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June 20, 2019 - Vol. 12 No. 25

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IMF notes 50 percent increase in assets declaration for politically exposed persons Goodbye Sandra!

Failure to call elections in three months will demonstrate disrespect for Constitution, CCJ ruling - Ramson Six months $20M Creative later... Industry Funding

initiative yet to take off Opposition files police, ERC complaints against Nagamootoo, Jordan for inciteful statements BP scandal in Senegal reminiscent of what took place in Guyana days before 2015 elections - Goolsarran The Guyana Press Association yesterday joined in saluting Sandra Prince, A.A, as she heads into retirement after some 30 years as a Presidential photographer.

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

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 20, 2019

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BP scandal in Senegal reminiscent of what took place in Guyana days before 2015 elections - Goolsarran

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h a r t e r e d Accountant, A n a n d Goolsarran, is of the firm view that the $10B scandal involving oil and gas exploration off the coast of Senegal, West Africa, is quite reminiscent of the 2015 oil blocks fiasco that former President Donald Ramotar is embroiled in. In his recent writings Goolsarran recalled, in detail, the $10B scandal in Senegal.

The transparency advocate noted that it was in 2011 that the Senegalese government granted two exploration concessions covering 6,700 square miles to an unknown company with no record of off-shore drilling.

The agreement was entered into on December 8, 2011, but the company, Petro-Tim Ltd., was not formed until six weeks later.

Goolsarran said that the company's headquarters in the UK could also not be traced as the address stated in the agreement contained apartment block buildings.

The Chartered

Accountant noted that PetroTim is owned by a Romanian businessman, Frank Timis, who has a chequered past, having been convicted in the 1990s for trafficking in heroin. Goolsarran pointed out that Timis is also alleged to enjoy a close relationship with Mr. Aliou Sall, the brother of the Senegalese President, Macky Sall who, in his election bid, promised to deal condignly with corruption in Senegal.

On assuming office, the President ordered an investigation into the granting of the two concessions to Petro-Tim. The investigation recommended that the concessions be taken back, but the President took no action in this regard.

During the period 2012 to 2017, it was found that the companies linked to Mr. Timis are alleged to have paid the President's brother a monthly consulting fee of US$25,000 as country manager, with a promise of us$3 million worth of shares, should Petro-Tim be allowed to keep the concessions.

Goolsarran noted that this was despite the fact that Mr. Aliou Sall has no training or experience in oil and gas matters.

Additionally, an amount of US$250,000 purportedly representing the payment of taxes to the Senegalese government by Timis's offshore trust, was instead paid into the bank account of a company owned by Mr. Aliou Sall.

Further to this, Goolsarran reminded that Mr. Timis did not have the wherewithal to undertake the exploration work on the two concessions. The Chartered Accountant said it was therefore not surprising that in 2014, an American oil company, Kosmos Energy, agreed to finance the exploration and to provide funds to Mr. Timis to help him develop the blocks.

Goolsarran noted that the exploration resulted in the discovery of a major oil field. In April 2017, the UK oil giant British Petroleum (BP) bought out Timis's interest in the concessions for US$250 million with an

agreement to pay Timis between US$10 billion and US$12 billion in royalties over a 40-year period.

BP is also aware of the relationship between Mr. Aliou Sall and the President.

Considering the details of the aforementioned case, Goolsarran categorically stated that the BP scandal is reminiscent of what took place in Guyana just days before the May 2015 national and regional elections.

The former Auditor General noted that like the Senegalese government, the PPP Administration granted exploration licences to four unknown companies – JHI Associates Inc., MidAtlantic Oil and Gas Inc. (MOGI), Ratio Energy Ltd. and Ratio Guyana Ltd. – in the Kaieteur and Canje blocks covering 4.8 million acres.

These blocks are adjacent to ExxonMobil's 6.6 million acres Stabroek block that contain more than 5.5 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil.

Goolsarran noted that

Chartered Accountant, Anand Goolsarran

Former President, Donald Ramotar JHI was incorporated in June 2015 in the British Virgin Islands, a known tax and potential money-laundering haven. This meant that the company was not in existence at the time when the licence was granted to it.

He also pointed out that Ratio Energy Ltd. and Ratio Guyana Ltd. were incorporated in April 2015 in Gibraltar, also a known tax and money-laundering haven while MOGI was incorporated in April 2013.

From all indications, Goolsarran stressed that these companies are small and do not have the technical and financial capacity to carry out exploration

activities. Citing the Guyana EITI report for 2017, Goolsarran highlighted that only MOGI and Ratio Guyana Ltd participated in the EITI process but did not submit audited financial statements, and only MOGI submitted information on beneficial ownership.

The Report also indicated that EEPGL, one of Exxon's three subsidiaries, awarded the concessions in the Stabroek Block, has 35 percent and 50 percent equity interest in the Canje and Kaieteur blocks respectively. He noted that the State Assets Recovery Agency (SARA) has launched an investigation into the granting of exploration licences to these four companies.

The Government has since said that it will support SARA's findings once it is based on irrefutable evidence.

CJ orders Minister Patterson to explain Berbice Bridge takeover

C

hief Justice Roxane George has ordered Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, to supply the Claimant, the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated, (BBCI) giving reasons for the decision to take over the bridge.

Patterson had failed to provide the court with facts on the Toll Order for Government's takeover of the Berbice River Bridge, despite being ordered to do so.

This is the second order that was passed to the Minister in relation to the case. Justice Gino Persaud had ordered on February 28, last that pursuant to section 15 of the Judicial Review Act the Minister must, within 28 days, provide to BBCI a statement setting out his findings on material questions of fact and giving reasons for the decisions contained in the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order No. 42 of 2019.

During a case management hearing on Tuesday, the Court ordered

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson

that costs in the sum of G$100,000 be ordered to be paid by the Minister to the BBCI. The Claimant, BBCI, was given the leave of the Court to file a Reply and Witness Statements on or before 12th July, 2019.

Additionally, Minister Patterson and his legal team were ordered to file Witness Statements on or before 26th July, 2019. The Claimant, BBCI, was ordered to file an Affidavit of Documents on or before July 12, 2019, and the Defendants were so ordered on or before July 26, 2019.

A Statement of Agreed Facts was ordered to be filed on or before August 5, 2019 and the matter was adjourned to August 16, 2019, at 11:00 am for report.

Last November, the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) moved to the High Court asking for the reversal of the decision of government to takeover maintenance and operation

of the Berbice River Bridge.

In its application, the BBCI had noted that Section 15 of the Judicial Review Act provides as follow: “It is the duty of any person or body making administrative decisions, if requested in accordance with this section by any person adversely affected by the decision, to supply that person with a statement setting out the

findings on material questions of facts, referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based and giving the reasons for the decision.”

Amid a 360% increase in tolls, which was demanded by the BBCI, the Government on November 5, last, announced that it was (continued on page 25)

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana.

Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210

EDITORIAL

Guyana has a real problem The CCJ decisions provided hard confirmation of several things. It confirms that this country, through its leaders, is going about matters in the wrong way. And that what prevails here is powered by the wrong motives for identical unacceptable objectives.

What Guyana is facing is not a constitutional problem, and one that demands higher judicial interpretation. No! What Guyana has is a political problem, that is a racial problem, which ends being a toxic environmental problem.

And those are not best served by escalating to the heights of superior courts, and depending upon the truths that come therefrom.

At best, there are only the half measures of Pyrrhic victories. Or none at all, depending on expectations.

What the CCJ delivered is, in a nutshell, the sum of all the appeals and pleas of those few citizens who have insisted continuously that hard decisions about harder ventures have to be finalized and implemented. Must be made to work.

First, it was the urging and slap to get back to the table (using a different format) in joint sessions to arrive at shared decisions. As has been encouraged before, the table is the place to consider cooperating towards compromising with the objective of consensus-building to get somewhere closer to a shared vision.

Is that not what the CCJ forced through? “The president and opposition leader must communicate in good faith to arrive at a list of six names that are acceptable to the president after which the list would be formally submitted to the president.” if that is not the table of agreement, then nothing is.

Then, from the CCJ again: if the Opposition Leader “demonstrates a willingness to operate in good faith (in) the process outlined” then the president is effectively barred from making a unilateral appointment of a GECOM chair. Any reasonable person would have to agree that some degree of compromising would be necessary to get to what seems to be a workable state.

Everyone would have a hand and say in the runup to the last man (or woman) standing. That is, the chair selected.

Now there is this question for Guyanese citizens and Guyanese leaders to ponder: did matters have to come to this? Did all this time have to be wasted, passions spent, and posturing engaged in to be delivered the equivalent of a broadside to the head?

Get real, Guyanese! Get smart, leaders and people! Fix your problems. Commit to cleaning up the mess. Those are the messages. Yet, in true Guyanese fashion, there is already the political sniping over registration and about who should do what and what has to happen. If there is a single lesson to be learned from the CCJ’s judgment it is this: compromise must become the order of the day.

A similar formula (compromise) may be necessary and applicable for top judicial appointments now locked in another death struggle. Something parallel (compromise) will have to be worked out about processes finalized and on the ground implementation.

And a near identical development (compromise yet again) be genuinely considered for the approaches to, management of, and exercise of power. Otherwise, it is merely resorting to endless rounds of appeals to higher judicial tribunals.

Any political group, and political leader, that insists upon the unilateralism of going it alone risks the impatience, wrath, and ultimatum of pivotal foreign powers. Put heads together and work out an arrangement that is inclusive just like what the CCJ determined: unilateralism is out; inclusiveness is in.

All bluster and posturing aside, it is hard to believe that any Guyanese leader (no matter what was promised to supporters or demanded by them) desires to be on the wrong side of the overseas bigshots. That could prove fatal.

Flouting the Constitution and disrespecting the CCJ DEAR EDITOR, David Granger and APNU+AFC have exposed themselves, they have revealed their cards. Less than an hour after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) made a ruling against the Government, he and APNU+AFC made clear they will not hold elections, at least not before November and, perhaps, even later.

Like they did soon after December 21st, 2018, when the No-Confidence Motion (NCM) was passed by the Parliament, they are still determined to frustrate the law and the Constitution. In addressing the citizens of Guyana, Granger made clear, CCJ or no CCJ, he will not hold elections until there is a new voters’ list and until GECOM sets the date for elections.

He has clearly outlined his strategy for “dissing” the CCJ, just like he “dissed” the Parliament and the Constitution, post-December 21st, 2018. While insisting he and APNU+AFC will respect the CCJ’s ruling, Granger revealed his intention to faithfully disobey the laws of Guyana.

The CCJ has spoken clearly, no ambiguity, leaving absolutely no room for equivocation. The CCJ reaffirmed that Guyana’s Constitution is supreme, the No-Confidence motion was validly passed on December 21st, and that the David Granger-led APNU+AFC Cabinet was obligated to

resign and call elections within 90 days, by March 21st, 2019. The rulings were a stern rebuke to a government that has steadfastly assaulted the Constitution.

Prior to the CCJ hearings and long before the rulings, President Granger and the Leader of the Opposition both led the many stakeholders in unequivocally swearing they will respect and honour the rulings of the CCJ, whatever those decisions were.

Given that every single stakeholder committed unconditionally they would respect and honour the rulings of the CCJ, there is no excuse for the President to have not resigned, no reason for the Cabinet to have not been dissolved.

The continued resistance of Granger to not dissolve the Cabinet and to not dissolve the Parliament is a stubborn resistance to the rule of law.

Guyana, therefore, returns to the March 21st status, we have an illegal government.

Incidentally, the CCJ’s rulings also mean that we have an illegal Chairman of GECOM, since James Patterson is obligated to resign immediately.

In spite of the promise made by David Granger himself, while insisting they respect the rulings of the CCJ, he and his party continue to resist the law and the Constitution, frustrating and impeding the democratic processes in Guyana.

Granger announced

immediately he will rely on GECOM to advise him on a date for election, while reminding Guyanese that James Patterson had previously advised him GECOM will not be ready for elections before November.

The Constitution is clear and unambiguous on this matter. The President is obligated to dissolve Parliament and hold elections within 90 days after the NCM. This is not up to GECOM. This is not up to David Granger.

The Constitution prescribes to Granger what he MUST do.

The Constitution does not allow him to pass the buck and delegate this function to anyone else.

The Constitution allows him to get agreement with the Leader of the Opposition for a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament for any extension.

The very least one would have expected of Granger, therefore, is for him to invite the Leader of the Opposition to an urgent, emergency meeting immediately.

The CCJ, while ruling that the No-Confidence Motion was valid and that elections should have been held within 90 days, has provided a window for the leaders to dialogue and come up with consequential actions to give effect to the spirit and the law of the Constitution and our democratic processes.

The immediate response from David Granger is that he will not adhere to any reasonable timeline for holding elections. He will take

his time and complete a new house-to-house registration for an entirely new voters’ list.

In contrast, the Leader of the Opposition has been unequivocal. In spite of the more than three months delay in holding elections already and more time to elapse, he and the PPP are ready to work with Granger and APNU+AFC for a reasonable resolution. The international community has already responded, appealing to all stakeholders to adhere faithfully to the CCJ rulings.

Various stakeholders have also come forward to urge proper actions within the law are pursued.

Thankfully, the CCJ has considered the possibility that the APNU+AFC might not act with any sense of urgency. The CCJ realizes the original resort to the judiciary was never based on the interpretation of the law. The questions APNU+AFC raised were always absurd.

The CCJ realized the strategy was always intended to buy time.

The CCJ is not unaware that while Granger and APNU+AFC insist they will honour the rulings, they will continue to find ways to buy as much time as possible.

This is the reason why the CCJ has set June 24 as a date for consequential orders.

Granger and APNU+AFC can run, they have run. But they cannot hide forever. Their time is up.

Dr. Leslie Ramsammy

Is this the new level of academia, the quality now attracted and retained at UG? DEAR EDITOR, Senior Lecturer Bernard’s letter is scary. Honestly, I hope what he wrote does represent what is wrong with University of Guyana (UG).

If it is not, Mr. Bernard has done a disservice to academia, my alumni. He will not say what is wrong with Vice Chancellor Professor Ivelaw Griffith’s leadership but specifically directs the public where in the social media sphere...hint, hint ‘dirt’ can be found on the Professor.

Then he says the Vice Chancellor (VC) was in “possession of information from the Council that he ought not to have,” but isn’t the VC a member of the Council?

When I was on campus the VC was a Member on the Council. I double-checked before writing and was told the VC sits on the Council, that has not changed.

Mr. Bernard sounds perturbed by Mr. Pat Dial’s lobbying for the VC to return.

Lobbying for positions is a

norm in academia and anywhere where people need the votes or support of others. In the VC’s case it is not abnormal. This is organisation culture. I think with Prof Griffith having spent so many years in the United States he will replicate the practice he knows.

A VC’s job is not the regular public servant job.

You have to vie for it. Mr. Bernard’s choice for VC was obviously not Prof Griffith.

Since Mr. Bernard made no secret about it, in the corporate world it would be called lobbying. If he didn’t sit silently through the identified submission of names and make known his choice candidate, it is lobbying. We can argue if it is lower level lobbying or not, but it does take on lobbying characteristics.

Support for VC Griffith in social media is not abnormal.

Mr. Bernard shouldn’t be surprised or offended. This is the Information Age, for

heaven’s sake. Social media is the new hangout spot; the medium to vent, to influence things and to make things happen. Its value has not eluded businesses, organisations, politicians, government etc.

As my departed grandmother used to say, “even the devil has friends.”

This is not to say Prof Griffith is a devil, but to make the point of the inconsequential reference by Mr. Bernard. It is weird Mr. Bernard seems disquieted by the support Prof Griffith is getting in his ‘social media circle’ but at the same time he wants us to utilise the same social media to feast on ‘dirt’ about Prof Griffith. Are we serious. Is this the new level of academia, the quality now attracted and retained at UG? I have no dog in this fight.

The bone (UG) the dogs are fighting over played a great role in making me who I am.

The more I read from these lecturers the more I’m

concerned about my alma mater. I wonder if they are ready for prime time, a 21st century society or university.

Somehow I get the eerie feeling Mr. Bernard is hinting about impropriety and or illegality (borrowing the phrases from Dr. Melissa Ifill and Dr. Jewel Thomas’ letter) relating to the VC’s term. I am not going to pay attention to his inelegant tactic, but would like to have the audits done. The unions should still push for this. Sometimes I get the impression they don’t know what type of audit they want and don’t understand what the audits can entail. It is neither here nor there for me. What I am interested in is proof.

The lecturers have a theory. Let the evidence support or debunk the theory.

The same lecturers taught me to wait for the findings before pronouncing. This past student is a little skeptical (Continued on page 24)

Thursday June 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Rather sadly, it is the historical tale of getting the messenger DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the article titled, “Seniors reportedly hunting for whistleblowing ranks…Alleged corrupt cop ‘reverted’ to uniform, transferred” (KN June 18).

Rather sadly, it is the historical tale of getting the messenger.

The first action should have been some public utterance that there is a problem, that it is a priority, and that GPF integrity and public safety are nonnegotiable and the highest priorities. Thus, a focus on corrective action, instead of concealing actions.

Boeing did just the latter, and now there is hell for the company. Unfortunately, more than sales and earnings are involved with the police in Guyana. It is about real life, quality of life, and life itself.

The immediate follow-up actions have to be to probe and to follow the sickness wherever it leads, to get to the heart of the troubles that endanger all of society. That is what a professional, committed police force takes pride in prioritizing. Except that it is not. It is the norm across institutional Guyana now, with the Guyana Police

Force standing as the ugliest wound as to what daily devastates Guyanese. The GPF itself is a victim.

But instead of being sensitive to these things, it uses resources and energies to target those who dare to cross undrawn lines and lay bare the rot and stink that is the police. Instead of going on the offensive against all offenders, there are only the defensive attitudes and defensive actions of circling wagons and protection the family jewels. And, jewels they are, since such are the rich pickings of crime in Guyana. Corrupting and covering up of crime; delaying and rearranging the facts and figures involved in crimes, be they of everyday misdemeanors, or those multiplying felonies that bring peril across this country.

