Kaieteur News
PAGE 04
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
Trump and Kim Jong-Un, a staged diplomacy The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un on Sentosa Island in Singapore on June 12, was historic in that it produced a feeling of goodwill. Singapore’s navy and fighter jets and apache helicopters patrolled the area as President Trump and President Kim Jong-Un eyeballed one another looking for signs of trust or deceit. The world watched anxiously, hoping that somehow the two unpredictable leaders would find a way to defuse one of the planet’s most dangerous flashpoints. With the cameras of the world trained on them, the stakes were high for both men. Trump and Kim looked very serious, but displayed an atmosphere of bonhomie and smiled as they shook hands. It was an indelible profile of a tall, blonde demigod and a short, dark tyrant. The leaders quickly recognized the importance to end the threat of nuclear war and promised to take reciprocal actions to achieve peace, stability and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Singapore Summit represented the start of a diplomatic process that has taken the world away from the brink of war. The leaders agreed to avoid antagonizing each other and to take legal and institutional steps to lower the military threat posed by both nations and to guarantee peace in the region. As they sat together, Trump lavished praise on Kim, a stark contrast to his excoriation of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the G-7 summit in Quebec. He thanked Kim for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his country, denuclearization of the region and, ultimately, peace in the world. It was unlike when Trump taunted Kim as “Little Rocket Man” and Kim responded by calling him “a mentally deranged U.S. dotard” who seemed to belong to another world. It was almost unthinkable when the two leaders traded insults at each other and issued threats that raised the fears of nuclear war, thus making peace on the Korean Peninsula almost impossible. Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, U.S-North Korea relations were strained. The summit has changed that as the two leaders tried to build a permanent and durable peace on the Korean Peninsula. The Summit produced a wave of concessions from both leaders, including the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the halting of U.S. joint military exercises with South Korea and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on North Korea, but only if North Korea abandons its nuclear weapons it considered vital to the survival of the Kim dynasty. However, only a few details of what was discussed at the summit were made public. Technically, the two countries remained at war because the summit did not change the status of the Korean War, which ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a formal peace treaty. However, President Trump has vowed to end the longstanding conflict as both leaders seemed to have buried the hatchet that had existed since the end of the war. As the summit ended, the world awoke to an undeniably reduced specter of nuclear war. Their joint statement promised complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and new relations between the two countries without any details about what that might entail or how these lofty goals will be achieved. Some praised the meeting as an epochal event of great significance and a diplomatic masterstroke of goodwill and genuine attempts to build trust. However, many experts had clear misgivings that the summit was a staged diplomacy that did not yield much by way of substantive results.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
The final chapter of the junk bulldozer DEAR EDITOR, At the very first RDC Statutory meeting in January this year, the entire RDC Boardroom listened in shock to a narrative that an old decrepit bulldozer precariously perched outside of the RDC Compound actually belonged to the Region and was newly purchased for a whopping $15 million. The REO wasted no time in claiming that she was not aware of the bulldozer since from all records it did not belong to the RDC as no money was paid. She further claimed that she had only heard about its ‘arrival’ at the said meeting when the issue was raised. The REO was adamant that the bulldozer was not the property of the RDC. She further asserted that once the bulldozer is found to be defective, she would send it packing. Upon inspection it was found not only to be defective, but it was not the bulldozer specified in the tender advertisement. This junk bulldozer arrived nearly
five months after the contract was awarded to KP Project Management Company. It was later revealed that 53% or $8 million of the purchase was paid in advance before the junk was supplied and the remaining sum of $6.8 million was paid in December 2017, before the arrival of it. The REO is the Accounting Officer, so it is alarming that she was not aware of these payments at the Statutory meeting in January. Later on, the REO said that the supplier has agreed to repair the bulldozer, even though it was not the bulldozer specified in the tender. She had said also that the contractor gave a one-year warranty on the ‘junk’. Fortunately or unfortunately, this repair did not materialize as well. This deal was rotten since the advertisement stage of the tender. It was advertised in one newspaper only, which is a breach of the Procurement Act. This Act stipulates that this should be done in newspapers of wide
circulation. The Auditors concluded that this was the reason for the receiving of only one bid. Moreover, the Auditors found several fundamental breaches which I have outlined in my letters to the press. In addition, they found that there was no security bond on the contract, the bulldozer was not according to specification, the chassis plate was tampered with, there were numerous defects and the contract did not provide for the $8 million advance payment to the contractor. When I had said that there was no bond, the REO threatened to sanction me at the RDC meeting. Ultimately a bond was secured, but there was no new contract to support it, as the Public Accounts Committee also discovered. When I raised the issue of this bond at the Statutory meeting on 7th June, 2018, the REO then told the RDC that they will acquire the services of a lawyer to levy on the performance bond from Caricom General
Insurance Company on 11th June. It is now clear from the report in the media that she tried to levy on the bond the same day I raised the issue at the RDC. But this also now seems to be just a facade. Unfortunately, from what the PA C h a s c o n c l u d e d , whatever occurred will cost the Region $14.8 million! The Region has no claim against KP Project Management Company! What is more damning is the fact that the REO tried to implicate the previous REO Dr Ramayya in this bulldozer fiasco. I spoke to Dr Ramayya and he told me that he resigned since September 2016. The bulldozer contract was signed in September 2017, one year after. I am calling on the RDC to move a motion to sanction this REO and the Minister of Communities to remove her from Office. She should do the honourable thing and resign forthwith! Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf RDC Councilor Region 6
Customs like this have always interested me DEAR EDITOR, In a letter headlined “Those double barreled surnames”, from Juliet Holder-Allen, an Attorneyat-law makes the following statement: “The relevant provision in the Marriage Act, in most countries, and Guyana is no exception, requires that the wife take the surname of the husband, or if she so chooses to continue her identification in her maiden name.” Now - I would expect an attorney-at-law to be more accurate in the use of words. How can an individual be “required” to do something, and at the same time be given the option of doing something else. If I am required to do something, I HAVE to do that thing, I cannot opt out of doing it. I think the word the writer means is that the wife is “entitled” to use her husband’s name. It is her right under the English Common Law of our former colonial masters, the British. If we have a Marriage Act that says so, it is merely following the precedent of the much older Common Law. This continues to be a right in those countries that continue to accept that
Common Law, even if there is no specific modern law which says so. My married name is actually NOT Mrs Patricia Commissiong, as we frequently say. It is Mrs Bertram Commissiong - my husband’s name, which I am entitled to use. And the wife of Lord Randolph Churchill Winston Churchill’s father was Lady Randolph Churchill; and Meghan Markle can now be called Princess Henry of Wales, or the Duchess of Sussex, her husband’s title. But it is not the custom or an entitlement in “most countries”. Common Law countries are not a majority in the world. In Spain and former Spanish colonies the accepted form is that she uses her husband’s paternal family and her paternal family name. And the children of the marriage use both family names. (I discovered this in my school days when our teacher, Miss Lucille Campbell, referred to the then political leader of Puerto Rico, named Munoz Marin, as Munoz. I wondered how she could refer to him by his Christian name - until I found out that Munoz was the paternal family name of his father, and Marin the paternal
family name of his mother. And I once had an account with an internet firm run by Latin Americans, who asked for my family name and thereafter addressed me as Commissiong Robinson my husband’s family name and my father’s family name). In Russia, although not a universal practice, it is common for the wife to adopt the husband’s surname, but in the feminine form (the wife of a Romanov is Romanova). There has to be a formal application for this, and the application is usually part of the marriage proceedings. Russian masculine and feminine versions of a family name are similar to the Latin versions of the Roman Empire. That famous name, Julius Caesar, for example, is not a given name and a family name. “Julius” is the family name, and the females of the family were all “Julia”. (The cognomen “Caesar” merely distinguishes one branch of the “Julii” - that’s the plural form of the family name. Julius Caesar’s given name was “Gaius”). On the other hand, in some countries the wife’s name traditionally did not change - in China and Korea,
for example. Today, some westerners (read Americans) may refer to the wife of Chairman Xi Jinping as Madame Xi, but that is based on a western assumption that everybody else does as they do, or everybody else ought to do so. And note that in China the family name is placed first, as it is in Vietnam, not last as in European countries and their former colonies. I did a search of various countries and among noncommon law countries these are some of the arrangements that I found: In Greece, since 1983, a woman is required to keep her own name after marriage ( i t ’s c a l l e d “ g e n d e r equality”). In Italy a woman keeps her family name and has the option of adding her husband’s name after her own. In the Netherlands, persons who are married or who have a registered partnership, remain registered under their birth names, although they can use the name of the partner for social purposes. At the marriage or registration of the partnership each partner can indicate if he/she will use the birth name, the partner’s (Continued on page 06)
Wednesday June 20, 2018
PAGE 5
Kaieteur News
This can only be seen as twisted We have to leave a benign legacy for logic and unharnessed greed our children that we do care for them DEAR EDITOR, One can only see as twisted logic and unharnessed greed, the argument being advanced by the Town Clerk of Georgetown against sections of the Food Safety Bill which he considers a peril to the Council’s revenue base, as he claims that the Council will be losing approximately six million a year from no longer being able to license “eating houses” and “street food vendors.” In the first instance the annual wage bill for the staff of the Food Hygiene Section is more than ten times the amount of revenue brought in from licensing food establishments, so in effect, the Council would be gaining rather than losing, as all they have to do is to give all of the staff of the Food Hygiene Section pink slips, and they will save the city tens of millions of dollars each year. In the second instance, I would like to know what the staff of the Food Hygiene Section is doing about the explosion in the dog food business in Georgetown. All over the world there are licensing and labeling requirements for the manufac-
turing and sale of dog food and other treats. This is for the protection of the homebased pet food preparers, for the safety of the purchaser, and for the safety of their pets. Clearly, the Council does not consider this as important, as there is not even a labelling requirement for these products. But the question I would also like to ask the Town Clerk who was once an Environmental Health Assistant at the Council, is whether there are routine food inspections conducted by Environmental Health Officers to all food establishments and eating houses in Georgetown that involve an assessment of the storage of food, the processing of food, the display of food, the packaging of food, the transportation and distribution of food, the health, hygiene and knowledge of food operators and most importantly, the condition and hygiene of food premises? We see many illegal operations at street corners and many other public places. We see persons selling raw chicken on the streets around the Bourda Market each evening without any refrigeration facilities. Surely, the
city needs to do better than just collect six million a year while overlooking many flagrant violations. The unhygienic nature of some eating establishments in Georgetown is no secret where the bathrooms are barely ever clean, and indeed many times the kitchens too close to the urinals. Chances are in some of these establishments that the tea, local drinks and juices made from untreated tap water which can lead to occurrences of diarrhea, dysentery and food poisoning. There could be no question of the need for food establishments in Georgetown to be brought into conformity with what other cities internationally are doing. The Georgetown City Council cannot facilitate that and the Town Clerk has to know that. There is a critical need for central government to urgently step in to prevent the spread of food borne diseases through the control of the production, preparation, handling, storage and the transportation of food. How could anyone with a shred of decency rail against that? Regards Kwasi Sanderson
A most politically unwise proposal DEAR EDITOR. Again, we witness the horrible green monster (the scandalous parking meter shackle) rearing its hideous head in Georgetown. And again, the controversial Town Clerk is leading the charge as the champion, chief advocate and major advocate for this atrocity. Apparently, this purportedly revised but nonetheless illegal parking meter contract is back with Cabinet which has decided to refer the document to a sub-committee, amid ongoing concerns by several sections of Georgetown. One can only hope that this Cabinet sub-committee which is reportedly made up of the ministries of communities, finance, legal affairs, public infrastructure and business should from the very outset demand to be provided with the minutes of the meeting of the previous Council that supposedly approved the contract between the Council and the parking meter company. Of course it is well known
that no such approval was ever granted, but rather just a falsehood that has been bandied around by some deceitful administrators at City Hall. This makes from the very beginning the signing of the contract illegal, which no amount of revisions could change and make lawful. The second very important issue that the cabinet sub-committee should look at is the fact that the awarding of this contract violates all public procurement procedures that are in existence, to ensure that the procurement of goods, services and execution of works in Guyana are
conducted in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost effective manner, according to the laws of Guyana and such policy guidelines. But third, and just as important that the cabinet subcommittee should pay keen attention to, is the severe negative effects its reintroduction will have businesses and on people working in the city. The reduction in business activity in the commercial hubs was clearly demonstrated the first time it was introduced, and this time will be no different. The comparison being (Continued on page 06)
DEAR EDITOR, Not only the drainage infrastructure in Chateau Margot on the East Coast of Demerara is very poor and ignored by the Regional Democratic Council at Triumph village on the East Coast of Demerara, or even the National Democratic Council, which is at Better Hope East Coast Demerara, but also the damaged unsuitable roads and streets. Children going to the local school, walking, have to dodge wide street potholes, made by large and very heavy
vehicular traffic, on their way back and forth; morning and afternoons. That ubiquitous Chimney road that straddles the now historical French-built chimney had its days and is slowly moving into the now very deep, wide and useless canal. Taxpayers properties i.e. homes, are susceptible to be damaged…and which they are currently. That damage is not three cents, as they have to now talk in the millions of dollars. Several residents have al-
ready made their fears known, palpable and subtle, via all or most of the known legal channels, but it seems like ancient Nero of old Rome they ( i.e. the authorities), have plugged all their fingers in their ears and pretend that they do not hear, or just do not care and want to even listen. I would just like to let them know that the pen is much mightier than the sword and that we have to leave a benign legacy for our children that we do care for them. Yours faithfully Rooplall Dudhnath
