Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

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

EDITORIAL THINGS ARE GETTING BETTER, BUT…. The criticism hurled at the leader of the opposition last week in Parliament by the Minister of Natural Resources exposed Mr Bharrat Jagdeo for the kind of leader he was. His failures were broadcast for all to hear. Today, from all indications, there seems to be a radical change. It seems that some good things are happening in Guyana. Crime, especially murder is down, the production of rice and gold has increased and the illegal narcotics trade has been set back. Georgetown is now clean; the stench that had hovered over the city during the tenure of the last administration has disappeared. The city streets are joys to ride on. The potholes have disappeared, something that twenty-three years of the previous government failed to achieve. Today, Guyana is no longer considered a pariah state as it used to be under the last administration. Fear and hopelessness have slowly drifted away and there is confidence and optimism for a bright and prosperous future, especially among youths. As Guyanese, one of our unique traits is our ability to rise above adversity. We actually obtained such traits from our leaders who seemingly overcame insurmountable odds in their struggle for independence. Such traits became very useful during the abysmal failure of the last administration to end the sale of illegal drugs and arrest the escalating crime wave that led to the assassination of the former Minister of Agriculture, Sash Sawh, journalist Ron Waddell and more than 450 youths. Until recently, just before the administration was forced out of office, there were senseless murders, rapes, burglaries and home invasions. In that period, Guyana was a crime-ridden and druginfested state. Our history has proved we are tough. Those who preach doom and gloom and damnation need to know that people are embracing hope. Any political party which does not understand that people, especially youths, are hopping off the cynicism bandwagon is involved in a zero sum game. People are interested in issues that will improve their well-being in the short, medium and long term. It is not surprising that people are very informed about what is happening in the country and they have pronounced upon who among our politicians are performing poorly. They are concerned about the disappearance of traditional values and a myriad other issues, but they are not about to throw in the towel. Many are very hopeful about a better and brighter future for Guyana. Contrary to what some in authority may think, ordinary Guyanese do not have a tremendous amount of goodwill for the government. Many believe that things are getting better; they hope that the government does not do as some others before it in the face of oil, pin all its hopes on the impending production of oil. Several AFC and PNC ministers in the coalition government have told Guyanese in the New York Diaspora that Guyana will earn in excess of US$1 billion with the flow of oil in 2020. It is dangerous for these ministers to paint such a rosy picture without taking into consideration that international conditions could impact the cash inflows from oil. They may be in for a surprise because the oil price has fallen before; it is rising again, albeit slowly. With the exception of a few oil producing countries in the Middle East, most of the other oil producing countries are struggling. Poor planning and ignoring certain non-oil industries were the causes. Despite its vast amount of oil, Venezuela’s economy has crumbled and Trinidad and Tobago is near a recession. But Guyana’s best days are ahead because its leaders have learnt from the mistake of others.

Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email

We made a request to stop the inquiries into the lands of Indigenous people CoI DEAR EDITOR, Representatives of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) met with President David Granger and his team on June 14, 2017and discussed the APA’s concerns on the recently established Commission of Inquiry on Lands. Though called at short notice, the APA was able to quickly assemble a team to meet with the President and the organisation appreciates the resulting constructive dialogue that took place in this meeting; as well as the President’s acceptance of the APA’s proposal that the COI suspend further action on indigenous lands until adequate consultation has occurred with indigenous peoples and representative organisations such as the National Toshaos Council. Over the past five months, the APA has been consis-

tently expressing its concern first about a move to establish a joint lands commission and then later the actual establishment of the Commission. Among the concerns listed by the APA is the inappropriate linkage between indigenous land rights and ‘ancestral lands’ for Guyanese of African ancestry while acknowledging the Government’s prerogative to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate ‘ancestral lands,’. Other concerns include the seeming duplication of activities between the COI and revision of the Amerindian Act which would address many of the same issues and in the most appropriate manner, and the Guideline pertaining to the demarcation and titling of indigenous lands, which adopted by the ALT Project Board and

endorsed by the wide range of stakeholders, governmental and otherwise, who were part of its development. The APA was also very concerned by possible delays in the approval of titles for indigenous lands that had been attributed to the COI, including those previously approved by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and pending signature by the Office of the President. We continue to hope that these and other pending titles will be processed expeditiously and transmitted to the communities who are eagerly awaiting news of the same. In February, the APA first wrote to the Board of the Amerindian Land Tilting and Demarcation Project then to President Granger asking for a meeting to discuss the very concerns listed above. On May 4, President Granger met with the APA through its Executive Director, Jean La Rose, following which she again documented the APA’s

concern in a letter to him. The APA’s Executive Committee had been meeting in Georgetown during the end of May and therefore sought another with President Granger but this did not happen. However when President Granger said he could meet with the APA on June 14, the organisation seized the opportunity to do so. The APA has always recognised that indigenous rights issues are not the domain of one organization or group alone and has also consistently sought to have discussions with like-minded representative groups and individuals and to present common positions that come from multiple sources when possible. In our meeting, the President acknowledged that his government had overlooked some issues in seeking to address the long standing matter of Amerindian land and Continued on page 6