I suppose the population has become so disillusioned and jaded that it no longer expects better. I once did. I suppose that some statistics would be rolled out as to “major crimes” contained, and the number of rogue cops disciplined in some way.

Means nothing. Nobody cares. Not when the first step in a ballooning police scandal

- one that finds easy traction in commonsense and the Guyanese experience - is to go after those who unveil the troubles in the Guyana Police Force, and the real dangers posed.

Today, it is the messengers in uniform. It is likely that, in time, the targets could be those whose uniforms are identifiable by ink, and spoken and written word. Stabroek News signaled intentions with a Page One comment on June 17; scribblers have to follow suit. For clearly, the Guyana Police Force has become a law onto itself, and answerable to no standard, and to no one.

Where there should be shame and remedial action, there is only the rush to cover over the corpse by pretending that all is well; that it is “only a few bad apples” to quote a former minister in the former government. The more things change, the more they stay the same. New day, new faces, same old dark, dirty places and dirtier practices.

As I look at all of this, it is clear that the main ingredient is money: a high tide of higher value notes.

Notes to taint a saint,

The morality that must be embedded in leadership DEAR EDITOR, According to page 17 of SN of June 18, 2019, it took the full weight of the authority of the Governor of the Bank of Guyana (BoG) to scold the management of Republic Bank (Guyana) that they have ‘to refund for all fraudulent activity on its Visa International Debit Cards’, rather than just ‘paying customers for fraudulent purchases made within three months of a report’.

One hopes that this incident is seen as more than one of routine financial

decision-making, and that instead it inheres profound moral implications.

More distantly perhaps, some would ask to what extent did the Bank’s local management ponder on the level of trust they would have lost, when they resorted to the flimsy stance claimed on VISA – questionable in the latter’s own backyard?

But it is hardly enough for individual customers to protest and the BoG to intervene, for in between them there is a resounding silence emitting from the leaders of industry and commerce, if only to reinforce to their own customers the moral values

Speaker as acting President DEAR EDITOR, Given the illegality of the current Government, as per the CCJ decision, the best way forward would be for a Caretaker Government with the Speaker of Parliament - Dr. Barton Scotland - to be appointed as acting President, with

the Prime Minister drawn from the Opposition Benches, and with Ministers chosen from both sides of the House, pending General Elections.

Mr. Lalu Hanuman, Attorney-at-Law, Dr. Walter Rodney House, Dover Gardens, Dover, Christ Church, Barbados.

they uphold, or should uphold.

It so happens that our society is experiencing a serious crisis of trust – ranging from sugar to oil, and industrial relationships in between.

Leaders anywhere need to be conscious of their responsibility to set examples of rectitude to the young generations so persistently bombarded by the misinformation on social media, from which underprepared elders cannot protect them.

So that business institutions must make their contribution through exemplary behaviour. As for the bank in question it might be interesting for its management to ascertain how their own staff feel about their equivocative decision. How is their integrity measured?

Yours faithfully E.B. John

make traitors of martyrs. And that is why there is flinching in the contemplation of where things are today. For tomorrow, comes that oil money. Today it already provokes distractions through political and social addictions. Gotta have it at any cost.

The CCJ has pronounced; but if anyone thinks that Guyanese are concerned about constitution or law, their head should be examined. The laundered narcotics money has poisoned to the point where there are no knees to stand for anything, no mind to think

of country or reputation, and neither stamina nor soul to dredge up the ferocious ethos towards doing things right, if only for the children.

Work is apace with tourism. To come where? To walk where? To eat and drink and shop where? The sharks that scent petroleum will come here: gamblers, prostitutes (the high and low class), the protector pimps, high rollers, and high society hustlers.

They will come and bring all their low ways and high crimes. Where are the sentinels that will have the quality and keenness of

character, of intellect, of esprit de corps to confront? Which political power will be at the helm to demand and get results?

I keep writing that this society is lost, but yet pretends to be unknowing and uncaring. Already Guyana has lost its mind and soul. Started with the powdered stuff; soon it will be joined by the petroleum rush. But first, elections and who wins to perpetuate the same obscenities by vandals in and out of uniform.

Sincerely, GHK Lall

The entire democratic world is watching with keen interest DEAR EDITOR, Now that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled on the two impending matters, namely the legality of the No-confidence motion and that of the appointment of the GECOM Chairman, all eyes are now focused on the consequential orders which the CCJ will make on June 24.

The holding of new elections is again validated by the CCJ, which held that such elections take place no later than three months following the successful passage of a no-confidence

motion, unless Parliament by a two-thirds majority voted to extend the date for such elections.

The current APNU-AFC administration is now living on borrowed time. It can no longer continue to use the judicial process to justify its continued longevity, now that the highest Court has definitively pronounced on the matter.

President Granger has indicated that he would be guided by GECOM on a date for elections which seems contradictory to his stated

commitment to honour the Constitution as now reaffirmed by the CCJ. His insistence on a new Voters’ List, which is unlikely to be compiled before the constitutionally stipulated timeframe, appears to be yet another strategy to circumvent the Constitution and thwart the democratic and constitutional rights of the Guyanese people.

The entire democratic world is watching with keen interest on how events are unfolding in Guyana.

Hydar Ally

“He who pays the piper calls the tune” DEAR EDITOR, A recent article on June 18th in KN - “IMF meeting with Govt…Concerns raised over absence of ring-fencing provision in ExxonMobilGuyana oil deal”- is only another item in a series of idiotic facts about the contents of our PSA being revealed by international experts and keeps gracing the pages of our papers on a weekly basis.

It is a constant reminder of the grave disadvantages that are embedded in the PSA signed onto by Govt. with Exxon. Appearing on the 16th in KN was,” Guyana should not be paying an oil company’s taxes……” This was identified in our PSA by a Texas University instructor.

Instructor Tom Mitro

opined that he found it quite peculiar that Guyana agreed to pay the income taxes for ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) and its two other partners on the Stabroek Block, Hess and CNOOC/ NEXEN, out of the government’s share of the profits, as identified in section 15.4 (a) of our PSA. The PSA dictates that,” the Ministry pays Exxon and partners’ Corporate income taxes out of the Government’s share; then passes on a tax receipt to Exxon in their names which states that Exxon has paid the taxes.”

With this receipt Exxon is able, “to obtain a home country (U.S.) foreign tax

credit for those taxes paid on their behalf.”

Can our PSA get more asinine in favour of our demise?

Tom Mitro’s advice to Guyanese is, “You should stop saying that you are getting a 50-50 split. That is false, because you have to pay the company and its partners’ taxes out of your share, so stop focusing on that.”

If the public could recall.

It was the present coalition Govt. without any consultation with the owners of our resources - the people of Guyana – that signed the controversial PSA with Exxon in secret and when the contract was released and found wanting, had refused (Continued on page 6)

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Distasteful treatment by CANU Embrace truth, Mr. Granger: employee at CJIA replace Patterson, call early elections DEAR EDITOR, I use this opportunity to share with your readership a very distasteful experience I had with a CANU employee prior to my departure from Guyana on May 10, 2019.

While my luggage was being scanned, I had the displeasure of being attended to by a young lady who upon seeing the outlines of the various objects in one of my suitcases, enquired about something ‘round’ in my possession.

I told the young lady that I really couldn’t recall what I would have had that was round in the suitcase (I didn’t pay much heed to her request because I knew ‘round’ objects are not banned from flights, at least not that I knew of) and that she was free to open it and check if she so desired.

To my bewilderment and that of those around me, the woman apparently became irate and started to speak in a tone that was quite unbecoming, to say the least, of a person who is placed at such an important port of entry/exit, and a person who is tasked with the responsibility of interfacing with people of both local as

well as foreign persuasions.

I then proceeded to turn my back away from the employee as I was unimpressed by her ranting, and frankly was not in the mood for that degree of drama, a move which apparently fueled her enragement, as she became even more vociferous and requested that I put the suitcase on the table.

She opened the suitcase and picked up a pack of incense (box labeled clearly) and asked what it was. I have never in my sixty-six years of life, met a Guyanese who didn’t know what was incense or a government employee, more-so, one working at CJIA, who couldn’t read.

Editor, since we as a nation purport to be, or rather would like to be an international tourist destination, we can ill afford to have persons such as these as ambassadors of our nation. A foreigner visiting our land for the first time would be forced to think that this is probably the disposition of most if not all Guyanese. Who at the CJIA or CANU can justify having such a repugnant personality

serving at such an imperative post? What has become of professionalism, work ethics and plain old manners in our land, a land I so winsomely call God’s country? Why was there not a more senior officer present observing the junior staff members and reprimanding them for such infringements?

I propose a camera with audio capabilities be placed at this particular checkpoint to ascertain whether these employees are executing their duties in the manner for which they are being paid. I am volunteering to assist financially in the procurement of this device.

I am appealing to the relevant authorities at both CJIA and CANU, as there must be a paradigm shift in the manner in which we interface with persons at such important ports, and much consideration must be given to the ramifications that such an inept personality can have not just on tourism but our nation in its entirety.

I suppose for the sake of the young lady’s enlightenment, I should mention that the ‘round’ objects were a set XM rum glasses taken for my siblings as memorabilia.

Reginald Matthews

The Paragon of Virtue DEAR EDITOR, Recent statements’ emanating from the local oil & gas consultant and former advisor to the Government Dr. Jan Mangal has led me to catechise his motive.

Sometime in 2016 President Granger had announced the establishment of a group branded the Quintet+1 comprising five ministers and Dr. Mangal.

This group was said to be engaging Esso Guyana and its parent company on a production sharing agreement, so it is irreconcilable that the President and Dr. Mangal were unaware a pact was being negotiated and a contract later signed in 2016.

This proclamation was l a t e r b e f o g g e d b y M r.

Granger, when he himself made a public deposition in August 2017 in the presence of ExxonMobil’s Chief Executive Officer: “We have got to keep the public informed to ensure

that civil society does not feel there is some underhand relationship between the government and ExxonMobil.”

It now flummoxes my sanity that Dr. Mangal would now say he and the president were not aware of the signing and that he only became aware after.

However, giving Dr Mangal the benefit of the doubt and assuming he and President Granger were not aware of the oil and gas contract, then the question must be asked: who was aware?

As cognisant as I am, Dr. Mangal was the only person in the entire public service in Guyana at that time that was receiving public funds for his skill and technical knowledge in oil and gas sector.

If Minister Trotman signed a contract with ExxonMobil at the time without consulting him then it speaks volumes as to what the subject minister at the

time thought about him and the professional relationship these learned gentlemen shared.

The recent statements that Dr Mangal made claiming that he was made aware of the signing of a new contract long after this was revealed to him

by ExxonMobil truly leaves one to wonder.

This dearly gentleman who is now trying to parade as a paragon of virtue and a messiah of higher standards, who almost weekly is in the media speaking about corruption, comes across as someone who is bitter because of the non-renewal of his contract.

Given all that he said about morality and corruption, it is only fitting that he should hold himself to those canons, which he himself has set out. By his own admission, he did almost nothing as an advisor and should refund the treasury if he wants us to take him seriously.

Dr. Mangal’s crusade to look self-righteous and make officials in Guyana (from both Governments) look corrupt, has now taken on a different tone. I hope when he is called to give testimony to the Securities Commission he will walk with his evidence.

Kishan Gharbaran

DEAR EDITOR: The CCJ has spoken! The wait is over. It is now time to act – time for Guyana to move forward. Too much time and money have been wasted on legal maneuvering merely because a failed and fallen government is bent on holding on to power by thwarting the rule of law and constitutional provisions.

The decisions of the CCJ have breathed the much anticipated new life into the push for a transformational government with the mandate of managing our resources and affairs for the optimal benefit of all Guyanese, and generally a better Guyana. It is time to reduce, or better yet, remove the social distance and distrust that have developed between the government and the populace, especially the kinds that emerged in the wake of the no-confidence motion which was carried on December 21, 2018.

Mr. President, you ‘tried a thing’ which couldn’t work.

The political manipulations and maneuvers have failed; the ‘I ain’t going nowhere’ must now go somewhere, most likely, out of government.

With the view that the rule of law and observation of human rights are integral to democracy, I once again join others in urging you to embrace truth and reality, and facilitate the continued maturing of our democracy.

We, the people of this beautiful country, have struggled for it, and so, we deserve it. In essence, Mr. President, I urge you to accept the truth and replace your unilateral and misunderstood ‘fit and proper’ selection of Mr. Patterson as GECOM Chairman with one other Guyanese from the lists supplied by Opposition Leader, Dr. Jagdeo, as the constitution requires; and together with Dr. Jagdeo, decide on a mutually agreed early date for elections.

At this juncture in our potential economic boom as an emerging oil and gas economy, we can ill afford political antics which can and may stymie our progress. In the interest of national cohesion and prosperity, it is imperative that we stop all the masquerading, something that has hung like an albatross around the nation’s neck for decades.

Further, the media is

replete with information on the mismanagement of the economy, corrupt practices of Ministers and other treasury-plundering acts, and unfair/retaliatory firing of public servants under the APNU + AFC government. Is this the kind of government we would entrust with our oil and gas wealth?

In a nutshell, the rule of law is the cornerstone of a democratic society which is built through active participation of its citizens in decisions that affect their lives, and by challenging and removing sociopolitical and economic inequality, among others.

It should be clear that actions of citizens, the state, and the government are equally subject to legal scrutiny. Our cries for judicial independence were heard and the CCJ has rewarded us with fair and pragmatic decisions. Let us now embrace that reality, and work to foster a better/cohesive Guyana through early, free, fair and transparent elections.

It’s time for the populace to speak!

Yours sincerely, Ronald Singh (Barrister & Solicitor – Foreign)

We have been done a great injustice DEAR EDITOR, The Caribbean Court of Justice has done a great injustice to the upswing of the nation of Guyana. One wonders, whether the recent rulings in the m a t t e r s o f G u y a n a ’s politics is an attempt to prevent this nation from moving into that position of becoming the wealthiest nation in the region?

I wish to say to these great jurists that they have put Guyana back to an era that we would prefer not to remember. True justice and the people of Guyana have been made fun of. However I declare that good will prevail over evil.

People of Guyana, we

must not let our progress achieved in togetherness come to a standstill.

We must not go back to that place where Guyanese w e r e d i v i d e d . We h a v e come too far to turn back now.

Those who seek to enrich themselves and friends from the assets of our State must not be allowed to do so. Guyana and her wealth must be shared among all Guyanese.

We a r e a m o n g t h e framers of Caricom, but once again Caricom has failed us when we needed them most, and they have done so in the highest court. I speak not against

the call for calm and hope by our President, who has been a President for all our people. I merely express my right to speak in the face of such miscarriage of justice.

Let us come together Guyana, let us return to our homeland if possible.

Let us join the fight for one Guyana now.

Let us war against that spirit that seeks to promote d i s u n i t y. L e t u s f i g h t against the monster of corruption that now drives many of our political figures.

Let us fight now that our children will have a place in our dear land.

Apostle Adrian Wade

“He who pays the piper calls the...

From page 5 to consider renegotiation of the PSA. To this date they remain adamant, despite numerous experts citing numerous irregularities, illegalities and unorthodoxies in the PSA. The Government’s hardline stance against renegotiation of the PSA has inspired our own watchdog organization (Transparency Institute Guyana Initiative ) to ascertain that, “the PSA

Government signed with Exxon’s subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) for the concession, is “illegal, irretrievably flawed” and “either the result of grand corruption or grand incompetence.”

I am of the opinion that “grand corruption” ruled the roost in our PSA with Exxon.

I cannot comprehend this magnitude of

incompetence, even in uneducated adults. The reluctance to consider renegotiation of the PSA is in sync with and old adage - “he who pays the piper calls the tune”.

Given the present PSA with Exxon, as time goes on, this government will be saddled with the legacy as the one that planted the seed for the resource curse for Guyana.

Rudolph Singh

Thursday June 20, 2019

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Aftermath of CCJ rulings…

Ram supports call for elections in 60 days P

rominent Attorneyat –law, Christopher Ram, is supporting a call for regional and general elections to be held within 60 days. His call comes hours after Leader of the Opposition, Bharrat Jagdeo, shared a similar view.

Jagdeo believes that the elections can be held in three months.

In a statement, which comes at the aftermath of Tuesday’s ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice, (CCJ) on two key matters relating to Guyana political future, Ram noted that the judgments represent a victory for democracy, the rule of law and the Constitution of Guyana.

“It was also a vindication of the decision that Guyana should subscribe to the Regional Court whose reputation has no doubt been enhanced by the rulings,” Ram added.

The lawyer noted, too, that once again, the Granger administration has shown how thin their veneer of democracy really is given its willingness to abuse the Court process while ignoring the

Constitution.

However, he stressed that “whatever its faults, the Constitution has shown that it can rein in autocrats, dictators and bullies.”

“Showing complete disregard for the National Assembly as only they can, the APNU+AFC have squandered valuable time and wasted vast sums of money since the vote on December 21, last year. They have used that time to pursue a hopeless case, engaged in improper practices and wasteful and questionable expenditure, including the ministerial excursion to the CCJ in April…”

On Tuesday, the CCJ declared the December 21 No Confidence motion was validly passed and the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson as chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), flawed and unconstitutional. Both rulings represent a loss for the Coalition Government.

In accordance with the law governing no confidence motions, General elections should have been held within three months after the motion

Attorney Chris Ram

had been passed on December 21, 2018.

Ram noted that he is convinced that proper elections can be held within 60 days with proper Claims and Objections exercise.

“Perhaps he has been badly advised by the now unlawful Chairman of GECOM, who as a former Judge must know that he oc-

“We are committed to house to house registration” – Pres. Granger

“We’ve already gone to parliament to get money for GECOM [Guyana Elections Commission]; we are committed to house to house registration.

The old list is invalid, expired and is corrupted, so we are doing everything we have been advised by GECOM.” Those sentiments were expressed by President David Granger, who was speaking on the sideli n e s o f a n accreditation ceremony h o s t e d a t t h e M i nistry of the Presidency yesterd a y, a M i n i s t r y o f t h e Presidency statement disclosed.

The president pointed out that GECOM is a semi-autonomous agency.

Preparation for and administration of elections are now vested in the Commission, in accordance with the Election Laws, Act No. 15 of 2000.

ible elections, I am committed to credible elections.”