Effective staff selection involves more than qualifications & experience DEAR EDITOR, The local media has recently been inundated with controversial debate/discussion on the pros and cons of the selection processes for the position of Deputy Chief Elections Officer. My professional interest in human resources management has naturally been piqued, especially as it seems to me that the concern has been too narrowly focused on just two criteria, namely; formal/academic qualifications and prior work experience. Effective staff selection, especially for positions at the professional and supervisory or managerial levels, typically requires attention to several additional criteria and processes. For example: Competencies and Skills in written & oral communications, interpersonal relationships, motivation, supervision & management of staff, acquisition and oversight of financial & material resources etc. Objective assessment and comparative/relative evaluation of these criteria
often require ‘third party’ interventions such as inhouse and/or external selectors facilitated by recruitment professionals and reference-checks. Some organizations/employers ‘outsource’ the ‘shortlisting and/or selection processes’ to independent professional recruitment firms or individuals who employ various selection methods such as Assessment Centres with Simulation Exercises, Oral & Written Tests and practical Presentation Exercises. I am amazed to see, for example, how often people are selected for positions which require them to make public presentations and/or written submissions/reports without them being actually screened on their competencies in these
activities by first asking them to do ‘mock’ written and oral presentations. (These days when CV’s and Applications are written for candidates by paid professional writers, it is foolhardy to depend on the submitted applications/CV’s as examples of the analytical and writing competency of candidates). The use of ‘independent’, professional recruiters appears even more necessary for ‘politicallysensitive’ appointments. Nowrang Persaud
PAGE 6
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
I maintain that I never claimed to be the holder of a first degree or equivalent DEAR EDITOR, It is very sad that I am being forced to defend my integrity against attempts to vilify me in the public domain. However, it becomes imperative that I respond to one aspect of the letter captioned “No basis for Jagdeo to conclude GECOM Chairman has been biased”, which was published in the Stabroek News of Sunday, June 17, 2018 in the name of Mr. Vincent Alexander, GECOM Commissioner. My response is specific to the comments of Mr. Alexander, i.e. “I stand by my word and hereby restate emphatically that Vishnu Persaud`s candidacy was opposed by me on the grounds that the other candidate is superior, in addition to the fact that Vishnu was appointed as the PRO of GECOM when he was not qualified for the job. He was elevated to DCEO on the pretence of being the holder of a first degree, here again, he was appointed in a position for which he was not
qualified. He himself, in the presence of the entire interviewing panel, admitted that he was not the holder of a first degree or its equivalent. That alone should have made him ineligible.” 1. I never applied to GECOM for the position of Public Relations Officer (PRO). This position was offered to me by no less a person than the former Chairman and approved by the Commission. However, Mr. Alexander seems to be suggesting that some kind of skullduggery was involved in that appointment. Is Mr. Alexander asserting that the former GECOM Chairman, and by extension the entire Commission, was in some kind of collusion with me, relative to my appointment to the position of PRO? The position in which I served for 14 years while carrying other responsibilities outside of the scope of public relations? 2. Maybe Mr. Alexander can clarify whose “pretence” it was regarding me “being the holder of a first
Customs like this... From page 04 name, his/her own name followed by the partner’s name or the partner’s name followed by his/her own name. In Austria, since 2013, marriage does not automatically change the wife’s name; she has to apply legally to change it. Before that, her name changed automatically unless she applied legally to opt out of the change. In Germany, since 1977, a woman may adopt her husband’s name or a man may adopt his wife’s name. And in France, way back in 1789 when they had their Revolution and beheaded the King, they passed a law that “no one may use another name than that given at birth”. So - “the Marriage Act, in most countries.... requires the wife”? No, no, no! There is too much variation for that. And no, I am not an Attorney-at-law, but I am a sociologist, and customs like this have always interested me. I first found out about the common law entitlement of a wife to use her husband’s name as a student in England in the 1960s. And then - my husband is an Attorney-at-law, so I’ve got into the habit of actually reading laws and legal cases that interest me. Pat Robinson Commissiong
degree” when I first applied for the vacant position of DCEO. In this regard, I need to make it abundantly clear that I never laid claim, much less pretended, to be the holder of a first degree. In fact, in my CV there is, and never was, any mention of me being the holder of a first degree. I call on Mr. Alexander to get a copy of my then CV from the GECOM Human Resources Division and disseminate it to the media to prove his point. Anyone with internet access can visit: h t t p s : / / www.stabroeknews.com/ 2014/news/guyana/08/14/ new-deputy-chief-electionofficer-appointed/ and find that the last paragraph of the article publicly declares that “Persaud holds the Diploma in Public Relations from the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Level 5 Certificate in Elections Management from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), both in the United Kingdom”. My qualifications were and continue to be public knowledge. 3. When I was interviewed for the position of DCEO in the first instance in 2014, the issue of me being in possession of a first degree or equivalent never arose. I remember clearly that emphasis was placed by a Commissioner on my qualification in the area of elections management and the Institutions from which I got them on the grounds that he had researched the
Organizations. Again, my CV never reflected that I am the holder of a first degree or equivalent. This is a non-issue. Mr. Alexander said in his letter that “he was appointed in a position for which he was not qualified” and goes on to posit that, “He himself, in the presence of the entire interviewing panel, admitted that he was not the holder of a first degree or its equivalent”. In so doing, Mr. Alexander is giving the impression that my admission was given at the interview in 2014. This is erroneous. Nevertheless, to deal with this incorrectness I need to make reference to a comment in the name of Vincent Alexander which is appended to my earlier letter that is published in the Stabroek News of Saturday, June 16, 2018. In that comment Mr. Alexander wrote that when “Mr Persaud was appointed as DCEO it was on the pretext that he was the holder of a first degree. I contested that then and it was maintained that his diploma was equivalent to a first degree, hence my objection then was overruled. I specifically posed that question in the recent interview and he admitted it was not a first degree, hence he was never eligible to be appointed in the first instance. This fact is carefully skirted in his letter. My evidence remained unchallenged”. As I have already pointed out at 2 above, Mr. Alexander needs to clarify the term “pretext”. I maintain that I
never claimed to be the holder of a first degree or equivalent. Mr. Alexander, is saying that, “it was maintained” that my Diploma (in Public Relations) was equivalent to a first degree, hence his objection. I have no idea what this is all about. Simply put, this never happened. In any case, I would have been a unique kind of idiot to tell a man who was the Registrar of the University of Guyana that a Diploma is equivalent to a first degree. I was present at the Commission Meeting at which my candidacy for the position of DCEO was discussed. There was no objection to my qualification from Mr. Alexander or anyone else at that Meeting. In fact, my appointment was approved by four out of six Commissioners. Since that represented a majority of the Members of the Commission, the Chairman was not required to vote on the matter. During my interview this time around, Mr. Alexander said that it was his recollection that someone had said, when I was interviewed in 2014, that I had qualifications equivalent to a first degree. At that point he asked me if the Level 5 Certificate is equivalent to a first degree and I replied in the negative. My response has been twisted to say that I admitted it was not a first degree. I never represented any of my qualifications to be equivalent to a first degree. The impression is given that I deliberately “skirted”
the issue of my eligibility for appointment to the position of DCEO in 2014. The issue of my eligibility for the position of DCEO in 2014 was never controversial. Hence, there was no need for me to bring this up in my earlier letter. It is only now that my qualifications at that time are coming up, adversarial, as a red herring. There are in existence Minutes of the Commission Meeting where my appointment to the position of DCEO in 2014 was approved. Surely, one would expect that the Minutes must reflect something as severe as any rejection of my candidacy and such rejection being overruled. In this regard, I beg to submit that there can be no such reflection because the action in question never happened. On a related matter, and in a futile effort to trivialize my qualifications, I have noticed a few bloggers attempting to discredit the Anglia Ruskin University, which awarded the MBA that I hold. Let it be known, that this is an accredited Educational Institution that is ranked at 301-350 out of 1000 Universities on Times World University Rankings – 2018. This can be confirmed at: https:// www.timeshighereducation.com/ world-university-rankings/ 2018/world-ranking#!/page/ 44/length/25/sort_by/rank/ sort_order/asc/cols/stats Vishnu Persaud Former Deputy Chief Election Officer GECOM
Separation of children is morally wrong DEAR EDITOR, It is heart-wrenching to hear and see how children are separated from their parents on the Southern border of America. The current administration has been heavily criticized and has been deemed it as child abuse in its moral sense. This issue is brutally complicated. It is correct to say, if you breach the law you will be prosecuted and to be prosecuted, children must be taken away from the parent who broke the law, in this case, parents who illegally entered the USA. It is like if a mother is convicted and sentenced, her child cannot go to jail with her. On the other hand, there are thousands of children caged in the processing centres. This is done allegedly to
protect the children from perpetrators. The children are assured of better facilities after they have been processed (I don’t like this word). We have witnessed this through newscasts.It is morally incorrect to cage children for two reasons; firstly, children will be left to suffer physically such as from cold weather and the absence of cleanliness, secondly, the children who are separated from the parents will suffer psychological trauma for the rest of their lives. When children are growing up, parents become their moral instructors and a buffer of flight or fight hormone. So, I leave you at this. But as a Christian, my curiosity was on justification of this matter. Attorney General Jeff Sessions quoted, ‘obey the
government, for God is the one put it there’ (Rom 13:1). Cardinal Dolan disagreed with the AG on this quote from the bible by saying, ‘obey the government laws, if and only the government laws are in conformity with God’s law.’ I wonder how many of us agree with the Cardinal? Pope Francis tweeted, ‘children must be able to play, study and grow in a peaceful environment. Woe to anyone who stifles their joyful impulse to hope.’ What baffled me was how we can filter our views by using fragments of the bible. I am not a bible scholar, but it is important to understand the bible in its entirety so that we can truly come to believe in our sacred scripture. We need to be on our guard not to be lead astray by anyone by misusing the bible. We live in a complicated world where messages of pros and cons are conveyed in one sentence. If we are not careful, we might be the soft targets and victims of abuse
of power. Let us use the scripture to bring peace and prosperity to humanity which is the key message of the same. Let us shun that which brings discord and despair to humanity. Having said this, let us not be numb to the subject matter, because any damage to humanity anywhere in the world is damage to the entire humanity. Jerri Dias
A most... From page 05 made by the Council of Georgetown with other cities internationally to implement parking meters is just simply foolish as in some of those countries referred to, the people who can’t afford to drive to work are provided with underground transportation. There is no such option in Georgetown but instead a chaotic mini bus alternative. It is a most politically unwise proposal. Sincerely, Roseanne Rodgers
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 7
Ministerial Task Force on (TIP) trains Police, auditors to probe fraud Mines Officers...in two-day course at Public Health Ministry
Facilitators and Participants of the two day training course pose for a photo.
Y
esterday, the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking In Persons (TIP) started a two-day training course, for mines officers attached to the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). As Guyana intensifies its fight against Trafficking in Persons, the Ministry of Public Security through its (TIP) task force has initiated a two-day course to help mines officers attached to (GGMC) to develop their techniques in detecting and referring (TIP) cases in the interior of Guyana. Ministerial Task Force on (TIP) Coordinator (ag) Mr Oliver Profit officiated over the beginning of the two-day
course, which he said, he hoped would furnish the mines officers with a better understand of how to differentiate between trafficking in persons cases compared to other crimes. Foreign Service Officer, Mrs Lucresha Bryan-French, said that the present training is in addition to what the task force on (TIP) had already done with mines officers and other categories of persons including the media, police investigators and prosecutors. Police statistics for 2014 to May 2018 reportedly show that there has been 308 cases of Trafficking In Persons. Cases of Trafficking In Persons involving foreigners
are becoming more prevalent in the bordering mining communities, hence the need for training of mines officers. Guyana is presently listed as Tier Two on the US State Department for TIP which means the country has met the minimum standards for fighting TIP. Mines officers will also be developing their ability to identify victims of TIP in their line of work and in general, understanding the nature of TIP in Guyana’s mining areas, the nature of inter-agency collaboration in fighting TIP and also learning the local dynamics of the crime, which are only some of the areas the two day workshop will be covering.
Public Health Minister, Volda Lawrence, on Tuesday warned senior employees to look out for police detectives and Finance Ministry internal auditors, who will soon begin investigations into the “misappropriation of funds and the blatant attempts to steal” public funds.Lawrence, a professional accountant, told employees when she took over the mantle in January 2017 that she would not tolerate dishonest employees. “In a frank discourse with senior MOPH officials, the Public Health Minister raised questions about “blatant attempts to steal” and other brazen dishonest acts perpetrated by MOPH employees. ‘Lawrence said the police and officials from the Ministry of Finance will carry out open investigations into ongoing corrupt practices by staff members.” According to Minister Lawrence, fraud has been ongoing a long time at the Public Health Ministry.Cautioning programme managers, who appeared stunned by her revelations, Lawrence said, “I am advising you to check what you sign and ensure that it meets the regulatory requirements and it is in keeping with your programmes.” Lawrence reiterated, “I will not compromise on the issue of accountability within the public health sector’.According to the Ministry in a statement, the Minister did not hide her distaste of employees who have been “sabotaging the Ministry left, right and centre.” Some workers have even been sending missives on internal MOPH matters to persons outside the Public Service Structure, Lawrence revealed. She said that letter writers will shortly have the opportunity to “bring the evidence” to
Talking tough: Minister Volda Lawrence support their claims. Less threatening, but equally toxic, she said, is the issue of insubordination, which is rife among some categories of employees. “Some parts of the MOPH train have been derailed (and) the madness has to stop,” Minister Lawrence said. In recent years, there have been accusations of widespread ‘runnings’ in the Ministry with procurement of drugs and other medical supplies. Not only were the procedures skewed to allow certain contractors to be awarded contracts, but there were accusations, too, of pharmacists, nurses and even doctors pilfering drugs distributed under government programmes to hospitals and health centres. The Health Ministry’s procurement budget is more than $4B annually.