An Enabling Environment for Public Service and Justice Administration DEAR EDITOR, The challenge of establishing and maintaining a professional and politically neutral Public Service, and constitutional position with persons of high integrity for effective management and administration has eluded every government administration from the 1960’s and continues today in 2017. In spite of principled statements on public administrations from heads of successive governments, no serious attempts have been made to transform and professionalise the public service, and liberate it from the strangle hold and continuing control of the political directorate of the day. This ongoing unsatisfactory situation is related to the reality of ethnic and race politics for over six decades by the two major political parties

- the PPP and the PNC. Their conduct is often characterised by intense adversarial political contests with no national consensus on major issues. More recently their conduct has impacted negatively on the independence of the Judiciary and other Constitutional Bodies. The Judiciary, judges, magistrates and the chairpersons and members of constitutional and statutory bodies must demonstrate to the public their resistance to political interference in the independent discharge of their constitutional and statutory duties, and expose to the public such interference in conflict with the law. Their integrity must go before them to rebuild public confidence, and high trust in these institutions. Judicial Officers and hold-

ers of Constitutional and Statutory bodies must be able and courageous enough to let the politicians and political directorate know, in no uncertain or quiet way, that they would reject any political intimidation and not yield to their unwholesome political dictates and wishes outside the law. They must be exposed through various means. The high or low incumbent political figures must be told that: “not because we are appointed by your administration, we will have to rule in your favour. We will rule and act in accordance with the Constitution and all other laws with fairness, equity and justice based on the law and the substantial merits of any case before us.” They must maintain the constitutional and legal sepa-

ration of powers and jealously guard their independence. In the national interest and the common good for all the citizens of this country, the political parties must work for the required changes in our politics to create more inclusive and broad-based governing structures through constitutional and other legislative changes, if we are in our lifetime, to achieve national unity and social cohesion. The governing authorities of the Executive and the National Assembly must create and foster an enabling environment for public officials in public institutions to function without fear or favour. The CoI Report in the Public Service 2016, under the Chairmanship of Professor Continued on page 6

The Minister made a personal request for me to serve DEAR EDITOR, I write to dismiss Rohee’s proposition, in his letter of June 20, that ‘Vincent Alexander was parachuted into the Ministry of Education, unbeknownst to the WPA, to understudy Minister Roopnarine’. Having been relieved of the position of General Secretary of the PPP and consequentially of the press coverage now enjoyed by Jagdeo, Rohee has taken to letter writing and pontificating on the

inner workings of political parties, other than his own. It is however, quite apparent that his postulations are sometimes unfounded, presumptuous and even mischievous, as will be made obvious from what I have to say. Alexander’s sojourn at the Ministry of Education was at the direct and personal request of Dr. Roopnarine. Hence, I was appointed as Technical Facilitator, a preexisting position, to the Minister.

As a consequence of his removal and as a matter of ethics, protocol and best practices, his removal, in my judgement, automatically brings my sojourn to an end, and so shall it be. I was not parachuted into the Ministry by some other force nor was I under studying Dr. Roopnarine. This however h a s n o bearing on unrelated appointments that I hold in the education or other sectors, e.g Chairman of the

N a t i o n a l A c creditation Council. May I take this opportunity to remind Rohee and the public that as of 2007 I have not been a member of any political party nor an aspirant to office in any political party. May I take this opportunity to renew my invitation to Rohee, now that he is no longer General Secretary of the PPP, to have non-partisan discourse on matters of national interest. Vincent Alexander

Thursday June 22, 2017

AFC ministers must speak out against the wrong-doings of the Govt. DEAR EDITOR, We are not just witnessing the failure of a political party, but the ultimate end of it. The AFC has no chance of surviving the 2020 General Election, and this is because it consists of spineless, selfish men who put the interest of themselves first. Nagamootoo and Ramjattan and others, mostly ‘Madrasi’, who have teamed up with the APNU to throw the PPP out of Office have been very silent when it comes to the wrongdoings of the APNU, especially against the people. Jobs are being taken away, appointments on boards are being made, and the nepotistic acts of the Granger Administration cannot be hidden. Ramjattan, Nagamootoo and others, including folks such as Trotman seem to be very comfortable and trusted by the Granger Administration. You know exactly where I am coming from. Ramjattan and Nagamootoo are given fat salaries and superb perks

for the time being to remain silent, and Granger and the PNC are consolidating their grip on this country. It would not be long before they are given the boot. A couple of years ago, everyday you would open the pages of the newspapers you would see stories about Jagdeo, Ramroop, Sattaur, and so on. Where are the newspapers today? What has happened to the radio licence Mr. Lall had anticipated? Can Nagamootoo or Ramjattan give Kaieteur News a radio licence? AFC members who are part of the Coalition are being given fat salaries, but they are not actively involved in the administration of Guyana. It seems as if their support for the Coalition was given a price tag, and they just sold themselves and their handful supporter out. A person’s desire for material wealth and opportunities must not hamper their ability to speak up and stand up for what is right. Fazal Gafoor