As explained in his address to the nation on Wednesday, President Granger said when GECOM makes known its readiness for General and Regional elections, he will announce a date for elections.

The president also made it clear that he has no problem meeting with the Opposition Leader and will be extending an invitation for a meeting.

President David Granger The president reiterated his commitment to “free and fair” elections, noting that “the National Assembly has not been prorogued, we have work to do, to make sure there are cred-

cupies the chair unlawfully, and has only one decent option.”

Noting that CCJ has continuously hinted at the need for dialogue between the

Government and Opposition, Ram says that President Granger must seize this unique moment to heed the call of the Court and through inspired leadership, put our country first, reach out to the Leader of the Opposition, restore democracy and move our country forward.

Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice, CCJ, on behalf of a strong five-Bench Court delivered two judgments covering four appeals from the Guyana Court of Appeal.

In the first case brought

by PPP Member Zulfikar Mustapha the CCJ ruled that the appointment of Justice James Patterson to the position as Chairman of the Guyana Elections was unconstitutional and flawed.

Following the departure of Dr. Steve Surujbally, President Granger in what was clearly a violation of both the

spirit and the language of the Constitution had manipulated the process for the appointment of a replacement who he wanted all along.

In the other cases, all of which revolved around the No Confidence Motion of December 21, 2018, the Court ruled as valid the vote by dissenting APNU+AFC member, Attorney Charrandass Persaud, which gave the Jagdeo-led Opposition the single parliamentary vote needed to give a majority to bring the Government down.

As a necessary consequence, the provisions of Article 106 (6) and 107 (7) were triggered with the result that the Cabinet fell and general elections were required within three months.

Next Monday, parties involved in the matter are expected to meet a consensus and present to the CCJ for consequential orders to be granted.

Eco Atlantic not aware of any Guyana oil probe that would affect its work LONDON (Reuters) Canadian-listed Eco Atlantic said on Wednesday it was not aware of any corruption probe in Guyana that would affect an offshore concession it has with partners Total and Tullow Oil. Guyana’s anti-corruption agency launched an investigation into how exploration rights were awarded for Guyana’s offshore fields, Bloomberg reported last month. Officials in Guyana have not responded to Reuters requests for comment.

“We are not aware of any investigation. We were not approached,” Eco Chief Executive Gil Holzman told

Reuters. “We are very comfortable, not concerned at all.”

Eco and its partners hold the Orinduik block, which the Canadian-listed company estimates has 3.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Tullow, the operator of the Orinduik block, has a 60% stake, while Total has 25% and Eco has 15%.

Exxon has made discoveries of more four billion barrels in an adjacent block.

The two projects are among the most-watched in the oil markets.Results for two exploration wells that Eco and its partners are drilling in Orinduik’s Jethro and Joe areas were due by the end of August, Holzmann said.

He added that results from those wells and from a well Tullow was drilling in September in an adjacent block could affect the resource estimate of the Orinduik block.

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Govt. waiting on GECOM advice for elections date - President tells CARICOM’s chief

P

resident David Granger yesterday met with SecretaryGeneral of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, at the Ministry of the Presidency.

During their interaction, the Head of State informed Ambassador LaRocque that the Government of Guyana respects the rule of law and will abide by the ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

“I am prepared to comply with every ruling of the court,” the President said in a government statement.

Further, he committed to the holding of credible elections. He noted that he will be inviting Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, to a meeting soon.

The Head of State assured Ambassador LaRocque that there is no chaos or crisis as a result of the CCJ’s ruling and maintained that the Government will continue to abide by

the law.

He outlined the steps taken by the Government since the no-confidence vote of December 21, 2018.

President Granger iterated that the Constitution of Guyana is sacrosanct and supreme while pointing to the independence of the judiciary and respect for the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

“I assure you that the Government will continue to respect the Constitution, and abide by the law,” the President added, while noting that since the local courts decided that the holders of dual citizenship cannot serve as Members of Parliament, four (former) members of his Government resigned in keeping with that ruling.

“We respect the jurisdiction of the National Assembly, we respect the jurisdiction of the Court,” said President Granger while making it clear that GECOM is an au-

tonomous agency though funded by the Government.

Article 106 (7) of the Constitution of Guyana states that the National Assembly could be summoned to expand the time for the conduct of General and Regional Elections beyond 90 days from the time of the no-confidence vote.

Chief Justice (Ag), Madam Roxane George in the case of the Attorney General v. the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Leader of the Opposition said, “…Parliament is not dissolved as a result of the no-confidence motion. Instead, it is the holding of elections which will be responsible for the dissolution of such a Parliament.”

Moreover, the Head of State reminded that like all entities, the Government has a right to appeal to the judicial branch to interpret cases.

He said Government’s decision to resort to the Court was to bring clarity and cer-

President David Granger and CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque at the Ministry of the Presidency this morning. tainty to the contentious issues which arose and not as a delay tactic. Additionally, the Constitution of Guyana contemplates continuity of the Government in such circumstances.

President Granger reminded Ambassador LaRocque that he had written to and met the Commissioners of GECOM to urge their readiness to conduct credible elections at the earliest possible time.

The President had asked

the Commission to indicate its needs and he was informed of the need for finances to conduct the elections. The National Assembly has since approved the provision of the requested funds to the Commission.

“I cannot direct the Commission or tell them when to be ready…We can only provide money to GECOM by going to Parliament,” the President said while maintaining that credible elections are essential to democracy.

President Granger also met with Mr. Jagdeo twice, earlier this year.

“I am committed to having credible elections in the shortest possible time…but I cannot intrude in GECOM’s work…I cannot proclaim a date unless I am advised by GECOM,” the Head of State said while reminding that Article 62 of the Constitution of Guyana states that elections are to be “independently supervised by the Elections (Continued on page 22)

Smart urban development master plan to identify infrastructural needs-Dr. Mark Bynoe Dr. Mark Bynoe, Director of the Department of Energy, said that one of the functions of the Urban Development Master Plan is to identify infrastructural needs in the country.

Guyana should develop a smart Urban Master Plan because the small population provides an opportunity not to be focused heavily on labour intensive methods, Bynoe said.

“But to start seeking out technological solutions, by which we are able to advance not only the present but also be putting our minds to the future.”

Bynoe said, “Georgetown as we know it today, is a place [with a] great flow of heavy vehicular traffic, and anyone who traverses Water Street, anyone who goes anywhere close to Kingston or the East Bank will see evidence of this. “[There is] increasing congestion, ineffective traffic management, non-existent priority lanes, a culture of impatience and intolerance, insufficient enforcement of the city laws and by laws and insufficient multipurpose facilities.”

Director of the Energy Department Dr. Mark Bynoe He went on to say that it is therefore essential that any such master plan must include the consideration of identifying infrastructural needs, onshore support such as fabrication construction and supply and service opportunities.

Transportation and distribution will arise from exploration and [the] development of oil and gas resources in offshore Guyana.

Critical to offshore Guyana will be transportation services such as heliports.

Ogle is rapidly exceeding its carrying capacity and there-

fore alternative areas will need to be found.

“We focus heavily on production but not on what is being designated for first responders.

Bynoe noted that most of the country’s hospitals and primary health care services are found in central Georgetown. God forbid that they will need to be accessed rapidly.

“Overall if the country is to absorb all that comes with the oil sector , these urban infrastructure issues need to be identified and addressed, most likely before first oil.”

Thursday June 20, 2019

The PPPC and the PNCR have something in common that is fundamental to the way in which the economy is organized. They both practise neoliberal economic policies.

Neoliberal economies have certain features. They emphasize the free market system, free trade, an increased role for the private sector and a reduced role for Government.

Neoliberal economics ascribe a reduced role to the government, save and except regulation. Neoliberal economies are opposed to Government subsidies, Government handouts and place restraints on public sector wages and employment.

In an attempt to give neoliberal economies a human face, Governments employ social safety nets such as providing milk powder to lactating mothers.

Guyana has been employing neo-liberal economic policies since 1989. State enterprises were privatized; goods, subsidies which kept prices low were removed and small producers and artisans were pushed out of business by the liberalization of trade which saw in influx of cheap

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imports.

There has been a lot of talk locally about Dutch disease and the resource curse.

The Dutch disease refers to the decline of certain sectors when there is an increase in economic development. The fear is that when oil revenues begin to flow, that sectors such as agriculture and mining will become neglected.

The resource curse, on the other hand, refers instances in which an increase in valuable natural resources end up with undemocratic and unaccountable governments and high levels of poverty.

Those who understand the effects of the resource curse have been warning Guyanese about the dangers of dependence on oil. But there is bigger danger which Guyanese have had for the past 30 years and which is more pernicious than the resource curse or Dutch disease. It is called neoliberal economics.

This country has had 30 years of neoliberal economics and what has resulted is that while incomes have increased the gap between the rich and poor has widened.

The wealth of country has become concentrated in the hands of the few.

Whether it is APNU+AFC or the PPPC the result in the same: those with wealth are doing much better than the poor. The gap is getting wider, the poor man is still struggling and public sector workers after 30 years and with oil on the horizon still cannot enjoy a living wage.

The APNU+AFC has not deviated from the neo-liberal economics. And the same people who used to make money under the PPPC are making more money under the APNU+AFC. They have simply swapped alliances but even if they did not, the result would have been the same because the neoliberal system is of such that it allows those who have to have more and those who do not have to still not have.

There was a time when both the PPPC and the PNC were highly critical of the International Monetary Fund.

Burnham in 1984 described IMF prescriptions as being a recipe for riot. Jagan and the PPPC saw the IMF and World Bank and spin twins of the western imperialism. Yet the

Private school teacher accused of raping two children A private school teacher who has been accused of taking advantage of some students in his care has been charged with two counts of rape. Zafiel Yusuf, 27, of Fyrish Village, Corentyne, Berbice is on trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow and a mixed jury in the Berbice High Court.

He is facing two charges of having sex with a child under 16 years. He is accused of violating two children in April 19, 2017 at a village on the Corentyne.

The accused is being represented by attorney at Law Charlene Artiga. State Prosecutor, attorney at Law Mandel Moore is presenting the state’s case.

The case is being held in camera.

Zafiel Yusuf

Dem boys seh ...

Ralphie can’t talk and de Waterfalls paper can’t write This is de time when strange things does happen. After de no confidence vote in Parliament Jagdeo seh people gun tek to de streets. And indeed when de three months was up dem boys see one of de biggest picketing exercise.

That stop after one day because the Appeal Court hand down a funny ruling that got dem boys still shaking deh head in wonder.

Now both de PPP and de Coalition talking fat. Dem boys seh all two of dem bluffing.

Moses seh he gun put on he battle clothes.

Who tell him to say that? Gail get nervous and write to de police commissioner begging de man to lock up Moses.

De ink didn’t even dry pun that letter when she write anodda one to de commissioner, this time bout Jordan, de Finance man.

He pass wind and Gail jump. She claim how he threaten she and de party. She begging de commissioner to lock him up too.

De truth is that all of dem bluffing. None of dem can call out anybody pun de streets.

These days you got to pay you protesters.

Dem boys seh de people gun only lef dem house of dem know pickings deh pun de road.

And besides, people got nuff guns.

One party that can’t even talk bout protest is Ralphie party. He is a man who tell a reporter from de Waterfalls paper that he not talking to nobody from de Waterfalls paper.

Dem boys seh is alright because when you can’t talk de paper don’t hear.

De Waterfalls boss man giving a bet. He offering one million dollars to anybody who see Ralphie talking in de Waterfalls paper.

He wake up this morning to read wha de paper seh after he hold a press conference.

De Waterfalls paper didn’t even got a full stop.

Jagdeo was de same thing till he start to talk to de Waterfalls paper. In fact, he meeting wid de press more than when he was president.

Of course, in dem days he had nuff to hide suh de less said de better.

Talk half and listen to de sound of silence on Ralphie.

parties these men founded ended up pursuing the same neoliberal policies which the IMF champions.

The IMF is the kingmaker of neoliberalism. The IMF imposes the bitter economic medicine. The IMF polices are reviled around the developing world.

When governments, whether PPPC or PNCR, have to turn to IMF analysis in order to boost their credibility ratings you know that the economy is not doing too well and there is need for some window dressing. Only neoliberals take seriously what the IMF says The IMF praises the government for growth, the public should ask about its effect on the standard of living.

When the IMF says that the public sector deficit is reduced, the public should ask whether this came at the price

of removing subsidies.

When they say that public finances improved, the public should ask whether this resulted in increased taxes.

When the IMF says that the medium-term prospects are favourable, the public should ask which segment of the population will benefit from the short-term windfall from oil. When the IMF expressed concern about the absence of ring-fencing, the public should know that the country has already been shafted by the oil companies.

When the IMF says that the financial sector remains stable, the public should ask what about non-performing loans within the commercial banking sector.

The IMF is not the bearer of good news. Its analysis is biased in favour of neoliberal economic policies, the same

policies which have impoverished millions and wiped out small producers and placed small farmers at the mercy of competition from large countries and multinational corporations.

No one should, least of all Guyanese, should find any pleasure is using the IMF analysis as a basis for celebration. They should be worried that with oil around the corner, neoliberal policies will see the bulk of the oil revenues benefitting the rich more than the poor, as has been the case for 30 years in Guyana under neoliberalism.

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

To Vishu Persaud, I say, “I apologize, I am truly sorry I did not picket for you.”

It destroys the inner workings of the soul to live in Guyana and accept Justice James Patterson continuing as chairperson of GECOM. There are two compelling reasons why Guyana should not have Patterson continue for even a day. One is his outrageous position on the Vishnu Persaud employment imbroglio.

He described Persaud’s character in unflattering terms then voted against his continuation as Deputy Chief Election Officer in favour of the other applicant, Roxanne Myers.

I taught Myers at UG and

was instrumental in her securing a teaching spot at UG. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about her as a person or as the Deputy Chief Election Officer, a position she currently possesses.

My column here is about justice that Persaud is entitled to under natural law. Natural law as the Roman thinker, Cicero, told us thousands of years ago, protect slave, slave owner, rich, poor, the cowardly, the courageous, the elite, the ordinary.

Persaud was not given justice, and the GECOM chairman played no small part in that. His resignation should

have been demanded immediately after he was exposed for unacceptable conduct.

That conduct took two forms. He never interviewed Persaud so he could not have acquired an insight into his character so how could he have used an unflattering description of the man? It was a portrait that if he wasn’t GECOM chairman, Persaud would have sued him. But he did tell the Ethnic Relations Commission that he judged the character of Persaud from a paper trail he had access to.

He agreed to provide the documentation and up to this day, hasn’t.

Patterson’s deportment in the Persaud travesty would have engendered torrid pickets with noisy denunciations of the PPP Government if the cruel violation had occurred when the PPP was in power.

There was no volcanic reaction to what Patterson did.

There wasn’t even a one-man picket of GECOM offices by Persaud.

Some of us, social activists should have demonstrated in the streets against what Patterson did to Persaud.

The fact that I would have been in the picket line if that had happened during the PPP administration, means I should offer an apology here and now to Vishu Persaud.

But my conscience is somewhat unburdened because when I learnt of Patterson’s attitude, I composed a column on the mess.

Patterson used the word, “gonads” in a letter he wrote in the newspapers as an angry reaction to criticism he received from a certain quarter. I hope he has the gonads to explain his role in Persaud’s termination of employment. It is not too late to acquire gonads.

This brings us to the second reason Patterson should go. On Tuesday, Guyana’s fi-

nal court of appeal ruled that he was not appointed according to the constitution of Guyana. The goodly gentleman and ex-judge (could someone compile a list of his rulings while he was on the bench; it should make for interesting reading) should do the right thing and tender his resignation immediately.

On June 24, lawyers for both sides will be meeting the judges of the CCJ to decide the direction GECOM should go given the unconstitutional position of Patterson. My humble advice to Anil Nandlall is to request the CCJ to accept a return to the Carter-Price formula.

The Opposition Leader submits a list of six, credible names. He meets with the president, a dialogue of assessment takes place and the GECOM chairman should come from that list or another list or even more names. It doesn’t matter how long Granger takes, Patterson must not be the GECOM chairman when elections preparations get underway. Patterson is not neutral.

My pressing suggestion to Nandlall is to clear a pathway for the exit of Patterson.

It is my opinion that Granger had Patterson in mind all the time because he wanted a

Frederick Kissoon GECOM chairman to favour the PNC positions on GECOM’s decisions.

Patterson did not appear to deviate from that course.

Is there any evidence to substantiate this statement?

In my opinion the Vishu Persaud scandal is.

Patterson said he has lost confidence in the legal advisor. Why does Patterson think hundreds of thousands of Guyanese haven’t lost confidence in him? But even if Patterson has his quota of admirers (no doubt Granger is one of them), he is holding a position that he is not entitled to.

The morally correct thing to do is to resign and let the Carter-Price blueprint take over.

Once again, I say to Vishu Persaud, I am sorry I did not picket for you to have justice.

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Four years into oil discovery and… Guyana’s legal

Thursday June 20, 2019

infrastructure not ready for oil sector- Nandalall

Guyana is preparing for first oil to be brought up come the first quarter of 2020. However the country has several gaps in various departments.

It is still unclear whether it has the capacity to deal with the Oil and Gas Industry.

This industry brings with it contracts and complex agreements, which if not properly analyzed and understood, could be chaotic. To facilitate this, laws would obviously need to be updated and acts and policies put in place to deal with whatever hiccups the country may face.

Since the discovery of oil offshore Guyana, four years have passed. It seems that Guyana is nowhere near having these cracks and crevices fixed and it is unclear if it can be done in the few months left.

Former Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Anil Nandlall said, “The Coalition Government has not passed a single piece of legislation of worth to prepare the country’s legal infrastructure for the oil and gas sector.

“This is a new, complex and multi-billion-dollar sector of the magnitude never seen

before in Guyana. Yet, there is absolutely no legal framework in place, or likely to be in place in the near future to regulate the sector”.

He went on to say that he isn’t speaking about ancillary legislation, but the very basic framework, which is not in place as there is no authority in place, comprising suitably qualified and technically sound persons to manage, or administer the affairs of the sector.