PAGE 8
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
IDB wants to help bring an end to politicization of national statistics …publishes study to aid nations in capacity building By Kiana Wilburg
S
tatistics is an essen tial input for deci sion-making and the design of good public policies by governments, but they are often victims of excessive politicization. In an effort to improve this state of affairs, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) launched a study, which will help governments in the Caribbean and Latin American Regions improve their National Statistics Offices (NSO), yesterday. The IDB study, Who wants to know? The political economy of statistical capacity in Latin America speaks to the importance of strengthening statistical capacity based on case studies
carried out in several countries. These include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic. The Bank said that these studies were carried out in accordance with a new theoretical and methodological framework along with a comprehensive and comparative perspective. In the Caribbean and Latin America, the IDB said that the level of technical and institutional capacity as well as development trajectory, are varied. The IDB said that this is due, in part, to the general degree of development of each country and its governmental institutions, but also to the particularities of the po-
litical economy of each country. It said that the latter factor helps to explain the differences and fluctuations in data provided by NSOs. The IDB study also highlights the importance of the demand for statistical information as a source of strength for NSOs. The IDB therefore recommended that in addition
to developing a closer link with state actors, the NSOs of each country must invest in creating working ties with civil society organizations, economic agents and the press. It said that this is necessary to guarantee the continuity of statistical capacity. The Bank said, too, that this will contribute to maintaining levels of transparency and quality. The study also seeks to help institutions avoid excessive politicization
of statistics and the potential weakening of NSOs. Further, the Bank in its study highlights that the opportunities offered by international actors to strengthen statistical capacities. It said that this should be seized, not only because of their role as users of information, but also because of the crucial role they play in strengthening sectors in the countries. The study proposes to promote the strengthening of the statistical sector in the countries of the region. In this regard, it highlights the importance of institutional reforms that allow the modernization of the legal frameworks that govern NSOs in aspects such as autonomy, transparency and coordination, and other reforms that strengthen statistical systems with resources and personnel, keep-
ing in mind the challenges of technology and innovation for the future. The Bank said that the success of the 2020 round of censuses in Latin America and the Caribbean will depend, to a large extent, on the capacity of NSOs to produce reliable and quality data to design good public policies. The Inter-American Development Bank is an international organization that is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of longterm financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.
Phone card vendor shot dead during robbery A 37-year-old phone card vendor, Ron Mansfield, who people only know as ‘Ron’ was shot dead last night by a lone gunman. The shooting occurred shortly before 21:00 hours yesterday. According to Ron’s wife, she was watching television when she heard a gunshot. She looked outside and saw her husband’s motorcycle lying on the road. She told neighbours that she ran outside and saw her husband lying on the parapet outside the southern neighbour’s yard. He was unconscious but there was some blood on his shirt. She said that she also saw a lone
individual running in a southern direction along the roadway. One neighbour said that he heard the woman scream. Her scream brought people running from their homes. They placed him in his car that was parked under his house and rushed him to the West Demerara Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. One neighbour said that the wife said that it had to be a robbery because the gunman grabbed the haversack her husband was carrying. This haversack contained the phone cards that Ron sold. It also contained some cash.
Shot and killed by bandits Ron Mansfield
Wednesday June 20, 2018
I
t may be difficult to be lieve but one of the most dangerous places to be in Guyana is also the busiest. Stabroek Square is the most dangerous place to be. There is not a day that someone is not robbed or mugged in that area, despite the fact that, there are hundreds of illegal vendors and hire car and mini-bus drivers around. Stabroek Square is the busiest place in the country. The area contains a number of bus parks. It is also heavily populated by hire cars. The greatest over-crowding, however, comes from the presence of illegal vendors who oper-
ate along pavements and the fringes of the Square, at times spilling onto the roadways. Crime in that area is an old problem. There has been little relief. It was therefore no surprise to learn from the Chief Constable of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown about an increase in gang-related activity around the Stabroek Square. The Chief Constable said that his constabulary was cooperating with the police to bring an end to these incidents. However, it will take more than cooperation to ensure that the Square is safe for citizens. It will require social engineering. Unfortunately, the political to do this is woefully
lacking. The fundamental problem arises from the overcrowding of the Square. All the plans, which have been developed and all the actions taken by the municipality, to make the Square safer, have failed because of the lack of political will. The Square has far too many illegal vendors. It has far too many bus and car parks. The Square is overcrowded. There is hardly space on the pavements to walk. And with so many stands and vehicles around, most of which are jostling for space there is mass confusion at the Square. This chaotic situation is perfect for muggers and pickpockets.
DEM BOYS SEH
Farmer sorry Jagdeo wasn’t in de Prado De whole world know politicians does lie. Some of dem does lie through dem teeth. Dem boys remember a Prado accident a few years ago. De Prado was fetching some politicians when it crash. Jagdeo wasn’t inside. A farmer run up and bury everybody. When people tun up, de farmer tell dem dat he bury everybody. He seh some of dem was waving and hollering how dem alright. But he tun and tell de crowd, y’all know how dem politicians does lie suh I just bury all of dem.And if Jagdeo been deh, he woulda been de first one to get bury. He got a brain dat don’t forget nutten. If he give you two house lot or a duty free car to a pub-
lic servant, he remember 20 years from now.He could tell you quietly every cent he spend, wheh he spend it, how he spend it and who and what it spend on. He don’t forget nutten.But when you talk bout lie and when he nah want to tell de truth, he dance Dhaka Dalay.A reporter ask him, wha he do wid all de oil money he collected from all de oil companies during de exploration phase.Jagdeo guh round de world, then tun and carry de reporter round de moon and de stars. Then he finally tell she, he can’t remember; but de Auditor General can check and dem can see how de money spend and wheh de money gone.Dem boys remember when Jagdeo promise to sell he chandelier in ee house to
PAGE 9
Kaieteur News
de Waterfalls boss man— not de one upstairs but de one downstairs. He claim how he buy a cheap one and he would smile if he get US$10,000 for it. De Waterfalls boss man tek up de offer. Jagdeo change ee mouth and seh he want US$25,000. De boss man write de cheque and he had to cancel it because Jagdeo nah tekking it. He was bluffing because he know de real value of de chandelier— US$500,000. Dem boys did want he forget de real value and sell it fuh de US$25,000 de same way how he want people to believe he forget wheh de oil money gone. Talk half and de boss man still want de chandelier.
Many of those who are vending illegally or operating buses or hire cars are afraid to intervene when they witness criminal activities. They are afraid because the modern day criminals in Guyana have been known to carry guns and to use them. Not like long ago when pickpockets were the main crooks and when, at best, the bandits would be armed with knives of ice picks. The consequences for intervention can be fatal. People therefore refuse to help others when they see others being robbed. The combined efforts of the Police and the City Constabulary cannot end the non-stop criminal activities at Stabroek Square. The situation at the Square does not lend itself to a solution unless that entire area is sanitized of all bus and car parks and illegal vendors. Trying to reduce the criminal attacks on citizens, including schoolchildren, will be a waste of time unless the chaos in that area ceases.
Most of the police who are stationed at the Square are traffic cops and their priority is not even ensuring a free flow of traffic. They are mainly looking to pounce on errant bus and hire car drivers. The Constabulary is shackled from being effective because many of those who are vending on the edges of the Square and on the pavements have the tacit approval of the City Council. There has to be a change in mindset. One past Mayor said that the vending problem was complex one. Once that attitude persists, and unless there is zero tolerance for vending outside of the market, the confusion and crime will continue at Stabroek Square. The bus and car parks should be relocated because they attract large numbers of commuters and the vendors follow these commuters. Where there are large numbers of persons, you are bound to find vendors. The mistake which has always been made in the past
is to temporary move the vendors without moving the parks to other areas. The solution therefore in so far as Guyana is concerned would be to disperse the bus and car parks and to reduce illegal vending, the latter of which depends on the former. Many years ago, Trinidad and Tobago had a similar problem. They solved it by moving the car parks into side streets. Eventually a larger bus terminus was built. Such a solution will never be attempted in Guyana because there is a lack of political will to deal with the vending problem. And without this, nothing will change. Therefore, the only advice which can be offered is for people to stay as far as possible from Stabroek Square. And, if this cannot be avoided, then try not to have much valuables with you.
PAGE 10
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
Does the President know that GECOM Chairman publicly used the word, “gonads”?
T
he plural noun, “gonads” have been used historically, traditionally, journalistically and in common parlance to mean the male testicles. Gonads in the plural cannot be used to describe the sperm-producing organ in a woman. It has to be singu-
lar because gonad means a reproductive organ in the human. In the female, it is the ovary. A woman carries one womb in her body. That is her gonad. When used in the plural and the subject is a man, it means the male testicles. Here is a quote from a
published KN letter by the Chairman of GECOM, Justice James Patterson; “I am not accusing the Leader (of the Opposition) of larceny of my idea but rather I do applaud him for having the courage and indeed, gonads, to enunciate a principled position.” In common parlance he is
saying that the leader of the Opposition has shown fortitude. Speaking for me, I see nothing wrong with the used of the word, “gonads” and at least its preference to the word, “balls” may indicate that the user is sensitive to those who are sensitive
about raw words being publicly published. In February this year at the media brunch (never been to one and I doubt I will ever go even if Nigel Hughes or David Hinds or Khemraj Ramjattan invited me in their capacity as president of the republic), President Granger addressing the media personnel present said he disapproved of the words, “testicular fortitude” in the caption of an article. The President was referring to the use of those two words in the headline of a Sunday column in the Chronicle by Lincoln Lewis. The subject was on Government’s weak stance on industrial bullyism by Rusal in Region Ten. The Guyana Press Association chose not to declare its position. My opinion is that I see absolutely nothing wrong with those two words in the caption of a column. I guess others may see it differently. Nevertheless, I do know if I ever edit a newspaper, I would allow the inclusion of those two words in the headline. I would like to see a plausible explanation for its rejection. I am not saying there cannot be a justification for rejecting the usage of the two words. It is just that it definitely would be an exciting debate to see the justification. What needs to be mentioned is that both “gonads’ and testicular fortitude” in my opinion meet the test of respect for others because the word “balls” is avoided. We cannot adopt what other countries use and adapt to the styles of other nations. But I have seen the word, “balls” in the caption of several news items in foreign newspapers but in the context that they were quotes from the personalities that were being reported on. A common example is from boxing in which the challenger would be quoted as saying; “He hasn’t got the
Frederick Kissoon balls to tell me that to my face.” I cannot remember all the details but years back, I saw the word, “balls’ used in the headline of a story in which an American Republican Senator was quoted. I am guessing that since the President didn’t like “testicular fortitude” being used, the Chronicle editors may use the scissors each time those two words appear by a reporter or columnist. So how do readers feel about Justice Patterson telling Bharrat Jagdeo at least he has testicular fortitude in stating his feeling; only he didn’t go the euphemistic route but used “gonads” instead? I have already stated my position. I see absolutely nothing wrong in public polemics, one debater saying to another; “Show me you have gonads and tell the public what you believe in.” In fairness to the President, he did not say he is against the use of the words, “testicular fortitude.” He does not like them in the caption of the story or the commentary.” So I guess if you ask the President what he thinks of the mention of “gonads” in the letter by Justice Patterson, he may say that the word was not in the headline. But what about Lincoln Lewis? What is his attitude to what the President enunciated at the media brunch? I did tell Lincoln about the President’s position on his column at the time but since then (February), Lincoln has chosen to be silent on the issue. A couple of weeks ago, I asked Lincoln what he would tell the Prime Minister about the stopping of his Chronicle column if and when he meets him. Lincoln said he wouldn’t bring up the issue. Why?
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 11
PAGE 12
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Driver mows down Regent Street store front…
Vagrant hospitalized, $$$millions in damages The damages that occurred as a result of the accident.
The driver of a silver 212 Toyota Carina motorcar bearing licence plates PKK 7006, has left millions in dollars in damage to two Regent Street Stores. He also caused a vagrant to be hospitalized, after
he ran off the road and took to the Regent Street pavements. Witnesses who were in close proximity to where the accident occurred, claimed that there was a loud crash
around 03:00 hrs, then screams could be heard. When persons ran to the scene to ascertain what happened, four vagrants were pinned under a shed that had been uprooted by the car that
Robbers flee with $12,000 after beating husband, raping spouse Three robbers escaped with $12,000 and a gold ring early yesterday morning after beating a husband and sexually assaulting his spouse in the couple’s East Bank Essequibo home. Police said the attack occurred around 2:30 hrs. It is alleged that the intruders struck the sleeping husband to the head. They then demanded money, and the man handed over $12,000 and a ring. “During the ordeal, the husband was struck to the head and his spouse was allegedly sexually assaulted,” police said.
“It was further alleged that the suspects placed the victims into their (victims’ ) vehicle and drove away but the vehicle reportedly broke down and the perpetrators escaped.” The victims were medically examined, treated and sent away. Based on investigation gathered, investigators arrested two men who reside in the same community. They are currently being interrogated.The brutal attack comes just after police reported a seven percent decrease in serious crimes at the end of April 2018, relative to the same period last year.
came to a rest some 150ft away. One of the individuals pinned had both of his legs crushed. The scene was one of blood; the emergency services were called and the injured were taken to the hospital. When the driver of the car emerged, witnesses claimed
that he said he saw someone in the middle of the road and swerved to avoid hitting the person. He also said he was going at 60kph, which witnesses claim can’t be true, since the car came to rest 250ft away from the first point of impact, suggesting that much more speed was involved.
The owner of Household Plus has already pegged damage to his store in the millions of dollars, since three shutter doors and a complete shed were destroyed. The police have since taken possession of the motorcar and the driver in custody assisting with investigations.
