrambled up and continued to run. About six minutes later Ally was brought back to the court by two plainclothes police ranks.

A short while later Ray was brought in. A huge crowd of civilians escorted the men back into the courts and flocked the compound to ensure they were placed into the lockups.

Shortly after the lunch break, the men were brought up to the court room of Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus. Ally was mopping blood off his forehead with tissues.

Before the charges were read to the men, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus allowed Ally to approach her so she could take a better look at his injuries.

Ally denied the allegation of attempting to escape however, according to Ray the handcuffs were not placed on properly on their wrists and while in the bus Ally was picking it.

When the door was opened in front of the courts, Ally dashed out dragging Ray along. “ As he run that's how I was dragged out and it [handcuffs] eventually break loose, but I was not trying to escape your worship.”

The first charge alleged that on June 15, last, at Kingston, Georgetown, while in the company of another they robbed Terryl Chu of two cell phones, a haversack and a bottle of perfume.

Also on the same date and at the same location,

(CID) Headquarters.

Ally told the court that he is 24 years old from Third Street, Alberttown, Georgetown. He indicated that he was previously sentenced to six months in prison for marijuana possession. He was freed only Thursday last.

On the other hand, Ray told the court that he is 20 years old currently unemployed and he resides at Lot 66 Sussex Street,

Seon Ray in front and Navin Ally behind while in company of another they robbed Ishan Singh of items including jewelry.

Ray pleaded not guilty to both charges while Ally admitted to the allegations.

He then offered to explain his actions.

According to Ally, a month ago he was robbed by a group of men at the said location where the incident in question took place. He claimed that the victim, Singh, stabbed him to his back and he showed a wound to the court.

He went on to say that his action to steal from the victims is a result of the wounding issue and he wanted to take revenge on Singh.

Police prosecutor, Quinn Harris, then addressed the court. The prosecutor stated that the wound shown to the court appears to be an old wound since it is well healed.

He added that the defendant's story does not add up as the victim Singh is a 17-year-old female.

The prosecutor then related the facts of the charge. On the day in question the victims who are in a relationship were having lunch at the seawall near the

construction site at Pegasus.

They were facing the ocean when Ally allegedly came from behind.

The defendant reportedly shouted, “Don't move or I will shoot.” He then relieved the victims of the articles mentioned in the charges. An alarm was raised by the victims to the persons at the construction site and a police officer on duty at the Pegasus Hotel.

A police patrol responded to the alarm and was able to apprehend Ally who was found with Singh's properties. Ray was subsequently arrested with Chu's properties.

The men were taken into police custody where investigations were carried out. A confrontation was held between the parties and the victims maintained their story. Ally reportedly apologized to them.

Prosecutor Harris then informed the court that Ally was not found to be in possession of a firearm based on his threat to the victims. He also mentioned that the charge of escaping police custody is being instituted at the Criminal Investigations Department

Albouystown.

The magistrate then asked the prosecutor what is the suggested penalty he would give for Ally. The prosecutor then advised that it should be three years since the defendant was recently released from prison and it is clear that he hasn't learnt anything.

He added that Ally has no remorse for his actions and the sentence before was not enough for him to think

things over.

The prosecutor then objected to bail for Ray based on the seriousness of the offence and the penalties it attracts.

His submission was upheld by the magistrate and Ray was remanded to prison until June 24, 2019.

In the case of Ally he was sentenced to two and a half years on each charge however, the sentences are to run concurrently.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 14

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Greater role touted for Guyana's Pharmacy sector

G

u y a n a ' s pharmaceutical sector is being eyed for restructuring in order to give it a greater national role, Director of Pharmacy in the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Oneil Atkins, has said. Atkins' disclosure in this regard came late last week ahead of 'Pharmacy Week' which Guyana has joined the rest of the world to observe this week.

According to Atkins, “There is currently active lobbying underway to expand the role of all pharmacy practitioners.

However, legislation and regulations must be changed to accommodate this anticipated expanded vision for the sector,” he added.

With restructuring, the Pharmacy Director is convinced that there will be more visibility, accountability and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector.

Under the restructuring plan, there will be 10 Regional Pharmacists – one in each Administrative Region – who will supervise Pharmacists and their Assistants. According to Atkins, a senior pharmacist

- as 'Pharmacy Week' observance gets underway will also be added to the new organisation structure to buttress the current Director and Deputy Director positions.

Those with the authority to back changes in the pharmaceutical sector are also in dialogue to have specialisation in various clinical areas which includes: critical care, emergency care, oncology and patient care, Atkins revealed.

Turning his attention to Pharmacy Week, Atkins had a message for local practitioners.

“On the occasion of Pharmacy Week, I take this opportunity as Pharmacy Director in the Ministry of Public Health to send warmest congratulations to all practitioners of pharmacy and their assistants for the work done even in less than ideal situations. I have listened to the frustrations of pharmacists, especially in the public sector for remuneration and better working conditions,” said Atkins.

He added, “I can empathise with your situation, but I implore you to continue your good practice.”

He went to plead with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for their important role in educating patients and promoting safe and effective use of medication.

He said the Ministry is in continuous dialogue with the authorities for an improved

Pharmacy Director, Mr. Oneil Atkins package for pharmacists and their assistants.

According to the Pharmacy Director, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Ministry and the Pharmacy Council have ratified a Memorandum of Understanding for pharmacy graduates to undertake internship stints tertiary health institution to make them “work-ready”.

The proposed changes, outlined by Atkins forms part of a wider sector vision by the Public Health Ministry to help ensure access to, and responsible use of, quality medicines without which the local health sector will lose its

ability to meet healthcare needs of the 700,000-odd Guyanese population dependent on the system.

Globally, pharmacists have traditionally been known almost exclusively f o r t h e i r r e l i a b i l i t y.

However, in recent years, their drug therapy management services have been gaining recognition through the valuable information they provide patients, enabling them to help improve their lives.

Around the world though, these professionals are growing increasingly worried about the extent of self-medication among the sick and have appealed for patients to show a bit more reverence for them and their profession.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation [FIP] is active across all areas of pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical science and education, initiates and implements numerous activities to help “improve the responsible use of medicines that is making a significant impact within global pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, education and community health.”

Venezuelans Migrant situation…

Children battle language barriers in Region One

Venezuelan migrants in the border areas of Region One receiving assistance

M

inister of Citizenship, Winston Felix, yesterday morning, welcomed an initiative aimed at improving the learning outcomes of children of Venezuelan migrants while fostering social cohesion in several communities in the BarimaWaini Region (Region One).

The Government, through the Ministry of Education (MoE), is collaborating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to develop educational interventions.

UNHCR representative on the Multi-Stakeholder Committee, Cecilie Guerrero, made this

announcement yesterday at the stakeholder meeting, which was held at the Department of Citizenship.

The committee is tasked with monitoring the Ve n e z u e l a n m i g r a n t situation in Guyana.

There are more than 6,000 living in Region One, a border area with Venezuela (continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 15

Amerindian woman recounts jungle survival story to parliamentarian mother of seven, recounted how her uncle had died.

She said that they left home on April 7, 1995, the Friday before Palm Sunday.

In her Wapishan tongue, Bertina recalled watching her uncle grow thin and become weak. He may have died of the same strain of malaria that Bernadette was suffering from, the Falsiparum strain, which can kill within days if not treated.

MP Alister Charlie (r) with survivor, Bertina Domingo

A

parliamentarian is describing her as a heroine.

Some 24 years ago, lost in the dense jungle of Guyana, 13year-old Bertina Domingo and her nine-year-old sister, Bernadette, were lost after their uncle died.

Newspaper reports said they survived for a month on berries, evading wild animals like jaguars, crocodiles and poisonous snakes before being rescued by miners.

On Sunday, Member of Parliament for the People's Progressive Party, Alister Charlie, who hails from Region Nine, said that the girls' parents had given them up for dead after they failed to return from what should have been a short trip through the dense forest.

Charlie said on Sunday, he met Bertina, a resident and farmer, at Apoteri village where she is now a mother of seven. Her sister Bernadette resides in Brazil.

According to Charlie, in a Facebook post, after the rescue, the girls were admitted to the Georgetown public Hospital, covered in

angry red mosquito bites.

The gifts poured in from persons who were touched by their tale of survival with the PPP government declaring them national heroines.

It began with the Easter holiday, in April 1995 while school was closed. The girls' uncle decided to take them to see their family farm, located about an hour on foot from their home through the dense jungle.

According to Charlie, the girls were no stranger to the dense forest. They belong to the Wapishan tribe.

They had left their home in Apoteri, an Amerindian riverain village in Region Nine about 200 miles south o f t h e c a p i t a l c i t y, Georgetown, carrying a box of matches, two hammocks and machetes.

At some point during their trek, Charlie wrote, their uncle lost his way. When the three didn't return, local police and residents of Apoteri village tried in vain to track them.

Speaking with Bertina on Sunday, Charlie said that the 37-year-old woman, a

Left to fend for themselves, the girls hacked their way through the dense forest, losing track of time.

They staved off hunger with berries and other wild fruits and, occasionally, a feast of fish. Bernadette related that they cooked the fish over the flames of the wax-like gum that comes from the Haiwa tree. They also used the gum as candles to light their way through the

dark forest.

Bertina was treated for dysentery she got from drinking creek water. She related that the most frightening moment was when a jaguar, locally called a bush tiger, came charging at them. The girls ran to scramble up a tree, but Bernadette stumbled and fell. ”I tell my sister to climb up quick,? Bertina said. ”We come down from the tree only when the tiger went away.?

At one point, they narrowly missed being

rescued, Bernadette recalled. ”We walk and we hear an engine and I tell my sister, “Hear the pork knocker (small gold miner) engine, let me walk up quick.?”

But the noise faded away before she could get to the vehicle. Help came 31 days later when the girls stumbled upon some miners, who cared for them for a week before bringing them to Georgetown.

The Guyana Airways Corporation donated two tickets to reunite the children with their parents in Apoteri.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Tuesday June 18, 2019

GuySuCo recorded $50B in losses between 2009-2014

G

uyana's sugar industry is being revitalised and repositioned to once again thrust the economy forward, ensuring a bright future for all. This assurance was given

by Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, S.C., who told persons gathered at the 71st Enmore Martyrs day, on Sunday that the industry is not on its “deathbed.”

Addressing hundreds at the Plantation Enmore, East Coast Demerara Monument, AG Williams noted that the government's vision for the industry remains the same.

“President David Granger has assured workers that the sugar industry is not being closed. It is being

right-sized, restructured and reformed in order to make it sustainable and profitable,” he told the sizeable crowd.

He said, however, that the industry needs “cooperation, not conflict and confrontation.”

“My call today is to echo the appeal made by His Excellency for all stakeholders to work together to ensure the survival of the sugar industry.”

According to AG Williams, the reality of the crisis in the sugar industry cannot be ignored. Between 2009 and 2014, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) racked up more than $50 Billion in losses. Its debt now stands in excess of $82 Billion while cost of

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Basil Williams, S.C., lays a wreath at the monument of the Enmore Martyrs

- AG on Enmore Martyrs' day

Part of the crowd on Sunday. production far outstrips the prices obtained in the export

market. “We want to make life better for all in the sugar belt. Let us therefore work together to turn this industry around,” he urged.

This, he believes, will be a most fitting tribute to the five brave sugar workers who had their lives snuffed out as they protested what they considered was an unfair system at that time.

On June 16, 1948, Rambarran, Pooran, Lallabagee, Surajballi and Harry were killed by colonial police during a strike at the East Coast Demerara estate. The five martyrs were among a larger group of workers, many of whom were also injured,

who were demanding better working conditions.

According to the Attorney General, the sugar workers took strike actions in hope of creating new arrangements relating to their work, unionisation and social conditions. Enmore, he said, must not be looked at as a tragedy.

“It should be looked at, also from the perspective that the worker's struggle to bring about a new social compact in the sugar industry,” he posited.

According to AG Williams, 71 years after, the sugar industry finds itself once again in need of a new compact in industrial

relations.