Also, there is no legislation installing monitoring mechanisms to ensure the

sector’s operations meet with international standards and guidelines, neither is there any legislative measure in place protecting the local and domestic sectors and indeed, local labour from being ostracized, or dominated, or exploited by powerful foreign conglomerates, who will preponderate this sector.

Nandlall said, “There are also no laws protecting the environment from significant hazards, which inhere to this sector. Neither are there laws requiring insurance and indemnification, in relation to

loss and damage, which may arise, indirectly or directly, from the sector.

“In short, we are absolutely legally unprepared from the sector.”

With regards to progress that the current Attorney General has made in preparing the country’s legal system for the sector, in Nandlall’s opinion he has demonstrated a peculiarly high level of incompetence in treating the most elementary legal matters.

Any confidence placed in him to produce the required

Former Attorney General Anil Nandlall. menu of legal measures and legislative requisites for this sector would be absolutely misplaced, He added.

“It is simply beyond his (Continued on page 22)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 20, 2019

PAGE 13

Failure to call elections in three months will demonstrate disrespect for Constitution, CCJ ruling

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he Caribbean Court of Justice ( C C J ) unambiguously ruled on Tuesday that the Opposition's No-Confidence Motion enjoyed a successful passage when it was put before the National Assembly on December 21, last.

It follows now that President David Granger should call elections in three months. To do anything less, would demonstrate disrespect for the Constitution and the very ruling of the CCJ, according to Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson.

During an interview with Kaieteur News, Ramson said he was disappointed to learn that the President would not

- Ramson be calling General and Regional elections before November.

The lawyer said, “On the one hand, the President said that he respects the ruling of the CCJ and the Constitution but then, on the other hand, he says he will not set an election date before November.

The Constitution states clearly that once a vote of no confidence was passed in the National Assembly then the Government must call an election within three months.”

Ramson added, “Now that the CCJ has ruled that the No-Confidence motion was validly passed, if

President Granger indeed respects the Constitution and indeed respects the ruling of the CCJ then he must set immediately, a date for elections to be held within three months. “ If President Granger does not do this, then let's be clear he does not respect the Constitution and does not respect the ruling of the CCJ, no matter what he says.

Actions speak louder than words.”

The lawyer took issue with President Granger's constant referencing of the need for “credible elections.” Ramson said that this concept is one which is totally alien and unknown to the standard of internationally recognized elections.

Attorney-at-Law, Charles Ramson

President, David Granger

The attorney stressed that the internationally recognized standard is, of course, just free and fair elections, nothing else.

Ramson also noted that the

international community has already offered its commitment to ensure that there is free and fair election in Guyana.

Ramson highlighted, as well, that just a few months ago, Local Government Elections were held using

Caribbean countries must come together for the total elimination of nuclear weapons

C

a r i b b e a n Countries are being urged to come together with Guyana to sign the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons and their use.

This was iterated at a Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) forum held at the Princess Ramada Hotel, yesterday.

This forum was organized for the purpose of involving Caribbean Countries to actively participate in the signing of

the treaty that will totally expel the use of nuclear weapons. Guyana was first to sign the treaty, which is to facilitate the total elimination of the use of nuclear weapons.

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear weapon (ICAN) is pleading with Caribbean countries, to get involved in the signing of the treaty so that the use of nuclear weapon can be totally eliminated.

ICAN Representative, Selene Malory, in her speech

stated that the use of nuclear weapon is on the rise rapidly and the end results of the use of such weapon are usually death, disaster and destruction.

She also stated that everyone has a role to play in the elimination of nuclear weapon, because the story of the people affected by the use of these weapons is very disturbing.

So, collaborating with other Caribbean countries to sign this treaty will help to eliminate the use of such

weapon, providing a violent free future for our younger generations.

Director General and Vice President of the coalition government, Carl Greenidge also express concerned on the issue at hand.

In his speech he stated that the world is living in fear and tension because of the use of nuclear weapons, thus Guyana is committed to actively participate in the total elimination of such weapons.

the same voters' list that Granger wants sanitized and it was considered free and fair by all contesting parties.

Ramson said he could not help but note with disappointment that the President used his address to the nation following the CCJ's ruling on Tuesday, to shamelessly campaign for himself and the coalition.

The lawyer said, “When you are the President of a nation, the people you lead need direction and guidance especially in times like this.

What they do not need to hear at moments like this is for you to shamelessly beg to be re-elected.

“That was totally inappropriate and totally unacceptable and I believe an apology is in order. We await the consequential orders from the CCJ on June 24.”

Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 20, 2019

IMF notes: 50 percent increase in assets declarations for politically exposed persons

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recent routine visit by a team f r o m t h e International Monetary Fund (IMF) to gauge the state of the economy has found that there is an increase of public official and other exposed persons who are complying by declaring their assets.

The IMF mission team, in a recently released statement, disclosed that it encourages building on recent progress in strengthening transparency and governance.

It was explained that Guyana completed its first Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Report in 2019 and started implementing its recommendations to further enhance transparency in the extractive industry.

“In addition, the recent reestablishment of the Integrity Commission has resulted in over 50 percent of politically

exposed persons (PEPs) and other required officers making declarations within the first year.

“Ensuring greater compliance over time with the asset declaration regime would underscore the authorities' support and commitment to the UN convention against corruption.”

In recent months, the Integrity Commission has been publishing names of public officials, including Regional Executive Officers, Permanent Secretaries and others who have failed to file their declarations on time.

The declaration is supposed to help determine whether public officials have recorded sudden rise in their wealth which could be as a result of corruption.

“The mission also welcomes the progress made in strengthening public

procurement, and encourages the authorities to ensure timely compliance with existing regulations and take further actions to fortify the transparency of the procurement system,” the IMF statement from the team said.

The team was led by Arnold McIntyre. It visited Georgetown during June 3 to June 14 to hold discussions for the 2019 Article IV Consultation.

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

According to the IMF team, commendable progress has been made in strengthening the framework for anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing, based on the 2017 national risk assessment.

“Guyana has been officially removed from the European Commission's Money-Laundering Blacklist in February 2019 and is scheduled to undertake a mutual evaluation by the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force in 2022.”

It was explained that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been actively examining cases relating to suspicious transactions, money laundering, terrorist financing and criminal proceeds including those of PEPs, and is working towards greater collaboration with other

global FIUs. With regards to looking elsewhere to develop the country's economy, the IMF team said that structural reforms are needed to support economic diversification, and achieve inclusive and equitable growth.

“Infrastructure bottlenecks, skilled labour shortages, and weaknesses in electricity supply are major obstacles to growth. Staff supports the authorities' proposed increase in investments to improve access to roads, electricity, and telecommunication services to enhance economic activities, including the hinterland.”

The IMF team urged that simultaneous investment in upgrading the education system is critical and would enhance skills and employment prospects.

“To address skills gap and satisfy an expected increase in labour demand, Guyana could adopt more liberal or open immigration policies, including free movement of all categories of workers from other CARICOM countries.

Promoting more flexible working arrangements could help increase female labour participation. Further regulatory and administrative reforms—including property rights and insolvency regime and reducing bureaucratic red-tape—would help s t r e n g t h e n competitiveness.”

The IMF Executive Board is expected to discuss Guyana's Article IV consultation in August 2019.

The team had found that Guyana's growth is expected to improve as Guyana readies for oil production in a few months.

Filaria drugs like any other have side effects - PAHO/WHO Rep. “Every drug that is used by any human being has side effects,” said Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation [PAHO/WHO] Resident Representative, Dr. William Adu Krow.

T h e PA H O / W H O

Representative made this disclosure as he spoke to the side effects related to treatment for lymphatic filariasis [filaria].

At a Ministry of Public Health spearheaded forum, Dr. Adu Krow joined Deputy Chief Medical Officer

[ D C M O ] , D r. K a r e n Gordon-Campbell, when she revealed that “If you are not actually carrying the filariasis worms then side effects may be minimal.”

People, she said, could develop symptoms such as (continued on page 24)

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Beyonce's publicist to headline Women's Leadership and Business Conference in Guyana

W

e L e a d Caribbean has announced its third Annual Women's Leadership and Business Conference, themed “PowHERful: Transition from Inspiration to Action.”

This year's conference will feature Beyonce Knowles Carter's publicist, Yvette Noel Schure, as the keynote Speaker.

Noel-Schure, who is originally from Grenada, is responsible for managing Beyonce's public image since she was 14 years old.

As both the owner of her own company, Schure Media Group, and the head of publicity for Beyoncé's Parkwood Entertainment, she also represents Beyoncé's activewear line, Ivy Park, and has worked with artistes like Prince, John Legend, Maxwell, and former Destiny's Child members, Rowland and

Williams. Noel-Schure said, "For Beyoncé, as my client, I do all of her music press, all of her philanthropic press—basically I'm a part of anything that she touches, so every day is different!"

Abbigale Loncke, P r e s i d e n t o f We L e a d Caribbean, noted that her inspiration for the conference comes from a burning desire to empower women to take the lead.

Loncke says that she wants to see women rise up and leave their comfort zone and take appropriate actions to create changes in our society. “I'm so excited to have Yvette as the Keynote speaker because as a Caribbean woman she can relate to all of our successes and struggles, and the fact that she helped to mold one of the biggest superstars in the world – Beyoncé – means that she knows how to bring out the best in women”

Loncke added.

The two-day conference scheduled from September 18 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre will also feature First Lady Mrs. Sandra Granger; US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Ly n c h ; F i r s t L a d y o f Jamaica, Patricia Allen; Kerensa Gravesande Bart Strategic Recruitment Solutions; Shalini Beharry RAMPREM Trinidad; Dr. Vishnu Doerga – Action Invest Caribbean; John Housty - Housty Designs and a list of others.

Topics include The Power of You: Outperform N o M a t t e r t h e Circumstances, Applying Your Emotional Intelligence to Leadership; Charting a

Course: A Financial Guide for Women; Branding: Becoming Visible, Own Your A-Game: Fulfill on Your Potential; and How to position yourself for growth, investments and change.

Registration for the Conference cost $15,000 (US$75.00).

Tickets can be purchased in Guyana from Eco for Life, 7 North Rd, 592 Tees Courtyard Mall Robb St, Beaton's Boutique Reliance Essequibo and online via the event brite page via key phrase, Powherful Women's Leadership Conference.

To learn more, interested persons can visit the website www.welead.21qcaribbean. com, call +592.648.4302 (Guyana) / 800.200.4695

Beyonce' Knowles-Carter and her publicist, Yvette Noel Schure (USA) or email, abbigaleloncke@gmail.co WeLead Caribbean is a not-for-profit organization which provides a comprehensive and inclusive support for women development, business and philanthropy in Guyana and throughout the Caribbean.

With over 25 members from Barbados, Grenada,

Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad, We Lead Caribbean offers services such as business mentoring, training, marketing, internships and coaching.

We lead Caribbean recently launched its women owned platform which focuses on the development, support, advocacy and marketing of women owned businesses.

GHPC's Pharmacy Week attracts overwhelming turnout

I

n celebration of Commonwealth Pharmacy Day, the pharmaceutical department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) launched a weeklong series of events. These events are aimed at educating people about sicknesses and diseases that plague and affect thousands of Guyanese people.

Thus far, according to the pharmacists of the hospital, this event has attracted the attentions of hundreds of visitors of the hospital.

Doctors and clinical pharmacists from the medical institution teamed up with local drug stores and suppliers, and together they hosted a booth which was intended to sensitize and educate patients and visitors of the hospital.

For each new day of the event, a new disease would

Doctors and clinical pharmacist of the GPHC be chosen as the focus of the booth. Yesterday's topic was the chronic disease, diabetes. Brochures, documents, video presentations and discussions were held on proper diet, exercise habits

and the right medication that should be used for persons with diabetes.

Clinical pharmacist, Jenel Welch-Brotherson, said, “The diabetic patient population is growing and it spreads across the borders; it

damages your eyes and it causes foot ulcers. So we are just hoping that this Pharmacy Week will educate folks on diabetes and all other diseases, and hopefully it lessens the percentage.”

She noted that the hospital lacks some of the drugs that diabetic patients need, but this is why they have partnered with private suppliers, and through them patients can purchase medications.

Welch-Brotherson was asked about the current state of the hospital's pharmacy and she noted that the pharmacy is in perfect shape.

“Yes, there has been an increase in the number of patients we know. I think that is because we [GPHC] are the referral hospital for the entire country, but right now I know that we are handling it.”

Furthermore, she added that procurement seems to be working well, so replacement of completed drugs is done within a short period of time.

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Goodbye Sandra!

PAGE 17

Saying goodbye:

T

he Guyana P r e s s Associatio n yesterday joined in saluting Sandra Prince, A.A, as she heads into retirement after some 30 years as a P r e s i d e n t i a l photographer.

Sandra started her career at the Guyana Public Communication Agency and worked with every Head of State since the late Hugh Desmond Hoyte.

She has been the hands behind the images that captured Hugh Desmond Hoyte, Cheddi Jagan, Sam Hinds, Janet Jagan, Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar and David Granger. “The media corps will miss Sandra's warm smiles and professionalism. We wish you well Sandra,� the GPA said.

President David Granger yesterday morning received a farewell courtesy call from outgoing High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam at the Ministry of the Presidency. High Commissioner Mahalingam served a five-year tenure in Guyana.

Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Six months in…

$20M Creative Industries Funding Initiative yet to take off

T

he Department of Social Cohesion of the Ministry of the Presidency has not indicated the awardees of its pilot Guyana Fund for Cultural and Creative Industries (GFCCI). And it's already halfway into the year.

Last December, Kaieteur News reported that Cultural Policy Advisor to the Department of Social Cohesion, Ruel Johnson, suggested the initiative to the Department to ensure that young, Guyanese know that the local environment would become more conducive to

the development of their talents.

The project was added to the Budget 2019 roster and was allocated $20M. The viability of this project would determine whether Government rolls out an even more solidly funded long term initiative.

In early March, the government called for submissions from creative entrepreneurs, with original proposals of cultural and creative projects that have already been developed, with well thought out plans for their commercialization and sustainability.

Prison Officer joins prisoners

A

prison officer was yesterday remanded to prison when he appeared before a city magistrate to answer to a possession of narcotics charge.

Twenty-year-old Cleon Webster, from Golden Grove, West Coast Berbice, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty for a narcotics charge.

The charge stated that on June 14, 2019, at Camp Street Prison, Georgetown, he had in his possession 120 grams of cannabis for the purpose of trafficking.

Webster pleaded not guilty to the charge that was read to him.

Police prosecutor, Seon Blackman, objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on three grounds; the

Prison Officer: Cleon Webster nature of the offence, the prevalence, and the punishment the offence attracts.

He also objected based on the fact that the narcotics were found in the bag of the defendant.

Prosecutor Blackman then acknowledged the facts of the charge which read, upon entering the prison compound everyone is subjected to a search, during the search that was being conducted on Webster the said narcotics were discovered in his bag and it was taped up.

The officer who conducted the search then burst open the tape and showed the defendant the narcotics, which he then replied that it belong to his sister. Webster was then arrested and charge.

Principal Magistrate McGusty remanded the defendant to prison until July 10, 2019 when he is expected to make his next court appearance.

The initiative is currently under the purview of Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain.

“Projects which include collaborations and have demonstrated to benefit large numbers of artists, especially women, youth and out of city participants from across Guyana will be ideal,” the advert had stated.

The funding was offered for work across all creative industries; for marketing, distribution, branding and development of new cultural products; procurement of equipment; creation of intellectual goods, patents and copyrights; research and designs of innovative local products, like gaming, fashion and animation.

It was noted that focus for funding will be on productions and publications

Director of Culture, Tamika Boatswain

across all creative industries; marketing, distribution and branding of creative products; the development of new cultural products such as festivals; procurement of specialized equipment in support of a particular type of creative production; the creation of intellectual goods, patents and copyrights; and research and designs of innovative new Guyanese products in the creative industries, such as gaming, animation, f a s h i o n a n d condiments/recipes using local content/contexts.

The deadline for the submission of proposals was March 22, 2019. Three months later, no awards have been made.

The Department of Social Cohesion has not (continued on page 19)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 20, 2019

PAGE 19

Stray Catchers accused of impounding cattle while owner/herder present - police allegedly threaten to shoot the farmer if he touched the cows

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i n c e t h e establishment of the Stray Catchers' Unit in 2010, the initiative has garnered successes but has, over the years, been plagued with complaints by farmers accusing the stray catchers attached to the unit, of wrongfully impounding their animals.

Farmers have over the years complained that the stray catchers are venturing through streets in villages and also boldly catching the animals while the owners/herders are present.

It appears that the issue still continues, as a cattle farmer from Topoo, Albion, Corentyne, Berbice, is

alleging that 10 head of cattle were impounded at the Albion Police Station wrongfully.

Eddylall Mohabir, called 'Jango', just minutes after his animals were herded into the pound by a group of men who exited a white Toyota Fielder and wearing stray catchers shirts, said that he was a short distance away from his animals herding them back home Tuesday afternoon when the men stopped.

The stray catchers, although seeing that the animals were accompanied by their owner, Mohabir, still exited the vehicle and began to chase the cattle to the Albion Station, located a

stone's throw away.

The man was during that time also threatened by a Lance Corporal who was present when he attempted to get his animals away from the stray catchers.

"Me went on the pump dam (Albion road leading into the Albion Estate from the Public road) and my cows went Guava Bush Street./ The catcher dem pass and go and pick up dem cow and bring dem. So me ask dem where dem carrying the cow and they said they taking it to the pound.

“Me tell dem seh me grazing dem cow because me deh with dem and the police run out with he gun

Woman confesses in court to strangling son, 8, with bed sheet

A

31-year-old woman awaits sentencing for killing her eightyear-old son. The mother, Sonya King, admitted that she strangled Emanuel King with a bed sheet while the child was fast asleep.

Although she was initially charged with murdering her son, Sonya opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter when she appeared before Justice Navindra Singh on Tuesday.

During Tuesday's court session, Sonya, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Mark Conway, made it clear that she was not forced into making the guilty plea. She also indicated that she understood by making such a plea she would be sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Justice Singh, nevertheless, accepted her plea.