Fuel related corruption can be traced to very top of Govt. -Jagdeo By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, believes that “there is a huge cabal that reaches very high into Office of the President, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of
Public Works in the fuel smuggling arrangement.” He said that that is one of the main reasons why Government has refused “to lower the price of fuel at the pump.” Jagdeo said that the main players in Government know that if the price at the pump is reduced, the fuel smuggling racket “becomes less lucrative. However, if you are an investigative reporter you will get to this in two weeks. The facts are available; it is all visible to us.” Jagdeo said this at his most recent Press Conference. The politician, in his opening statement, said that the government is in “grabbingmode”. “They are basically grabbing because they know, they are a one-term government. All of the ministries are grabbing…Most of the ministers – maybe 90 percent of these ministers are grabbing,” Jagdeo alleged. The politician made a call specifically to the Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, asking him to stop the “runnings” that purportedly exists within government-controlled entities. Asked to specify cases of the “runnings” he spoke of, Jagdeo said that there are at least eight instances of bribetaking in the past on which he has already ventilated his concerns. Chief amongst these instances, he recounted, was the docking of a vessel that had been fingered in fuel smuggling. “What about the one with the fuel smuggling? Dig
deeper and you will get all the connections. Then you will see how high it goes up into the government,” the former Head of State said. Jagdeo said that if the media wants to get another clear example of government’s “grabbingmode”, he suggested that one goes undercover to get a gun licence. He said that the cost involved would prove him to be accurate in his accusations against the government. Smuggled fuel continues to be an issue for Guyana, with millions of dollars in taxes being evaded annually. With up to 50 percent in taxes charged, smugglers have been having a field day selling to loggers, miners and residents in the hinterland. A number of gas stations are said to be involved in the business too, with stolen Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) markers, which indicate taxes have been paid, being used to legitimize the fuel at the pumps. An Audit Report back in 2015 would have picked up on some of these occurrences. Back in April last, authorities took control of the vessel, “Jubilee” which is reportedly linked to several local business persons. Media reports indicate that the vessel reportedly purchased fuel from Trinidad and Tobago for Suriname. However, the customer in Suriname reportedly backed out of the purchase. The vessel, which entered Port Georgetown, was subsequently caught with 600,000 litres of unmarked fuel by Customs Officers.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
Op-Ed: National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month By United States Ambassador Perry L. Holloway Caribbean-Americans have defined U.S. history. From distinguished leaders such as Colin Powell of Jamaican heritage and Shirley Chisholm of Bajan and Guyanese ancestry, to legends in the arts and sciences like Derek Walcott of St. Lucia and Dr. Patricia Bath of Trinbagonian lineage, descendants of the Caribbean have served at the helm of our nation and championed the United States’ most cherished ideals at home and abroad. In 2006, President George W. Bush recognized the vast achievements of those of Caribbean heritage by declaring June National CaribbeanAmerican Heritage Month. Since then, every U.S. president has honored our citizens of Caribbean descent with a similar proclamation. This year, President Trump stated, “As trailblazers, Americans with Caribbean roots have sewn their own unique thread into the fabric of our nation.” The Caribbean-American community has also leveraged existing business, investment, and philanthropic relationships in service of both the United States and their countries of heritage. And so as we honor the achievements of CaribbeanAmericans, we also recognize the sizable role our countries
play in one another’s success. As a testament to the U.S. commitment to the region, in December 2016, the U.S. Congress passed the United States – Caribbean Strategic Engagement Act (H.R. 4939), sponsored by Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (RFL) and Eliot Engel (D-NY), with overwhelming bipartisan support. This law declared the broadening and deepening of U.S. engagement in the Caribbean as a key element of U.S. foreign policy in the region. In accordance with the law, in June 2017, the Department of State released Caribbean 2020 – a living policy framework to bolster America’s partnerships in the Caribbean in six key areas: diplomacy, security, prosperity, energy, education, and health. It is available online and I encourage you all to take a look at it. We have already begun to deliver on the commitments established in Caribbean 2020. In the last two years, senior U.S. officials have travelled frequently to the Caribbean to demonstrate U.S. support to the region. From former Secretary of State, Tillerson’s meetings in Jamaica earlier this year to the Undersecretary for Political Affairs participating on the margins of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government confer-
ence in Grenada, these highlevel engagements underscore the U.S. commitment to enhancing our partnerships in the Caribbean. On security, we are committed to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. Since its inception in 2010, the United States has appropriated almost $500 million to improve our mutual security, enhance maritime interdictions, reduce illicit trafficking, and mitigate underlying causes of crime to protect Caribbean families and communities. In the area of prosperity, the United States prioritizes private sector engagement and sustainable growth. At the 2018 Caribbean Prosperity Roundtable in Miami, we brainstormed with Caribbean leaders and members of the private sector to come up with ways to spur economic development and job creation, and we are working at the OAS to bolster resiliency among small business operators in the economically vital Caribbean tourism sector. In support of CARICOM’s 2027 goal to generate 47 percent of electricity from renewable sources, the Department of State and USAID provided $3.5 million in funding this fiscal year to support energy diversification in the Caribbean. On education, we are building stronger partnerships between our higher (Continued on page 26)
PAGE 13
PAGE 14
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Guyana has policy to integrate Police constable stabbed several teen moms back in school times during search of suspect
A
new policy is in place to ensure teenage mothers have the opportunity to go back to school. The policy manual was handed over Monday at the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD) by officials from the Ministry of Education and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The policy had the input of other important stakeholders such as the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Protection and faithbased organisations and other agencies. First Lady, Mrs. Sandra Granger, called on the policymakers and educators to uphold and protect the rights of children and adolescent mothers who have suffered sexual abuse. “We have to speak of these things and see them as violence against our children. We also have to…ensure that their rights are recognised and upheld; that our legal and our social protection agencies protect these children with the full majesty of the law…The children come first and it is their future that we
A
Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry (r) receives the manual from UNICEF representative to Guyana and Suriname, Sylvie Fouet. have to ensure… That is enshrined in our Constitution.” According to Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, teenage pregnancy is a complex issue, which results from a number of factors. These can be poverty, gender inequality, violence, lack of education and difficult
relationships with parents and family members. She said this must not prevent them from acquiring education. “As the government, our motto is that every child matters. With this policy, there will be no need to repeat the past because the future for adolescent mothers in (Continued on page 26)
police constable at tached to the Guyana Police Force, ‘B’ Division Anti-Crime Motorcycle Patrol, was on Monday ambushed by a group of men and stabbed about his body by an identifiable male while on duty. He was at the time making an arrest at Lad Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Injured and hospitalized is Constable 20060 Randy Claxton, called ‘Capone’, 32, who is stationed at the Central Police Station, New Amsterdam. Reports are that Claxton and Police Constable 21166 Jodhan were on patrol in the vicinity of Main and Pitt Streets, NA, Berbice when they observed about 10 men in a group smoking what appeared to be marijuana. Upon noticing the men, they dismounted from their motorcycles but the group on seeing them escaped towards Lad Lane, New Amsterdam, Berbice. Constable Jodhan gave chase on the force’s motorcycle behind the individual while Claxton followed on foot. The suspect was subsequently caught and Constable Claxton carried out a search on his person. It was during the search that the individual and some identifiable persons surrounded the ranks. Claxton reportedly gave Constable Jodhan his firearm and then he tried to shove the person away from the suspect. The victim then observed a another identifiable male
Constable Randy Claxton displaying his injuries handing over a silver knife to one of the men who was identified as ‘Shaquan’. ‘Shaquan’, armed with the knife reportedly approached Constable Jodhan who was securing the prisoner. Claxton told his colleagues that at that point he warned the accused “to put the knife down and back off when Shaquan suddenly rushed me and dealt me a stab to the back of my neck, four to my back, two to my left side of my hip and one to my left forearm”. The suspect then made good his escape on foot in an eastern direction. The victim was escorted to the New
Constable Randy Claxton called ‘Capone’ Amsterdam Public Hospital where he was treated by a doctor on duty and admitted. His condition is listed as stable. The suspect remains at large, said the police investigating the incident. The Divisional Commander and other ranks visited the constable yesterday afternoon at the New Amsterdam Hospital. Claxton, in April 2016, had his service firearm taken away by one Keno Thompson during a raid in Rose Hall Town. Thompson while resisting arrest struck Claxton in his face with a bottle. The constable’s firearm was taken away during a scuffle that erupted between the two, Thompson then discharged several rounds at Claxton and escaped. Claxton, fortunately, was however wearing a bulletproof vest at the time.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Court of Appeal hears arguments over amendments to Sexual Amendment Act
T
he Court of Appeal has commenced hearing arguments to determine the constitutionality of amendments to Sexual Amendment Act. The case stems from a High Court ruling which essentially outlined that a Magistrate’s decision to send rape accused, Ray Bacchus, to stand trial in the High Court based on a paper committal was unlawful. Yesterday, DPP Shalimar Ali Hack presented oral arguments in the Appeal Court and gave reasons for her contention that the amendment to the Sexual Amendment Act is not unconstitutional. In her arguments, the DPP contended that the provisions of that part of the Sexual
Offences Act, no. 7 of 2010 which purports to give jurisdiction and power to the Magistrate to commit an accused person to a High Court trial based on a paper committal does not contravene the rights of that person based Article 144(1) and 144(2) of the Constitution. The article 144(1) and 144(2) of the Constitution reads, “Every person who is charged with a criminal offence-shall be permitted to defend him or herself before the court in person or by a legal representative or his or her own choice. Attorney Bacchus had claimed that the paper committal, which is an amendment made to the Sexual Offences Act trumps the rights of his
client based on the provisions in the Constitution. The DPP however vehemently denied this, saying that an accused person is allowed to test the credibility of witnesses but at the trial in the High Court. Ali Hack argued that the amendment to the Sexual Offences Act gives both the accused and complainant the right to a fair hearing. “What the paper committal does is fast track the process in which accused or complainant may spend awaiting a trial. It was specifically created to address the issue of trauma; which the victim suffers having to recite the horrific experiences over and over again.” “In the past, they would
DPP Shalimar Ali HACK first have to tell their story to the police and then a magistrate at a Preliminary Inquiry, (PI) and then at the trial at the High Court. “What the paper committal does is remove this burden from the complainant; it eliminates the issue of re-victimization— in that the complainant is not saddled with the trouble of having to revisit the experience repeatedly, as is the case with a PI.” The DPP has asked the Court to take into consideration that both accused person and the complainant will be able to crossexamine witnesses but at the High Court. She noted in the cases of paper committals the accused is afforded a fair hear-
Former Chief Justice Ian Chang
ing in that in a matter of months, his case will be set for trial in the High Court when in the case of PI, the process takes much longer. In that regard, the DPP contends that the paper committal benefits both the victim and the accused. Ray Bacchus, a father of three, was charged on August 28, 2014, last, at St. John Street, New Amsterdam Berbice, for sexual penetration of a child aged 14. Attorney- at- law Mursaline Bacchus in his application stated that his client was charged with the rape of a child under 16 years of age. In 2014, Attorney-at-law, Mursaline Bacchus challenged the Magistrate’s decision to commit his client to stand trial in the High Court
on the amended Sexual Offences Act. Bacchus had moved to the court for an order directed to the Director of Public Prosecution, the Commissioner of Police and Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, to show cause why the Magistrate’s decision to, commit his client to stand trial for rape should not be quashed. Bacchus, in his affidavit, noted the paper committal did not afford his A t t o r n e y, (Mursaline Bacchus), an opportunity to cross-examine the witness whose statement was filed by the prosecution. Nor was he permitted to give evidence or call any witness before he was committed. He, therefore, contended that his committal is null, void and of no legal effect. He is also contending that the said committal cannot be used for the purpose of a lawful indictment by the Director of Public Prosecution, (DPP) against him. Bacchus had contended among other issues that the decision of the Magistrate against his client is contrary to his fundamental right under article 144(2) (d) and (e) of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana and the committal ought to be quashed. Bacchus had successfully challenged the amendment to the Sexual Amendment Act in the High Court. The matter was heard before former Chief Justice Ian Chang and after listening to arguments and reading submissions from Bacchus and the DPP and submission from the Magistrate; he ruled that the amendment to the sexual amendment act of 2010, which was unlawful. The ruling was challenged by the State.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 25
Guyanese Provide Canadian Youth With Entrepreneurial Training Two Guyanese-born Canadians, Bishop Joseph Fisher, and social worker, Leyland Gudge, have collaborated to provide marginalized youth, 18 to 29 years old, in the Greater Toronto Area of Durham Region with a comprehensive entrepreneurial training programme. The youth employment programme is funded by the Government of Canada at a cost of $390,000 that provides for the financing of two sets of training programmes offered for a period of five months each. The programme involves two batches comprising a total of thirty young people who have already started or active in planning to start their own businesses. Bishop Fisher is the founding pastor of The Family Worship Centre located in Pickering, Ontario that is an eastern neighbouring suburb of Toronto. As part of his church’s mission, Bishop Fisher has sponsored and operated a Family Life Centre, which is now in its fourteenth year of operation and offers various programmes for youth, adults and seniors. Leyand Gudge, a former General Secretary (Executive Director) of both Albouystown and Thomas Lands YMCAs, designed the model and coordinated the Family Life Centre’s first youth employment programme that has operated continuously for some 12 years. The Centre has graduated about 300 marginalized youths in Job Readiness Training Programmes with an 80 percent success rate of being gainfully employed. Many other youth participants have seen it necessary to pursue academic upgrading and occupational/professional training. The Canadian Government has provided funding throughout each of the 12 years of the Youth Employment training programmes. At one point, a former Minister of the Canadian Government with responsibility for youth employment cited the centre’s youth employment programme as one of the best in Canada. The current programme reflects a change in Bishop Fisher’s vision to prepare youth to move from Job Readiness to becoming entrepreneurs. The programme employs a staff of five. Youth participants are involved for six hours daily from Mondays to Fridays over the programme’s five-month duration. Participants are paid the minimum wage of $14 per hour and are involved in a variety of learning and training activities with a strong focus on Self-Development, Human Relations, Leadership and Communication Skills. In-class sessions focus on research and analyses of
Batch of the recently trained youths Canada’s Labour Force and the roles and functions of Small Business Enterprises (SME). The in-class sessions also involve workshops on business start-up requirements and other related areas such as product development and marketing, speaking presentations and discussions are facilitated by experts in entrepreneurial training, business financing and also presentations by successful entrepreneurs who represent a range of businesses that are similar to the participant’s chosen entrepreneurial field. Additionally, participants are involved in networking activities and undertake a practical immersion over a period of four weeks of onsite placement where they are exposed to and mentored by entrepreneurs in the day-today tasks of operating and managing an existing business venture. Development, revisions and final documentation of their Business Plan and Business Registration are mandatory requirements for completion of the programme. Just weeks ago, the first batch of 14 of the 15 participants who started and completed the five months of training received their awards at a graduation ceremony attended by Jennifer O’Connell, the Federal Member of Parliament who represents the PickeringUxbridge area. In her keynote address, she said, “It’s obvious that the investment made in this programme is huge and the payback is beyond inspiring.” One of the graduates, Daniel Davis, who migrated from Jamaica in 1997, stated in his graduation speech that he did not pay much attention to the newspaper advertisement that his mother left on his bed offering young people entrepreneurial training. He was invited to do a photo shoot at Canada major performing arts Juno Awards Event back in March. Davis was counting on using this event to launch his photography business. “When my mom left that ad on my bed, little did she know that the message was that I should
PAGE 26
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Cops to face departmental charges for escape of female drug accused
SERVICES PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION, W E D D I N G S , ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Visa Application: U.S.A, Canada & UK;Guyanapassport application. G r a p h i c s design, advertisement. Tel: 626-7040; 265-4535. ICONIC MARKETING & PRINTING –TEL: 6004212: We create A/works, logos, busi ness cards, posters, etc, placements of ads included. Installations, Repairs and parts for AC, Fridge, Washing machine, Stove etc call Nick 627-3206, 630-1600 Have your house, fence & yard to pressure wash & weed. Call: 666-2326
VEHICLE FOR SALE One enclosed canter 3 ton wide base, $1.8M Good condition #604-0204/2640041
FOR SALE 1 Transport property and 1 Hilux Vehicle. Tel# 265-3586
Business spaces, top & bottom flat located @ 177 Charlotte and Alexander, Georgetown: #644-3555/6893462/679-1579 PROPERTY FOR SALE Lot 15 Public road #2 Village. West Coast Berbice. 49ft by 10,314ft. $18M. Contact:6487109/686-4818 Herstelling EBD One Two storey concrete building in residential area. Building is incomplete. Call: 647-1074. Price Negotiable.