Teachers’ salaries being withheld in Region 10 DEAR EDITOR, I would have noted in various media sources articles on the protest by teachers of Region 5 pertaining to the withholding of salaries. Mr. Editor, would this in turn highlight the similar issue that the teachers of Region 10 are facing? Please note that teachers of the region have been suffering harshly at the hands of the Education officers. Over the past three years, hardworking teachers of the region that hold this country together have been treated like outcasts by the Regional Education Officers. Salaries have been withheld for the following periods and reason: 7 months - leaving the country without permission (urgent medical purposes). 4 months - not resuming duties due to the sudden death of family member. 5 months - for not resum-

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Kaieteur News

ing for duties due to being involved in an accident overseas (medical certificate was sent). Among others, last but not least, 5 months for not wanting to take up a riverain position. The list can go on As I would have read about the “Ghost Education Officer” who is not in Sub District 2 of Region 10, I looked to the sky and wondered; “Has her salary been withheld or is she receiving her salary, allowances and quota of supplies for her appointed position? I looked to the sky and wondered; could the salaries of the ReDO be withheld for not leaving a Region she has performed adequately in and continues to do so? There needs to be an intense investigation and audit on the happenings at the Department of Education Region 10 as soon as possible. Region 10 Teacher

This is divisive, dangerous and historically inaccurate DEAR EDITOR, The debacle over the Commission of Inquiry on Land continues. Citizens are treated to the unattractive spectacle of politicians vying to be champions of the ‘Amerindian’, ‘indigenous’, or ‘first’ peoples’ rights to land depending on their imagined audience. But decisions about land should not be made on grounds of emotion or political convenience. They should be the result of evidence, reason, justice and fairness. If Guyana wants to give separate legal rights to ‘indigenous peoples’ including rights to our national territory, we have a right to know why some count as ‘indigenous peoples’ and others do not. The first step is to identify the ‘indigenous peoples.’ Customary international law gives no definition. ILO 169 suggests criteria but says that ‘self-identification as indigenous or tribal’ is a fundamental criterion. The UN Declaration on the Rights

of Indigenous Peoples took 20 years to negotiate and has no definition because no-one could agree. Anthropologists use ‘indigenous peoples’ to mean people who occupied somewhere before other people arrived as colonists or immigrants – the idea of first in time. ‘Indigenous peoples’ is a controversial and very divisive concept. In Guyana ‘indigenous peoples’ is used as some sort of politically correct or morally superior substitute for ‘Amerindian peoples.’ This is illogical and intellectually slipshod. ‘Indigenous peoples’ and ‘Amerindian peoples’ are not necessarily the same. There are Amerindian tribes who entered Guyana during the Dutch and British colonial administrations. The Amerindian Lands Commission Report for example points out that the Arecuna of Paruima migrated to Guyana from Venezuela in the twentieth century. They do not meet the pre-

colonial requirement to be ‘indigenous peoples’ of Guyana with a corresponding right to land. Some claim that the Wapichan are indigenous people with a right to an ancestral Wapichan territory. The South Central Peoples Development Association and the Forest Peoples Programme (UK) have even (with the support of the EU) produced a map of a claimed autonomous ‘Wapichan territory’ covering 2.8 million hectares or nearly 11,000 square miles in the Rupununi - 13% of Guyana’s territory. But the historical record, archaeological research and anthropologists’ evidence establish that the Wapichan migrated to Guyana from Brazil towards the end of the eighteenth century. They do not meet the requirement for a pre-colonial presence. This so-called ‘Wapichan territory’ appears to be located in what the Venezuelans call their zona en reclamation, on a map produced by the Amerindian

Peoples Liberation Front, a group claiming to represent the nine ‘indigenous’ peoples of Guyana. This is dangerous and divisive and threatens to undermine our national integrity. Guyana does not need to re-invent its history to fit with the tales of conquest and dispossession elsewhere in South America. The Arawaks and Caribs were not victims but willing allies of the Dutch against the African slaves. For centuries Guyana has been a refuge for Amerindians fleeing slavery and later ill-treatment in Venezuela and Brazil. The moment any group claims land on the basis of their status as ‘indigenous peoples,’ they raise divisive and difficult questions about who was here first. That is why Amerindian land rights have never been about proving who are ‘indigenous peoples.’ The Amerindian Lands Commission recommended land settlements based on Continued on page 7