The mother returns to court on July 16, when a probation report will be presented to the court; thereafter she will be sentenced.

When Sonya killed her son she was eight months pregnant. The incident occurred on February 21, 2016 at their Lot 565 La Parfaite

KILLED: Emanuel King Harmonie, West Bank Demerara home.

According to information, the woman provided police with a caution statement in which she admitted to killing the child. In the caution statement, Sonya told police that she held down the child with a bed sheet until he was not moving.

She also told police that she called the child's father and her reputed husband and informed them she had killed him.

$20M Creative Industries Funding ...

From page 18 provided a timeline for the completion of this project – let alone, for the awards to be made. Kaieteur News has interviewed and featured many creatives – young and old – who have related that the local environment for persons aspiring to be in that field is discouraging and lacking of the support that is necessary to inspire the next generation of world-class artists.

Complaints range from l a c k o f support from government and the need for copyright legislation, to a culture of disregard for the arts, in favour of Science, Technology, Engineering and

Mathematics.

Guyana has not had luck with this sort of initiative.

The Bharrat Jagdeo-led administration had attempted a Sports and Arts Development Fund (SADF), launched in 2007. It was the subject of widespread controversy. The Art Development Fund for the period January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2015 had been subjected to a forensic audit in 2015, revealing troubling disparities and breaches of accounting and asset management procedures.

The audit, which was conducted by forensic auditor Lester Bowen, had found that approximately $167M

included in allocations by the budgets of 2012-2014 were not accounted for, or more than half of the total expenditure approved by the National Assembly. It has been referred to as a slush fund.

In a letter to Kaieteur News last year, Johnson had said that “… even the most progressive initiatives such as this can, if sufficient caution is not taken, suffer from fairly avoidable implementation hurdles that endanger their long-term viability, particularly with regard to governance.” It is now up to Director Tamika Boatswain to pull through with this execution of this project.

and tell we to stay at the corner. An officer come out the car and seh if anybody try to trouble dem cow he gon shoot," the farmer relayed.

Mohabir explained that his animals have been using that route back and forth for a number of years. He stated that it is the normal route he takes to reach home.

"Dem cow got to come out from Guava Bush and dem a walk pon the road (pump dam) to go through back fuh reach Topoo. Since we were small we grazing cow the same route," he said.

The farmer stated that they managed to secure surveillance footage from a house to show that he was right behind his animals on the Albion road while they were making their way back to Topoo. Mohabir said that he complied after the Lance Corporal threatened him.

The Lance Corporal, however, is not attached to the Albion Police Station so it is unclear why he was with

the stray catchers in the Albion district impounding animals with the unit.

Meanwhile, back at the station, Mohabir said he tried to explain to the Station Seargent that his animals were taken from him while he was present and that the animals were not on the public road but were being herded back home from the Albion Estate road leading from the public road.

He said that his pleas fell on deaf ears. According to Mohabir's wife, they were told by the Seargent that "when you come here you got to get money and wherever animals deh even if it deh in front you yard it getting impound." This, the woman said, is "very unfair".

The woman said they were forced to borrow money to pay to have the cows released yesterday after they spent a night in the pound. They had to pay $8,000 a head (10 cows impounded) and an

Eddylall Mohabir, called ‘Jango’ overnight fee per head of cow at a cost of $400, racking up a total of $84,000.

When the unit was established, the Home Affairs Minister had stated that stray catchers are not authorised to pick up animals that are being attended to by their owners. The current Public Security Minister Khemraj Ramjattan had also adopted the same strategy.

The family has since opted to seek the services of an Attorney to handle the matter since they believe that their animals were wrongfully impounded.

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Man admits to fatally stabbing wife, to be sentenced

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ow that he has confessed before Justice James Bovell-Drakes to fatally stabbing his common law wife to death, Seon Singh was on Tuesday remanded to prison. He will return to court on July 18, when he will be sentenced.

Initially charged with the murder of 39-year-old Indranie Sugrim, Singh

Teen among two charged with two counts of robbery under arms

threw himself at the mercy of the court, pleading guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter.

The man who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Maxwell McKay pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that on November 25, 2012, he unlawfully killed Sugrim, also known as, 'Indra'. The lawyer requested that a

…as Berbice police smash another gang

T

Security guard found dead in hut…

PM reveals that victim died from blunt force trauma

A

post-mortem examination yesterday, on the body of Keegan Boston, the security guard attached to the Cummings Electrical Company, concluded that Boston died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head which is consistent with a fall. Boston was found dead in his guard hut on Sunday..

Boston's body was positively identified by his brother, Joylon Boston. The post mortem was conducted at the Georgetown Public Hospital by pathologist, Dr. Nehaul Singh.

Boston, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was found inside his security hut where he worked at Cummings Electrical Company on G a r n e t t S t r e e t , Campbellville, Georgetown.

An electrician attached to the company and another security guard, David Cummings, discovered Boston's lifeless body lying on the ground in the security

KILLED: Indranie Sugrim probation report on him be compiled and presented, before the court proceeds to pass sentence.

A c c o r d i n g t o information, Singh and the woman were involved in an abusive relationship. On the day in question they were involved in an argument during which Singh armed himself with a knife which he

WIFE KILLER: Seon Singh used to stab Sugrim about her body. The killing took place at the couple's 503 Block 'Y' Cummings Lodge, Greater Georgetown residence.

After committing the act, it was reported that he escaped but was later arrested by police.

P r o s e c u t o r s Te r i q Mohamed and Sarah Martin presented the state's case.

Man freed on time served after manslaughter plea Keegan Boston hut about 06:30 AM on Sunday morning.

Cummings said that he turned up to relieve Boston who had worked the night shift and he called out to him to open the gate but there was no response.

Police suspect that the East Ruimveldt man died between 23:00hrs Saturday and 6:15hrs on Sunday. The 60yearold man's body was handed over to his relatives for burial.

Thursday June 20, 2019

J

ustice Navindra Singh freed a man on time served yesterday.

The man Rayon Dick, who had been incarcerated since 2007 for the murder of mining camp cook, Hubert Albert, appeared at the Demerara High Court where he opted to plead guilty to manslaughter.

He was initially indicted for murder.

According to reports, 55year-old Albert was cooking

at a mining camp at White Creek Backdam, North West District on November 11, 2007, when he was attacked by a knife wielding man who stabbed him several times about the body. Police said that the man was later caught and the murder weapon recovered.

Lawyer Mark Conway appeared for Dick. The Prosecution was represented

by State Counsel Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohamed and Sarah Martin.

he two men who were in custody for the brutal robbery of a businesswoman and her daughter have been charged with two counts of arm robbery. The two are Doodnauth Bissondial, called “Lil Budhan”, 21, of Coburg Street, Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice and Anthony Carter, 18, of New Street, Cumberland, East Canje, Berbice.

They appeared before Magistrate Renita Singh in the New Amsterdam Magistrate's Court and were not required to plead.

They are accused of, on Tuesday June 11, last, breaking and entering the home and business place of Shakeela Sankar, 59, and her daughter, Razya Somar, 27, of 121 New Street, Cumberland Village, East Canje.

The two women were brutalized and robbed as the two men who wore masks escaped with a quantity of cash, jewellery, cell phones, tablets and other electronic gadgets.

The invasion occurred in broad daylight. The police after conducting diligent investigation apprehended

Doodnauth Bissondial Bisssondial, who is well known to the authorities. He then implicated Carter. He also implicated another relative who acted as the lookout.

Bisssondial has also admitted to being involved in the burglary committed on May 2, last at the home of Hamza Khan, a goldsmith of Coburg Street, Cumberland.

During that invasion nearly $500,000, including US$500, in cash, a laptop, two cellular phones, a Samsung tablet and several pieces of silver jewellery were stolen.

Alleged lumber thief granted bail

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man was yesterday granted bail when he appeared before a City Magistrate to answer to a break and enter and larceny charge. Twenty-nine-yearold Christopher Kumaje, of Albouystown, Georgetown, appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts before Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty.

The charges stated between March 5, 2019 and March 6, 2019, in Georgetown, he broke and entered Raymond Duport Lumber Yard and stole a quantity of lumber valued at $560,000. Kumaje pleaded not guilty.

Police prosecutor Seon Blackman objected to bail being granted to the defendant based on three grounds; the nature of the offence, the value of the articles and the penalty the offence attracts.

Prosecutor Blackman further stated the facts of the charge which read on the day in question around 06:00hrs the virtual complainant received information that the

Christopher Kumaje accused was removing lumber from his lumber yard.

Duport then reported the matter. Some of the lumber was recovered on a horse cart owned by the accused.

Principal Magistrate McGusty granted the defendant bail in the sum of $100,000 with conditions attached. He must report at Ruimveldt Police Station every Friday. He must also lodge his passport.

Kumaje is expected to make his next court appearance on July 10, 2019.

Thursday June 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Gov’t support sees CANU improving intelligence/operational capabilities The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit had a challenging but yet very rewarding 2018, according to Head, Lesley Ramlall, but through Government support and funding have been able to make great headway in the fight against crime.

According to Ramlall, CANU through effective profiling, intelligence and operations saw a reduction in the smuggling of narcotics in and out of Guyana.

Much of this is attributed to Governmental support, he said.

This level of support especially in the form of kits, equipment and a vast increase of the authorized strength has impacted immeasurably the Unit’s intelligence and operational capabilities.

As stated by Ramlall, this level of support has resulted also in the seizure of narcotics, arrest and prosecution of traffickers in some of Guyana’s rural and remote areas.

More so, it has afforded the Unit the establishment and commencement of operations at other locations as mandated by Cabinet, according to Ramlall.

Of significance, as well, is the continuous improvement of intelligence sharing with local, regional and international partners that led to

many operations being conducted in real time, inclusive of the collaboration and timely execution of an operation that resulted in the arrest of one of the main Guyanese narcotraffickers and two of his counterparts in Jamaica.

The nature of CANU’s operations will be dependent on the gathering of information and intelligence, according to Ramlall.

He emphasized that the Unit was able to improve its intelligence capabilities in 2018 through the employment of more undercover officers, the recruitment of more reliable sources and the continuous support from citizens.

The Unit has also seen an increase in the number of phone calls and persons visiting the Headquarters to share information of suspicious narcotics activities when compared to 2017.

Ramlall noted that additionally, CANU has been now able to share intelligence with local partners including the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), thus resulting in money laundering investigations and charges against some narcotraffickers.

Ramlall explained that these vital exchanges of information have led to the seizure of narcotics in other

Head of CANU, Lesley Ramlall countries that involved Guyanese Nationals.

Additionally, the many real time sharing of intelligence would have resulted in the arrest of several swallowers upon arriving at their final destination.

As such, 171.58 kgs of cocaine; 543.256 kgs of cannabis; 532.8 grams of ecstasy; 304 grams of heroin; 100

grams of crystal methamphet-

amine and 39 grams of cannabis seeds were seized in 2018.

In 2017 the totals read 291.089 kgs of cocaine; 123.799 kgs of cannabis; and 1.602 kgs of heroin.

Being the primary agency in Guyana that is responsible for the fight against narcotrafficking, CANU’s performance in 2018 has been said to be laudable, according to Ramlall.

He said that from all indications, there is a fear among narco-traffickers to continue operating openly or with little apprehension because of the Unit’s performance during 2018.

He said the unit is determined to continue dismantling

drug traffickers and drug trafficking groups/organizations in Guyana through the seizure of narcotics and assets belonging to traffickers.

The Unit’s has been able to arrest and prosecute traffickers who have been on the their target list for the last 15 years, and their close cooperation with regional and international counterparts have led to the arrest of a very senior Guyanese narco trafficker Ramlall said, however, these successes could not have been possible had it not been for the unwavering support from the Ministry of Public Security and by extension the Government of Guyana.

PAGE 22

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

GRA probes Land Cruiser imported by Jagdeo in 2016 … but only registered this year

SERVICES

FOR SALE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tel#679-3325 Welding and power tools, Welding machine, cylinder press drill etc #684-1247 (1) Excavator CAT 315BL (1) Roller/Compactor CAT CB434C (1) Skid steer CAT 277B. Call for information, Rayman #615-2346/500-1600/ 628-0200/652-8505

LAND FOR SALE Transported land 11.6 acres.

Lot 15 public road. #2 Village W.C.B. Price $18M. Contact 686-4818, 648-7109 Prime land on Farm main road (East Bank) Good for business (105ftx67ft) $7M Tel#648-1635

VEHICLE FOR SALE

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

1 Honda CRV. includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crash bar, Low mileage. PTT Series (First Owner) Contact #6490956

DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM

New model premio, pearl white 2009 registered, Toyota Vitz 2010 Black not registered.

Tel#223-5615/627-9600

TO LET

WANTED

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

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

For Rent- Top & bottom flat at La Grange Public road, Business/Live-in. Tel#6657636/691-5101 Position in Puruni River & Cuyuni River. Contact #6714239 Hair Stations/ Makeup/Nails & Barber, Available for rental, New market street. #699-6505 1 Bedroom apt for working couple/single person $35,000 monthly. Light & water included. Lodge. Call 6230076

2 - 6 Ton Ice Plant with holding room turnkey operation with spares, Lot V1,V2 Houston Estate EBD.

Parfaite Harmonie $1.4M Dairy with foundation & fence $1.8M Schnoord (100ft x 50ft) High Income $3.6M Tel#6560701 CAR RENTAL

FOR RENT

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

Office space to let.74 Brickdam opposite GT&T, 2 Floors fully Air conditioned, Generator, parking available.Call:226-6771/2264537.

Old model Ford Pickup, price $500,000 neg. Call: 684-1247

Tolet 3 bedroom, 2 toilet & bath house located in Herstelling New housing scheme. Call Farah #6848223

Fully furnished air conditioned apartments to rent daily. $5000 and $6000 per day. Call/Whatsapp #6785827

ACCOMODATION

Experienced cashier, Waiter.

Apply at Hack’s Halaal Restaurant with H/written application 5 Commerce St Crane operator, crane porter, marine engineer. Please call #616-6988 One certified crane operator, attractive salary is offered, three years experience would be asset. Call: 665-1141 1 apartment or house to rent for one Christian couple, No kids. Call: 672-9606 Ms Keisha VACANCY Pump attendant & Cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) send to shellramsburg@gmail.com Waiter/Waitress & Chef preferably carnegie trained.

Contact #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St One Bartender. Tel#618-3575

EDUCATION Summer School & Lessons, Common Entrance , Phonics, Reading & Writing (4-14yrs) Nursery/Primary full day school. Call: 677-0296 PROPERTY FOR SALE House for sale, Eccles Housing Scheme. 7 bedrooms, 3 toilets and bathrooms enclosed. $28.5M. Call 6420391/ 001447587233657/ yasharabhola4@gmail.com Lot 89 Robb Street, Lacytown, Georgetown. Next door to Mike’s Pharmacy.Land size- 3431.25 Sq.ft. Phone: 617-5323, 6668052.

Buy,Rent or Sell House or Land, Advertise for freeguyanarealestateservices.com or contact# 614-2128 WANTED 1 shop assistant to work in ther interior experience would be an asset. #669-3162 Cook, Apply @ Shanta’s 225 Camp St 1 Industrial Electrical to work in Georgetown. #227-1717 Porters,Drivers,Cashier.

Tel#231-7002 Dishwasher. Apply Shanta’s 225 Camp St

@

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

Vacancy for experience tractor & lorry driver. Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St Bourda Accounts clerk to work in Charity. Contact# 771-4180/ 654-7162 or email barry @adamantiumholdings.com Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529 Driver/Expediter. Contact# 223-5273/74 One Male Janitor, Apply at Alabama Trading 65 Robb St, Bourda Vacancy exists for experienced barman, waitress and cooks.

Contact# 618-2249

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has reportedly been probing a case in which questions have been raised about a Toyota Land Cruiser that was brought in by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, in 2016.

The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), which was reportedly assigned PXX 7800, was said to have reportedly been brought in on a tax exemption that the former President is entitled to.

However, although the vehicle had landed there since then, it was only this year that attempts were made to complete the registration of the vehicle said to be black in color and 4,600cc.

Jagdeo’s fleet include at least one black Land Cruiser.

Kaieteur News was unable

Guyana’s legal infrastructure ...

From page 12 competence and indeed, most lawyers’ competence in the country to do so.”

The oil companies that are expected to operate in this sector have decades of international legal experience operating in various parts of the world\, Nandlall said.

Over the years, the experience which they would have accumulated is immeasurable.

“They have, advising them, a constellation of lawyers, highly specialized in various aspects of the sector.

Guyana simply does not have that caliber of skills available locally and therefore, will have to consider importing appropriately qualified persons to protect their interests.

“At the same time they are employing those the country has, more importantly immediately invest in training a local group of lawyers.”

When this major sector and its spinoffs start to function at optimal capacities, definitely the legal system will have to be augmented and expanded to meet the demands, which will flow therefrom.

Driver/Salesman, Experience is an asset. Call: 663-5800 NAIL TECHNICIAN. Contact#223-5273/223-5274 VACANCY FOR DAY/ NIGHT SHIFT HOUSEKEEPR TO WORK AT AAGMAN RESTAURANT SHERIFF STREET. CONTACT #2190158 Experienced male sales attendant, stocktaking knowledge, computer literate, excellent service attitude, able bodied.Key Food McDoom Village.

to make contact with Commissioner-General Godfrey Statia for a comment.

However, this newspaper was told that GRA is interested to know about the vehicle and what it had been doing since it landed here.

GRA has been clamping down on how vehicles, especially SUVs, which attract high taxes, have been brought into Guyana.

In recent years, scores of SUVs have been seized after it was found out that the Remigrant Scheme has been abused over and over again

by Guyanese who pretended to be coming back here to live but only did so to bring back a high-end vehicle which is in turn sold to willing buyers for millions of dollars in profits.

VACANCY Diesel Mechanic. Contact #223-5273/74 Supervisor for Xenon Hotel in Essequibo. Contact#2235273/74 General domestic. 3 Days work. Must know to cook.

Apply with 2 references.

KeyFood McDoom village

Guyana is completely unprepared [legally] for the gigantic impact that will be generated from this sector, Nandlall said.

Govt. waiting on GECOM ...