He noted, “Seventy-one years after five sugar workers laid down their lives for the improvement of the lot of sugar workers, we owe it to them to do our best to ensure that this industry continues to contribute to the development of the people who depend on it.”

The hour-long programme was organised by the Ministry of Social Protection. Also, in attendance were Minister of Social Protection Amna Ally and Minister of Foreign A ff a i r s D r. K a r e n Cummings, along with members of the diplomatic corps.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 17

Berbice Chamber and Chinese medical team host medical outreach in Berbice

T

he Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development (BCCDA) recently hosted a Chinese medical team in a collaborative effort also with China Zhonghao Inc., (Falls Gas Station). Scores of Berbicians befitted from the medical outreach.

The activity was held on the tarmac of Banks DIH Berbice Branch, Main and Peter D' Aguiar Streets (New Street), New Amsterdam, Berbice.

Senior Vice President and former President of the BCCDA, Ryan Alexander, stated that the outreach is as a result of a visit made by the Chinese Ambassador to Berbice in February.

Alexander, who is the regional representative for the Chinese Association said that during the visit the Ambassador held discussions with the Chamber on a number of

topics. One of the things discussed concerned the medical facilities in Berbice and the need to have resident doctors from China in the county.

This will change the image of Chinese involvement in Berbice and how persons feel about Chinese involvement in medicine, he said. One of the aims of the outreach was to assess the medical needs in the ancient county.

Nephrologist Dr. Shen Jiansong, stated that there is need for more health education and for Guyanese to adopt a healthier lifestyle. “More doctors should provide information on healthy living. Guyanese should be more cognizant of what they consume. This will go a far way in preventing certain diseases and condition like hypertension and diabetes�.

The team comprised 14 doctors including

Orthopaedic surgeon, two General Surgeons, O p h t h a l m o l o g y, t w o Gynecologists, Plastic surgeon, two specialists in Pain treatment, doctors for traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture), Internal M e d i c i n e , P a t h o l o g y, Pediatrics and a Radiologist.

It was noted that most of the patients seen do not have convenient access to proper medical services.

PAGE 18

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 19

Car plunges overboard, driver found dead nearby

A

38-year-old hire car driver was found dead by relatives searching for him yesterday, just after noon.

His car was submerged in the trench near his body.

The dead man has been identified as Lynson Grant of A d v e n t u r e Vi l l a g e , Corentyne, Berbice. He is the father of a 12-year-old girl.

His wife, Natasha Rambarose, who was very emotional, told Kaieteur News that although it was Father's Day on Sunday her husband left home for work around mid-morning. Grant

The car after being pulled from the trench.

Dead: Lynson Grant

Limlair suspect in custody after stabbing villager over "talk name" issue

A

Limlair Village man is currently in police custody assisting with investigations after he was arrested for fatally stabbing his fellow villager Sunday night.

Dead is Patrick Wilson, 25 of Lot 5 Limlair Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

According to reports there was an argument between Wilson and the suspect at a liquor shop in the village when the accused whipped out a knife and stabbed Wilson to the right side stomach. The incident reportedly stemmed from the suspect accusing a cousin of Wilson of "talking his name".

Wilson intervened in the matter and was attacked.

Mother of the dead man, Camilla Surujmohan, 53,

said she received a call from another son informing her that Wilson was involved in a fight that resulted in him being stabbed.

"Around 11:00 last night (Sunday) I get the call saying he get bore up but I had to ask if is joke he mekkin because I was shocked. He seh get a car and come for he now. And he seh he serious so by time we rush out deh with the car he almost done dead," she recalled.

Wilson was crouched on the ground a short distance from the liquor shop where he was stabbed. He reportedly ran after the suspect but he collapsed unconscious. He subsequently succumbed on the very spot where he fell.

Surujmohan explained

Camilla Surujmohan - Mother that they visited the police station and returned to the scene with police ranks but they were told that they had to wait. It was until three hours later then they were able to take away the body.

She added that when she inquired about what took place she was told that "a bai bore he. Who is the bai l don't know. All wa dem seh is that another cousin had an argument and the boy go to bore the cousin and the cousin run away so me son (Wilson) turn up and seh that how you can't fight my cousin and the boy brace he up and start cuff he and bore he".

Surujmohan stated that for the entire Sunday he was at home "drinking a red wine" but left to go out that night. "I never saw my son back until I see he lie down deh with blood all over".

A post mortem is expected to be conducted shortly as investigations continue.

who normally works the Adventure/Black Bush Polder route went out and was never heard from or seen again.

A c c o r d i n g t o Rambarose, before he left home he had stated that he bought a tray of tomato plants. She said that she had told him that it was okay for him to stay out a bit late "since was Father's Day".

But up to midnight Sunday when she did not hear from him she began to grow worried.

Yesterday morning after sending her daughter off to school, "I took a car with my mother-in-law and a friend and we went and search for him in Black Bush, but people in there told us that he made his last trip 7:00 Sunday night and they didn't see him back."

She added that it is not like him to stay out and not answer his phone or call, so she had to launch a search

because she feared something had happened.

It was just after noon yesterday that they found his badly damaged Black Sienta bearing license plate number HC 3695 in a ditch among vegetation.

Upon closer inspection they found his body face down on the parapet near the car.

Rambarose said, "It look like if he was still alive and he come out the car and leff on the parapet and died."

His body is currently at the Ramoo's Funeral Home awaiting a post mortem.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 20

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Science awareness drive among activities to mark Int'l year of the Periodic Table T

his year has been designated by UNESCO as the International Year of the Periodic Table [IYPT], effectively marking the 150 th anniversary of the Mendeleev Periodic Table. The Mendeleev Periodic Table is an iconic image and a vital tool to all who learn and work in science at all stages of their learning and careers.

National Science Coordinator, Ms. Petal Punalall-Jetoo, has noted that “Science impacts our lives in countless ways and it is our job to remember and honour the legends of the past who made phenomenal contributions towards our very existence.”

Moreover, the University Guyana's Chemistry Club collaborated with National Centre for Educational Research and Development [NCERD], Ministry of Education and the Caribbean Academy of Sciences [CAS] to commemorate the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements.

In 1869, Dmitri Mendeleev, better known as the father of the Periodic Table of Elements, published his version of the table.

Born in 1834 in Siberia, he was the youngest of his siblings. The family moved to St. Petersburg after the death of his father and failure of the family business. He graduated as a trained teacher in 1855. In his quest to write his own Inorganic Chemistry textbook he accepted the challenge of arranging the elements.

At that time there were 63 known elements and he arranged them according to their atomic masses leaving spaces for those he believed were yet to be discovered.

It was later in 1913 when Mosley determined that the elements were arranged in order or increasing Atomic number rather than Atomic mass. Today the elements of the periodic contain the 118 elements of chemistry both naturally

The security hut where Boston was found

occurring and man-made.

To raise awareness on the importance of science and development and use of the Periodic Table, presentations were done in 12 secondary schools from June 10 to June 14, 2019. A sample of schools from the following education districts – Georgetown, Regions Three, Four and 10 were included.

Among the schools visited were Richard Ishmael Secondary, Tutorial High, St. Joseph's High, St. Stanislaus, The Bishop's High, Wismar/Christianburg Secondary, Mackenzie High, Annandale Secondary, Buxton Secondary, Uitvlugt and Zeeburg Secondary.

A team which comprised members of the Chemistry Club, University of Guyana, the National Science Coordinator [PunalallJetoo] and other NCERD staffers delivered an interactive presentation in these schools. The outreach impacted a total of 439 students from grades eight, nine and 10.

The week of activities concluded with a special programme held on June 14, 2019 in the Education Lecture Theatre of the University of Guyana.

Professor Emeritus Robert John Lancashire, Foreign Secretary of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences delivered the main address.

Professor Emeritus Lancashire obtained his B.Sc. [Honours] degree and PhD from the Monash University, Melbourne Australia and joined the staff at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica in 1979.

He is the creator of the first website in the Anglophone C a r i b b e a n (http://wwwchem.uwimona.edu.j m) and also produced extensive online chemical education resources. His latest work involves the creation of the educational software tool, Jsmol. This software

Professor Lancashire [extreme right] with the a team from the University of Guyana's Chemistry Club

Professor Lancashire [extreme right] with a team of students from the New Campbellville Secondary School. tool returns a 3D representation of a molecule that may be used as a teaching tool or for research for instance in chemistry and biochemistry.

A number of secondary school students and teachers participated and were afforded printed copies of the Periodic Table, and information on the global Periodic Table

challenge were shared.

Professor Emeritus Robert Lancashire also exposed them to a detailed history of the development of the Periodic Table.

Cummings security guard found with head bashed in at security hut

K

eegan Boston, of 520 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was a security guard attached to the Cummings Electrical Company, located lot 83, Garnett Street, Campbellville. Boston was found dead in the security hut with a wound to the back of his head.

The lifeless body of the 60-yearold man was discovered by one of his coworkers, David Cummings, around 06:30AM on Sunday.

Cummings said that he arrived for work on the morning in question to relieve Boston from working his night shift and he called out to Boston to open the gate, but there was no

response.

Cummings decided to jump the fence of the establishment, and found Boston's bloody body in the guard hut.

The police officers are suspecting that the security guard died around the hours of 23:00hr Saturday and 06:15hrs on Sunday morning.

The company did have security cameras but according to one employee, those cameras are not functioning, so they are no help in determining if there was any foul play in the death of security guard, Keegan Boston.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on Wednesday.

Keegan Boston

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Guyana lauded for corruption fight; financial sector stable - IMF mission warns of impact of Venezuelan migrants to hinterland, rural areas The countrys economic growth strengthened in 2018 with broad-based expansion across all major sectors.

According to the staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) who were here to conduct routine consultations, real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 4.1 percent in 2018, up from 2.1 percent in 2017, led by construction and services sectors.

Inflation remained steady at 1.6 percent at the end of 2018, on the back of stable food prices and exchange rate.

For 2019, the mission projects real economic growth of 4.4 percent, driven by continued strength in the construction and services sectors ahead of oil production in 2020, and strong recovery in mining.

“The authorities do not foresee any significant spillovers from the crisis in Venezuela at present.

However, the influx of migrants into the hinterland and rural areas could put socio-economic pressures on the local communities,” according to a statement from IMF yesterday.

The Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF

staff at the end of an official staff visit, or mission, in most cases to a member country.

IMF explained that missions are undertaken as part of regular, usually annual, consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to borrow from the fund, as part of discussions of staff monitored programmes, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

However, IMF advised that the views expressed in the statement are those of its staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF‘ Executive Board.

“Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff

will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.”

A staff team, led by Arnold McIntyre, visited Georgetown during June 3 to June 14 to hold discussions for the 2019 Article IV Consultation.

The team met with Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo; Finance Minister Winston Jordan; Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General, Basil Williams; Central Bank Governor, Dr. Gobind Ganga, other senior officials, representatives from the private sector, banks, the opposition party, labour unions, and other stakehold-

Insurance employees get oil & gas training The Insurance industry of Guyana recently arranged a two-day training workshop for staff members of the industry on various types of policies relating to the oil and gas industry. This was the first such course specifically targeting the technical aspects of coverage relating to oil and gas insurance.

The seminar which attracted 44 employees drawn from both the insurance compa-

nies and insurance brokers was conducted

by Mr. Karan Ramlal, who has a wealth of experience in the field.

Here the participants display their certificates. They are flanked by Mr. Anil Singh, President of the Insurance Institute of Guyana and Mr. Bish Panday who arranged and coordinated the course.

Seated at front is Mr. Karan Ramlal.

ers.

According to the IMF staff, the mission supports continued efforts by the authorities to strengthen institutional, governance and management practices, which will also help reduce vulnerability to corruption.

“It commends the ongoing efforts in modernizing the revenue administration and strengthening the public investment management system. At the same time, the mission reiterates the importance of addressing the weaknesses identified in the 2017 Public Investment Management Assessment.

Greater urgency is attached to these reforms ahead of the expected increase in public spending as oil production begins.”