Cultural hegemony and “Massa” ideology determine how we think DEAR EDITOR, I find it interesting that so many speak of change and so many agree that so often change has to come from within the individual as well as influenced by the social circumstances within which we find ourselves. There is also a saying that as we act to change our objective conditions of existence those changes turn around and effect changes in ourselves. However, sometimes the circumstances change but our thinking does not. Very often our thinking goes against our own and our collective interests but we do not even recognise this. We think in a particular way. We think within a particular system of Logics, a specific paradigm. It allows us to arrive at certain conclusions which we accept to be true. The question is even though we think what we know is true, do we ever accept the possibility that our conclusions can be wrong;

how we view things could be wrong. The usual approach is for us to accept to be true that which we accept to be true and reject that which opposes what we accept to be true. But how can we be so sure. Should we not in a controversial situation question what we know as we question that which opposes what we have accepted to be true? But we generally do not do that. So how can possible change take place? How can we be so absolutely sure that that which we know is the truth as opposed to that which confronts what we have accepted? This calls for a conscious decision to try to learn the basis of the ideas that confronts our. It’s easy for us to ask questions that would bore holes into the ideas that con-

front ours. We ask the questions that does just that. But should we not ask questions to more understand where the opposing views are coming from and in that way have two set of ideas in our mental system and so we can reject ours or the other or synthesize them. Do we ever ask ourselves where our ideas come from? Does our brain generate these ideas in the same manner as the liver produces bile? Is it simply coincidence that so many others think in the same manner? Or is it that we were socialized; that we were indoctrinated; that the basic paradigm within which we think, the system of logics that we utilise were as a result of conditioning. Have we ever examined who controls the major instruments for the dissemination of information? I believe

if we did we would realise that 90 percent of it is controlled by the one percent who owns and control most of the wealth. So do we think they would have a reason for manipulating the information? Would they want to disseminate information that would encourage or facilitate our ability to question the present status quo? Or would they disseminate information to make us feel that the way it is, is the only way it can be or should be. Would they want to disseminate information that would demonise any possible alternatives in order to prevent cracks in the system that benefits them? In this way we may have internalised a system of thinking that serves to defend the Continued on page 7

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We made a request to stop the inquiries... From page 4 went further to state that these issues could be corrected or improved. In having the meeting with the APA the President said he hoped “to discuss how the Inquiry could proceed in an acceptable manner to indigenous people and to all Guyana”. In making his five-point proposal, he noted that he would also have to meet with t h e N a t i o n a l To s h a o s Council and other organisations to not only inform them of these proposals but also to listen to their concerns and other proposals they may make. The APA, recognising

that it could not make decisions on behalf of those who do not form part of its constituency, took note of the President’s proposal and made a request for the suspension of all COI activities related to indigenous land until there is more dialogue with all parties concerned and until all agree on the way forward. President Granger agreed to this, and the APA therefore looks forward to all being engaged in resolving issues of concern and to common positions in moving forward. Jean La Rose, Executive Director, Amerindian Peoples Association

This is divisive, dangerous and historically... From page 6 Amerindian occupation and use as at 1966. The Amerindian Act 2006 cut the relevant period down to 25 years. There are other groups in Guyana who are entitled to be considered from the perspectives of fairness and justice. African slaves were here before some Amerindian peoples. Why do African villages have a fraction of the land granted to Amerindian peoples who came after them? Some Portuguese and some indentured Indians were also here before some

Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

Amerindian peoples. What about them? Do today’s sugar workers, the descendants of indentured Indians, have any claim to any of the land which they and their ancestors worked for so long? Claims for land based on some unclear ‘indigenous peoples’ status can be divisive and harmful - especially when based on selfish and historically inaccurate assertions. As a country we have one destiny. Yet, we still struggle to unite as one people and form one nation based on equality and justice for all. Melinda Janki

The GRA may be in violation of this particular law DEAR EDITOR, The 2015 Auditor General’s Report highlighted the continual violation of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, 2003 (FMA) by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The GRA is in the habit of pointing fingers at all and sundry, especially members of the private sector regarding their alleged violations of the law, but when it comes to their own internal transgressions, they make a determined effort to spin the truth. On Page 47 of the 2015 Auditor General’s Report, it reveals that the last GRA Re-

port laid in Parliament was the 2014 Report. I enquired and found that the 2015 Report is still to be laid in Parliament. This is a total violation of the law which clearly state in Article 74 of the FMA that nine (9) months after the closure of the year, the financial statement of all of these entities should be presented to Parliament. So where is the GRA’s Annual Report for 2015? These acts of the GRA of trying to paint their own grave white in order to make it look good compared to others, is a dangerous precedent because the GRA continues

to fail to acknowledge that it has lots of skeletons inside their own grave; exposing the hypocrisy of the leadership of this agency. Organizations like the Ministry of Finance, Bank of Guyana and the GRA ought to be the gold standard on public financial behaviour. To the credit of the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Guyana, they have published their financial statement for 2016 and continue to meet their statutory publication of data. The GRA on the other hand is still to publish their 2015 and 2016 financial statements. This state of af-