From page 8 Commission”.“Elections are important. The CCJ ruling will not be disobeyed,” the President assured Ambassador LaRocque while noting that he does not want a situation where elections are called and the Commission is unprepared.

Ambassador LaRocque thanked President Granger for the brief and committed to provide assistance required within the Secretariat’s scope. CARICOM has consistently provided Observer Missions to Guyana during General and Regional Elections.

Thursday June 20, 2019

PAGE 23

Kaieteur News

Opposition files police, ERC complaints against Nagamootoo, Jordan for inciteful statements The Opposition has written the Commissioner of Police, Leslie James; and the Chairman of the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), Dr. John Smith, C.C.H, complaining about inciting statements of Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, and Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, made recently.

The Opposition is contending that the two officials made inciting statements.

In the released letter to the Commissioner, Gail Teixeira, who also happens to be the Chief Parliamentary Whip for the Opposition, pointed to a government statement of Thursday, March 21, 2019 which states that “the Commissioner of Police Leslie James is calling on Guyanese to remain calm and keep the peace. This follows concerns raised in certain sections, surrounding the legality of the government after March 21, 2019…”

Teixeira noted that it was the Commissioner who underscored the fact that anyone who breaches the law will be held accountable and punished.

“The leadership and the members of the Guyana Police Force have noted on social media of seeming intention to disrupt the current calm in our society. May I warn that anyone found in breach of the law will be dealt with in a condign manner.

“The Force’s membership throughout the ten (10) Administrative Regions are on high alert and endeavours

to prevent and respond to any eventuality” the Commissioner warned.”

According to the Opposition official, she hopes that as Commissioner, he continues to hold that same view following Tuesday’s June 18, 2019 ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice.

She noted that the court ruled that the unilateral appointment of the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission was flawed and in breach of the constitution; that the No Confidence Motion was valid, that 33 votes was the majority of all 65 elected members of the National Assembly and that Charrandass Persaud’s vote was valid and that Persaud was free to vote outside his party’s list.

“There is therefore no further room for doubt and ambiguity as to what is required by the President and government at this time.

Reports in the media emanating from the President and Ministers are cause for concern.

“These statements in response to the rulings of the highest court of Guyana, the Caribbean Court of Justice, have been unsettling and disturbing.”

She said that these statements and declarations should no doubt also be cause for profound concern by the members of the Guyana Police Force and the entire citizenry.

She referred to a Demerara Waves online report

PM Moses Nagamootoo yesterday headlined: “Gov’t in defiance mode; “no registration, no election”Jordan, Nagamootoo”.

“Minister Jordan is quoted as saying “Notwithstanding the ruling today and not withstanding all the consequential orders, we will be here until the elections are called and we will be at the tape when the next term begins.”

“He stated that there would be no elections until there was house to house registration and called on supporters on the streets to picket “no registration, no elections.”

Teixeira said that in the same report, “the Prime Minister warned that if youths are disenfranchised there would be “trouble” if the youth are not registered.”

According to Teixeira, according to a video of the said meeting, Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo stated that he “had put back on his olive green shirt as he was back in battle gear, back in the

Female bar owner gets 10yrs for trafficking Venez. women Savita Persaud, the owner of the Liquid Love Bar, located at Station Street, Kitty, Georgetown, was yesterday sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for two trafficking in person charges. She was also fined over $4M to pay the victims.

Persaud appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where she was found guilty and sentenced to prison. The trial was held incamera and Persaud was represented by Attorney-at-law George Thomas.

Chief Magistrate McLennan sentenced Persaud to serve 10 years imprisonment for trafficking of a 17-year-old girl and five years for the older woman. The sentences will run concurrently.

The charge stated that between January 3, 2019 and March 8, 2019, at Station Street, Kitty, she engaged in trafficking in persons, in that she recruited, transported and harboured two Venezuelans, for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The compensation that Persaud was ordered to pay to the two victims are $2.3M to the 17-year-old girl and $2.2M to the other victim.

Persaud was slapped with five charges last month. She was previously sentenced to 12 months imprisonment and fined $ 1.1M on her

Jailed: Savita Persaud last court appearance on three out of the five charges. Those sentences will also run concurrently.

Those three sentences were for unlawfully withholding the identification cards of two Venezuelan nationals in aid of trafficking in persons. The final charge was for employing a 17-year-old girl to sell liquor at her premises.

Opposition’s Gail Teixeira

battle and will not be surrendered by him.”

The PPP argued that these statements are inciting and a threat to public order and safety and are in contempt of the Caribbean Court of Justice rulings of June 18, 2019.

“Your statement of March 21, 2019 is more relevant now than then as we have now the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the highest court,

Finance Minister, Winston Jordan

and we are all therefore expected to abide by the CCJ rulings that the No Confidence Motion is valid and elections must be held within the shortest time.”

She called on the Commissioner as the custodian of public safety and order to carry out his mandate vigorously and to publicly defend, preserve and protect the rule of law and the Guyana Constitution in the

nation.

In her letter to the ERC, Teixeira also called on the ERC to carry out its constitutional mandate vigorously to promote peace and harmony and to stand publicly in defence of the rule of law and the constitution.

“I urge you to register with the President and his Ministers that the CCJ ruling must be complied with in spirit and intent.”

PAGE 24

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Filaria drugs like any other haveside ...

From page 14 nausea and headaches. However, the DCMO noted if an individual has the filaria worms they may have a little bit more side effects including fever and vomiting by virtue of the worms dying internally.

“The side effects are not really severe but you may have more if you actually have the worms, so that may cause a reaction,” said Dr. GordonCampbell. She added, “We do report side effects...We have been gathering information but it is my understanding that not every country has been doing that. Guyana has been lauded for at least taking the time to make sure we do documentation.”

However, Guyana has not seen many cases of side effects, said the DCMO who also asserted that those documented have been very mild so far.

Mass Drug Distribution [MDA] filaria campaigns executed in the years 2017 and 2018 saw the Ministry realising 85 and 86 percent coverage respectively. “This

was in part due to micro planning and macro planning, a lot of community involvement and multi-sectoral involvement.” Dr. Gordon-Campbell pointed out that in order for Guyana to reach the WHO recommended 2020 target for elimination of the disease, it would require three more years of MDA using two drug types - 100 mg Diethylcarbamazine [DEC] and 400 mg Albendazole.

But according to her, “We don't have that three year (period). So if we are to reach eligibility for 2020, we have to slightly adjust our strategy.

The strategy that we have available to us is to implement a triple drug therapy.”

The triple drug therapy referenced by Dr. GordonCampbell includes 200 kg Ivermectin which will allow the Ministry to reach its target within the WHO stipulated time.

“We have this year and we have 2020 [next year], and if we manage to reach over 80 percent coverage we could be eligible for elimination,” said the DCMO as she named

Costa Rica, Suriname and Trinidad as countries in this part of the Region that were formerly endemic for filaria but have since achieved elimination.

But according to Dr. Adu Krow he has heard reports that some people have been opposed to the treatment which is offered at no cost to members of the population. “I tend to hear people say lymphatic filariasis is for the underprivileged and therefore it does not affect them,” said the PAHO/WHO Representative.

He, however, warned against this perception since “it has shown that about 600,000 people are at risk. It doesn't mean that we have it but we are also at risk, we are exposed and that is just about 85 to 90 percent of the population and that is key.”

“If you are at risk then we must get rid of it, because if you are at risk you can always get it. That aside, there are about 60,000 people who are thought to have filariasis so that is a big number and we need to take it seriously,” the PAHO Representative said.

Is this the new level of academia, the...

From page 4 those who taught me are practicing what they taught.

Don’t know if they still teach it. I promise myself to remain open-minded as evidence and events unfold in the quest for a factual account about what is happening at UG. On a leap of faith, I think there is widespread

agreement with Mr. Bernard that “If there is genuine care for the UG and the nation of Guyana, then we must do what will benefit them.” I thank Mr. Pat Dial for Sunday’s article on Professor Griffith’s term in office and what he was able to achieve.

I read Dr. Thomas and Dr. Ifill’s letter and Mr. Lincoln Lewis’

response. All are helping to answer some pertinent questions.

Keep it flowing guys, some alumni have their own ‘social media’ hang at weekends and ever so often.

At these hangs UG is high on the agenda.

With thanks, Dennis Paul

Thursday June 20, 2019

PAGE 25

Kaieteur News

Public health sector better positioned to care for microcephaly babies - 17 being afforded rehabilitation and paediatric care

I

n excess of 20 cases of microcephaly births have been recorded by the Ministry of Public Health since 2016 and about 17 of these are currently benefiting from rehabilitative and paediatric services.

Although the Ministry had initially guarded its microcephaly information, yesterday it made known that related births were recorded to date in Regions One, Two, Four, Six, Seven, Nine and Ten. In fact, it has been found that when compared to the United States, Canada, Jamaica and Brazil, Guyana ranks number one in terms of the growth of the disease.

But Guyana is currently better positioned to offer both clinical and non-clinical care since it has forged strategic collaborations with its technical partners for just this purpose.

This was highlighted at a close-out forum for a tactical Maternal and Child Survival Programme [MCSP] which was held at the Kingston, Georgetown, Roraima Duke Lodge.

Gracing that forum was United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch.

She said, “It is my pleasure to be here for today’s close out event…

The health partnership between our governments supported clinical and nonclinical Zika services, benefitting infants, children and families across Guyana [and] it shows that significant impact has been made to fight the first outbreak of Zika and prepare Guyana for the next.”

The MCSP initiative spanned a period of 15 months [January 1, 2018 – March 1, 2019] and was aimed

at equipping medical personnel with knowledge on how to treat patients who have contracted the Zika virus, as well as disaster risk management.

Through the MCSP, the Public Health Ministry was able to improve the clinical capacity of service providers for newborns and small babies.

The project also improved, health workers’ ability to provide therapeutic, early stimulation to children experiencing development delays and psychosocial support to mothers and families affected by Zika.

The virus could be transmitted not only through infected mosquito bites but, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, it can be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn child and unprotected sex with a person who has the virus.

In addition to microcephaly, the Zika Virus has also been linked to Guillain-Barre Syndrome which is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system. This leads to weakness, numbness and tingling and

CJ orders Minister Patterson ...

From page 3 taking temporary control of the bridge in the safety of the public.

According to court documents filed by the BBCI, on November 1, M i n i s t e r Patterson caused to be issued and advertised in the Official Gazette the Berbice River Bridge (Public Safety) Toll Order 2018 No. 42 of 2018, made under Section 11(b) (i) of the Berbice River Bridge Act Cap 51:06 ordering that the functions of the concessionaire, (BBCI), to maintain and operate the Bridge shall be exercised by Government.

The Official Gazette also said that having determined that the exercise of those functions by the Government is necessary and expedient in

the interests of the public, the Minister specifies by notice on the cessation of the threat to public safety.

It also said that the tolls will be levied and collected and any exemptions shall be the same as those levied, collected and e x e m p t e d immediately before the coming into operation of the said order.

According to the b r i d g e c o m p a n y, b y a Concession Agreement dated June 12, 2006, entered into between the Ministry of Public Works and Communications, on behalf of the Government of Guyana and the company, it is made clear that BBCI shall be obliged at its own expense to operate and maintain the Toll Bridge.

can eventually cause paralysis.

There were reports that one suspected case of Guillain-Barre Syndrome was reported.

However, microcephaly has been on the Health Ministry’s front-burner since 2016 when there was an outbreak of the Zika virus here.

The virus can cause serious birth defects to an unborn child’s brain and physical appearance.

The virus is known to manifest with symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. However, the symptoms of Zika virus may not manifest, are not present or may be mild in some cases and can last up to one week.

In keeping with the

government’s mandate of promoting good health and preventative care for all, the MCSP initiative is one that goes hand in hand with the United Nations Development Programme’s Sustainable Development Goal Number Three which speaks to ‘Good Health and Well-being’.

The aim is to achieve universal health coverage, and provide access to safe and affordable medicines and vaccines for all.

Supporting research and development for vaccines is an essential part of this process and to make a bold commitment to end AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other communicable diseases by 2030.

Murder at Sand Hills…

Man names attacker before dying

The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a resident of Sand Hills, Berbice River. He was murdered.

Elvis Benedict, 40, a chainsaw operator, of Sand Hills, Berbice River, was reportedly injured by another resident of the said village, whom he identified before he died. The suspect was subsequently arrested.

The incident is said to have occurred between 17:00hrs on Tuesday 18 and 07:00hrs yesterday at Sand Hills, Berbice River.

Reports are that the man was last seen by one Ronald Singh, a resident of the area around 17:00 hrs on Tuesday, fixing a tractor. He was not seen again.

However about 07:00hrs, the following morning he was found alive by a truck driver with multiple injuries about his body, lying at the side of the road.

Benedict subsequently told his brother, Eron Benedict, that he may not live and he was injured by one

Roy Glaston, a resident of Sand Hill, Berbice River.

The badly injured man was immediately taken by boat and ferried to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

The body arrived around 12:15hrs at the Hospital where it was examined and pronounced dead on arrival.

The police were informed and upon arriving at the Hospital the body was examined. A number of visible marks of violence were seen including lacerations to various parts of the body including the left lower back, the center of the back, the left hand and the left upper jaw.

There were also multiple scratches and bruises and abrasions about the body.

The body is at New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary awaiting a Post Mortem examination.

Glaston, 28, of the said village was subsequently arrested by residents of the area and brought to New Amsterdam where he was handed over to the police. He is in custody as investigation continues.

PAGE 26

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 20, 2019

Thursday June 20, 2019

PAGE 27

Kaieteur News

Ivory Coast hit back to hammer Zambia in Africa Cup warm-up AFP - Ivory Coast recovered from conceding an early goal to trounce Zambia 4-1 yesterday in the final warm-up match for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Jonathan Kodjia and Jean-Michael Seri scored in Abu Dhabi to give the Ivorians a 2-1 half-time lead after Fashion Sakala had converted a penalty for non-qualifiers Zambia.

Maxwell Cornet increased the lead on 57 minutes and a late goal from free agent Wilfried Bony completed an emphatic victory for the two-time African champions.

Ivory Coast had defeated the Comoros and lost to Uganda in their other warm-up matches for the tournament, which kicks off on Friday when Egypt play Zimbabwe in Cairo.

It was the third outing for Zambia against qualifiers for the African competition — they lost narrowly to defending champions Cameroon and defeated Morocco before facing the Ivorians.

Angola cancelled a warm-up fixture against fellow qualifiers South Africa in Cairo, citing a lack of preparations.

Winston Forrester A file photo of Ivory Coast forward Jonathan Kodjia, who scored in a 4-1 victory over Zambia Wednesday in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations warm-up match. (AFP / STR)

Windies too...

Thursday June 20, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) If you keep waiting for things to happen, Aries, you may wake up one morning and realize that your life has passed and you never did half the things you dreamed of doing. The time to take action is now.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) Remind your loved ones how much they mean to you today, Taurus. Words are especially powerful. Don't use them lightly. Be thoughtful about how you treat others.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Feel free to express your independent attitude today, Gemini. Break out of any restrictions that might be keeping you from doing what you want to do.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Have fun today and don't be so serious about anything.

This is a good time to lay low and enjoy the scenery.

Go to a movie or see a play.

Go to a party and celebrate.

Forrester guides Atlantic CC to victory

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The pace will be jumping today and your wit and cheerful words will be welcomed in almost every setting you enter, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Many people may have a great deal to say today, Scorpio, but you could find that you'd rather sit and listen.

Feel free to do so. A lot of what's going around is gossip, so you might not want to get involved at all.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Don't be selfish today, Sagittarius. This is a time to think about others. Instead of plowing ahead with a project by yourself, consider enlisting the help of a partner or friend.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) If you don't say exactly what you mean today, Capricorn, you might get into trouble. Don't compromise your values just to maintain the peace.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You can do no wrong today.

In fact, you can navigate through the cracks without anyone noticing. You may find that you would rather be up on center stage.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Today is apt to be favorable for you. You should keep the lines of communication open so you can spread your knowledge to others and receive the important information that is due to come your way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Have some fun today. It's time to balance all the work you've been doing with a little bit of fun. Yesterday's honest efforts are turning into today's rewards.

There's no need to be shy when it comes to receiving what is rightfully yours.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You might feel a bit restless today, Pisces. You may want to get the word out to others. Unfortunately, your tongue may be tied and it could be hard for you to express yourself exactly the way you want.

From page 30 should have been looking to defend and there just wasn’t any intensity in the field.

There were some half chances and especially with the two guys who batted so well for Bangladesh,” Sir Viv pointed out.

“When you have opportunities like that, you have to take them and there is one that I saw that really highlighted West Indies trying to win that match was that bit when Sheldon Cottrell, that sharp bit of fielding and the release of the ball itself and running out … Tamim Iqbal.”

West Indies face unbeaten New Zealand in their sixth match of the World Cup on Saturday in Manchester.

Georgetown Cricket Club batsman Winston Forrester struck a fine half century to guide Atlantic CC to fivewicket win over Spice Island when the 2019 USA Clement Busta Lawrence Premier League continued last weekend.

Batting first, Spice Island made 150 all out in 39 overs.

Micah Narine led with 54, while and Troy Baptiste

contributed 34. Joseph Brown had 2-22 while Guyanese Ashmead Nedd had 1-17 and Trinson Carmichael (1-24) and Koen Lake 1-40.

Atlantic responded with 151-5 in 29.1 overs. Forrester continued his fine from with a top score of 55 which continued four fours, while Treon Ford also of GCC, scored 30 not out.

PAGE 28

Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

Former SA pacer Rusty Theron named in USA squad ESPNcricinfo - Rusty Theron, who played for Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers and Rajasthan Royals between 2010 and 2015 in the IPL, has been named in a 30-man USA squad traveling to Los Angeles this weekend for a selection camp. Theron, who also represented South Africa in four ODIs and nine T20Is between 2010 and 2012, will be looking to make the USA squad for the next round of 2020 World T20 Qualifiers, in Bermuda this August.

Theron had retired from South African first-class cricket in 2015 before moving to Florida where he was pursuing a teaching degree at a local college.