TAXI SERVICE GR TAXI SERVICE. CALL: 219-5000; 227-1982 & 2257878 (24HRS)
VACANCY
PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY,ETC.-CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 2161043; 677-6620
CJ’s Brokerage ServicesLicensed Customs House Broker, send application to cassandrakj@hotmail.com or call #644-3628
House to rent: Upper flat 3 bedroom 696 Section ‘C’ Block ‘Y’ Grove. East Bank Demerara. Tel#233-0644 2 bedrooms furnished Apt Providence, 3 bedroom selfcontain upstairs house Diamond, furnished utility bills included. Tel#690-3639, 682-6238
CAR RENTAL DOLLY’S CAR RENTALCALL:225-7126/ 226-3693DOLLYSAUTORENTAL @YAHOO.COM/ WWW.D OLLYSAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’S PER DAY- CALL:643-5122/ 6 5 6 - 0 0 8 7 , ,EMAIL:PRO_AUTO RENTAL@YAHOO.COM AIDAN’S CAR RENTAL:PICKUP,9-11 SEAT MINI BUS, GOOD FOR AIRPORT & FAMILY OUTINGS, CHEAPEST RATE . Call: 698-7807 WING’S CAR & PICKUP RENTAL: LOW DOWN PAYMENT, CHEAP RATES,SPECIALOFFERS! . CALL: 690-6494
Spacious 2 bedroom apartment to rent. Location Herstelling EBD Contact # 601-0223 Air conditioned room $3000 daily Fully furnished apartments $6000 daily. Contact# 223-0994/678-5827 2 bedroom semi furnished apartment located in Charlestown, Lyng Street, fully secured. Interested persons only #601-1585/6746394 LAND FOR SALE Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M $1.5M $2.5M Farm $3.5M Herstelling front $4M Uivlugt front $3M Call: 666-2326 Tuschen house $5.5M Tuschen Corner Lot $1.5M Diamond front $4.2M Eccles $6M Call: 666-2326 WANTED Diamond/Grove EBD truck driver wanted. Call: 677-6620/ 216-1043
TO LET (1) bedroom apartment, living room and bathroom 294 Fourth field, Cummings Lodge. Call:222-0401, preferably UG students
FOR RENT
1 Air compressor 5HP 3 Phase 230/220 volts. Call: 628-1486/698-1134. EDUCATION Computer classes for adults $15,000 for completed course located @ Durban St. Tel#615-3192 Kids Tech Computer class $15,000 for course completed located @ Durban St. Tel#615-3192 Private Customs Brokerage Certificate Training Course starts mid July 2018, register now & save. Call: 694-8322/ 690-4225
Drivers, Porters, Office clerk. Apply to Lot 10 Vlissengen Rd Survival Wholesale Depot One (1) Manager to work at Hotel/Club on the Essequibo Coast. Contact# 226-9768/ 227-7528
Cook for interior location, applicants must be experienced. Call: 618-2020 Data Entry/ Accounts clerk Tel# 616-5595. Email: rraghubansee@gmail.com FULL TIME/PART TIME WAITER/WAITRESS TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT SHERIFF STREET. CALL: 219-0161/ 219-0158 FULL TIME/PART TIME HOUSEKEEPING/ DOMESTIC TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT. CALL: 219-0158/219-0161 Maid for East Bank area to cook and clean #614-4358 Driver & Female cleaner for office in Eccles #233-2745 Jos-el Educational Institute needs trained & experienced teachers for Nursery, Primary, Secondary departments. Call: 226-7868/226-7794 Experienced salesgirls with CXC qualifications & 2 yrs experience. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Experience Bartenders and Cleaners. Call: 225-8572 between 7am - 9am 1 General worker (maid) 1 Receptionist, living in town, Apply with written application to Hilton Crest Hotel. Tel# 225-9211 Laborer, Maintenance workers, Farm workers, Travel agent, Cosmetologist, Security. Tel# 265-3586 1 Domestic maid 1 cook for family. Location Turkeyen Contact #621-8478
1 male to assemble baby stuff, beds, strollers etc. 1 Domestic, 1 Salesgirl. Contact#683-3360 One Sales person. Call: 6807402 Attractive live in waitressCall: 327-0252/674-4665
WANTED
Summer School & Lessons. Phonics, Writing, Reading After care programme 414yrs Nursery/Primary Full Day School. Call: 677-0296
Nigel’s Taxi Service is looking for contract cars and drivers. Contact # 699-6152/227-4885
FOR SALE/RENT
1 maid. Tel#225-9223/225-3234
One Industrial electrician, One rewinder. Phone #6822971/617-7493
3 bedroom colonial houseVersailles Public road opp Aracari Resort. Land 105x80/ House 55x45. Call: 660-3415/ 225-8427
Experience Drivers, Waiters, Cashier, Handy boys. Apply @ Hack’s Halaal with hand written application. 5 Commerce St.
Advertise in Kaieteur News Classified Ads and get fast results.
Live in waitress to work in bar. Call: 692-4649
An investigation appears to have cleared four policemen of sexually assaulting a female drug accused at the Timehri Police Station. But the ranks have been implicated in causing the woman to escape and are to be charged departmentally. The police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) conducted the investigation after the woman, who was recaptured, alleged that ranks had sexually assaulted her. The 38-year-old accused had disappeared from the Timehri Police Station on May 8, last, while under arrest pending charges for narcotics trafficking. The woman alleged that
the ranks freed her after she was raped. The woman was eventually recaptured at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. She was first arrested on May 6, at Soesdyke, allegedly with some 400 grammes of marijuana in her possession.She was taken to the Timehri Police Station and kept in handcuffs, while arrangements were made to transport her to the East La Penitence Police Station. However, because of a shortage of vehicles at Timehri, she remained at the station until Tuesday, May 8, when she was scheduled for court. She escaped in the early hours of the morning.
Guyana has policy ... From page 14 Guyana will become bright. Legally, the barriers that prevail will be a thing of the past and indeed illegal,” Minister Henry told officials present. UNICEF representative to Guyana and Suriname, Sylvie Fouet, said Guyana ranks the second highest in teenage pregnancy in Latin America and the Caribbean. She said the creation of the policy is a key milestone and the next step is implementation. She signaled that opening the doors is not sufficient, and communities and stakeholders need to understand and be supportive and knowledgeable of reproductive health in
Guyana.“They need to know that they are protected and they are cared for so all the supportive mechanisms like education, health and justice have to support that and we hope. We wish the best for Guyanese, particularly the youngest,” Fouet said. The policy has been in the works for approximately one year and sets out clear guidelines to ensure that mothers are not denied the opportunity to re-enter the formal school system, to continue their education. It aims at not only managing the reintegration of the adolescent mothers but it is also to advance the prevention of adolescent pregnancy.
Op-Ed: National Caribbean... From page 13 education institutions and advancing cooperation on science and technology. As a part of this commitment, more than 11,000 exchange participants from the Caribbean have traveled to the United States on U.S. government-sponsored professional, cultural, sports, youth, and academic programmes. As we witnessed during the 2017 hurricane season, natural disasters know no borders. In the aftermath of two Category 5 hurricanes last year, the U.S. government provided more than $22 million in humanitarian assistance, including 185 metric tons of relief supplies, to support emergency relief eff o r t s i n A n t igua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten. As another hurricane season gets underway, we continue to help countries in the Caribbean prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, and we stand ready to assist
our friends should disaster strike.We are also working together to address issues of regional concern. As neighbors and fellow citizens of the Americas and the Caribbean, we cannot ignore the dramatic deterioration of democracy in Venezuela, the suffering of the Venezuelan people, and the challenge posed to the region by the massive exodus of Venezuelans fleeing the crisis, including to the Caribbean. We thank the Caribbean community for standing with the Venezuelan people and continue to urge strong collective action to address the political, economic, and humanitarian crisis facing the people of Venezuela. As we commemorate National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we reaffirm our commitment to the Caribbean region and we look forward to pursuing a shared vision of a secure, prosperous, and democratic Western Hemisphere together with the people of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.
PAGE 27
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Sweeping increases for GWI customers from October 2019 From page 23 non–revenue water. From this year, it will have to be reduced to 1.5 percent; in 2019, this will increase to 2.5 percent while in 2020 the figure will be 3 percent. From 2020 onwards, it will be 4% until non-revenue water accounts for less than 15% of total production of GWI, said urged in its decision. The hearings into the rates and tariffs increase were held earlier this year with heated arguments from
consumer advocates and the company. The hearings were held at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street. Representing PUC were Chairperson, Dela Britton; Commissioners Maurice Solomon and Rajendra Bisessar. The other PUC officials were Vidiahar Persaud - Secretary/Legal Officer and Moorsalene Sankar - Financial Analyst 1. For GWI, the officials making their case during the hearings were Dr. Richard Van
West Charles, Managing Director; Nigel Niles Executive Director Corporate Services; Jaigopaul Ram - Executive Director – Finance; Ramchand Jailall - Executive Director of Project Implementation and Partnership Building; and Marlon Daniels - Executive Director - Customer Relations. Among the consumers advocates making contributions were Patrick Dial of the Guyana Consumer
The approved ancillary charges
Association. PUC explained that the decisions were made after careful consideration of the views expressed by the various stakeholders, including GWI Officials, Consumers Association and the members of the public. The first increase will be made effective from 1st October, 2018 while the final increase will be made effective from 1st October, 2019. “The implementation of the increases in a graduated format is an attempt to alleviate the financial burden on the consumers when compared to the last implemented charges as awarded under Order 3/2005.” On 9th January, 2018, GWI submitted to the Commission an application in which it sought approval for adjustments to existing tariff bands; introduction of new tariff bands; introduction of a fixed charge; reduced tariffs for pensioners over the age of 65 years; increases in existing ancillary charges and the introduction of new ancillary charges. PUC said that it had directed, after demands by consumer advocate Ramon Gaskin, among others, for audited financial statement for the year ended 31st December 2016 to be submitted. “The audited financial statement was submitted to the Commission at the hearing which was held on the 11th April 2018 and it confirmed the company’s claim that it is operating at a significant loss.” PUC said that in the year 2005, there was an increase in
GWI ‘s tariffs, but thereafter no further adjustments were made to the Company’s tariffs. “Notwithstanding Government’s substantial subventions to the Company since 2005 to the present, the company has been unable to cover its operations, maintenance and depreciation charges. Further, lack of funds caused the mandated service standards as contained in its licence to be unattainable and as a consequence resulted in poor quality of service in specific areas.” PUC stressed that from the onset, it wishes to note that the application for an increase in rates would not return the company to profitability. Government subventions may still be required for the company to achieve its objectives as detailed in its 2017-2021 Strategic Plan. Currently approximately half of the consumers’ portfolio is un-metered. “Unmetered consumers and non-revenue water translate to several millions of dollars in losses annually to the company, however, there must be a recognition that the resultant phenomenon was that the tariffs were well below the economic cost of its operations and thus led to a progressive deterioration of infrastructure and quality of service.” The company CEO had reported during the hearing that more than 25,000 inactive consumers are on its database, meaning that they are not billed. “One of the reasons proffered was disconnection by the Company for non-
payment and illegal reconnection by the recalcitrant consumer. The view was also expressed that many non-residential consumers on the consumer data base may have been erroneously classified as residential consumers thus affecting the financial interest of the company.” PUC urged that an updated consumer database is necessary to ensure the accuracy of charges and collections of all rates from its legitimate consumers, which will in turn improve its revenue collections. PUC ordered that GWI to start installing more meters to customers. From October 1, to December 31, 2018, the company is being ordered to deliver and install 5,000 meters. Next year, a total of 12,000 meters will have to be installed. This would increase to 20,000 annually from 2020 until all customers have water meters. Concerning GWI database, the regulator ordered that the company take steps to continuously sanitize to reflect legitimate debtors. This should be accomplished no later than 30th June 2019. “Collection rates on annual billings should increase incrementally each year to a level of 96% by the end of December 2020,” PUC also ordered. PUC urged that the water company also visited disconnected customers every two months to ensure that they are not illegally reconnected.