An Enabling Environment for Public Service and Justice... From page 4 Harold Lutchman draws attention to this continuing situation, in the public service in particular, and made several recommendations to address the issues. The CoI directs attention to approaches in Commonwealth Caribbean and other states where alternative arrangements are relevant to Guyana in the attempt to restore public confidence in the public bureaucracies and the political directorate. Some of these measures were recommended by two predecessor Commissions of Inquiry but, were not implemented, no doubt to suit the advantage of the political administration of the day. The CoI notes that the Burgess-Hunn Commission had, as early as 1966, recommended that the constitutionally established Public Service Commission and a Public Service Ministry should function under, “…a Public Service law in which the governing principles are laid down. The basic tenets

would be embodied in a Public Service Act.” More pointedly, that Commission had recommended a strong wellstructured and capable Public Service Ministry, buttressed by a Public Service Act which clearly defined the functions of a Public Service Ministry as the premier Ministry responsible for public management and administration. The Act was to define the status and duties of the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry with powers, duties and responsibilities for the effective organization of the departmental and ministerial machinery of Government and human resource management, outside the constitutional remit of the Public Service Commission. In addition, the Commission specifically recommended, “That the Permanent Secretary of the Public Service Ministry, as primus inter pares, be the convener of the Permanent Secretaries’ Committee to discuss and implement ways and means

of improving efficiency and economy.” The Collins Commission of 1969 also supported and recommended the enactment of a Public Service Act. Such a Law, together with the National Constitution, is designed to address actual or potential problems between the political directorate and public servants. The Lutchman CoI of 2016 pointed out that a Public Service Act is a common instrument in the search for effective public management and public administration in CARICOM countries. Such enactments exist in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Belize and the Cayman Islands, and, further afield, in Canada, New Zealand and South Africa. The 2016 CoI recommended the enactment and promulgation of a Public Service Law along the lines of the other countries cited. Such a Public Service Law and related Regulations could promote the effective management and administration of

fairs exposes the lack of focus on accountability at the highest levels in the GRA and Mr. Statia has to be held accountable for this transgression. I am calling upon the Minister to read the riot act on the leadership in the GRA so that they can make right by the people. Further civil society, especially the Private Sector Commission, should raise this as an agenda item for their next meeting with the Minister. Based on the information coming out of GRA of late, there seems to be a lot of financial skullduggery in that agency. Sase Singh the Public Service and insulate and protect it from irregular and undesirable influences, thereby enhancing its status and productive capacity. The Commission also recommended that the Public Service Ministry/Department and the Public Service Commission should be constituted with professional personnel with high integrity to rebuild trust and confidence in the public administration services. These same requirements are applicable to the Judiciary, Constitutional Service Commissions and Statutory Bodies. The CoI further recommended that urgent action be taken to enact a Code conduct for all public servants. Similarly a legally enforceable code of conduct must be enacted for the Executive Members, Ministers, and Members of the National Assembly, who must be obedient, on pain of penalty, to the requirements of the Integrity law. Joshua Singh

Cultural hegemony and “Massa” ideology determine how we think From page 6 interest of the ruling class while we would have lost sight of our own interests. I am sure we have heard of the concept “house slave”. They usually identify with the interests of Massa. Well there is another interesting concept, “cultural hegemony”. Wikipedia dictionary defines Cultural hegemony as, “The domination of a cultur-

ally diverse society by the ruling class who manipulate the culture of that society the beliefs, explanations, perception, values and mores – so that their imposed , ruling class world view become the accepted cultural norm; the universally dominant ideology, which justifies the social, political and economic status quo as natural and inevitable, perpetual and beneficial for everyone, rather than as an artificial social construct that benefits only the ruling class”. Does this educate us to the fact that the working people would have internalised an ideology that is opposed to their own economic interests and circumstances. So the problem is, i guess, is the merger of our information base, a product of cultural hegemony and our ego.

And so we tend to defend our information as if we are defending ourselves. This obviously precludes any change as whenever the information we possess is questioned we instantly move to defend instead of deliberately learning that which opposes Massa’s information. We need to bear in mind that Massa is a minority and to maintain supremacy Massa has to weaken the exploited and what better way than using race, religion, tribe and more recently gender. In Guyana it was easy to use race, We have internalised Massa’s ideology so we do not identify as workers. Ideas and systems that benefits workers have been demonised. We are divided because of race consciousness. We

have to find some way to kindle class consciousness as the stronger class interest grows the weaker race interest become. Weaker, as they are inversely proportional, but the hegemony of the ruling class prevents us from developing class conscious. As we become conscious of this situation we need to commence serious questioning of what we have been taught, what we have internalised and make a special effort to learn the opposing views that may very well reflect our real interests. This is the only approach that can facilitate changes in our selves, in our approach and in the way we organise ourselves. This kind of discussion needs to be continued. I am hoping that there would be some response. Rajendra Bisessar, BSc LLB