He has now qualified to represent USA under the ICC’s three-year residency rule. According to multiple sources, USA Cricket had been aggressively pursuing Theron to join their squad for WCL Division Three in Oman last

Rusty Theron was a key part of the Somerset (NJ) Cavaliers run to the 2018 US Open T20 Final. (Peter Della Penna) November but he made himself unavailable due to the tournament clashing with his own wedding.

Theron has been a

regular fixture at T20 club tournaments around the USA in the last several years, most prominently at the annual US Open T20

French Open champion Barty makes smooth transition to grass (Reuters) - French Open champion Ashleigh Barty made a smooth transition from Parisian clay to British lawns as the Australian opened her grasscourt campaign with an impressive 6-3 6-4 victory over Croatia’s Donna Vekic yesterday.

In her first match since winning her maiden Grand Slam title by beating Marketa Vondrousova at Roland Garros little more than a week ago, the 23-year-old began sluggishly but quickly found her rhythm to move through to the second round.

Vekic is no slouch on grass and Barty, emerging as one of the favorites for Wimbledon, said it was the “perfect test”.

“I knew that I had to be sharp and I had to be ready.

Otherwise it wouldn’t even be a contest,” world number two Barty said on court.

“It was nice and clean today out here.

I was just really excited to come back out and kind of dust off the cobwebs a little bit.”

Unseeded Jelena Ostapenko, who won the French Open two years ago but has struggled this year, ended the hopes of Britain’s Johanna Konta, winning 6-3 6-4.

Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams also moved through with the 39-year-old defeating Aliaksandra Sasnovich.

Cricket tournament in F l o r i d a . I t ’s t h e s a m e tournament used by USA’s Ali Khan to gain attention on the T20 franchise radar.

Theron appeared there most recently in December for Somerset (New Jersey) Cavaliers where he was team-mates with Andre Russell and helped bowl Cavaliers into the final, where they eventually lost to California Bears.

Also in the USA squad are a pair of English County players with USA passports aiming to force their way into the national team for the first time.

Durham’s Cameron Steel a n d H a m p s h i r e ’s I a n Holland have both been included in the weekend camp.

The 23-year-old Steel, born in California, made a career-best 224 against Leicestershire at age 21 two seasons ago but has struggled to keep his place in the Durham first XI this season. The 28-year-old Wisconsin-born, Australian-raised Holland similarly has struggled to keep a place in the Hampshire first XI - he was loaned to Northants for the Royal London One-Day Cup - since relocating to England after a solitary first-class appearance for

Victoria in 2016.

Another big name to emerge from the list for different reasons is allrounder Timroy Allen, o n e o f U S A’s b i g g e s t match-winners of the last decade. Allen was a key role player for Jamaica Tallawahs in 2016, playing six matches during their run to the CPL title, but has not played for USA since May 2017 due to work commitments.

Vikash Mohan, former captain of Combined Campuses & Colleges, has also been included in the 30-man list. The US passport holder from Trinidad & Tobago took part in a USA fitness camp at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and was also part of a USA selection camp held in Antigua in February ahead of WCL Division Two in Namibia but was not selected for that tour.

Five other uncapped players are in the 30-man list besides Theron, Holland, Steel and Mohan.

The most prominent of the bunch is Akshay Homraj, a former Guyana Under-19 wicketkeeper-batsman who has since migrated to New Yo r k a n d b e e n p a r t o f multiple USA squad camps.

The others are Dallas

batsman Ali Samad, Chicago area wicketkeeper Shaheer Hassan, Los Angeles fast bowler Sahaj Patel and Los Angeles leftarm spinning allrounder Srinivas Raghavan.

Players will participate in six T20 intra-squad trial matches during the camp before a squad is expected to be announced next month ahead of the ICC Americas Regional T20 Qualifier Final in Bermuda to be held from August 1825. USA will take on Bermuda, Canada and Cayman Islands in a double-round robin event with the top two teams advancing to the Global T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE in October.

USA squad: Timroy Allen, Usman Ashraf, Karima Gore, Shaheer Hassan, Ian Holland, Akshay Homraj, Elmore Hutchinson, Aaron Jones, Nosthush Kenjige, Ali Khan, Jaskaran Malhotra, Xavier Marshall, Vikash Mohan, Saurabh Netravalkar, Monank Patel, Nisarg Patel, Sagar Patel, Sahaj Patel, Timil Patel, Kyle Phillip, Srinivas Raghavan, Srini Salver, Ali Samad, Roy Silva, Jessy Singh, Cameron S t e e l , Abdullah Syed, Steven Ta y l o r, R u s t y T h e r o n , Hayden Walsh Jr.

Glory days gone for Jamaican men, but female sprinters still excel

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty in action during her first round match against Croatia’s Donna Vekic.

(Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine) Barty, a former junior Wimbledon champion, dropped serve early on but her deep, skidding sliced backhand began to work its magic as the Vekic errors mounted.

She broke twice to take the opening set and twice more to seize control in the second.

Vekic prolonged the contest to grab back one of the breaks when Barty served for the match. However, Barty made no mistake the second time around when she brought up match point with an ace and sealed victory when Vekic netted an attempted drop shot.

Barty’s French Open title

was somewhat unexpected seeing as she is not a renowned claycourter. Grass, on the other hand, is tailormade for her game which is why all eyes will be on her at Wimbledon which starts a week on Monday.

The odds are against her following up her French title by winning Wi m b l e d o n . O n l y s i x women — Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams — have managed that in the professional era.

She will continue to hone her grasscourt skills against American Jennifer Brady who beat Lesia Tsurenko 6-3 6-3.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - As Jamaica prepares to select their world championship team, the exhilarating days of the nation’s male sprinters, led by Usain Bolt, dominating the world are gone, two of the Caribbean island’s top coaches say.

W h i l e t h e c o u n t r y ’s female sprinters continue to excel, the men do not rank among the year’s best in either the 100 or 200 meters.

“It appears we are going through another one of those cycles,” coach Glen Mills, who guided Bolt to eight Olympic gold medals and 14 world championship medals between 2007 and 2017, told Reuters.

“I think that there is talent in the junior level that could develop, which could move us once again to the forefront,” said the optimistic Mills two days before the June 20-23 national championships which will help determine the Jamaican team for the Sept. 28-Oct. 6 world championships in Doha.

Stephen Francis, who brought two-times world 100m bronze medalist and former record holder Asafa Powell to global attention, blamed a variety of reasons for the recent decline.

“You find that a combination of bad coaching, bad environment, bad influences and a lack of discipline and all that kind of thing are responsible for the fall,” Francis said in an interview with Reuters.

“I stated a couple of years ago that there was going to be a problem with male sprinting in Jamaica.”

The saving grace has been the female sprinters led

by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a five times global champion at 100m, and Rio double Olympic champion Elaine Thompson, the coaches believe.

“Our female program looks very lucrative with our top females over the years, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson and of course we have quite a large number of youngsters including Briana Williams (World under-20 double gold

medalist) among others,” Mills said.

Francis added: “Shelly and Elaine are there, but you have others in the pipeline who one expects in two or three or four years will replace them.

“But not so for the men, I don’t know if anybody can say where the next good talent is coming from.”

Still there is optimism that Jamaica could win as many as 10 medals in Doha.

“I think we have at least three events where we have prospects on the male side… obviously the discus (2019 world leader (Fedrick Dacres), the sprint hurdles (Olympic and world champion Omar McLeod), maybe the 400m and maybe the long jump,” Francis said.

“On the female side, there are a whole lot of events where we have medal prospects.”

Fraser-Pryce and Thompson are among the year’s fastest in the 100, Janeek Brown and Danielle Williams in the 100m hurdles and the women’s 4x100m relay team.

Thursday June 20, 2019

Man arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over Emiliano Sala death: police

A portrait of Emiliano Sala outside Nantes football club. (AFP / Loic Venance) AFP - A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala, British police confirmed yesterday.

The forward, 28, died when a plane carrying him and pilot David Ibbotson came down in the Channel on January 21, just days after he had joined Cardiff City from Nantes.

“As a result of our enquiries we have today, Wednesday 19 June 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act,” Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police said in a statement. “He is assisting with our enquiries and has been released from custody under investigation.”

Huxter urged media and members of the public to not speculate over the identity of the arrested individual to avoid prejudicing the investigation.

Sala had been Cardiff’s

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Kaieteur News

record signing after a fee of £15 million ($19 million) was agreed with Nantes during the January transfer window.

After travelling to Cardiff to complete the deal, Sala returned to northern France to collect belongings and bid farewell to his teammates.

It was on his return to the Welsh capital to take part in his first training session that the tragedy occurred.

Initial search operations for the player and pilot were suspended in the days after the plane went missing.

However, a crowdfunding effort supported by thousands of donations, including from football stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, helped launch a private search.

That specialised search saw Sala’s body recovered from the wreckage in February but Ibbotson’s body has not been found.

Two months after Sala’s body was discovered, his father Horacio Sala died of a heart attack in Argentina.

Moving tributes were paid to Sala from across the football world with Nantes retiring the number nine jersey he wore for the Ligue 1 side.

However, the two clubs have been involved in a legal wrangle over the transfer fee.

Nantes reported Cardiff to FIFA after the first instalment of the fee, believed to be £5 million, was not paid on time.

Cardiff previously stated they were “shocked” at reports that Ibbotson did not have a licence to fly at night.

“The club remains deeply concerned that the pilot, and those who arranged the flight, seemingly completely disregarded the rules of flying and put Mr Sala’s life in such danger,” Cardiff said in a statement in March.

“We believe those who are responsible should be held fully accountable for their actions.”

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cardiff were relegated from the Premier League after just one season back in the top flight.

Brazil booed off after VAR rules out two goals in Venezuela draw BBC Sport - Hosts Brazil had three goals ruled out and were booed off the pitch as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Venezuela in the Copa America on Tuesday.

Philippe Coutinho’s late strike looked to have sent Brazil through to the last eight but the video assistant referee, having already denied a Gabriel Jesus effort, showed a foul in the buildup. Referee Julio Bascunan also ruled out a first-half Roberto Firmino strike.Brazil remain top of Group A with four points from two games.

“VAR was correct. I have absolutely nothing to demand. We got justice,” Brazil coach Tite said.

“They made the right call with both [VAR] goals.”

Brazil made hard work of beating Bolivia in their opener and once again struggled for a creative spark against Venezuela, promoting

jeers from the home crowd in Salvador at both half-time and full-time.

“We have to understand the supporters, they want to see goals and if I had been in the crowd I also would have wanted to boo us,” Tite added.

The hosts enjoyed 75% possession in the first half but managed just one shot on target, much to the delight of Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel. “We played an almost perfect game against a team of brilliant individuals,” he said, adding: “Long live VAR. “Today is very important, but this result will mean nothing if we don’t qualify from the group.”

Venezuela have two points from two games and have realistic hopes of advancing to the knockout stage with their final game coming against Bolivia, who suffered their second straight defeat on Tuesday, losing 3-1 to Peru.

IOC proposes Tokyo 2020 Games boxing plan without AIBA LAUSANNE, Switzerland (Reuters) - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday thrashed out the plan for the boxing qualification and competition for next year’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics as it looks to run them without the suspended international boxing federation AIBA. It also proposed almost trebling the number of women boxers to 100 out of the 286, up from 36 at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.

The IOC recommended last month that boxing should keep its place at next year’s Games but recognition of AIBA, the governing body of the sport’s amateur version, should be suspended until the issues surrounding its finances and governance are resolved.

The IOC Executive Board on Wednesday finalised weight categories (eight men, five women) for the Tokyo Games as well as the qualification system.

A sharp increase in women boxers compared to Rio was also proposed while

men’s numbers are to be reduced from 250 to 186. Rio also had a total of 286 boxers.

There will be four regional qualifiers (Africa, Europe, Asia/Oceania and Americas) to be staged between January and April next year while Japan, as hosts, will have the opportunity to directly qualify four men and two women.

“To allow the athletes a second chance to qualify for Tokyo we will have a final Olympic qualifying event probably in May next year,” IOC sports director Kit McConnell told a news conference.

All IOC Executive Board decisions will need to be ratified by the IOC session in Lausanne next week.

AIBA has been in turmoil over its finances and governance for years with the federation $16 million in debt and an ongoing bitter battle over the presidency that has split the body internally.

AIBA largely depends on Olympic Games revenues to survive between Games and has started letting people go

as a result of its Olympic exclusion.

The IOC has set up a task force headed by Japanese IOC member Morinari Watanabe, head of the international gymnastics federation, to organize qualifiers and the Tokyo Games competition.

A separate task force, headed by Serbian IOC member Nenad Lalovic, has been assigned to look into the ties with AIBA. McConnell said Watanabe’s task force, which does not include any member from the wider boxing family, would rely on some boxing expertise with AIBA providing details for referees, judges and other officials to be used in Tokyo.

“It is important that this direct contact with AIBA is maintained,” McConnell said.

He said other boxing experts would be consulted in the process.

“The task force has no direct representation of boxing federations but we will be calling on boxing expertise,” he said.

Ex-UEFA head Platini released after being questioned over Qatar World Cup PARIS (Reuters) - Michel Platini, the former head of European soccer association UEFA, was released in the early hours of yesterday after having been questioned over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament to Qatar.

Platini’s lawyer, William Bourdon, said his client was innocent of all charges and that he had been questioned on “technical grounds.”

“It was very long, given the number of questions, it was obviously always going to be long, since they asked me questions over Euro 2016, the World Cup in Russia, the World Cup in Qatar, Paris Saint Germain, FIFA,” Platini told reporters on Wednesday as he left the police station where he had been detained.

“I replied to all the questions calmly, whilst still not knowing why I was there,” he added.

The French national financial prosecutor’s office, which specializes in investigating economic crimes and corruption, has been leading a probe into the awarding of the 2022 tournament to Qatar.

It is looking into possible offences including private corruption, conspiracy and influence peddling.

The decision in December

Former head of European football association UEFA Michel Platini leaves a judicial police station where he was detained for questioning over the awarding of the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament, in Nanterre, France June 19, 2019.

(REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes) 2010 to award the World Cup to Qatar surprised many given the lack of potential local audiences for the games, the extremely hot summer weather, and the poor performance of the country’s national squad. It will be the first Arab state to host the competition.

Platini is one of France’s most famous sportsmen and

soccer stars. He led France to victory in the 1984 European Championship and played in two World Cup semi-finals.

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Kaieteur News

We should all be proud of Guyana’s competitive performance says Coach Johnson Minnesota, USA: Taking on a team that is playing its 15th Gold Cup and chasing its 7th Gold Cup trophy apart from being the defending champions, Guyana’s Golden Jaguars in its first ever Gold Cup tournament lost 0-4 to the USA on Tuesday night last at the Allianz Field Stadium, Saint Paul MN in Group D action.

Witnessed by a crowd numbering 19,418 inclusive of many Guyanese, the USA contesting its 74th Gold Cup match held a slim 1-0 advantage at the end of the first 45 minutes but fired in three more in the second half.

Head Coach of Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, Michael Johnson who took over the job in June of 2018, commended his charges for a competitive performance against a team that has played the most Gold

The Golden Jaguars battle the USA in their CONCACAF Gold Cup match on Tuesday.

Cup matches (73) and recorded the most wins (56) in the history of the tournament.

Citing the fact that the USA has a depth of experienced players, including one player who is worth 52 Million pounds,

Panama take down Trinidad and Tobago in Group D Opener goldcup.org - ST. PAUL, Minnesota — After a tame first half that saw both sides stay compact and organized, Panama took the game to opponents Trinidad and Tobago in the second half, ultimately winning the opening match in Group D by a score of 2-0 at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

The breakthrough for Panama came in the 53rd minute.

Panama had possession in the final third where Gabriel Torres sent a delicate pass through to Armando Cooper: the veteran attacking Midfielder calmly cut by onrushing Trinidad and Tobago GK Marvin Phillip before slotting home to put his side ahead.

Fifteen minutes later, after

a phenomenal double-save from Phillip, a third Panama chance fell to Edgar Barcenas.

Phillip managed to get a hand to the close-range effort, but could not prevent Panama from doubling their tally.

Phillip did everything he could to keep his team in the game.

The Trinidad and Tobago netminder ended up with six saves on the night, all of them top quality.

Trinidad and Tobago almost got a goal back late on, a scramble inside eight yards ending up with a fine save from Panama’s Luis Mejia.

Panama’s next match will be versus Guyana in Cleveland on Saturday night.

Trinidad and Tobago will take on the United States.

Johnson, at the post match press conference posited, “To be competitive in that fixture for the best part of an hour, we should be proud.”

Player of the match, Tyler Boyd in only his second match netted a double for the USA in the 51st and 81st minutes, the opening goal was scored in the 28th minute

by Paul Arriola, while Gyasi Zardes accounted for the third in the 55th minute.

Johnson noted that his charges will continue to stick together as a team, acknowledging that they {team} will win, lose and draw matches together: “Nobody in my opinion had a horrible game, yes, there were mistakes but you’re going to get that against a top-class

United States team. Was that our best possible starting X1?

That’s what we as staff sat down and spoke about, that’s our staring eleven and that’s what we went with, that’s what we believe in, that’s what we trusted; all 23 of the team and anyone of this 23 for me deserves a place to start.”

A lot of confidence was gained from the encounter, Johnson said, and it would serve the team well going into its second and third matches, on Saturday at the First Energy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio from 17:30hrs (18:30hrs) against Panama and June 26 at the Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS against Trinidad and Tobago.

“We’ve gained a lot of confidence from tonight (Tuesday), yes there were individual errors but as a team, we speak about how we look dangerous with Callum Harriott at times, we look dangerous with Emery Welshman. We were under no illusions about the task tonight, we’re probably a little bit more realistic going into the next two games, have opportunities.”

He mentioned the names of players the likes of Harriott, Anthony Jeffrey and Stephen Duke McKenna among others who can be interesting forwards in the next two matches. The Head Coach also mentioned that the task was a tough one but the players gave their all

for their country.

Johnson also pointed out that Terrence Vancooten was his choice for player of the match for Guyana: “He tackled, passed the ball incredibly well, very good upstairs against tough opposition as I’ve said and I thought he was outstanding; he really, really was.”