The mission said it notes authorities intent to move to rigorous project selection and

prioritization criteria within the context of the new longterm Green State Development Strategy. “The authorities are committed to considering mechanisms to further improve fiscal transparency including, relating to the management of natural resources.”

The mission said it also supports the authorities efforts in implementing 2016 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) recommendations.

“Credit to the private sector grew by 4.0 percent in 2018, faster than 2.1 percent in 2017. The banking sector non-performing loans (NPLs) to total loans ratio have fallen slightly to 11.9 percent as of end- December 2018, from 12.2 percent a year before, but remained high.”

The IMF staff recommended an Asset Quality Review to examine banks credit risks and enhance financial sector stability.

“Four bills were approved

by Parliament in 2018, covering deposit insurance, emergency liquidity assistance, bank resolution, and national payment system. The transition to Basel II regime (with some elements of Basel III) is on track for completion by end-2019. Staff encourages the authorities to implement the remaining FSAP recommendations, including eliminating reduced provisioning

requirements for “well-secured” portions of NPLs and raising the minimum capital adequacy requirement to 12 percent.”

The IMF staff also said that commendable progress has been made in strengthening the framework for antimoney laundering and counter terrorism financing, based on the 2017 national risk assessment. ”Guyana was officially removed from the European Commissions Money-Laundering Blacklist in February 2019 and is scheduled to undertake a mutual evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force in 2022.

“The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been actively examining cases relating to suspicious transactions, money laundering, terrorist financing and criminal proceeds including those of PEPs, and is working towards greater collaboration with other global FIUs.” According to the statement from the IMF staff, weaker export performance and higher imports driven by high value imports related to oil production contributed to a weaker current account balance.

“In 2018, the current account deficit rose to 17.5 percent of GDP, from 6.8 percent in 2017. The deficit was largely financed by FDI related to the (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 22

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Children battle...

SERVICES

FOR SALE

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

1 2B TOYOTA ENGINE & GEAR BOX COMPLETE. CONTACT #626-1403

Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK; Graphics design, advertisements, Wedding arch rentals. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535.

ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6006887: We create A/works, logos, business cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included.

Have your house, yard, fence to pressure wash? Call 6662326 Eagle’s re-gas AC, Fridge, Washing machine & computer repairs, Gas stove, Plasma flatscreen, Electrical installation & more. Call: 6972969/646-0966 We repair fridge, freezer, AC, washer, dryer-Call: 231-0655; 683-8734. Omar Repairs at affordable prices: fridge, air conditioner, washing machines, dryers, TV, microwaves & freezerCall: 610-5846 or 661-8158

30x48 Sash windows, black & white (Regular size) casement and awning windows. $12,000 each.

Tel#679-3325

DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM ACCOMODATION Fully furnished air conditioned apartments to rent daily. $5000 and $6000 per day. Call/Whatsapp #6785827

PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620

Seamstress. Contact: 6911918. Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm

EDUCATION Summer School & Lessons, Common Entrance , Phonics, Reading & Writing (4-14yrs) Nursery/Primary full day school. Call: 677-0296 VEHICLE FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956 New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered, Toyota Vitz 2010 Black not registered.

Tel#223-5615/627-9600

House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 642-0391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown.

Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 6175323, 666-8052.

Tuschen- one flat concrete unfurnished house $3M Zeelugt- one concrete house with high concrete fence $6.5 neg #697-6311 4 bedroom 2 storey concrete property for sale, 2 bathrooms & 2 toilets, Parfaite Harmonie $19M neg #610-2345

Experienced cashier, Waiter.

Apply at Hack’s Halaal Restaurant with H/written application 5 Commerce St

(1) One bedroom apartment, Parfaite Harmonie WBD. $35,000 per month. Tel#6729988

Female worker to work shift system on the East Bank. #225-6337

For Rent one house in Coverden, East Bank Demerara. Call: 623-1615

Crane operator, crane porter, marine engineer. Please call #616-6988

Position in Puruni River & Cuyuni River. Contact #6714239

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM

WANTED

For Rent- Top & bottom flat at La Grange Public road, Business/Live-in. Tel#6657636/691-5101

Allion, primo, spacio, allex, noah, RZ pitbull bus, mazda axela, bluebird, 192 fielder wagon. 650-7501

CAR RENTAL

FOR RENT

Hair Stations/ Makeup/Nails & Barber, Available for rental, New market street. #699-6505 LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109

One certified crane operator, attractive salary is offered, three years experience would be asset. Call: 665-1141 1 apartment or house to rent for one Christian couple, No kids. Call: 672-9606 Ms Keisha One car/van driver with mechanical & body work experience. Tel#227-1830

From page 14 and around the country.

They have fled tough times in Venezuela.

Given the language barriers, the children of the migrants are experiencing difficulties communicating and learning, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Presidency.

The first initiative, Guerrero said, is a summer school for both Guyanese and Venezuelan children in three communities.

“These communities will be identified after discussions with the MoE. This project is expected to promote a twoway language exchange, English and Warrau; introduction to English for Venezuelan children who are out of school; improve social cohesion b e t w e e n Ve n e z u e l a n s and host communities; provide opportunities for outreach and communication with Venezuelan communities.

This project will be under-

Guyana lauded...

1 Diesel Mechanic/Driver to work in Interior, 1 Male to work on Chicken farm in the interior #680-2702 VACANCY

Parfaite Harmonie $1.3M, $1.5M, $3M. Tuschen Phase 2 $1.3M, $3M. Herstelling $4.5M, Eccles $6.5M. Call 6662326 Parfaite Harmonie- Front land $1.8M Tel#697-6311 TO LET Office space to let.74 Brickdam opposite GT&T, 2 Floors fully Air conditioned, Generator, parking available.Call:226-6771/2264537.

Tolet 3 bedroom, 2 toliet & bath house located in Herstelling New housing scheme. Call Farah #6848223 WANTED Experienced cook & Waiter/ Waitress, Apply @ Parika 2nd Flat Boodhoo’s General Store.

Contact#650-0402/664-4663 (1) 2002/2006 Toyota Allion or Premio. Contact #685-8980 1 shop assistant to work in ther interior experience would be an asset. #669-3162

Vacancy for domestic cleaner.

Location: Queenstown. 5023886. Call within 8:00am to 6:00pm Pump attendant & Cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) send to shellramsburg@gmail.com 1 Filter machinist. Must know to operate milling machine.

E&N Beck. 3 Princess & Ketley Streets, Charlestown Waiter/Waitress & Chef preferably carnegie trained.

Contact #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St One male Janitor, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb Street Bourda One Bartender. Tel#618-3575 Vacancy for experience tractor & lorry driver. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda Accounts clerk to work in Charity. Contact# 771-4180/ 654-7162 or email barry @adamantiumholdings.com

Labourer to work on cash crop farm. Experience - 5yrs.

Salary - $5000-$6000 per day.

Tel#695-6139

Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529

Cook, Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St

Driver/Expediter. Contact# 223-5273/74

taken utilising a community-based approach.”

The second project, she said, would be English as a Second Language (ESL) training for teachers, Multi-Lingual C l a s s r o o m Te c h n i q u e s and ESL support for children. This is planned to be conducted during September to December 2019.

These sessions will see the provision of additional training to selected teachers in the Mabaruma sub district; basic ESL techniques and knowledge; provision of techniques and exercises to encourage ESL students to interact with their classmates; the highlighting of common difficulties for students from Spanishspeaking backgrounds; guidance in conflict management and the implementation of ESL classes for non-English speaking children during the period September to December 2019.

VACANCY Deskstaff, Receptionist 25-45 yrs 233 South Road Lacytown/ 225-0198 Diesel Mechanic. Contact #223-5273/74 Supervisor for Xenon Hotel in Essequibo. Contact#2235273/74 General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook.

Apply with 2 references.

KeyFood McDoom village Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.

VACANCY FOR DAY/ NIGHT SHIFT HOUSEKEEPR TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT SHERIFF STREET. CONTACT #2190158 VACANCY FOR CHEFS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CONTACT # 219-0158 NAIL TECHNICIAN. Contact#223-5273/223-5274 Driver/Salesman, Experience is an asset. Call: 663-5800

From page 11 petroleum sector. Reserves stood at US$528 million in December 2018.”

Meanwhile, the mission found that public finances improved in 2018.

“The central governments deficit was 3.5 percent of GDP, lower than the budgeted 5.4 percent of GDP. The better-than-expected outturn was largely supported by stronger revenues arising from the pick-up in economic activity, as well as continued improvements in tax administration and the tax amnesty programme which relaxed interest and penalties on payments of outstanding taxes.”

In addition, the IMF statement said, expenditure grew at a weaker pace due to slower capital spending as a result of capacity issues in both the public and private sector.

“In 2019, the fiscal stance is projected to be appropriately expansionary, at five percent of GDP, driven by significant need for infrastructure development and capacity building ahead of oil production.”

The IMF Executive Board is expected to discuss Guyanas Article IV consultation in August 2019.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Police nab prime suspects in last Man found with rum in his crotch Tuesday’s robbery at Cumberland sentenced to community service The police in Berbice have reportedly broken up an emerging gang that was reportedly operating out of East Canje with the 21 year old prime suspect and leader of the gang, reportedly confessing to at least two of the robberies.

Doodnauth Bissondial, of Bristol Street, Cumberland, East Canje, has since named his alleged cohorts in the latest robbery which occurred last Tuesday at New Street, Cumberland, in which a business place was robbed.

During the robbery which occurred in broad daylight, two men armed with cutlasses barged into the business place and home of Shakeela Sankar, 59, and her daughter, Razya Somar, 27, of 121 New Street, Cumberland Village,

East Canje. The two women were brutalized and robbed as the two mask bandits escaped with a quantity of cash, jewellery, cell phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets.

The elder woman reportedly received injuries to her face while her daughter was injured about her body. Two grandchildren who were at home with the women at the time were unharmed.

Acting on information the police visited the prime suspect home, but he was not found. The cops subsequently nabbed the suspect at his sister’s home where he would usually sleep.

During interrogation he revealed who his accomplices were and how they executed the robbery. He stated that the items were sold.

Acting on information the cops arrested another suspect at his home. The 18-year-old has denied being involved, in the robbery.

Another man, 17, who was said to be the lookout is still being hunted.

The man has also confessed to burglary which occurred at a Goldsmith’s home during May at Cumberland, East Canje.

The home of Hamza Khan was broken into and nearly $500,000, including US$500, in cash was stolen, along with a laptop, two cellular phones, a Samsung tablet and several pieces of silver jewellery.

Their vehicle that was parked below the living quarters was also vandalized.

Some accessories were stolen.

$6,000 gas cylinder costs garbage collector one year in jail A garbage collector yesterday appeared in a city court, where he was made to answer to three counts of breaking and enter charge.

Fifty-nine-year-old Aubrey Price, called “Stones”, of Lot 75 Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs- Marcus.

Price pleaded not guilty to the first two charges, and guilty to the final charge that was read to him.

The first charge stated that between June 11, 2019 and June 12, 2019, at Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown he broke and entered Sharon Nurse s storage bond and stole four cases of Banks beer bottles valued at $3600.

It was also alleged that on February 15, 2019 at Princes Street, Lodge, Georgetown he

broke and enter the home of Marsha Baird and stole items worth a total value of $392,000.

The final charge stated that on March, 15, 2019 at Princes Street, Lodge Georgetown he broke and entered the home of Marsha Baird and stole a Rubis gas cylinder valued at $6000.

Police Prosecutor Shonell Daniels told the court that on the day in question around 07:00 hrs the victim secured her home and left, leaving the articles mentioned in the charge in the kitchen.

She returned at 17:00hrs to find her southern door wrenched open. She then entered and noticed her house was ransacked.

She checked and her gas cylinder was missing.

The matter was then reported to the East La Penitence Police Station and investigations were carried out.

On June 15, 2019 the accused

was contacted told of the allegations, cautioned and he admitted to the charge where he removed the items from the home of Marsha Baird. He was then charged.

According to the accused the storeroom is always open. “It ain’t have no lock on it” and “I went in and pick up the gas bottle. I did not break in and ransack nobody place.”