PAGE 28
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 29
PAGE 30
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Wednesday June 20, 2018
PAGE 31
Kaieteur News
Sixty-six countries fail at governing oil - Resource Institute
T
he majority of gov ernments that are leading oil and gas economies have been inadequately managing their sectors. This is according to the 2017 Resource Governance Index. The Index reveals that 66 countries were found to be weak, poor or failing in their governance of extractive industries. It reveals too that less than 20 percent of the 81 countries assessed, achieved good or satisfactory overall ratings. The cross-country study, which was conducted by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) incorporates existing assessments of countries’ “enabling environments.” The Institute said that this is a measure of how well citizens can access and use information, freely work together to voice their concerns and hold their governments to account, and of the quality of institutions in the areas of administration, rule of law and corruption control. Index data show that Norway exhibits the best governance of natural resources, followed closely by Chile, the United Kingdom and Canada in the top-most “good” performance category. Eritrea exhibits the worst resource governance and receives a failing grade in the index, with Turkmenistan, Libya, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea among others also rated as failing. Some middleincome countries—such as Colombia, Indonesia, Ghana, Mongolia, Peru, Mexico and Botswana—achieved good or satisfactory overall ratings. Burkina Faso places highest among the low-income countries studied. “Good governance of extractive industries is a fundamental step out of poverty for the 1.8 billion poor citizens living in the 81 countries we assessed in the Resource Governance Index,” said Daniel Kaufmann, NRGI President and CEO. “It is encouraging that dozens of countries are adopting extractives laws and regulations, but often these are not matched by meaningful action in practice.” NRGI notes, however, that the gap between law and practice is larger in countries where corruption is systemic. It said that this gap occurs in many policy areas of extractive industries— including environmental and social impacts, and the sharing of resource revenues by national governments with local authorities—and is particularly problematic for communities living near extraction sites. The index also assesses the
… Calls on Guyana, other nations to implement key transparency measures
governance and transparency of Sovereign Wealth Funds in 33 countries. In this regard, Colombia’s Savings and Stabilization Fund is the best-governed of the assessed funds, followed by the Ghana Stabilization Fund. The Qatar Investment Authority, with USD $330 billion in assets, and Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account were found to be the worst-governed funds. NRGI noted that at least USD $1.5 trillion is currently managed by the 11 sove r e i g n w e a l t h f u n d s and they are rated as failing. Chile’s Codelco state mining company was listed as
the best-governed of 74 extractive sector state-owned enterprises that were assessed for their disclosures and corporate governance. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation of India came second. Forty-eight countries’ state-owned companies received unsatisfactory ratings. The index identifies weak governance in the China National Petroleum Company, and finds failing governance in the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the Gabon Oil Company, Turkmengas and Saudi Aramco. The Resource Governance Index shows us that if they are to contribute to their
countries’ development, state-owned enterprises require serious reform,” said Ernesto Zedillo, former president of Mexico and chair of NRGI’s board of directors. “But effective governance of the oil, gas and mining sectors is not an insurmountable challenge—the index provides many examples of developing countries defying expectations and stereotypes.” In recommendations re-
leased with the data, NRGI calls upon Governments of emerging oil producers like Guyana, among other nations, to support key transparency measures. These include compliance with open data standards and for them to adopt and implement laws requiring the disclosure of the identities of the true beneficiaries of oil and mining companies also calls for a reversal of the trend towards
closing civic space in many resource-rich countries. “Where freedoms of citizens and journalists are under attack, governance of the extractives sector is fundamentally impaired,” said Kaufmann. “Access to information on contracts, revenues, state companies and sovereign wealth funds is only valuable when citizens can hold authorities and companies to account.
PAGE 32
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Wednesday June 20, 2018
PAGE 33
Kaieteur News
Federer marches past Bedene in Halle Jamaica defeat Barbados (Reuters) - Defending champion Roger Federer continued his fine run on grass ahead of Wimbledon, beating Slovenia’s Aljaz Bedene 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the Halle Open yesterday. The 36-year-old Swiss, who reclaimed the number one ranking by winning the Stuttgart title last week, broke his 72nd ranked opponent in the second game and maintained the advantage to claim the first set. Federer dropped just eight points on his serve and was hardly troubled in a one-sided contest as he converted a decisive break point in the ninth game of the second set to march to victory in just over an hour. Chasing a record-ex-
to claim women’s title
Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action during the final against Canada’s Milos Raonic. (REUTERS/Ralph Orlowski) tending 10th title in Halle, Federer will next look to improve his 6-0 head-tohead advantage over
Frenchman Benoit Paire, who beat American Steve Johnson 7-5, 7-6(5) earlier in the day.
Wednesday June 20, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) You should make more of your own decisions, Aries. Don't let others have so much control over your life. When in a relationship, for example, you tend to let your partner dominate. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) You are very interested in technological breakthroughs and innovation, Taurus, especially if it has some benefit for individuals. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) You're a reasonable, generous person. Your altruism plays a big part in your life. This is why your friends will be amazed to see you express a lot of personal desires now.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) You're an eccentric person, Libra. Yet you also feel the need to be loved and feel the approval of those around you. It isn't always easy to think differently from other people or to feel completely different. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Your altruism and ability to listen to others will greatly influence the day, Scorpio. Someone close to you is having difficulties and doesn't know how to explain the problem. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) The day belongs to you. The celestial movements encourage you to think about your future. Don't be afraid.
CANCER (June 21–July 22) Today, you'll need to come up with the answer to an important question, Cancer. What do you really want? Events might compel you to choose between your current way of living and a more stable life.
CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) There's a radical change taking place in the Zodiac. The changes in the economy and society seem to suggest that now is the time to think about how your actions impact the lives of your loved ones
LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your calm will be put to the test today, Leo. Try not to fall into this trap. You should try to show people that you're a thoughtful person
AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) The atmosphere of the day gives you the impression that there could be a lot of changes waiting to unfold in your personal life.
VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) You tend to think that you're the only person on this planet born under a lucky star, Virgo. Try to trust the ones you love, because they might not appreciate having to deal with your anxiety.
PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You're the type of person who loves meeting a lot of people, Pisces. You feel that you must bring your friends together so that they have a forum in which to express themselves.
KINGSTON, Jamaican, CMC- Karla Cohen provided some last over heroics to lift Jamaica to an exhilarating four-run win over arch-rivals Barbados to claim the CWI T20 Blaze tournament on Monday. Bowling the final over, Cohen conceded just three runs and snagged two wickets, while another was run out, to help dismiss Barbados for 104, just short of their target of 108. With the score on 103 for 8, she accounted for the prized scalp of skipper Shakera Selman, who made a quickfire 15 from nine balls and Kyrstal Harewod. One run later, Alisia Scantlebury was run out by Chinellee Henry, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. The result left the two teams level on 12 points, but the home side was awarded the title based on winning the head-to-head contest. After the match Jamaica’s captain Stafanie Taylor was full of praise for Cohen’s heroics. “That was some superb bowling there at the end. That was a great last over. Before the over we had a chat and I told her to take the pace off,” Taylor said. “She was superb and deserves a lot of credit. We feel great to come from behind and win the match. We batted hard and then we fielded and
Welcome the... From page 34 words being spoken behind closed doors concerning sport and its obvious lack of support and the ad hoc way in which the National Sport Commission hands out support to private promoters, while national associations are treated like field slaves. The Guyana Olympic Association does not escape without blame as it too has its favoured few who get showered with support for underperforming. Boxing and Basketball have already spoken out. These are sport disciplines with predominantly AfroGuyanese athletes. I would say no more but hope that the stage has been set and executives of other associations would find the intestinal fortitude to stand up, speak out and send back the “frek” if there is need to. Sincerely, R. Trim.
bowled really well. Everyone deserves credit. We did it for Jamaica.” Jamaica’s bowling efforts, though, were led by seamer Roxanne Outar, who took three wickets for 16 runs in her four overs, including the crucial wickets of Hayley Matthews (30) and Deandra Dottin who made 11. Cohen ended with 2-20, while off-spinner Vanessa Watts finished with 2-28, as Barbados lost five wickets for 10 runs at one stage. Earlier, Natasha McLean who topscored with 42 off 50 balls and Taylor who made 38 off 42 balls laced with four boundaries, shared a 68-run second wicket partnership as Jamaica ended on 108 for five off their 20 overs. Dottin and Selman both claimed two wickets each for Barbados.
Defending champions Trinidad and Tobago had to settle for third place after defeating the Windward Islands to finish on nine points. The Windward Islands could only muster 103 for five from their 20 overs thanks mainly to an unbeaten 37 from Pearl Ettienne. However, opening batter Leeann Kirby scored 46 to help lead Trinidad and Tobago to 105 for 3 in 14.2 overs. Guyana also ended the tournament on a winning note, trouncing the Leeward Islands by eight wickets. Evra Giddings’ four-wicket haul helped to rout the Leeward Islands for just 50 in 17.5 overs, as Guyana easily romped to 53 for 2 in 10.1 overs. The women will now turn their attention to the Super50 Cup which bowls off today.
PAGE 34
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
Japan sink 10-man Colombia Poland’s mishaps help Senegal in historic win for Asia claim first African win
Poland’s Thiago Cionek scores an own goal and the first goal for Senegal. (REUTERS/Grigory Dukor)
Japan’s Yuya Osako scores their second goal. (REUTERS/Damir Sagolj) SARANSK, Russia (Reuters) - Japan upset 10man Colombia 2-1 in a dramatic match yesterday to become the first Asian side to beat South American opponents at the World Cup. Asian teams had managed three draws in 17 matches against South American sides but the four-times Asian champions made their extra man count after Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez became the first player to get a red card in Russia. His sending-off in the third minute, for a deliberate handball, was the second fastest in World Cup history after Uruguay’s Jose Batista was dismissed after 55 seconds against Scotland in 1986. Shinji Kagawa scored from the resulting penalty to give Japan the lead in the Group H match. Juan Quintero’s clever low free kick in the 39th minute gave Colombia the equalizer but Yuya Osako leapt above his marker to head a corner into the net for Japan’s 73rdminute winner. “To lose one player in the three minutes to lose such a crucial player, is not an easy thing,” Colombia’s Argentine coach Jose Pekerman told re-
porters. With Colombia ranked 16th in the world and Japan 61st, the South Americans were expected to win. It was also sweet revenge for Japan, who were thumped 4-1 by the same opponents in Brazil 2014, but they wasted plenty of chances to kill the game off earlier. Kagawa and Osako went close in the first half but failed to increase their lead. “I told them at halftime to keep moving, get the advantage in positioning,” Japan coach Akira Nishino said. “It was good we could deprive the front players of their stamina. It’s the result that counts. Luck is important but it’s not going to do the job.” SUPERIOR NUMBERS With Japan dominating the midfield with their superior numbers, Pekerman opted to sacrifice Juan Cuadrado around the half hour mark to send on defensive midfielder Wilmar Barrios. That allowed Colombia a foothold in the match and their all-time leading scorer and captain Radamel Falcao came more into the game. Falcao, making his World Cup debut after missing the
last tournament in Brazil due to injury, showed his hunger when he stretched full length to get his foot to an overhead cross but did not have the power to beat the goalkeeper. Genki Haraguchi’s foul on Falcao earned Colombia a foul on the edge of the box and Quintero fired a low free kick under the leaping wall. Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima reacted late and failed to stop the ball from crossing the line. Colombia continued to trouble Brazil with quick attacking movements but as the minutes passed they lost stamina and playing 90 minutes with a man down proved too big a mountain to climb. In a last throw of the dice, Pekerman introduced James Rodriguez, who did not start due to a calf problem, in the 59th minute but the Golden Boot winner in Brazil was unable to change the course of the match. “Without doubt we were expecting something different, we were hoping to start with a victory,” Pekerman said. “It’s unfortunate for the people of Colombia who came here with high hopes. This is obviously going to leave us with a bitter memory.”