Thursday June 22, 2017

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GRA to update unused 7-year-old report By Kiana Wilburg In 2015, there was much talk of a forensic audit being launched into the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). This was supposed to be done by an international firm but it never got off the ground. GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia, believes that the authority is really in need of an operational audit as opposed to a forensic audit. In an exclusive interview, Statia revealed that he has been in talks with Auditor General, Deodat Sharma for an operational audit to be done. He said, “I have actually had discussions with the Auditor General. I don’t want him to do a forensic audit on GRA but I want him to do an operational audit. He has not been doing the work he should be doing. He is looking at the superficial stuff. You need an operational audit to show what is wrong.” While discussions are still

-Tax Chief says Authority in need of Operational audit ongoing with the Auditor General, Statia is making other moves to ensure the improvement of the revenue collecting entity. The tax Chief said that he would be moving to update an old report which was never used by the entity. Statia explained, “In 2007 Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) had done what you call an analytical assessment of the system and (showed) what needs to be done to fix it. (But) that was never instituted. I spoke with them recently and they are prepared to do an update.” The GRA Commissioner General said that PWC officials agreed that they would update the seven-year-old document if GRA was willing to take care of their accommodation and airfare. “I have virtually signed off on that. So we will get an update that will show you what the major weaknesses are at GRA.” Statia said that consid-

ering what GRA wants to accomplish, an Operational Audit is the way to go as opposed to a forensic audit. The tax chief said, “The forensic audit will tell you what is the revenue loss and who should go to jail and these other things, but the problem with forensic audits in this country is that it is being done by people who are not forensic auditors but by normal accountants. “Forensic auditors have a different skill; they look for fraud and look for where the money is buried. We haven’t had that…” It was in May 2015 that the Granger-led administration began expending some $133 million of taxpayers’ money on 45 of the 50 forensic audits to ascertain how the assets of the state were sold, disposed of or transferred under the previous administration. The remaining five audits were supposed to be spon-

sored by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Some of the firms contracted to conduct the forensic audits were Nigel Hinds Financial Service, Ram and Mc Rae and HLB Seebarran and Co. Chartered Accountant Anand Goolsarran and Harryman Parmesar were also contracted to conduct several forensic audits. Nigel Hinds Financial Service earned some $25M for auditing agencies such as the Guyana Oil Company Limited (Guyoil), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) and the Guyana Office for Investment (GoInvest). Ram and McRae bagged some $20M for auditing the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Gold Board and the E-Governance Project among others. Several audits were also launched in July 2015 while others started in later weeks of that year.

Trainee Nurse assaults Dad on Father’s Day Father’s Day 2017 is likely to be a day that Orin Robin would hardly ever forget. The 54-year-old West Berbice father is now counting himself lucky after he was struck in the head with a piece of wood by his 23year-old daughter, a nurse in training. Mr. Robin feels that the situation could have been worse, and he is thankful to be alive. According to O r i n Robin of Number 30 Village, We s t Coast Berbice, he resides with

his wife and two of his children. He had invested in some poultry in order to generate an income. On Father’s Day, around 11:00 hours, Robin was preparing to sell some of the poultry meat when his children, including a third who lives nearby, tried to get in his way. Mr. Robin reported that one of his children had got into the pen and was trying to get as many of the birds into a bag in an effort to get

them away from the pen. Orin Robin responded by blocking the door. There was pulling and tugging of the bag containing the birds when another of the children, a nurse in training, picked up a piece of wood and dealt him a blow on the hand and another to the head. Upon being struck in the head, the victim passed out, and reports are that he remained motionless for about 15 minutes before regaining consciousness.

The injured man was assisted by other relatives and taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital where he was treated and sent away. The matter was reported to the police at Fort Wellington, and charges have since been instituted against father and daughter. They each have been asked to post bail in the sum of $10,000. They are expected to appear in the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Thursday June 22.

GRA Commissioner General, Godfrey Statia While the report on NICIL has been completed for months now, criminal proceedings are still to take shape. Those on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Frequency Management Unit (NFMU) have been completed for a longer period. The forensic audit into the NFMU has unearthed “some of the most appalling acts of corruption”, according to Junior Finance Minister, Jaipaul Sharma. But to date, there have been no charges for acts of corruption. Commenting on the findings of the report, Sharma had said, “There was just no proper management at this unit. There were instances where you could see that they just lost out on millions of dollars’ worth in fees that they should have ensured they collected. There were some defaulters as well, and the agency

just took no action against them.” “(NFMU) could have collected a lot more revenue. Instead (the entity) allowed a lot of favouritism to take place and as such they lost, I would say, millions of dollars in revenue. “They allowed their big PPP boys to slip under the radar while others were called upon to pay their dues. In fact, they weren’t collecting from two of their PPP big boys for some time. It was a lot of unfairness that was going on at that agency.” Sharma had said, “The level of corruption which was taking place at the agency points to the incompetency of those who are managing it.” The Junior Finance Minister said that the revelations of some of the forensic audits thus far, vindicate the concerns the APNU+AFC had regarding the lack of accountability under the previous administration as well as the stench of corruption in some agencies.