Prosecutor Daniels objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on the grounds of the pattern in which the offences happened.

Principal Magistrate Marcus, after listening to the facts of the matter and what the defendant said, sentenced him to one year imprisonment and remanded him on the other two charges.

He will make his next court appearance on June 24, 2019.

UG student charged for dangerous driving A University of Guyana (UG) student was yesterday granted bail by Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on a charge of driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public.

Dwayne Nurse appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts where the charge was read to him and he denied it.

The charge alleged that on December 25, 2018 at Regent Road Georgetown, he drove motor car PWW 687 in a manner dangerous to the public.

In a successful application for bail, Nurses attorney told the court that his client is 32-years-old. Apart from being a student the defendant works as a customer service representative at Emerge call centre.

Police prosecutor Arvin

Dwayne Nurse Moore told the court that on the day in question the defendant was proceeding west along Re-

gent Road. He then allegedly swerved from some potholes in the road unto the southern lane.

As a result a motorcycle which was in the southern lane collided with the motor car. The rider of the motorcycle sustained injuries and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

He was admitted as a patient where he underwent a surgery on his right foot which was fractured. The prosecutor mentioned that the victim was present at the court however; he could not make it into the court room as he is currently in a wheelchair with steel rods protruding his foot. After listening to the information the magistrate granted bail in the sum of $20,000 and adjourned the matter until July 12, next.

Fifty-five-year-old Anthony Headley of South Ruimveldt Gardens, on Monday morning, made his court appearance in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs Marcus for a simple larceny charge.

It was alleged that on June 12, last, at Robb Street, Georgetown; he stole one eight-year-old bottle of rum valued at $5,300, property of Dextroy Eastman. Headley pleaded guilty to the charge and offered to explain.

Police prosecutor Quinn Harris released the facts of the charge which stated that on

the day in question, around 7:45hrs the accused went to Nigel Supermarket on Light Street, and then asked the Supervisor, Dextroy Eastman, about a particular bottle of rum. He was told by the supervisor that they “dont have that kind of rum to sell.”

The accused then proceeded into the store where he picked up a bottle of the rum which is listed in the charge and placed it into his crotch. He was seen by the security guard and he was arrested and taken to the Alberttown Police Station.

The accused was charged

and an investigation was launched.

Headley explained to the court that he was robbed of $15,000. He said that he became frustrated and needed some rum to drink. So he went to the store and picked up the rum and placed it into his pants crotch.

“Honestly, Im ashamed of what I did...I wasnt thinking right at the moment and I apologise.”

Principal Magistrate Marcus sentenced the defendant to three weeks of community service at the Georgetown Magistrates Courts.

Ministry puts public on ‘vaccination against measles’ alert Although it was eliminated in some sections of the world, there has been a daunting resurgent of measles which has been increasingly gaining traction and the local Public Health Ministry is not taking this development lightly.

Measles, said to be a childhood disease, is caused by a virus which is highly contagious and infectious. Its symptoms usually include fever that is often greater than 40 degrees Celsius, cough, runny nose and inflamed eyes. These related symptoms can develop 10 - 12 days after exposure to an infected person and last for seven to 10 days.

In its appeal, through Maternal and Child Health Officer, Dr. Oneka Scott, the Public Health Ministry said, “Any person suspected of measles, will show symptoms of fever, generalised rash and all or any of the three Cs [cough, conjunctivitis [red eye] and choryza] and koplik spots inside the mouth are also typical of the disease.”

However, to diagnose measles, laboratory investigations which include that of serum, urine and nasopharynx [an area connecting with the nasal cavity] secretion must be conducted, Dr. Scott explained. Added to this, she said, all samples must be sent to the Maternal and Child Health Unit for further

investigation According to her in a public announcement, “Remember: Measles is a national notifiable disease and the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Public Health must be immediately notified of any suspicions of it.”

In the Region of the Americas, where Guyana is geographically located, measles outbreak started in Venezuela, west of Guyana’s border, in July 2015. The ongoing social and economic hardships in Caracas, served to pushed many nationals to seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Guyana to restart their lives.

Between June 2017 and October 2018, some 7,500 suspected cases of measles were reported in Venezuela. In 2017 the WHO declared an Emergency Response for Guyana following the outbreak of Measles in Venezuela and a subsequent spread of this re-emerging disease to Brazil another South American state.

In March this year, Ukraine, the Philippines and Brazil were listed as the three leading global measles hot-spots.

In Ukraine 11 people have died and more than 30,500 have been infected with the infectious ailment.

In the Philippines, 315 people died, and there were 21,396 cases of measles reported during the first three months of 2019.

In neighbouring Brazil, 12 people died and some 10,300 confirmed measles cases have been reported so far this year.

Governments around the world and international media earlier in the year warned of a potential worldwide measles outbreak, and a growing number of confirmed cases have been reported in Canada, England and the wider European continent.

In the United States, between January 1 and May 31, 2019, there were 981 confirmed cases of measles in 26 States.

In the Caribbean, the islands of Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, and St Lucia have all reported confirmed cases of imported measles.

The influx of Venezuelans into Guyana, coupled with free and open travel among Guyana, North and South America and the Caribbean further increases this country’s risk of importing measles.

In light of the current situation, the Public Health Ministry has been appealing to all Guyanese to comply with public health regulations and ensure that all family members receive two doses of the Measles vaccine.

Persons desirous of seeking additional information can do so by contacting the Ministry’s Maternal and Child Health Unit on telephone numbers 223-7249 or 223-5310.

One freed in murder of Sophia...

From page 8 reports, Alexander, of Lot 394 C Field Sophia, died during surgery. He was attacked by two men on a motorcycle at his bread stand which is situated about four doors from his home.

Police said that two men rode up on a motorcycle and the pillion rider requested three loaves of bread. He then paid with

a $5000 note.

While Alexander was in the process of making change, the customer whipped out a gun and demanded cash. When Alexander put up a fight, the robber discharged two rounds, one of which struck the vendor in the abdomen. The two men then relieved him of his cash and escaped with three loaves of bread.

PAGE 24

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 25

PAGE 26

Confusion at Immigration Department San F’do

Over 100 Venezuelans wait outside the Immigration Division in San Fernando. Photo by Lincoln Holder NEWSDAY - Venezuelan immigrants are waiting in the rain on Knox Street, San Fernando, outside the Immigration Division hoping to continue the registration drive.

This after they were instructed by police last Friday to return yesterday.

However, they were not being processed and confused Venezuelans are demanding answers.

One said: “At the registra-

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

tion centre on Friday evening at Achievors Banquet Hall, the immigration officers told us to come here to complete the process. Now, they are not telling us anything.

The security officers do not want us on the compound. We have to wait on the street.”

Shortly after 6 pm on Friday, police through int e r p r e t e r, Andreina Briceno-Brown told the migrants that the doors to the

San Fernando centre had closed. As such, the interpreter said, according to police instructions, they can continue the process at Immigration on weekdays during office hours.

Another immigrant said: “I have been here since 4.30 am and no one has come out to tell us anyt h i n g o ff i c i a l l y. O n e Trinidadian went inside to find out. They told her the registration ended on Fri-

day and they would not be attending to us. The workers said they did not know about the continuation of the process.”

Newsday spoke to a Trinidadian who said a police officer told him the announcement was made for the crowds to be dispersed.

South Western Division police dropped off about 20 women and children held over the weekend for entering the country illegally.

UWI approves Antigua as fourth landed campus - PM ST. JOHN’S, Antigua CMC – The University of the west Indies (UWI) will formally inform the Antigua and Barbuda government later this week that the island has been chosen as the location for the regional tertiary institution’s fourth landed campus, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced.

Browne, speaking on his privately owned radio station, said that he expects to receive the official communication today as it moves to have the Five Islands Campus should be opened in September with at least 1,000 students.

Browne told radio listeners that he had been in discussions with the UWI Vice C h a n c e l l o r, S i r H i l a r y Beckles on the issue. Last Friday.

“Sir Hilary called myself and the Honourable Attorney General (Steadroy Benjamin) and he informed us that the members of the University Council have now unanimously approved the fourth landed campus for Antigua and B a r b u d a , ” B r o w n e

said, adding that following the announcement by UWI, an implementation committee will be established by the university.

“My understanding now is that on Monday, the Chancellor, after he would have informed the various Council members, he would then issue a formal statement to that effect and he will then mandate the university to establish an implementation committee,” Browne added.

Browne said the three campus countries –Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados – which had concerns about the fourth landed campus have now been satisfied.

“You know there are three countries who, had reservations, those reservations have been lifted,” he said.

The government has in the past said it would fund the university by a windfall tax on financial institutions and by diverting some funding to the prime minister’s scholarship programme.

Former independent legislator launches new political party P O RT O F S PA I N , Trinidad - CMC – The founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Youth Convention, Nikoli Edwards, has launched a new political party here saying it would contest all 41 seats in the 2020 general election in Trinidad and Tobago.

“I was approached by members of both political parties to join but I could not because my morals and values did not align with theirs. I wanted to put my support behind something that was genuine but for me this was neither red nor yellow. I decided to do something bold,” Edwards told the launch of the Progressive Party in San Fernando, south of here on Sunday.

The former independent legislator said that while the party is urging persons to come forward as candidates for the election, “we cannot have the same Members of Parliament holding themselves accountable as Cabinet ministers.

“A MP job is not to fix roads and build drains.

Their job is to represent your view in the Parliament every time she or he debates a bill. We need to

ensure that we have the right of recall so we can hold MPs accountable and they must answer to the people who put them there,” he said.

“How many times has your MP come and asked you how you’d want her or him to vote on a bill? We s e e o u r M Ps standing proudly representing their parties, but what about the people?

We must change this. “We need referendums in our law to ensure that when MPs fail to make de-ci-sions on our behalf in our best interest, we can make those decisions on our own through a democratic vote,” he said.

“We also need the right to re-call done properly so that we can hold our MPs accountable. They must answer to the people of this coun-try who put them there, not just their political leader.”

Edwards said the new party with the symbol, a guiding flame which represents “the burning desire of citizens” would concentrate on issues such as border protection, safe living environment, security, health, food security and economic growth.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PM assures Diaspora of significant investment in national security KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness is assuring Jamaicans living abroad that the Government is taking national security seriously, with significant investments made over the last two years to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

He noted that this year alone, the Government is spending close to $20 billion, which is “the highest that has ever been spent on national security in Jamaica”.

The prime minister, who was addressing the opening ceremony for the eighth Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston Sunday evening, said that security is being prioritised in order to ensure that the country can effectively respond to the challenges of the modern world.

“We… have to be able to secure ourselves, not just from the conventional threats, but from the new and emerging threats, for example, in the cyber domain,” he said.

The prime minister said that the country also has to be able to protect its borders, especially in light of

transborder illicit activities such as trade in guns, drugs, human trafficking and others.

These activities, he pointed out, foster the growth of criminal gangs.

The prime minister noted that the Government has put in place ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’, which he noted “is working very well”.

He said that the plan not only focuses on crime but securing the country’s banks, ports, telecommunications, tourism, new logistics operations, the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, among other areas.

Meanwhile, the prime minister implored members of the Jamaica Diaspora to use their influence to help in addressing crime and violence in the country.

He said nationals living overseas could be particularly useful in encouraging their relatives in Jamaica to support the work of the police.

“There has to be a genuine confrontation about supporting law enforcement, providing information to law enforcement and allowing law enforcement to do their work and supporting them in their work…I believe the Diaspora

can have a very powerful influence in that conversation, in that call back home,” he said.

The Diaspora Conference, which continues at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston, is being hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade under the theme ‘Jamaica and the Diaspora: Building Pathways for Sustainable Development’.

This staging will target expanding and building pathways for the Diaspora and Jamaica to work together to prepare effectively for the future within the context of achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which incorporate the core goals of the Vision 2030 National Development Plan.

The focal areas for dialogue, as well as the expected outcomes of the conference, take into consideration important global trends and their impact on the future marketplace and the workplace as well as critical JamaicaDiaspora partnerships.