MOSCOW (Reuters) Senegal became the first African team to win a match at the 2018 World Cup yesterday when they beat Poland 2-1, helped by two shocking errors in the European side’s defence. Poland defender Thiago Cionek stuck out a leg and deflected Idrissa Gueye’s wayward shot into the net in the 37th minute before goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny rushed unnecessarily out of his area and allowed M’Baye Niang to nip in and score into an empty net on the hour. Grzegorz Krychowiak headed Poland’s goal in the 86th minute. The win took Senegal top of Group H with three points, along with Japan who also beat Colombia by the same score. Colombia and Poland are both without a point. Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria
and Tunisia all lost their opening games. Poland’s record scorer Robert Lewandowski got little change out of a well-drilled Senegal defense, led by Kalidou Koulibaly, and they sorely missed key defender Kamil Glik, still recovering from a training injury sustained two weeks ago. The first half hour was a sorry affair strewn with misplaced passes from both sides and neither of the dangermen, Lewandowski and Senegal’s Sadio Mane, seeing much of the ball. The first shot on target produced the first goal as Senegal went ahead in the 38th minute. Niang won a challenge with Lukasz Piszczek, burst down the left and found Mane who in turn slipped the ball to Gueye. The midfielder’s shot ap-
peared to be going wide until the hapless Cionek stuck out a leg and deflected it past Szczesny. Lewandowski sprang into life five minutes after halftime as he won possession, burst clear and was up-ended by Salif Sane. He took the free kick himself and although he managed Poland’s first shot on target, it was saved by Khadim N’Diaye. Poland appeared to be coming back into the game until the most embarrassing moment of the World Cup so far. Krychowiak sent a long ball back from deep inside the Senegal half, Szczesny rushed out of his area to collect the pass but Niang stole in to score to Polish disbelief. Krychowiak partially made amends with his goal but it was too late for the disappointing Poles.
Letter to the Sports Editor
Welcome the recent revolution in the sport arena Dear Editor, I welcome the recent revolution in the sport arena of Guyana and hope it catches on. First Mr. Nigel Hinds of the Guyana Basketball Federation was brave enough to pen an eyeopening letter where he exposed the tardiness of government as it relates to assisting sport associations. Then, as a follow up, Hinds gracefully maneuvered away from a flimsy “frek” offered by the Guyana Olympic
Association. In fact, the basketball president may be the first in Guyana to publicly refuse money from the GOA. Next came boxing. Technical Director of the Guyana Amateur Boxing Association Terrence Poole publicly vented his frustration (and maybe that of many others) when he declared that sporting associations and athletes are “Fed Up” with congratulations and photo opportunities and need something tangible from the Government.
In response to Poole, the Minister with responsibility for sport Dr. George Norton, apparently just out of a stupor, magnified the fact that he is, or maybe never was in the game by stating that government assist associations by granting tax waivers. This is the same government that couldn’t assist our national cyclist Beyonce Ross when she was in need of medical help, but raced to assist with her burial.We all know of the (Continued on page 33)
Wednesday June 20, 2018
PAGE 35
Kaieteur News
Chandimal suspended for Oval Test Gros Islet, St Lucia, CMC – Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal was suspended for one Test match and fined 100 per cent of his match fee after he was found guilty of altering the condition of the ball during the just concluded second Test match against the West Indies. The punishment was handed down today by Javagal Srinath of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and means Chandimal will miss the final day-night Test match at Kensington Oval which begins on Saturday. Additionally, Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusinghe and manager Asanka Gurusinha were also charged with a breach of Article 2.3.1, a Level 3 offence which relates to “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game”. They have been charged with their involvement in the Sri Lankan cricket team’s refusal to take to the field at the start of Saturday’s play, causing a two-hour delay in the start of play. Chandimal had been reported by on-field umpires Aleem Dar and Ian Gould, as well as television umpire Richard Kettleborough on day two, after they had concerns over the methods Sri Lanka had been using to maintain the ball. The 28-year-old Chandimal had denied the allegations. He is the fourth cricketer to be found guilty of committing the offence within the last three months. Back in March, Australian captain Steve Smith, along with vice-captain David Warner and Cameron
found unconvincing as a defence and the fact remains it was an artificial substance,” he added. ICC Chief Executive David Richardson in supporting the punishment handed down said he would be seeking to have stiffer sanctions imposed on those persons
Dinesh Chandimal will miss the final Test match at Kensington Oval. Bancroft were all banned after being found guilty of balltampering. In a press release issued by the ICC today, it was revealed that Chandimal was given the maximum sentence for the offence; two suspension points and a fine of 100 per cent of his match fee. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test, two ODIs or two T20Is, whichever comes first. Furthermore, because two suspension points correspond to four demerit points, it has also been added to Chandimal’s disciplinary record. During a hearing held after the Test match where video evidence was produced, Chandimal admitted to putting something in his mouth, but could not recall what it was. “After reviewing the footage of the incident, it is clear
that Dinesh Chandimal applied an artificial substance to the ball, namely saliva containing the residue of something he had in his mouth. an action which is prohibited under the ICC Code of Conduct,” Srinath said. “The footage shows that upon receiving the ball, Chandimal took something from his pocket and put it in his mouth. After sucking or chewing whatever he put in his mouth for a few seconds, he then proceeded to spit on his finger and polish the ball with his saliva which would have contained the residue of the artificial substance that he had in his mouth, on two separate occasions. “During the hearing, he admitted to putting something in his mouth, but couldn’t remember what it was, which I
Dimitrov sets up Djokovic clash at Queen’s LONDON (Reuters) - Second seed Grigor Dimitrov survived a tough first-round workout against Bosnia’s Damir Dzumhur at the Queen’s Club championships yesterday to set up a secondround clash with former world number one Novak Djokovic. The 27-year-old Bulgarian was edged out in a second-set tiebreak but eventually prevailed 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-3, sealing victory with an ace. Djokovic, playing at the prestigious London grasscourt event for the first time since 2010 after being handed a late wildcard, outclassed Australian John Millman 6-2, 6-1. The Serb has fallen to 22 in the ATP rankings after 12
months disrupted by an elbow injury, but the three-time Wimbledon champion looked sharp against qualifier Millman. He was briefly held up when an alarm went off in the grounds but was far too good for Millman, finishing with a flourish. “It’s one of the most beautiful courts to play on and it’s good to be back on the grass,” Djokovic said on court. “I’ve struggled a bit in the last year and a half and that has taken a bit of confidence out of me but I’m trying to get that back and today was perfect.” Dimitrov, champion in 2014, made a reasonably assured start and said he was relieved to avoid having his Wimbledon preparations cut short in what was a tricky opener. “I was a bit rusty obvi-
ously and need to brush up on a few things and come back and get a bit better,” Dimitrov said. “I just want to play as many matches as possible on grass. It’s a tough field here and you have to be on the edge every single round.” Third seed Kevin Anderson fell at the first hurdle, losing to Argentine Leonardo Mayer in three sets. All eyes will be five-time champion Andy Murray later as he takes on Nick Kyrgios in his first match in almost a year. Twice Wimbledon champion Murray, who had hip surgery in January, is not seeded having fallen to 156th in the rankings. Canadian Milos Raonic also reached the second round after Indian opponent Yuki Bhambri retired injured.
found guilty of similar offences. “The ICC fully supports the match officials in their decision and will continue to do so in any other such instances. The strong message f r o m l a s t m o n t h ’s I C C Cricket Committee was that
there needs to be stiffer sanctions for offences such as changing the condition of the ball, and as such, we will be recommending to the ICC Board at next month’s annual conference in Dublin to upgrade this to a Level Three offence,” Richardson said.
PAGE 36
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
Russia on brink of knockout stage after win over Egypt ST PETERSBURG (Reuters) - World Cup hosts Russia virtually booked their place in the second round with a 3-1 win over Egypt yesterday that moved them to top of Group A with six points from two games. A three goal blitz in the space of 15 minutes early in the second half put the Russians firmly in command before Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, who had a subdued game on his return from injury, struck from a penalty, awarded after a video review. Should Uruguay (3 points) beat Saudi Arabia (0 points) on Wednesday, it will ensure the South Americans and the Russians go through to the round of 16 with a game to spare. A draw would also send the hosts through. It is an unexpectedly positive situation for a Russian side that came into this tournament amidst scepticism and pessimism at home. After the two confident victories, with eight goals, the public appear to have taken the team to their hearts. Far from being over-awed by the pressure on them to perform, there is a real look of confidence and at times swagger about Stanislav Cherchesov’s side, who beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game. Egypt, whose final group
game is against the Saudis, have only the slimmest of chances of staying in the tournament although they will at least be hopeful of picking up a first win in what is their third World Cup. Hector Cuper ’s side looked confident given the return of their talisman Salah, but the forward was short of full sharpness and made little impact in what was a tight first half. But just two minutes after the interval, Russia got their breakthrough and they never looked back. Aleksandr Golovin’s cross was punched out by Egyptian keeper Mohamed El-Shenawy, only as far as Roman Zobnin whose low drive was heading wide until Ahmed Fathi’s outstretched leg turned the ball into his own net. Remarkably, it was the fifth own goal of the tournament so far. The record amount for a World Cup is six in 1998. If there was some good fortune to the opener, the Russians’ second was pure quality. Alexander Samedov pushed the ball out wide to Mario Fernandes, the Brazilian born right back who had powered forward from deep to deliver a perfect pull-back into the path of Denis Cheryshev who slotted home his third
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah shoots at goal during the match. (Reuters Dylan Martinez) goal of the tournament. Two minutes later it was 3-0 via a route one play, as target man Artem Dzyuba chested down a long ball, bustled past Ali Gabr and drove home. MANIC CELEBRATIONS Dzyuba, a throw-back physical centre forward who troubled Egypt’s defence all night, celebrated in manic fashion.
“The most important thing is we won. The whole country is happy I think, Russia is partying. We are unbelievably happy. Thank you to everyone for the support. “Every player battled today in every area of the pitch. We didn’t give Egypt a centimetre of the pitch. We held back Salah and deserved to win,” he said. Salah, who had not played
since going off injured in Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid last month, managed some consolation when he converted from the spot. The penalty came after a video assistant referee (VAR) ruling that he had been brought down by Zobnin inside the area after the referee had initially awarded a free kick.
“We had a good first half then we had 10-15 really bad minutes and that’s why we lost,” said Cuper, who immediately faced questions over his future. “Whether I should stay or not does not depend on me and we still have another match. In a World Cup you have to wait till the very last minute although our chances are minute,” he added.
England hit ODI world record 481 in thrashing Australia
England’s Jonny Bairstow celebrates reaching a century. (Action Images via Reuters Craig Brough) (Reuters) - England stormed to a one-day international world record of 481 for six as they thrashed Australia by 242 runs at Trent Bridge to take an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match series yesterday. Australia skipper Tim Paine elected to bowl first and was soon regretting that decision as the home
batsmen ran riot against his inexperienced attack. Jonny Bairstow plundered a magnificent 139 off 92 balls while Alex Hales smashed 147 from 92. Skipper Eoin Morgan tucked into the scoring feast with a 21-ball half century — the fastest by an England batsman in ODIs — to become his
country’s leading one-day scorer. The total surpassed England’s previous record 444 scored two years ago against Pakistan, also at Trent Bridge. Australia were never in the hunt once opener D’Arcy Short chipped a catch to Moeen Ali off the bowling of David Willey in the fourth
over and Moeen removed Travis Head and Shaun Marsh. Adil Rashid ended with four wickets as Australia were bowled out in 37 overs for 239 — handing England their biggest ever winning margin in ODIs and Australia’s heaviest defeat. REMARKABLE DAY It was a remarkable day of shotmaking by England’s batsmen though as they carved an ODI record 62 boundaries, including 21 sixes. The only disappointment was that they failed to go beyond the 500-run barrier after some late wickets fell.Remarkably England failed to strike a boundary in the last four overs — although the damage to the Australian morale was already done. Australia skipper Tim Paine described England’s batting as some of the “best striking I’ve ever seen.” “They are red hot at the moment,” he said. “That is as hard a day’s cricket as I’ve had in 16 or 17 years. Today it was a learning experience. “Wherever we put the field they hit the gaps. They are the yardstick of 50-over cricket right now.” FLYING START England got off to a flying start with Jason Roy and Bairstow offering a sign of what was to come. Bairstow struck three fours off
quickie Jhye Richardson’s first over and Roy tucked into Billy Stanlake, pulling him for a six as England reached 38-0 after five overs. Bairstow was dropped on 30 by Marcus Stoinis and that proved extremely costly as he began to pepper the boundary. When Roy was run out for 82 it brought Hales to the crease and he set about the Australian attack with relish, striking 16 fours and five sixes in a sizzling knock. It seemed inevitable England would reach 500 but Hales and Morgan went in successive balls late on as Richardson got some belated reward and the run rate finally dropped.Morgan, who will lead England into a home World Cup next year, said it was a complete display. “There were some outstanding performances and we were relentless both with the bat and the ball,” he said. “It’s certainly a day to be proud. The top three are a huge asset to have. There are two games to go and still opportunities for them to score big runs so hopefully they will continue to be as hungry as they were today.” Scores: England 481 for 6 (Hales 147, Bairstow 139) beat Australia 239 (Rashid 4-47, Moeen 3-28) by 242 runs.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
PAGE 37
Kaieteur News
Paul replaces Hetmyer for final test against Sri Lanka BRIDGETOWN, Barbados- Keemo Paul will replace Shimron Hetmyer in the WINDIES Test Squad for the remainder of the Te s t S e r i e s a g a i n s t S r i Lanka. Hetmyer will return to Guyana to recover from a recent illness. While there, he will continue his preparations to return for the two-day practice match against Bangladesh in Antigua. WINDIES Head Coach Stuart Law said, “Hetty is
a big part of our future and now we want him to recover fully from his illness, so he can be at his best for the warm-up match versus Bangladesh.” The third Test against Sri Lanka is the first Day/ Night Test to be played in the Caribbean. The first day/night ODI was played in St. Lucia in 2006 between West Indies and Zimbabwe. Paul who was born is Saxacalli and started his career in the Wakenaam
is the first Essequibo player to be called up for t h e We s t I n d i e s Te s t team. Paul hasn’t featured in a Test for Windies but has played four ODIs and four T20Is so far. He has five wickets in ODIs at an average of 25 and an economy of 3.94. In his last outing for the Windies, in the one-off T20I charity clash against World XI, Paul picked up 1 for 24 from three overs.