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Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

Govt. duplexes to sell for $6.8M; $7M for single units All the government duplexes, be they flat, concrete or wooden, will cost $6.8M. This was disclosed by Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams- Patterson, during an interview with the Department of Public Information/ Government Information Agency (DPI/GINA) yesterday. The CH&PA constructed six duplexes at the Perseverance Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara (EBD). These were on display and for sale at the recently concluded Housing Solution 2017 and Beyond Exposition. Minister AdamsPatterson explained that CH&PA only decided on the cost of the units on Tuesday. “We decided that the duplexes, all the options, will be given the same price.” She noted that the price settled on of $6.8M ($6.5M for the house and $300,000 for the land) is “way below what CHPA spent to build the houses. But we recognise that they are model houses and the persons who will be given those houses really should consider themselves special because I have given it the lowest possible price,” Minister Patterson explained. She explained that CH&PA chose to price both the concrete and wooden duplexes at the same value, for the reason that just about $500,000 would have separated the cost of building the two units. She noted that lumber used to construct the wooden duplex was just $500,000 less than the cost of building the concrete units. She explained that initially, the land on which the duplexes were constructed

was priced at $500,000. “If you look across to the Turn Key houses, those occupants had to pay $500,000, so I broke it down to $300,000,” the minister explained. CH&PA had also constructed two single elevated units, at the Perseverance location for the exposition. Minister Adams-Patterson explained that the price for these will be $7M; $6.5M for the house and $500,000 for the land. She said that CH&PA chose not to reduce the cost for that land that the single elevated units were built on, “because it’s an entire house and persons have the option of enclosing the downstairs if they so desire,” the minister highlighted. In determining the prices for the unit, the government has subsidised the cost for the land and taken onboard the cost for infrastructure for duplexes. Each unit will cost government over $2M, Adams-Patterson explained. In an earlier interview, Chief Executive Officer(CEO,) of CH&PA Lelon Saul had indicated that the actual cost of the units is twice the cost for which they are being sold. “Because we would have used the best of the local woods, it influenced the actual cost for the buildings, so what we intend to do in the future, maybe the internal works in the building in the floor perhaps, we might use some other form of hardwood instead of greenheart and for the external work… we would use greenheart and perhaps we could reduce the size of the lumber to bring down the cost a little without compromising the integrity of the buildings,” the CEO had ex-

Minister within the Ministry of Communities, Valerie Adams-Patterson

Some of the units during the recent housing show at Perseverance, East Bank Demerara. plained. On the issue of financing, Minister AdamsPatterson said that CH&PA is engaging the banks to get them onboard. “I can say Republic Bank is already onboard. Now that we have settled on the price we are now going to do a prequalification for those who have registered and we are going to issue letters to them, which they will take to the bank and whoever the bank qualifies will get the houses,” she said. Minister AdamsPatterson reiterated that the government does have the ability to meet all the people’s expectations and demand. Therefore, CH&PA will be

engaging the private sector to build some of the models. As for the single houses which were constructed by the private developers at Perseverance, which were on display and for sale during the exposition, Minister AdamsPatterson reiterated that “the exhibitors are responsible for their own pricing.” A direct spinoff from the expo has seen a renewed interest in the CH&PA’s housing solutions since over 3000 persons applied during the Expo for units. The data collected from the expo is expected to guide this effort. It will also impact future government housing

solutions being offered to the public, when government moves to construct more single units and duplexes across the regions. Government is moving to spark the housing sector after CH&PA ran out of lands to cater for 20,000-plus appli-

cations on file. The entity is moving to take back lands sold to private developers but who failed to build according to conditions. The housing sector has benefitted the economy in recent years with the spinoffs.

Coke swallowing ‘Roach’ gets three years A construction worker yesterday made an appearance before City Magistrate Fabayo Azore in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts and was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and fined $1.5M. This was after he pleaded guilty to possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking charge. Thirty-two-year-old Rudolph Muir, known as “Roach”, of Lot 3 Enterprise, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, pleaded guilty to the charge which alleged that between June 18 and June 19 at Woodlands Hospital he had in his possession 592 grams of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Facts presented by Custom Anti Narcotics Unit Prosecutor Konyo Sandiford stated that on June 18 the accused was an outgoing passenger on Caribbean Airline to Barbados. The court heard that while the accused was at the checkpoint he was observed acting in a suspicious man-

ner. Ranks from the Custom Anti Narcotics Unit questioned him after which he admitted to swallowing a quantity of cocaine pellets. He was then taken to the Woodlands Hospital where an x-ray was conducted and certain images were seen. The prosecutor told the court that on June 18 the accused excreted a total of 72 pellets in the presence of officers. The court heard that the accused disclosed to the ranks the name of the person who supplied him with the cocaine and the fact that he was promised US$1,700 to traffic the narcotics. He was represented by Attorney Adrian Thompson who told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner for his family, has no previous matter or pending matter. Senior magistrate Fabayo Azore sentenced the accused to three years citing his early guilty plea and the fact that he did not waste the court’s time.