The conference concludes on Thursday. (Jamaica Observer)

Writers send President Moise open letter - Resign PORTAU PRINCE - CMC – At least 27 Haitian writers have sent an open letter to embattled President Jovenel Moise urging him step down from office and allow for the establishment of a government of national unity. “We do not agree with the way we are governed. The degrading spectacle that the President of the Republic, the Government and the parliamentary majority give to the nation and to the world is shameful. We are living the rout of an outmoded government, just concerned to save its privileges and its ill-gotten booty on the back of the nation,” they wrote.

The writers, including André Fouad, Anthony Phelps, Barbara Prezeau Stefenson, Béo Monteau, James Noël and Stephane Martell, said that in the life of everyone, there comes a time when he or she must engage their story or destiny.

“It has come time for change.

We join our voices to those who demand the resignation of the President of the Republic. But let us say from the outset, loud and clear, no lasting transformation of our society will be achieved without taking into account the values and principles that alone

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

can ensure the advent of a more just, united and fraternal society.

“No democratic construction is possible in Haiti without the reduction of inequalities, without a new ethics and means to support the public service in the enhancement of the common good,” they wrote, urging the formation of a government of national unity.

“Let’s build a priority strategy for the recovery of the rule of law. It’s been a long time since we talk about a national conference, a general assembly. But none of this will be possible if there is no trust around the table.

“Let’s have the courage to say aloud where the rub is. Mistrust, jealousies, rivalries,…material thirst divide us and paralyze us especially.

Let’s build trust and tolerance to move toward solutions that resemble us and bring us together,” the writers said in the open letter to Moise, who said last week that he was not a dishonest person.

Moise himself has said that he not allow “anyone to put chaos and disorder in the country under any pretext,” as he defended himself against the report of the Superior Court of Accounts and Administrative Liti-

gation (CSA/CA) into programmes and projects funded by the PetroCaribe, an oil alliance of many Caribbean states with Venezuela to purchase oil on conditions of preferential payment.

Venezuela gives Russia control of new gas deposits near T&T

Russian president Vladimir Putin and Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.

Trinidad Guardian - A report car-ried by a pan-Latin Amer-i-can news or-gan-i-sation, Panam Post, is stat-ing that Venezue-lan pres-i-dent Nico-las Maduro has giv-en Rus-sia two gas de-posits near to Trinidad and To-bago.

The re-port says that Maduro of-fered up 100% of the project and all gas rights ex-ploit-ed.

The ar-ti-cle says this is fur-ther ev-i-dence that Russian pres-i-dent Vladimir Putin is chal-leng-ing the US govern-ment in the re-gion, and re-in-forc-ing his plans to stay in the South Amer-i-can coun-try.

Ac-cord-ing to the report, Putin ap-proved the plans on Thurs-day, June 13, where-by the Russ-ian govern-ment-con-trolled Ros-

neft com-pa-ny will en-joy the op-tion to ex-port all the gas ex-tract-ed in both de-posits.

These are the Patao and Mejil-lones de-posits, lo-cated to the north of the Paria penin-su-la and which are part of the Mariscal Su-cre Project, in north-east-ern Venezuela, close to Trinidad and To-bago.

Ros-neft al-ready par-tici-pates as a mi-nor-i-ty partner in sev-er-al joint oil produc-tion projects in Venezuela, such as Petro-vic-to-ria, Petromon-a-gas and Petro-miran-da, in the Orinoco oil belt, as well as Bo-querón and Petroper-i-já, in the state of Zu-lia.

In March of this year, Nicolás Maduro de-cid-ed to move the Petroleos de Venezuela of-fice from Lis-bon to Moscow to strength-en the

strate-gic part-ner-ship between the two coun-tries.

Ad-di-tion-al-ly, on Thurs-day, the Venezue-lan for-eign min-is-ter announced that Nicolás Maduro will be pay-ing a visit to Moscow.

Rus-sia has be-come one of Maduro’s great-est al-lies, pro-vid-ing it with weapons, tech-nol-o-gy, and oth-er resources.

The Russ-ian oil com-pany Ros-neft has chan-neled more than USD $17 bil-lion in loans to the Chavez regime dur-ing the last decade.

The com-pa-ny al-so extract-ed three mil-lion tons of oil in 2017 from its op-er-ations in Venezuela.

In gen-er-al, Rus-sia has in-vest-ed in many Venezuelan in-dus-tries, from bank-ing to bus as-sem-bly.

PAGE 28

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Egypt’s ousted Islamist president Mursi dies after collapsing in court CAIRO (Reuters) - Former Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, the first democratically elected head of state in Egypt’s modern history, died yesterday aged 67 after collapsing in a Cairo court while on trial on espionage charges, authorities said.

Mursi, a top figure in the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood, had been in jail since being toppled by the military in 2013 after barely a year in power, following mass protests against his rule.

His death is likely to pile up international pressure on the Egyptian government over its human rights record, especially conditions in prisons where thousands of Islamists and secular activists are held. The public prosecutor said he had collapsed in a defendants’ cage in the courtroom shortly after addressing the court, and had been pronounced dead in hospital at 4:50 p.m. (1450 GMT). It said initial checks had shown no signs of recent injury on his body. The Muslim Brotherhood described Mursi’s death as a “full-fledged murder” and

called for masses to gather at his funeral in Egypt and outside Egyptian embassies around the world.

Mursi’s family previously said his health had deteriorated in prison and that they were rarely allowed to visit.

His son said authorities were refusing to allow the family to lay him to rest in the family burial grounds in his native Nile Delta province of Sharqiya.

Abdullah Mohamed Mursi also told Reuters that authorities were only communicating with the family through their lawyers.

“We know nothing about him and no one is in touch with us, and we don’t know if we are going to wash him or say a prayer to him or not,” Abdullah said.

Amnesty International called for an “impartial, thorough and transparent” investigation into Mursi’s death.

“The news of Mohamed Mursi’s death in court today is deeply shocking and raises serious questions about his treatment in custody,” the group said in a statement.

Former Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi “Egyptian authorities had the responsibility to ensure that, as a detainee, he had access to proper medical care.”

British MP Crispin Blunt, who had led a delegation of UK lawmakers and lawyers last year in putting out a report on Mursi’s detention, slammed the conditions of Mursi’s incarceration.

“We want to understand

Boris Johnson gets boost in race to become Britain’s new PM LONDON (Reuters) Boris Johnson got a boost in his campaign to replace British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday when one of his former rivals and EU supporter Matt Hancock backed him saying he was almost certain to win the contest.

Johnson, a former London mayor and foreign minister, is way out in front in the race to become leader of the Conservative Party and despite so far deciding to steer clear of debates with his rivals, his popularity has yet to be dented.

Most of the other five hopefuls concede that Johnson, whose career has been marked by gaffes and scandals, will almost definitely make the final two in the race, when mainly pro-Brexit Conservative Party members will cast the deciding votes.

But the race is on to de-

cide who will challenge him.

Health Secretary Hancock, who dropped out of the race on Friday after winning 20 votes in the first ballot of Conservative lawmakers, said Johnson was the best candidate to lead the party.

“Boris has run a disciplined campaign and is almost certainly going to be our next prime minister,” Hancock said in an article in The Times newspaper, which tapped him as a strong contender to become finance minister.

“My view is that we need to start coming together sooner rather than later.”

Johnson, the face of the official campaign to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum, has promised to lead the United Kingdom out of the EU with or without a deal. But parliament has indicated it will try to stop a nodeal Brexit, which investors

warn could roil markets and shock the world economy, while the EU has said it will not renegotiate the Withdrawal Agreement that May agreed.

According to economists polled by Reuters, the likelihood of a no-deal exit has jumped in the past month.

TWO-HORSE RACE Almost three years since Britain voted to leave the EU, the country, the parliament and both main parties are still deeply divided over Brexit. But all of the Conservative leadership contestants agree they must take Britain out of the bloc.

Johnson won the support of 114 of 313 Conservative Party lawmakers in the first round of the leadership contest. The second round is today with the result due around 1700 GMT.

whether there was any change in his conditions since we reported in March 2018, and if he continued to be held in the conditions we found, then I’m afraid the Egyptian government are likely to be responsible for his premature death,” he said in remarks to the BBC. DECADES OF REPRESSION After decades of repression under Egyptian autocrats, the Brotherhood won a parliamentary election after a popular uprising toppled Hosni Mubarak and his military-backed establishment in 2011.

Mursi was elected to power in 2012 in Egypt’s first free presidential election, having been thrown into the race at the last moment by the disqualification on a technical-

ity of millionaire businessman Khairat al-Shater, by far the Brotherhood’s preferred choice.

His victory marked a radical break with the military men who had provided every Egyptian leader since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1952.

Mursi promised a moderate Islamist agenda to steer Egypt into a new democratic era in which autocracy would be replaced by transparent government that respected human rights and revived the fortunes of a powerful Arab state long in decline.

But the euphoria that greeted the end of an era of presidents who ruled like pharaohs did not last long.

The stocky, bespectacled engineer, born in 1951 in the dying days of the monarchy, told Egyptians he would deliver an “Egyptian renaissance with an Islamic foundation.” Instead, he alienated millions who accused him of usurping unlimited powers, imposing the Brotherhood’s conservative brand of Islam and mismanaging the economy, all of which he denied.

STATE OFALERT Security sources said the Interior Ministry had declared a state of alert on Monday, notably in Sharqiya.

Mursi had been in court for a hearing on charges of espionage emanating from suspected contacts with the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which had close ties to the Brotherhood.

His body was taken to the Tora prison hospital, state television reported. A heavy security presence was outside the prison on Monday night.

Mursi’s lawyer said his health had been poor in jail.

“We had put in several requests for treatment, some were accepted and others were not,” the lawyer, AbdelMenem Abdel-Maqsood, told Reuters.

Mursi was serving a 20year prison sentence for a conviction arising from the killing of protesters during demonstrations in 2012, and a life sentence for espionage in a case related to the Gulf state of Qatar. He had denied the charges.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan mourned his fellow Islamist as a martyr.

“Putting doubts aside, he has become a martyr today with the fulfilment of God’s order. ... Our prayers are with him,” Erdogan said.

“Condolences to all my brothers who walked the same path as he did. Condolences to the people of Egypt.

Condolences to his family and those close to him.”

The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas said Mursi had “served Egypt and the (Muslim) nation and the Palestinian cause.”

Qatar ’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a backer of Mursi and his Brotherhood, tweeted his condolences to Mursi’s family “and to the brotherly Egyptian people.”

As promised, Trump slashes aid to Central America over migrants WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration yesterday cut hundreds of millions of dollars in aid to El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, after Trump blasted the three countries because thousands of their citizens had sought asylum at the U.S. border with Mexico.

The plan will likely encounter stiff opposition in Congress.

Lawmakers, including

some of Trump’s fellow Republicans as well as Democrats, have chafed against the president’s repeated decisions to disregard spending bills passed by Congress, some of which he has signed into law himself.

Lawmakers who opposed the plan said it was cruel to cut off aid to countries grappling with hunger and crime and that the move would be counterproductive because it would more likely increase the number of migrants than decrease it. “As feared, a presidential tantrum will limit our nation’s ability to actually help address the challenges forcing people to flee to the U.S.,” Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said on Twitter.

Trump has made reducing illegal immigration one of his signature policy pledges, both during his

presidential campaign and 2-1/2 years in the White House.

Congressional aides said the administration told them it would reallocate $370 million in aid to Central America that lawmakers had approved for fiscal 2018, a n d s u s p e n d a n a dd i tional $180 million Congress had approved for fiscal 2017. All of the money for those years has not yet been spent.

The administration said in March it would cut aid to the three countries after Trump expressed unhappiness with their immigration policies.

No funds will be provided until the administration is satisfied the countries are reducing the number of migrants reaching the U.S. border, State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus told reporters.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 29

Kaieteur News

Brazil authorities put freeze on Woodland fends...

Neymar mansions amid tax dispute

Brazil’s Neymar during the warm up for an International Friendly - Brazil v Qatar.

(REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino)

SAO PAULO (Reuters) Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar’s off-pitch woes continue to mount, as Brazilian tax authorities put a freeze on dozens of his mansions and other properties amid a longrunning tax dispute, local media reported yesterday.

The Folha de S.Paulo newspaper reported that Brazilian authorities blocked 36 properties in Brazil as they seek 69 million reais ($18 million) in back taxes. They claim that amount is due in connection with Neymar’s 2013 transfer from Santos to Barcelona.

The action means Neymar can use the properties but not sell them.

Tuesday June 18, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You're likely to enjoy a change in the rhythm and quality of life, beginning right now, Aries. Do you feel a need to take your friendships beyond superficiality?

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The cosmos will ask you to make more of an effort, Libra. To do so means you will have to come back down to Earth and join the rest of us mere mortals.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Today you can expect to be more enterprising in your human relationships, Taurus. You may find new friends or enjoy quality time with old ones. It's likely that your love life will intensify.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) A quest is in store for you, Scorpio. You're likely to engage in a search for physical or intellectual space. You may be asking yourself philosophical questions.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) The past month has allowed you to affirm yourself, Gemini, and cement some aspects of your personality.

You're now entering a period of consolidation.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today heralds the beginning of a very agreeable period. You will be especially happy! You will project confidence, clarity, and charisma wherever you go.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) This would be a good moment to get rid of anything that still stands between you and achieving your goals. A certain obstacle might be sparking the impulse you have to blend into the background.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) The signs say that you can expect a very profitable few weeks ahead, Virgo. You've worked hard lately, and it's only natural that you have finally arrived at this stage.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) In navigating your emotional life, Sagittarius, you may feel you've made a great effort in the past month.

You've been available and conciliatory, and done your best to maintain harmony.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The cosmic signs indicate that your emotional universe will once again glow with positive energy. You will meet more people, and your encounters are likely to be profoundly gratifying, emotionally and intellectually.

Folha cited an unspecified court ruling as approving the action by Brazil tax authorities. It was not immediately possible to locate the ruling.

Brazil’s tax agency did not respond to a request for comment. A spokeswoman for Neymar did not have comment.

In addition to his tax fight, Neymar in recent weeks has been accused of rape, an allegation that Brazilian police are investigating.

A Brazilian woman accused Neymar, 27, of raping her at a Paris hotel last month.

He denies the allegation and says the relationship was consensual.

On Sunday, a report in L’Equipe said that Paris SaintGermain are prepared to sell Neymar, as chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi warned that irresponsible behavior from players won’t be tolerated anymore.

TEAM PROFILES...

Name: Denzil Hernandez Position: Physio

Name: Faizal Khan Position: Head of Recruitment

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) For you, Aquarius, the next few weeks portend a period of timidity. You will probably go out less, introduce yourself to fewer new people, and be less prone to showing off.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may have spent the past few weeks exploring other horizons, meeting new people, going out more frequently, or taking short trips.

Name: Eon De Viera Position: Equipment Manager

From page 26 every time and sometimes it’s not meant to be.”

A maiden major now within his grasp, a relaxed Woodland capped off his round in spectacular style, rolling in a 30-foot birdie at the last to trigger a standing ovation and chants of “Gary, Gary”.

Tiger Woods, a threetime U.S. Open winner, had ended the third round 11

shots back of the leader but still gave himself a chance of winning a 16th major on Sunday.

Those slim hopes disappeared quickly when he bogeyed four of his opening five holes.

Woods hit back with six birdies, including one at the 18th, for a two-under round, his lowest final round at a U.S. Open in a decade but still 11 back of winner.

PAGE 30

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Thompson stars as Sophia Primary overcome Ketley Primary

Part of the action between Ketley Primary and Sophia Primary

The teams prior to the start of play A fine all-round performance from Kaizanna Thompson guided Sophia to a 10- wicket win over Ketley when the Al Sport and Tour Promotion National Sports Commission 22nd Annual Edward Cobenna Memorial Primary Schools Windball Champions Trophy continued recently with action in the Georgetown zone.

Playing in the female category, Ketley, after been invited to bat made 36 -3 at the National Gymnasium with Ommianna Vanderhyden scoring 17.

Kaizanna Thompson grabbed 2-5.

Sophia, in their turn in the middle scored 40-0 off 2.3 overs; Rayanna Harris made 24 and Thompson 16.

In other matches, Christmas Term champions Enterprise took first strike and managed 77-1; Denita Audain made 28 and Tyra Wilson 16.

Tucville replied with 51-1; Eufita James scored 23 and Natasha Sealey 13.

Former three times champions, Saint Pius managed 67-1. Shellyann De Rouch struck 34, Kystal Archer 26 and Tehanna

Mendonca 10.

Saint Margaret’s made 34-5, in reply.

Akecia Vancoten and Breana Carter scored 10 each as K. Archer picked up 4 -10.

West Ruimveldt after been invited to bat scored 85-2; Ashanna Rajkumar and Seona France got 22 each while Renese Reece made 20.

Grahams Hall in replied got to 74-2; Mariam Springer stroked 24 and Shontel Lewis 16.

Meanwhile, the Georgetown leg has been put on hold; teachers are asked to Contact the Sports Officer for more information.

YBG-NSBF Georgetown Regionals

PC highlight last Friday’s play

Woodland fends off Koepka to claim U.S. Open PEBBLE BEACH, CA. (Reuters) - Gary Woodland held his nerve to claim his first major with a three-shot victory at the U.S. Open on Sunday, bringing Brooks Koepka’s two-year reign to an end.

Woodland had not managed a top-10 finish in his first 27 majors before last year’s PGA Championship, where he tied for sixth, but he handled the final round with the composure of someone who had been playing for golf’s biggest prizes his entire career.

Ending his round in style with a birdie at the last, Woodland carded a twounder 69 to keep Koepka from becoming the first man in more than a century to sweep three straight U.S. Opens.

“Just glad it was over,” smiled Woodland. “I didn’t let myself get ahead at all today.

“Didn’t ever let myself think the tournament was over.

“So I just stayed in it.”

World number one Koepka went down fighting, finishing with a three-under

68 to leave him three short of Woodland’s winning total of 13-under 271.

Justin Rose began the day one shot back of Woodland but the Englishman crumbled on the back nine with three bogeys for a three-over 74 and a tie for third at sevenunder with Xander Schauffele, Chez Reavie and Spain’s Jon Rahm.

It was a remarkable display of determination and guts by the 35-year-old Woodland, who seven times before had held a 54-hole lead in a PGA Tour event and seven times could not close the deal.

As Woodland made the turn with a two-shot lead, faint cracks in his composure began to show as Koepka trimmed the advantage to one with a birdie at 11.

With tension building with each shot, Woodland kept his cool and collected his first birdie of the back nine at the par five 14th to reclaim a two-stroke advantage and turn the U.S. Open into a two horse race.

Rose, who saw the red-

hot putter that had come to his rescue so often during the week suddenly turn cold, had his bid for a second U.S. Open title seriously wounded with back-to-back bogeys at 12 and 13 and then killed off completely with another at 15 that dropped him five off the pace with three to play.

Down to the closing two holes and a relentless Koepka had one last opportunity to put pressure on Woodland with a birdie at the 18th that would have left his opponent clinging to a one-shot lead coming home.

But Koepka watched his nine-foot putt slip by the cup, settling for a par to give Woodland some breathing room.

“I hit a good putt, it just dove right across the front,” said Koepka. “Sometimes there’s just nothing you can do.

“I thought it would be nice to put some pressure on him, one shot going into the last hole.

“Nothing I could do. I gave it my all. I give it my all (Continued on page 25)

Play between Marian Academy (offence) and President’s College in the under-14 division.

President’s College (PC) claimed two victories on Friday last at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall (CASH) in the Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) Georgetown and East Coast Regionals, including a massive win against Tutorial High School in the U-18 division.

Richard Semple led PC in the 66-point victory (77-11) against the Georgetown school. The teen powered his way to a game-high 27 points and eight rebounds. Support came from Jushaun Bailey, who added 18 points and Rankin McDonald with 11 points, nine boards. Peter Thompson led Tutorial with four points, nine rebounds.

In the U-14 division, PC thrashed Marian Academy 27-8. Kerol Mentore led the East Coast school with a

double-double (12 points, 10 rebounds), while Rasean Barnwell added five points, seven rebounds.

Nicholas Verwey led Marian with four points, eight rebounds.

In another U-14 clash, St Stanislaus College got past YBG Cluster by a score of 2317. Daniel Bailey finished with a double-double for the winners (12 points, 10 rebounds), while K. Howard (six points) was the main scorer for YBG. In a close U-18 clash, Marian Academy were able to shoot their way past GTI 4035.

Josiah Daniels and Akili Haynes did it at both ends of the court for the winners with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 points, nine rebounds respectively.

Israel Yaw finished with a

game-high 15 rebounds and 12 points for GTI. Darren Thomas just missed out on a double-double for the institution after pulling down 11 rebounds to add to his nine points.

Bishops’ High dominated against their Georgetown counterparts St Rose’s High in the other U-18 clash.

Led by Keron Bacchus, who scored 23 points, the Bishops’ raced to a 69-36 point win.

Daniel Benjamin added 11 points, 10 rebounds and Timothy Richmond 11 points.

Jaiden Craig with 12 points, seven rebounds and Adrian Pilgrim with 10 points, led St Rose’s High.

The tournament is sponsored by Edward B. Beharry & Company Ltd, NSC, Banks DIH LTD and Exxon Mobil.

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 31

Kaieteur News

Guyana Rush Saints, Paiwomak Warriors are RFA champs

Guyana Rush Saints FC winner of the RFA men’s title.

Paiwomak Warriors FC the female title winners.

GBTI Open

Vadeannand Resaul beat Gonsalves in match of the night Guyana Bank of Industry and Commerce (GBTI) tenth annual Open Tennis tournament continued on Sunday at the GBTI Lawn Tennis Court in Bel Air and the most entertaining match of the Evening was the Men’s Singles. Vadeannand Resaul defeated Devon Gonsalves in a tight three-setter. The game lasted three hours and 12 minutes and was highlighted by hard hitting rallies, drop shots and power servers.

The match tested the fitness of both players and when the dust had settled it was Resaul who was victorious; winning 7-5, 6-7 (12-14), 6-4 Result: Cristy Campbell beat Simone Boucher 6-0, 6-0

Cristy Campbell secured another win on sunday night.

Vadeanand Resaul

Rafael Nunez got walk over from Aubrey Younge Gregorie Vincent got a walk over from Joseph De Younge Vadeannand Resaul beat Devon Gonsalves 7-5, 6-7 (12-

14), 6-4 Gavin Lewis/Daniel Lopes beat Joshua Kalekyezi/ Virat Sharma 6-0, 6-2 Heimraj Resaul/Kalcia Fraser beat Dominic Fraser/ Saskia Persaud 7-5, 6-3

Stafanie Taylor looks to T20 series against England women Guyana Rush Saints male team and Paiwomak Warriors females are the respective champions of the Rupununi Football Association (RFA) championships which concluded recently.

Playing at the Guyana Rush Saints FC ground, Guyana Rush Saints FC battled Paiwomak Warriors FC and won the finals 3 goals to 1.

In the Female action, Paiwomak Warriors FC beat Flash FC in an exciting match from start to finish. Both teams were tied with 1 goal each and in the extra time given, Paiwomak Warriors were able to come out 3-2

winners for the title after an intense contest.

In the 3rd place playoff among the females - Strikers FC out of Massara kept Guyana Rush Saints FC at bay to hold out for a 1-0 triumph to take the third spot.

The male third place between Harpies FC and Titans FC resulted in the sides going to full time with a 2-2 locked scoreline. Extra time was used to separate them and this period produced two more goals, one to each team to keep the score cemented at 3-3. Penalty kicks had to be employed as per tournament rules and Titans FC emerged victorious 3 goals to nil to take the 3rd place.