Both nations utilized three subs in the second half, Guyana introduced Sam Cox for Brandon Beresford in the 58th minute; Anthony ‘The Beast’ Jeffrey replaced Keanu Marsh-Brown in the 73rd minute, while Captain for the match, Neil Danns was replaced by Sheldon Holder in the 85th minute.

GBTI Open Tennis

Campbell, Gentle take Women doubles title - Downes withdraws from remainder of tourney Cristy Campbell teamed up with Afruka Gentle to beat Fiona Bushell/Shelly Daley 6-1, 6-1 in Women’s Doubles final when the action continued in the tenth annual GBIT Open on Tuesday night at the GBTI Lawn Tennis Court in Bel Air. Anthony Downes, who dominated local Tennis for close to decade before being dethroned when 22-year-old Gavin Lewis beat him in a pulsating Men’s Singles final on Monday night, has withdrawn from the remainder of this tournament.

On Tuesday Night, Downes and Rebecca Mitchell were set to face-off with Heimraj Resaul and Kalyca Fraser in the Mixed Doubles resulting in the later pair winning by a walkover.

Playing in their sixth Women’s Doubles as a pair,

Campbell and teenager Gentle, unbeaten since they started playing as a pair, lost the racquet spin and Daly/ Bushell chose to serve.

Daly opened serve for the pair as she has a heavy spin serve which moves away from opponents with the pace.

The Daly/Bushell went up to 30-0 in the first game when Gentle hit an inside out rocket forehand to Bushell to claim the first point for Campbell/ Gentle.

The next 3 points were won by Campbell/Gentle, securing the early break.

Campbell then opened service for the pair as both sides came to the net settling in play and exchanging hard hitting rallies.

The Campbell/Gentle pair held serve and ran up to a 5-0 lead.

In the sixth game, Daly/

Bushell sneaked in some crafty drop shots after pushing Campbell/Gentle on the baseline to register their first game and break for the Campbell, Gentle pair for a 51 score.

Campbell/Gentle returned the favour in the next game to close out the set at 6-1.

Second set, Campbell/ Gentle started off to a 2-0 score before Daly/Bushell secured the third game and the score at 2-1 with the switch over.

Campbell/Gentle and Daly/Bushell exchanged hard hitting baseline rallies, volleys and drop shots in a match which started at 5: PM. When the dust was settled, Campbell/Gentle were the victors 6-1/6-1 to clinch their sixth doubles title.

The game between Gregoire Vincent and Joshua Kalekyezi, Vincent was

leading 7-5, 6-5 when the game was halted due to time and should have been completed yesterday.

In the other uncompleted game, Gavin Lewis/Afruka Gentle leads Leyland Leacock/Kizzy Richmond 61, 1-2 in the Mixed doubles.

Results: Cristy Campbell/Afruka Gentle beat Fiona Bushell/ Shelly Daley 6-1, 6-1 Alvin Doris/Simone Boucher got a walkover from Kevin Maria/Tanya Chroust Andre Lopes beat Rafael Nunez 6-0, 6-1 Heimraj Resaul/Kalyca Fraser got a walkover from Anthony Downes/Rebecca Mitchell Gavin Lewis/Afruka Gentle leads Leyland Leacock/Kizzy Richmond 61, 1-2, Gregoire Vincent leads Joshua Kalekyezi 7-5, 6-5 (game was to be on completed on yesterday).

(Sean Devers)

Thursday June 20, 2019

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Kaieteur News

GIKMAA enjoys successful first half of 2019 The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts Academy (GIKMAA) has started the year on a high note, and has continued on that road as the first half of the year ended with the Academy growing in numbers and as students continues to grow in confidence and ability.

From January to date, GIKMAA has had a very successful Weapons Workshop, Coloured Belt exams, Fund-raising, its second Health & Fitness Walk and National Championships.

At the exams, A Total of 27 Students from 4 branches (Mahaica, Wales, Enterprise, and Enmore) went from one level to the next…

2 students from 10thKyu White belt to 9thKyu Yellow Strip 10 from 9thKyu Yellow Strip to 8thKyu Yellow belt 9 from 8thKyu Yellow belt to 7thKyu Orange belt And 6 from 7thKyu Orange belt to 6thKyu Green belt.

At the just concluded May 19, National

Championship, students were outstanding in their disciplines.

Mahaica with 2 students winning a gold and bronze, Enterprise, with 4 students won 7 medals, 6 gold and 1 bronze, Enmore, with 11 students won 21 medals, 7 gold, 10 silver and 4 bronze.

While Wales with 6 students winning 15 medals, 11 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze.

Outstanding Students were: Enmore - Sensei Kelvin Walcott 3 gold, Amika Hall and Daniel Lashley 2 gold each.

Enterprise, 6 years old Shonna Seusingh, Nicholas Rampersaud and Instructor Vikash Somwaru won 2 gold each.

For Wales, Christian Freeman, Marcus Chowtie, Ganesh Persaud, Sharda Sookwah and Sensei Marcell Yassim all winning 2 gold each. Other outstanding students were Bhudesh Shilchand and instructor Umish Parasram, winning one gold apiece.

The Guyana International Kyokushinkai Martial Arts

Mr. Fazal Bacchus and Champions of Kyokushinkai Guyana take time out for a photo.

Academy would like to thank Mr. Fazal Bacchus and Cacique Accounting College, along with Grandmaster/ Soke/Dr. A. Nazim Yassim for sponsorship of this tournament, and the Guyana

Sugar Corporation Incorporated, Uitvlugt Eastate, for the use of the Wales Communtiy Centre Building for the tournament.

Attention will now turn to the annual Martial Arts

Training Camp in July, the Suriname tournament in August and GIKMAA 7th Open International Tournament in September.

The GIKMAA is in the process of seeking

sponsorship for the upcoming events. For more information contact GM/ Soke/Dr. A. Nazim Yassim on 592-662-7211 Or email n_yassim@hotmail.com or gikmaa@hotmail.com...

Neymar three-match Simmons reveals tensions in Afghanistan World Cup camp Champions League ban confirmed AFP - Afghanistan’s World Cup campaign was plunged further into crisis yesterday as coach Phil Simmons promised to lift the lid on simmering tensions with chief selector Dawlat Ahmadzai.

Ahmadzai has laid the blame for Afghanistan’s five defeats in as many World Cup matches at the door of former West Indies all-rounder Simmons and his coaching staff.

The former bowler has accused Simmons of failing to prepare the team properly for their second appearance at the global showpiece event.

But now Simmons has promised to shine a light on troubles within the camp, including revealing details of the controversial decision to replace Asghar Afghan as captain less than two months before the start of the World Cup. “I am in the middle of a World Cup and trying to get our team to perform to the level we expect,” Simmons, who is standing down as Afghanistan coach at the end of the tournament, wrote on Twitter.

“But at the end of the World Cup I will tell the Afghanistan people about

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan (left) and head coach Phil Simmons attend a training session at Old Trafford (AFP/File / Dibyangshu SARKAR) the part that Mr Dawlat Ahmadzai had to play in our preparation and his part in the dismissal of #AsgharAfghan.”

Asghar was replaced as captain of the team in all three formats in April, with Gulbadin Naib picked to skipper the side at the World Cup. Afghanistan were hit by more off-field problems on Monday when some members of their squad

were involved in a latenight altercation that saw police summoned to a restaurant in Manchester.

Wo r l d C u p h o s t s England defeated them by 150 runs on Tuesday — inflicting a fifth straight defeat at the tournament.

Rooted to the bottom of the 10-team table, Afghanistan next play India, one of the title favourites, at Southampton on Saturday.

AFP - Brazilian star Neymar will miss three Champions League matches next season, UEFA confirmed yesterday, as punishment for insulting a referee following Paris Saint-Germain’s collapse against Manchester United.

UEFA first imposed the ban in April before PSG contested the decision, but a final decision was delivered on Wednesday.

“The appeal lodged by PSG is rejected.

Consequently, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body’s decision of April 25 is confirmed,” UEFA said.

The world’s most expensive footballer was ruled out of the match with an injury. He watched from the stands as United were awarded a penalty deep into injury time after a protracted VAR decision, which Marcus Rashford scored to knock the French side out in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The 27-year-old aimed an Intagram rant laced with expletives at the match officials.

“It’s a disgrace. They get four guys who don’t understand football to watch a slow motion replay in front of the TV,” wrote Neymar.

The striker had been having a poor season by his own exalted standards after

Neymar after leaving a court where he testified on a sexual assault case. (AFP/File / Nelson Almeida) being booed and mocked for diving at the World Cup, where Brazil were dumped out in the quarters by Belgium.

He failed to make the Top 10 in the Ballon d’Or race and then injured his right metatarsal just 13 months after a previous lengthy layoff.

He then lost the Brazil captaincy and is facing accusations that he raped a Brazilian woman in Paris. He

vehemently denies the accusations.

Neymar then injured his ankle in a friendly match, ruling him out of the Copa America on home soil.

Paris Saint-Germain have indicated they would be prepared to offload the brilliant but troublesome winger who cost them a world-transfer 222-millioneuro fee two years ago.

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Thursday June 20, 2019

Kaieteur News

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools’ football competition

GMR&SC Drag C/Ship round 2

Girls’ action kicks off Saturday

B.M. Soat, Motor Trend and Choke Gas Station continues support

The second annual ExxonMobil under-14 schools’ football tournament will resume this Saturday with initial play in the girls’ division, while the second round of play in the boys’ division will blow off after.

A total of four girls’ matches are scheduled, beginning at 10:00hrs. The first clashes for the young women will see Cummings Lodge matching skills with Tucville, while Lodge Secondary will play New

Campbellville concurrently.

East Ruimveldt’s girls are scheduled to be pitted against Charlestown at 11:00hrs, while the other concurrent game will feature St. Stanislaus College and St. Mary’s High School.

The boys’ will get going from midday with the first two matches being contested between Do l p h i n Secondary and St. Stanislaus College, while the other game will be played between Carmel

S e c o n d a r y and Marian Academy.

A new champion will be crowned in the boys’ division in 2019 since 2018 Champions, Chase Academic Foundation, are not competing in this competition.

There will be awards to the first, second and third place finishers in both divisions which will see the teams choosing a school project of their choice to be completed.

The full fixtures for the boys’ matches can be viewed below.

Time Teams 12:00 hrs Dolphin Secondary v/s St Stanislaus College 12:00 hrs Carmel Secondary School v/s Marian Academy 12:50 hrs President College v/s Uitvulgt Secondary 12:50 hrs Brickdam Secondary v/s Golden Grove 13:40 hrs Bishop High School v/s Charlestown Secondary 13:40 hrs St Mary v/s North Ruimveldt 14:30 hrs Plaisance orphanage v/s Annandale Secondary 14:30 hrs Christ Church v/s Ann’s Grove 15:20 hrs New Campbellville v/s Lodge Secondary 15:20 hrs Kingstown v/s East Ruimveldt 16:10 hrs Tutorial v/s St John’s 16:10 hrs Queenstown Secondary v/s Tucville

Match# 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

National Sports Commission backs Fisherman Masters for NYSCL Glory

The second round of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club’s (GMR&SC) drag championship gets underway this Sunday at the South Dakota’s Drag Strip in Timehri and with just three days remaining before the event, the club has secured backing from three companies in Choke Gas Station, B.M. Soat Auto Sales and Motor Trend Service Center for the highly anticipated event.

In a release to the media, the GMR&SC, acknowledged their gratitude for the support given and explained that running off a motor racing event is very costly so every dollar earned is appreciated.

The correspondence further noted that, “These companies have been long supporters of Motor Sport in Guyana with Choke Gas Station well known for the Choke Starlet Cup, the only Starlet championship in the entire region. Meanwhile, B.M. Soat Auto Sales that is known as one of the leading Auto Supplier in Guyana and Motor Trend Service Center located in Area L Foulis East Coast Demerara are no strangers to the sport.”

Additional documentation explained that, “The GMR&SC are constantly looking to upgrade the South Dakota Circuit. This year, the club made a target of completing the Launch Pad and extending the strip to a full quarter mile; both of those objectives were reached due to the generous contributions of sponsors, support by the fans and very importantly the competitors.”

President of the

GMR&SC’s office Executive Desiree Lee collects the sponsorship from Choke Gas Station’s representative.

GMR&SC, Rameez Mohamed, confirmed via a correspondence to the media earlier in the month that Team Mohamed’s newly acquired white Nissan GT-R is set to finally make its competitive debut at the event after missing out in March due to transmission issues.

Over 100 competitors are expected to register for the event which will see the driver with the fastest reaction winning $20,000.

More importantly, DEL Ice Co has sponsored cash prizes for the fastest 10-second ($200,000), 11-second ($150,000) and 12-second ($100,000) cars.

Admission stands at $500 for kids and $1000 for adults with action beginning at

10:00hrs.

Other sponsors include Platinum Car Show, Ramchand’s Auto Body and Tow Truck Services, I Bet Supreme, R. Kissoon Contracting Services, Deryck Jaisingh Trucking Service and Machinery Rentals, Del Ice Co., Mohamed’s Enterprise, B.M. SOAT Auto Sales, Prem’s Electrical, ENetworks, Motor Trend, Nexus Machine Shop, Power Line, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Wind Jammer Hotel, Cyril’s Taxi, A&R Jiwanram Printery, Blue Spring Water, Choke Gas Station, Special Auto, First Class Auto Spares and Sales, GT Tuners, West Coast Customs Wash bay, Tropical Shipping and Imran Auto works.

Windies too ‘one-dimensional’, Sir Viv, who never lost a Test laments Sir Viv dimensional,” series as captain, told the Observer here.

Technical Development Officers Mr Seon Erskire (left) presents the cheque to Fisherman Masters Marketing Manager Zameer Hassan.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has supported Fisherman Masters for their successful participation in the upcoming New York Softball Cricket League Independence and Legends Cup. NSC Technical Development Officer Seon Erskire recently presented a

cheque worth $300,000 to Marketing Manager of Fisherman Masters Zameer Hassan at the NSC office, Durban Park, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The tournament is set to commence on June 28 and conclude two days later and will be played at Roy Wilkins

Park and Canarsie.

Erskire wished the team all the best in their quest to make Guyana proud. Hassan expressed gratitude to the NSC for their input. He added that they are in the final stages of their preparation and are looking forward to a successful tour.

ST JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Iconic former captain Sir Vivian Richards has criticised West Indies’ “one dimensional” approach to their World Cup campaign, and has slammed the lack of intensity shown in their defeat to Bangladesh last Monday.

West Indies went down by seven wickets to Bangladesh in Taunton to suffer their third defeat in five matches, and remain on three points in seventh spot in the 10-team table.

Their lone win came against Pakistan in their opener three weeks ago.

The Caribbean side copped criticism for their persistence with the tactic of shortpitched bowling, which worked well against Pakistan and Australia but backfired against the Tigers who completed their highest-ever run chase of 322 to win with 51 balls remaining.

“There didn’t seem to be any planning where if this particular plan isn’t going to work then what about the plan B, plan C or whatever the case is. We are too one

“It (short-pitched bowling) worked against Pakistan and when you’re coming up against other teams, sometimes it may not work, and there just didn’t seem to be any particular planning or any particular strategy or any intensity of West Indies wanting to win that match and defend that particular total.”

Bangladesh were propelled by veteran allrounder Shakib-al-Hasan who lashed an unbeaten 124 from 99 deliveries, and Liton Das who carved out 94 not out off 69 balls – the pair sharing a record unbroken fourth wicket stand of 189.

The Windies, meanwhile, were ragged in the field, with half chances going abegging, while their bowlers failed to build pressure and sent down a plethora of loose deliveries.

Sir Viv, himself a World Cup hero for his splendid hundred in the 1979 final at Lord’s, said the fielding effort had not been up to par.

“I personally thought it was a score they (Continued on page 25)

Kaieteur News

Thursday June 20, 2019

PAGE 33

Balram Narine wins Flying Ace Cycle Club Father Day race

B

alram Narine was once again in winners row when the rode away from the field to win the Flying Ace Cycle Club ( FA C C ) t h i r d a n n u a l Father’s Day cycling event.

The race which was for cyclists of the FACC only, saw the riders riding 10 laps around the town of New Amsterdam.

The event pedal off after 14:15hrs with 30 cyclists taking to the starting line.

The race which was off to a late start due to the inclement weather saw Narine demolishing his opponents to win in a time of 47 minutes.

As the riders were sent on their way it was Narine who led from the start as he completely dominated proceedings to take all eight sprint prizes up for offer.

Ralph Seenarine, Jeremiah Joseph and Mario Washington occupied the other three spots.

Joseph was the top cyclist in the junior category with Washington and Steve Bhimsen

Balram Narine receives his prize from New Amsterdam Mayor Winifred Haywood as other outstanding riders pose with their silverware with organiser and sponsors also looking on. occupying the other two spots.

Syborne Fernandes and Wilbert Benjamin were the top veteran on show.

Aaron Rajnarine was the first 12-14 cyclist to cross the finish line with Shazim

Yakub and Sachin Karan occupying the other spots in the three laps event.

The outstanding riders were presented with trophies, while Narine also received a cash incentive.

New Amsterdam Mayor

Winifred Haywood congratulated the FACC and Coach Randolph Roberts for organising the event and a job well done.

Roberts in response had plenty words of praise for Mayor Haywood for her

unstinted support since become Mayor of the town in keeping the sport alive.

He also thanked the business community for their continued support in keeping cycling alive in Berbice.

Roberts also said that the event was used as a warm up to prepare cyclists of the FACC to participate in the National Cycling Championships to be held in Georgetown this weekend. (Samuel Whyte)

t r o Sp

Panama take down Trinidad and Tobago in Group D Opener Panama´s Gabriel Torres #9 and Aubrey Rudolph Roberts of Trinidad and Tobago in action in a Group D match of the Concacaf Gold Cup on June 18, 2019 at the Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. (goldcup.org)

Cristy Campbell (left) & Afruka Gentle won the Women’s doubles on Tuesday night.

GBTI Open Tennis

Campbell, Gentle take Women doubles title Downes withdraws from remainder of tourney

We should all be proud of Guyana’s competitive performance says Coach Johnson

Despite the loss, the Guyana Golden Jaguars did represent themselves well in the contest.

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