Windies won the first Test by 226 runs and then managed to draw the second in St. Lucia. This series will be followed by a visit from Bangladesh, who are set to play two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is in the Caribbean.
PAGE 38
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Windies A rebound to win second match WORCESTER, England, CMC – Captain Jason Mohammed notched his second consecutive century and Jermaine Blackwood added another, as West Indies A notched the first win of their England tour by defeating Worcestershire by 21 runs earlier yesterday. Mohammed scored 142 from just 120 balls, while opening batsman Blackwood stroked 119 from 122 balls, to help lead the visitors to a challenging total of 338 for nine from their 50 overs. The home side was then limited to 317 for eight from their 50 overs. The two shared in a 238run third wicket partnership to help rescue their team from a perilous 28 for two, following the early dismissals of Chandrapaul Hemraj (20) and Devon Thomas, who made just three. Mohammed’s 162-minute knock contained 11 boundaries and four sixes, while Blackwood was at the crease for three minutes shy of three hours and struck 14 boundaries. After Mohammed and Sunil Ambris were dismissed within three balls of each other by left-arm pacer Ross Whiteley, leaving the score on 266 for four, Blackwood teamed up with Rovman Powell to add 46 valuable runs and carry the total over the 300 mark. Powell scored a whirlwind 42 from 24 balls, inclusive of three boundaries and two sixes.There was little resistance after, however, as the West Indies A lost their final four wickets for just 26 runs.
Dillon Pennington was the pick of the bowlers, ending with five for 67 from his nine overs, while Whiteley nabbed four for 58 from nine overs as well. Led by a fine bowling performance from opening fastbowler Chemar Holder, the visitors were then able to restrict Worcestershire despite notable contributions from the middle order. Holder grabbed three wickets for 42 runs from his 10 overs and was ably supported by Rahkeem Cornwall, who chipped in with two for 52. Worcestershire got off to a good start, the opening pair of George Rhodes and Olly Westbury adding 54 before Holder had the latter caught behind by wicketkeeper Thomas for eight. The home side was actually coasting on 179 for two at one stage, before Holder returned to remove the dangerous looking Rhodes, who too was caught behind by Thomas for the top score of 95. His almost two-hour knock took 98 balls and contained 13 boundaries and one six. Several other batsmen got starts, but failed to capitalize, as the West Indies got breakthroughs everytime it seemed as though Worcestershire was gaining momentum. Tom Fell (28), Jack Haynes (33), Joshua Dell (46) and Whiteley, who made 70, failed to convert after promising starts. The West Indies will next face the England Lions at Derby on Saturday.
Cummings Lodge Sec captures Tapeball crown Cummings Lodge Secondary won the Goodwood Racing service and P&P Insurance Brokers School Boys seven team 6-overs knock-out Tapeball cricket competition last Saturday at the D’Urban Park Tarmac. Cummings Lodge defeated North Georgetown Secondary after reaching 51 in reply to the 48 made by North.
Annandale Sec beat IAE; Sophia Special School defeated Trust College, North got past RBI, Cummings Lodge beat St John’s secondary, North beat Sophia Special School and Cummings Lodge got past Annandale Secondary in the preliminary rounds.The tournament was organised for Royal Tapeball Cricket Academy by James Lewis.
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Kaieteur News
PAGE 39
LABA/YBG/Powerade Linden Schools Regional Basketball Championship
‘Tallo’ Hutson Academy donates MVP trophy ahead of today’s semi-finals at MSC
T
he Linden A m a t e u r Basketball Association yesterday received a timely boost for its Linden Regional Under19 Schools basketball championship from Rickland Hutson through his Leadership Academy as the semi-finals are being played this afternoon at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court. United States-based former national football player Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson has donated the Most Valuable Player Trophy after being approached for assistance as he felt it was an opportunity to give back to the development and promotion of sport in his home town. In a statement to the association Hutson, whose mother had seen her sons play football for the Guyana National team noted: “The trophy is in memory of my mom, the late Mrs. Evelyn Hutson and it’s also on behalf of my family and my foundation ‘RICKLAND HUTSON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY.” Thanks for giving me the opportunity to contribute towards your positive influence in our youths for as long as I know you. One Love”. ‘Tallo’ Hutson, who grew up in Christianburg, Linden admired his mother’s philanthropic doings and added that “this is a chance to support an event or cause that will impact the youths from our communities in a positive way.” Rickland along with his brothers
Selwyn Hutson, Renwick ‘Chief’ Hutson and Rawle ‘ Ta i t t y ’ V i c k e r y a l l represented Guyana at the Senior National level with the solid backing of their mother Mrs. Evelyn Hutson. At late notice also the Regional Education Department and the Mackenzie Sports Club made provision for the tournament to be staged. Before the tournament began Banks DIH through its Powerade brand committed to give its s u p p o r t a n d Yo u t h Basketball Guyana also threw its support with the donation of two basketballs, a pair of nets, a cash donation and the Championship Trophy for this year’s Linden Regional Championship where the top three school teams are also guaranteed a place in this weekend’s Youth Basketball Guyana National Basketball Festival, slated for the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. Receiving the trophy at the intermission of one of the matches on the final preliminary round robin play ahead of today’s highly anticipated semifinals, was Vice President of the Linden Amateur Basketball Association Dr. Karen Perreira who thanked the Academy’s representative Jessie Marshall for the donation of the trophy and an undisclosed amount of cash towards the successful staging of the championship. Dr. Perreira said “We hope that this would not be the last venture of this organisation and we look forward to
Neymar leaves training session with sore ankle SOCHI, Russia (Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar left training early yesterday after feeling pain in his right ankle and will spend the rest of the day undergoing physiotherapy, the Brazilian Football Confederation said. “He was feeling pain thanks to the large number of fouls he suffered in the Switzerland game,” a spokesman told reporters. “He complained of pain and so he went to physio and he will train normally tomorrow.”Neymar stopped training in Sochi after a few minutes, leaving his team mates to continue
preparations for their second World Cup game against Costa Rica in St Petersburg on Friday.Neymar was fouled 10 times in the first match against Switzerland which Brazil drew 1-1. The Paris St Germain forward was subdued in the match and unrecognizable from the man who became the world’s most expensive footballer when he left Barcelona last August to join the French champions. Neymar was out all of March, April and May with a fractured right foot and sprained ankle after he was injured in a French league match in late February.
many more in the future.” The first semi-final is set for 15.00hrs and the second at 17.30hrs, weather permitting at the Mackenzie sports Club hard court and the school teams through to the final four are Linden Te c h n i c a l I n s t i t u t e , Wi s b u r g S e c o n d a r y, Mackenzie High and the New Silvercity Secondary School.
LABA’s Vice President Dr. Karen Perreira (3rd from left) receives the MVP trophy from Jessie Marshall on behalf of the Rickland ‘Tallo’ Hutson Leadership Academy at the MSC hard court while players looking on.
Kaieteur News
PAGE 40
Wednesday June 20, 2018
Team Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, prior to their departure for Suriname last week.
Guyanese girls lose twice in CBC C/ships Guyana’s Female team h a v e g o t t e n o ff t h e i r Caribbean Basketball Confederation (CBC) Women’s championships to a torrid start after losing their first two games of the tournament, which is being competed in Suriname, to Barbados and Suriname respectively. In their first game at the Anthony Nesty Sportshal in Paramaribo, the Guyanese ladies lost by 40 points to Barbados. It was a dominating performance of team Barbados against Guyana, the final score was
settled at 39 - 79. Barbados were physically stronger and they used that to their advantage. Barbados’ head coach ad mitted th at h e w as expecting a tougher match and the final score was beyond his expectation. The top performer was Toni Atherley with 19 points and she was backed up by Shakila Small who also had a solid performance with 16 points.Within the first two minutes, Guyana saw the lead going to Barbados and after the first half of the game, Guyana was 18 points
behind and they never recovered from the poor start. The majority of Guyanese players lack international experience and they didn’t stand a chance against the more experienced opponents. For the local side, Miriam McKenzie had a very good game with 12 points and she was supported by Jada Mohan (10 points) and Captain Ginelle Ifill (7 points) but the effort did not pay off. Meanwhile, in Guyana’s second game, they lost to home team Suriname 73-52
in an improved performance. Guyana were better both defensively and offensively but still went down by 21 points at the packed venue. Miriam McKenzie was the standout player once again after swooshing a game-high 24 points, inclusive of two threepointers. Kennesha Leacock netted 13 points to be the other significant scorer in Guyana’s losing cause. Cyarah Kensmill (22 points), Zephanya Zeeluk (17 points) and Marcellia Sedoc (10 points) led Suriname to victory against their
neighbours.Looking for a win in their third group match, Guyana played Dominican Republic last night at the same Anthony Nesty Sportshal. The results of that match will be featured in tomorrow’s issue of Kaieteur Sport. E a r l i e r y e s t e r d a y, tournament favourites Cuba thrashed St. Vincent and the Grenadines 108-32. The Guyanese women are in Group B with Suriname, Barbados and Dominican Republic. While Group A includes: Bahamas, Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The full squad reads 1. Ginelle Ifill (Captain) 2. Miriam McKenzie (CoCaptain) 3. Jada Mohan 4. Annalisa Barclay 5. Saffiya Greene 6. Kennesha Leacock 7. Roschelle Campbell 8. Demelza Nicholas 9. Caron BobbSemple 10. Makeida Rogers 11. Cliffanna Hunter and 12. Kesann Charles. The Manager for the Guyana is Ms. Ann Gordon; with Troy Greene, Head Coach; Dave Causway, Assistant Coach, an d J o n as A n es tal as Physiotherapist and Physical Conditioner.
C7, Mix Up secure quarterfinal victories
C
7 and Mix Up notched up quarter-final victories when action in the Faye Joseph dominoes competition continued recently at Gaulding Place, South Ruimveldt. C7 chalked up 87 games to win their encounter ahead of Providence who made 81 and Lions 77. Brian Edwards top score for the winners with 16 games, while Claire Benjamin contributed 15. Shawn Davis and Junior Smith marked 16 and 15
games respectively for Providence, while Orin Boston got 17 for Lions. Led by Gilbert Mendonca and Ewie Gordon with 17 and 16 games in that order Mix Up scored 81 games to win ahead of Spartans 77 and All Seasons 70. Spartans were spearheaded by Shawn McKenzie 17 and Paul Duncan 15, while Raymond Ali and Dane Bynoe made 17 each for All Seasons. The semi finals will be played tonight at the said venue. Meanwhile, senior organising secretary of the Georgetown Dominoes Association Mark “Jumbie” Wiltshire in association with Sunflower hotel and bar of Charity Essequibo Coast
will be hosting a two-day dominoes competition starting on Saturday at Charity. Entrance fee is $20,000 and double-six time is 14:30hrs. The winning team will take home a trophy and $200,000 and runner up a trophy $120,000 and third place a trophy and $60,000. The Most Valuable Player will receive $5,000; prizes are subject to change. For more information teams can contact Wiltshire on 665-5855 or Johnny Jaggernauth on 641-1131. Raymond Lall emerged champion of a pool competition held recently at the said venue. Brain Peters placed second and Melroy Rose third.
Raymond Lall (right) accepts his trophy from Johnny Jaggernauth.
Kaieteur News
Wednesday June 20, 2018
PAGE 41
Police All Stars Illuminate Grenada’s Annual Athletics Championship R
ecently the Royal Grenada Police Force held its Annual Athletics Championship in St Georges Grenada. The events which were held during the 31st anniversary celebrations were highly attended with participants f r o m S t Vi n c e n t a n d t h e Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda and Guyana. The Guyana Police Force through its long standing relations with the Royal Grenada Police Force was invited to take part in the championship games. Three of our outstanding athletes were selected to represent the Force in various sporting events such as: 100m, 1500m, and Shot Put, to name a few. Constables 21820 Warren Duncan, 22647 Quacy Morian and W. 23949 Alita Moore traveled to Grenada to represent the Force in the Championship games and all emerged medalists. Woman Constable 23949 Alita Moore copped first place in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, and 4x100m as well as Long Jump was awarded the Best Overseas Female Athlete, wining a total of six (6) gold medals. Constable 22647 Quacy
Acting Commissioner of Police David Ramnarine (centre) along with other officers and team members display the trophies won. Morian also copped first place in the 800m, 1500m, and 4x100m, as well as second place in the 100 and 400m and third in the 200m. He won a total of six (6) medals, three (3) Gold, two (2) Silver and one (1) Bronze for his achievements. Constable 21820 Warren Duncan came in first
place in the Shot Put and Discuss competitions and third in the Javelin competition. It must be noted, that the event which was initially slated for (Police) also saw participation of National (Non- Military) athletes as well; resulting in the ranks competing with seasoned athletes
for the championship. The Guyanese delegation which consisted of Police Coach, Sergeant 13768 Lyndon Wilson and the three athletes was invited to take part in several youth and community outreach programmes while in Grenada. The Guyana Police Force
continues to offer exposure for its ranks in different fields, through bilateral relations shared with its counterparts. The Force has presented several platforms for empowerment; one such initiative is the continuous Capacity Building Seminars held in the various Divisions countrywide.
rt o p S
Russia on brink of knockout stage after win over Egypt
Paul replaces P. 37 Hetmyer for final test against Sri Lanka
P. 36
Keemo Paul
Russia’s Denis Cheryshev scores their second goal. (Reuters Lee Smith)
Windies A rebound Poland’s mishaps help Senegal claim first African win to win second match P. 34
P. 38
Captain Jason Mohammed scored his second successive century to lead West Indies A to victory
England hit ODI world record 481 in thrashing Australia P. 36
Senegal’s M’Baye Niang scores their second goal. (REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov)
P. 41 Police All Stars Illuminate Grenada’s Annual Athletics Championship
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.