Martial Arts classes underway in E’bo With the aim of the unearthing talent on the Essequibo Coast, Master Dellon Hyman has embarked on staging Martial Arts classes at the Anna Regina Multilateral School for male and female students.

The sessions commenced on June 4th last and will continue every Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 16:00hrs.

The sessions cater for students of any age group and those interested are asked to make contact with Master Dellon Hyman and instructor Ulanda Hayman on 687-7427 or 6663416. Meanwhile, grading sessions will be held on July 25 at Perth Society Hall in Mahaicony and fans are invited to witness students from Mahaica and Uitvlugt in action.

Students in action in one of the sessions that was held recently on the Essequibo Coast.

N O RT H A M P TO N , England- The West Indies Women will now shift their focus to the three-match Vitality T20 International series against England Women to be played at Northampton and Derby.

The team led by Captain Stafanie Taylor completed two training sessions at the Northamptonshire Cricket Club grounds. The team

maximized their time on the surface as the first two matches will be played at that venue.

Speaking after the last training session, Stafanie said despite a 3-0 ODI series loss, the team has shifted focus and preparations to the T20Is, from which they are expecting better results.

Vitality T20 International Series: June 18, 21

(Northampton) and 25 (Derby).

FULL SQUAD; Stafanie Taylor (captain), Hayley Matthews (vice-captain), Britney Cooper, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Kycia Knight, Kyshona Knight, Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell, Shemaine Campbell, Natasha McLean and Stacy Ann King.

Guyana Football Federation and Capelli Sport announce partnership - Capelli Sport named Official Uniform Supplier for 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Capelli Sport, the international sportswear and team wear brand, have announced a partnership between the sporting entities.

For the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which is taking place June 15 through July 7, Capelli Sport will be the exclusive uniform supplier of the GFF. The CONCACAF Gold Cup is a competition held every two years with 16 participating nations qualifying through each of CONCACAF’s three subregions of NorthAmerica, Central America and the Caribbean.

This initial partnership has led to positive discussions regarding a long-term partnership between Capelli Sport and the GFF, with plans for additional, exciting details to be released following the

conclusion of the 2019 CONCACAF Golf Cup Competition.

As a CONCACAF member, the Golden Jaguars will make its first appearance in the Gold Cup this year, following qualification in March 2019. With a cohesive group in place, the team has made great strides in the development of the sport, including this historic moment for the country.

On the national scale, the GFF is the premier football entity, working to promote football by providing educational, physical and total development initiatives amongst the youth and adult programs.

In eight years of operation, Capelli Sport has become the partner of, and the official outfitter for, a number of internationally recognized sporting organizations, professional clubs and

international teams. Currently, Capelli Sport distributes its world-class training gear and apparel in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Capelli Sport was founded in 2011 by President George Altirs, with the mission to provide quality, functionality and design for high-level performance on the field. Altirs’ more than 30 years in the apparel, fashion and accessory business with parent company GMA Accessories led to the creation of Capelli Sport. The brand’s innovative, worldclass training gear, equipment and uniforms have yielded many global recreational, youth, club, collegiate, semiprofessional, professional and international level sports partnerships.

Logos - CS-Guyana-FFPartnership

PAGE 32

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Bowlers lead Wellman Masters to Father’s Day T20 softball title

Latchman Kallicharran (right) receives his man-of-the-match award from Rishi Ramsaywack.

A disciplined bowling performance, led by man-ofthe-match Latchman Kallicharan, handed We l l m a n M a s t e r s the Father’s Day T20 softball title which was contested on Sunday at Everest Cricket Club.

Following victories in their respective semi final matches played earlier, in which Wellman Masters defeated HS Masters and Fisherman Masters beat Ariel Masters, the two teams collided in the grand finale on a moist outfield a n d We l l m a n M a s t e r s prevailed by eight wickets.

Ewie Sharma uprooted the stumps of Patrick Khan (02) and had Jagdesh Persaud (00) caught, while

Kallicharran bowled Zameer Hassan (02) as Fisherman Masters were reduced to 27-3, batting first in difficult conditions.

Troy Ramsaywack struck two fours and one six before he was caught off Kallicharran for a top score of 22, but apart from him, no other batsman offered any resistance as Fisherman Masters were bowled out for 53 in 15.2 overs.

Kallicharran grabbed 314, while Sharma has 2-6, Sheldon Perch 2-16 and Rawle Reid 2-17.

Hassan removed opener Mahase Chunilall (08), while Pooran Singh disturbed the stumps of Sharma (00) as Wellman

Masters suffered some nervous moments early in the chase to be at 16-2.

However, Lloyd Ruplall and Reid steadied the innings nicely with an unbeaten third wicket stand of 41 to see their team home as they finished on 57-2 in 7.5 overs.

Ruplall struck three fours and one six in a top score of 32 while Reid made 12. Singh had 1-6 and Hassan 1-15.

The competition was sponsored by Patsan Trading, Brush Grocery, Pooran Electrical, Royal G l a s s a n d F r i e n d s b a r, R e g a l S t a t i o n e r y and Computer Centre, Pete’s Real Estate and Ramchand’s Auto Parts. (Zaheer Mohamed)

Captain of Fisherman Masters Dennis Mangru (right) accepts the runner up prize from organiser Rishi Ramsaywack.

Members of the victorious Wellman Masters team with their hardware.

Beacons crowned Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Champions Beacons were crowned the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Bartica Champions, defeating Police 1-0 on Sunday at the Bartica Community Center tarmac.

Whitney We l c o m e denied the lawmen in a physical matchup which was witnessed by a mammoth partisan crowd in the 31st minute.

We l c o m e , upon receiving the ball on the right side, slammed his effort past the final defender to ignite wild celebrations on the field.

For the officers, it was their second loss in three years in the championship matchup. [Police lost the inaugural final in 2017 to Rivers View] Beacons sealed their place in the championship match after brushing aside Walking Boys 3-0.

On the other hand, Police arrested Mighty

Beacons Captain Whitney Welcome collects the championship trophy from Banks DIH Bartica Branch Manager Amanda Murray in the presence of his celebrating team-mates. Also in the photo are Lee Baptiste, Guinness Brand Executive, and Bartica District Sales Supervisor Keron Savory.

Ruler 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra

time ended scoreless.

With the win, Beacons

pocketed $400,000 and the respective trophy. They

also earned an automatic place in the National Championship, which is pegged to start in August.

Meanwhile, the losing finalist received $150,000 and a trophy. In the third place playoff, newcomer Wa l k i n g B o y s n e e d l e d Mighty Ruler 1-0.

Due to the outcome, Walking Boyz walked away with $100,000 and a trophy, while Mighty Rulers collected $75,000 and the respective accolade.

Also, Goal-Raiders won the Guinness Plate Championship, defeating Rivers View 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation and extra time ended scoreless.

For their win, GoalRaiders pocketed $60,000.

In the earlier Guinness Plate semi-final round, Goal-Raiders bested Prison Officers 1-0, while Rivers View edged Potaro by an identical score.

The other major

sponsor of the event was Colours Boutique. In attendance at the venue was Banks DIH Guinness Brand Executive Lee Baptiste.

The Georgetown leg of the tournament is slated to commence in July.

Complete Results Final Beacons-1 vs Police-0 3rd Place Walking Boyz-1 vs Mighty Ruler Plate Final Goal-Raiders-0 vs Rivers View-0 Goal-Raiders won 1-0 on penalty kicks Semi-final Game-1 Beacons-3 vs Walking Boyz0 Game-2 Mighty Ruler-0 vs Police-0 Plate Semi-final Game-1 Goal-Raiders-1 vs Prison-0 Game-2 Potaro United-0 vs Rivers View-1

Tuesday June 18, 2019

BCB to host 2nd Annual Brian Ramphal Award Ceremony - Upper Corentyne Cricket Association’s to be held on the same day The Ancient County of Berbice in 2018 enjoyed a remarkable year after a long period of dormancy. The Berbice Cricket Board organised over thirty tournaments at the different levels, organised dozens of developmental programmes, while raising over $10 M in sponsorship.

The successes of 2018 would be celebrated on Sunday 23rd June, 2019, when the vibrant and pro active Berbice Cricket Board holds the second edition of the Brian Ramphal Award Ceremony at the Port Mourant Community Centre.

BCB President Hilbert Foster stated that the venue was chosen because of the Board’s policy of taking Berbice Cricket activities to different areas.

Last year’s Ceremony was held at the Albion Community Centre.

A total of 32 Awards would be shared out for outstanding performances in 2018 on the cricket field while numerous persons including Media personnel and sponsors would be recognised for their contribution to Berbice Cricket. Among the Awards to be shared out are Berbice

Under-15 Player of the Year, Berbice Under-17 Player of Year, Berbice Under-19 Male and Female Players of the Year, Discipline Player of the Year, Most Discipline Player of the Year, Most Improved Player of the Year, Female Cricketer of the Year, Umpire of the Year, Coach of the Year among others.

In an effort to recognise the effort of players across Berbice, the Berbice Cricket Board would recognise the performances of players in the four Sub-zones: West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne. Four different teams from the Subzones would be honoured as Clubs of the Year. West Indies Players Shimron Hetmyer and Erva Giddings have been named as Male and Female Cricketers of the Year, respectively. BCB President Hilbert Foster would provide a comprehensive report on the outstanding work of the Board in 2018 and unveil plans for the BCB 80th Anniversary Celebration later in the year. Director of Sports, Christopher Jones has been invited to attend the event and to deliver the Feature Address.

Meanwhile, the Berbice

Cricket Board would also be supporting the Upper Corentyne Cricket Association by hosting their 2nd Award Ceremony during the BCB Ceremony.

A total of ten Awards would be shared out for the outstanding performances in the Upper Corentyne area. The Awards to be shared out would be: “Under-15 Player of the Year, Under-17 Player of the Year, Under-19 Player of the Ye a r, S e c o n d D i v i s i o n Player of the Year, First Division Player of the Year, Junior Cricket Club of the Year, Senior Cricket Club of the Year, Primary School of t h e Ye a r, S e c o n d a r y School of the Year and Most Improved Club”.

All of the trophies and medals to be shared out at the Ceremony have been donated by the ten cricket clubs of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS. Vice President Sydney Jackman and former Guyana Senior Player would give a brief review of the active 2018 Cricket Season in the Upper Corentyne area.

The Berbice Cricket Board Awards Ceremony is being sponsored by one of its main donors Brian Ramphal.

“Get registered”, GMR&SC urges competitors With exactly one week before the second national drag racing championship of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC), no more than five competitors have been registered.

According to the club, competitors should make haste in registering themselves before next weekend’s event.

Club President Rameez Mohamed in a statement yesterday reminded those errant competitors to get organised early and avoid the rush.

“I know the event is going to be big, I’ve seen the local cars that are being built for this event but just over a week remains and we have just about five cars registered so far,” Mohamed said.

“What we are trying to avoid is persons crowding the office on Saturday and Sunday to get registered and

PAGE 33

Kaieteur News

possibly missing out on such.”

He noted that bikes are not exempt from being registered as the club tries to cut out the ‘late culture’ of registration.

“We also don’t want [Next] Sunday to be delayed by the persons coming to line to register their cars. Register early, Saturday and Sunday can be test days where you have a chance to use the lights and whats not.”

The GMR&SC boss sent out a stern warning, saying, “If you try to get registered between Saturday and Sunday and don’t get through then there is really nothing we can do, we have an event to run and we want to do it smoothly.”

According to Mohamed, over 100 competitors are expected to register for the event which will see the driver with the fastest reaction

win $20 000.

Del Ice Co has sponsored cash prizes for the fastest 10-second ($200,000), 11-second ($150,000) and 12-second ($100,000) cars.

Sponsors for the event include Platinum Car Show, KFC, Supreme Bets, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals, Del Ice Co., Mohamed’s Enterprise, B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, Prem’s Electrical, ENetworks, Motor Trend, Nexus Machine Shop, Power Line, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Wi n d J a m m e r H o t e l , C y r i l ’s Ta x i , A & R Jiwanram Printery, Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Miracle Optical, Special Auto, First Class Auto Spares and Sales, GT Tuners, West Coast Customs Wash bay and Imran Auto works.

Tickets for adults cost $1000 and children $500.

Windies brushed aside by inspired Bangladesh TAUNTON, England, CMC – West Indies’ World Cup hopes lay in ruins after Bangladesh completed their highest-ever successful run chase to thrash them by seven wickets here yesterday.

Tasked with overhauling a challenging 322 at Somerset County Ground, the Tigers made light of the target with Shakib-al-Hasan unfurling a superb unbeaten 124 and Litton Das ending 94 not out.

The pair staged a record unbroken fourth wicket stand of 189 as Bangladesh

rollicked to win easily with 51 balls remaining and move up the standings to fifth.

West Indies’ bowlers were poor and Bangladesh duly cashed in. Tamim Iqbal stroked 48 off 53 deliveries in a 52-run opening stand with Soumya Sarkar who made 29 from 23 balls.

Even when Soumya steered fast bowler Andre Russell to Chris Gayle at first slip in the ninth over, Shakib combined with Tamim to add a further 69 for the second wicket.

Tamim had struck six fours in a 53-ball knock before he was brilliantly run out by left-arm speedster Sheldon Cottrell from his own bowling in the 18th over, and West Indies were back in the game when Mushfiqur Rahim (1) tickled a leg-side catch behind off fast bowler Oshane Thomas in the next over.

Stumbling on 133 for three in the 19th over, Bangladesh rebounded through Shakib and Das who both played splendidly to erase any chance of a West Indies win.

Shakib faced 99 deliveries and struck 16 fours to complete his second straight hundred in the tournament and ninth of his career while Das eight fours and four sixes in an electrifying 69-ball innings.

The defeat was the third of the tournament in five matches for the Caribbean side, leaving them seventh in the 10-team standings on three points.

Earlier, the Windies ended on 321 for seven off their 50 overs, with Shai Hope falling for 96 from 120 deliveries in the 47th over and opener Evin Lewis gathering a handsome 70 off 67 balls.

Shimron Hetmyer hit the joint fastest half-century of the tournament with exactly 50 of 26 balls while captain Jason Holder chipped in with a cameo 33 off 15 balls.

Sent in at Somerset County Ground in their fifth match of the tournament, West Indies suffered an early blow with just six runs on the board when veteran left-hander Chris Gayle perished without scoring in the fourth over, nibbling at one angled across him from Mohammad Saifuddin (372) and going caught behind.

Hope joined Lewis to repair the innings in a 116run, second wicket stand, and also added 37 for the third wicket with Nicholas Pooran (25) and a crucial 83 for the fourth wicket with Hetmyer.

He also put on 39 for the sixth wicket with Holder before falling to a catch in the deep off seamer Mustafizur Rahman (3-59) with three figures beckoning.

PAGE 34

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Kaieteur News

Guyana ready for debut against USA Minneapolis, USA: The ‘Land of Many Waters’ will cement football history today at the Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota when the flagship team, the ‘Golden Jaguars’, open their bid for glory at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup against defending champions, USA. Guyana inked its name on the Gold Cup schedule after ending the Nations League in 7th place overall after a 2-1 win over visiting Belize at the Leonora Track and Field Facility in March, this year.

The Guyana Football Federation then moved to another gear to ensure that the team, led by former Jamaican national player, Michael Johnson as Head Coach, was afforded every opportunity to be prepared for the task at hand of taking on the USA, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago in Group D. The team have now been together from the

beginning of June as they embarked on a period of encampment, which included two friendly internationals against host Bermuda and Haiti in Costa Rica.

Preparations continued in the Minneapolis USA and now St. Paul, Minnesota ahead of today’s opening clash against the host and defending champions.

Johnson is steadfast in the fact that his charges are very prepared for the task at hand citing that they have been living together and getting to know each other both on and off the field of play: “For the last few days we’ve had a chance to really batten down and deal with what we expect, as we know the team now and this has allowed us to be more precise in our work and more detailed from an analytic point of view both in and out of possession and how we’re going to approach this game.”

Acknowledging that at this level experience is always needed, Johnson also said that there is also need for youthful legs especially in areas where you might be able to hurt the opposition: “The t e a m ’s been picked appropriately for this game and, more likely or not, it could change for the next one; but we feel what we’ve got at our disposal that we are in a very, very good place with hours left before the big game.”

The experienced Johnson who represented Jamaica at the Gold Cup zoomed in on the fact that for the majority of the players, this is the biggest stage they have ever played at and with this comes anxiousness, nervousness as well as a tinge of excitement: “But we’ve been able to handle that as a staff, you know, I’ve talked to them about my experiences in big games and how you approach them but we all know once the whistle blows the

nervousness goes, the anxiousness goes because now you are in it and that’s what we all can’t wait for now.”

The chief tactician stated that the build-up has been tremendous and they are ready to go reiterating that the challenge is being embraced by both players and management.

Ending on the note that qualification for this, the highest level competition in Concacaf is a massive achievement, Johnson posited that they want to go one step further: “I think we, by our own professionalism, by our own expectations, are putting more pressure on us internally than probably anybody else.

I’ve seen statements that don’t give us a chance, written us off; we won’t score a goal, easy game for America.

But internally, I think there is an inner belief and a real resilience that that’s the case and I think that’s

where the pressure comes from us in our own environment, thinking we can do a lot better than the so-called armchair pundits, press, players from America and coaching staff have said.”

Captain of the team Sam Cox, commenting on the tournament, noted that his colleagues as a collective would have been excited ever since the draw was made and the occasion would be fantastic for the players and country as it presents the ideal platform for Guyana’s name to be put on the world stage in front of 40 million viewers: “It’s going to be a brilliant occasion; it’s a different experience for all of us, a situation that we’ve never been in. we’ve had the Nation League games, World Cup Qualifiers in the past but never have we been to a major tournament so it’s been a complete different experience to what we’ve had before. I feel the boys

and I are mentally prepared; we know that we are in a very tough group but we feel that if we apply ourselves properly we can surprise a few people, we can compete and hopefully we can gain the respect of a lot of people along the way.”

Cox closed on the note that, “We are going to do our talking on the pitch.”

Kick off time in this feature match is 21:00hrs in St. Paul MN and 22:00hrs Guyana time.

Trinidad and Tobago would face off with Panama in the Group D opening clash.

Saturday, June 22 – FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH (Group D) 5:30 pm Guyana v Panama 7:30 pm USA v Trinidad and Tobago Wednesday, June 26 – Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS (Group D) 6:30 pm Trinidad and Tobago v Guyana 8:30 pm Panama v USA End of Group Stage.

AAG’s National Championships set for month-end - Over 150 athletes registered for two days of action

Aubrey Hutson President of AAG. Fireworks are expected when the country’s top athletes clash in the Athletics Association of Guyanasponsored National Senior Championships, which has been shifted to the last weekend of this month; June 29-30, at the National Track and Field Centre (NTFC) on the West Coast of Demerara with events running off at 10:00hrs each day.

Head of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Aubrey Hutson, in an invited comment with the media has posited that, “The National Senior Championship is one of the most anticipated events in Guyana’s sports calendar.

There are many athletes, overseas and local, who are trying to gain the time and attention of the

All eyes will be on GDF’s sprint, Akeem Stewart (winner), when the National Senior Championships runs off to see if he can go faster that 10.2 seconds.

AAG to get a chance to go to the World Championships this year.”

He further shared that on the local scene, “I look forward to great competition, especially the rivalry that has been going on for the last couple of years.

We know that Akeem Stewart and Davin Fraser will have their battle when they meet in the 100m final. Akeem would have run one of the fastest times as a Guyanese

athlete in the 100m, which is 10.29 second recently and we are very excited to see him go faster.”

Hutson also relayed that while the event is not far off, the condition of the track is definitely a concern for the AAG, whom he noted has been working tirelessly with the management of the NTFC to see if any repairs or remedial work can be done to have the facility ready for the upcoming meet in a timely

manner.

The highest level of performances from athletes competing at the meet is expected from the administrator.

He explained that the AAG must put measures in place to have athletes compete at the senior level because, nine out of ten times, juniors register very strong performances in their respective categories of sport,

but their performances deteriorate when they start competing at the senior level, and they eventually cease to compete.

The AAG will simultaneously be holding a fundraising barbecue along with the meet. Any patron purchasing a barbecue ticket for $1200 will be afforded entry to the event, while regular tickets to the event would cost $300.

Kaieteur News

Tuesday June 18, 2019

PAGE 35

TEAM PROFILES – PLAYERS AND TECHNICAL TEAM Meet the Golden Jaguars Players that will be representing Guyana, which is making its debut the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup Tournament in the USA.

Name: Alex Murray Position: Goalkeeper Club: Santos FC (Guyana) D.O.B: 21.11.1992

Name: Ronayne Marsh-Brown Position: Defender Club: Whitehawk FC (England) D.O.B: 13.11.1984

Name: Akel Clarke Position: Goalkeeper Club: S.V. Walking Boyz Company (Suriname) D.O.B: 25.10.1988

Name: Matthew Briggs Position: Defender Club: Unattached D.O.B: 06.03.1991

Name: Quillan Roberts Position: Goalkeeper Club: Forge FC (Canada) D.O.B: 26.10.1984

Name: Kevin Layne Position: Defender Club: Guyana Defence Force FC D.O.B: 01.01.1998

Name: Sam Cox Position: Defender Club: Unattached D.O.B: 10.10.1990

Name: Liam Gorden Position: Defender Club: Dagenham & Redbridge FC (England) D.O.B: 15.05.1999

Name: Jordan Dover Position: Defender Club: Pittsburg Riverhounds SC (USA) D.O.B: 14.12.1994

Name: Neil Danns Position: Midfielder Club: Unattached D.O.B: 23.11.1982

Name: Terence Vancooten Position: Defender Club: Stevenage FC (England) D.O.B: 29.12.1997

Name: Brandon Beresford Position: Midfielder Club: Peachtree City Moba (USA) D.O.B: 15.07.1992

Name: Kadell Daniel Position: Defender Club: Dover Athletic FC (England) D.O.B: 03.06.1994

Name: Elliot Bonds Position: Midfielder Club: Dagenham & Redbridge FC (England) D.O.B: 23.03.2000

Name: Daniel Wilson Position: Midfielder Club: Western Tigers FC (Guyana) D.O.B: 01.11.1993

Name: Keanu Marsh-Brown Position: Forward Club: Newport County AFC (England) D.O.B: 10.08.1992

Name: Stephen Duke-McKenna Position: Midfielder Club: Unattached D.O.B: 17.08.2000

Name: Pernell Schultz Position: Forward Club: Western Tigers FC (Guyana) D.O.B: 07.04.1994

Name: Terell Ondaan Position: Forward Club: SC Telstar (Netherlands) D.O.B: 09.09.1993

Name: Anthony Jeffrey Position: Midfielder Club: Unattached D.O.B: 03.10.1994

Name: Callum Hariott Position: Forward Club: Unattached D.O.B: 04.03.1994

Name: Emery Welshman Position: Forward Club: FC Cincinnati (USA) D.O.B: 09.11.1991

Name: Sheldon Holder Position: Forward Club: Caledonia AIA (Trinidad & Tobago) D.O.B: 30.09.1991

Name: Ian Greenwood Position: Technical Director

Name: Michael Johnson Position: Head Coach

Name: Paul Williams Position: Senior Coach

Name: Ademola Bankole Position: Goalkeeper Coach

Name: Charles Pollard Position: Assistant Coach

Name: Rawle Adams Position: Manager

Name: Duane Saunders Position: Physio (Continued on page 29)

t r o Sp The Golden Jaguars work on their play during a training session ahead of today’s contest against the host USA in the Gold Cup.

Guyana ready for debut against USA

Dejected West Indies players leave the field after their defeat to Bangladesh in the ICC World Cup yesterday.

Liton Das scored a 50 on his World Cup debut © Getty Images

Windies brushed aside by inspired Bangladesh

Feet off the ground as Shakib Al Hasan plays a square cut © Getty Image

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.