Thursday June 22, 2017

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

THE WPA WAS BEING SIDELINED The President does not feel that the Working People’s Alliance is being sidelined. But he has not made any compelling arguments to support his position. The logic of the President is that all of the parties in the coalition are represented in the National Assembly and in the Cabinet. Therefore, according to this reasoning, since all of the parties are represented in Cabinet and the National Assembly there is no sidelining. This is most disingenuous argument which borders on the ridiculous. It is intended to obfuscate rather than clarify things. For one, the WPA was neither consulted nor did it select anyone to represent the party in the National Assembly. If the WPA is to be believed, then Dr. Roopnaraine was handpicked and therefore cannot be said to repre-

sent the WPA. Did the Justice for All Party meet and decide who would be its representative in the National Assembly and in the Cabinet? The very manner in which persons from the smaller political parties, including the WPA, were selected to be part of Cabinet and the National Assembly constitutes the sidelining of the parties. The APNU+AFC is a coalition. It means that there has to be mechanism for decisionmaking. The APNU has to meet and propose policies for the coalition. The WPA says that the APNU has not been meeting. Does this failure to meet not constitute the sidelining of the smaller parties of the coalition? If Dr. Roopnaraine was not the WPA nominee in the government, then how can it

be said that he represents the WPA? He may be from the WPA but he does not represent the WPA unless he was selected by the WPA. The President’s reasoning is faulty. He has to come better than this nonsense. The problem which the coalition faces is that the PNCR has decided to dominate the government. This is the reason why the APNU has not met since the last elections. It has not met because the PNCR is comfortable within its domination of the APNU. It does not wish for the APNU to be meeting so that the smaller parties can make their input. If the parties of the APNU have been meeting, the issue of sidelining would not have arisen because the WPA would have had no excuse to claim that it was being sidelined.

Dem boys seh...

Brassington and Ashni nervous Every day when somebody wake up dem does give praise and thanks to de Man Above. He mek dem see a new day. But it got people who don’t appreciate de day. Dem does do all kind of thing. Some of dem does go and thief and get ketch. If de person who ketch dem got a good heart, de thief might only get a licking. But if de person got a temper is dead dat thief dead. Some of de smart ones does run away as soon as dem smell de rat, not Bar Rat. Dem boys sit back and smile when dem hear de one get ketch in Canada. He pack up and go way after he get heself involved in crookishness wid some old scamp. Somebody give him a tip off and he run. He lef he wife and pickney behind. All dem crook who thief in Guyana does run to de States and Canada. Dem use to be safe because dem country had serious problem wid Jagdeo. Now-a-days once dem

ketch you over there is right back you coming. De one who did run and lef he wife getting a free trip back to Guyana; he can’t seh he ain’t got money to buy a plane ticket. Ashni hear de news and he now getting nervous. He too run and lef he wife and pickney in Guyana and he gone to Washington. When he was running he tell people how he going to de Seychelles fuh throw people off de track. Uncle Sam now got eyes pun him. All SOCU got to do is give de word. Brassington in Florida in de same boat. Dem boys seh he planning to go to Cuba because Uncle Sam would not go there to hold him and de Cubans wouldn’t send him back to Guyana unless he commit a crime. Nuff people nervous but dem boys seh de scamps can always run to Brazil and Venezuela. Nobody wouldn’t look at dem two times. Talk half and enjoy de nervous moments.

It is the failure of the APNU governing council to meet that has resulted in the present situation. Should the WPA have voiced its concerns in the public? Yes, it was obligated to do so. The WPA is part of a coalition. It has an obligation to its members to demonstrate that it is taking an independent line. It has a right, as do all parties to any coalition, to express its views in public. The AFC did the same. The AFC made no bones about the fact that it was opposed to parking meters arrangement and it was opposed to taxes on education. The President did not harangue the AFC for publicly breaking ranks on this issue. But he wants to pick a bone

with the WPA for stating its position on the coalition. The WPA is part of a coalition but it is also an independent party which is free to take any position it wants, including being critical of the government. Accommodation has to be made for differences in any coalition, including public spats. If the WPA did not feel sidelined, it would never have called for consultations with the government. If it did not raise its con-

cerns in public, it would never have had its audience with the President because the WPA says it was calling for APNU to meet and APNU was not meeting. The WPA must keep open the option of pulling out of the coalition even if it does not plan to do so, because unless it has this option it will continue to be sidelined.

PAGE 10

Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

The ignorance of Clement Rohee has no parallel in the world There is a very long letter by Clement Rohee analyzing the actors within the APNU formation and tracing the intrigues among the partners in that Alliance. Rohee’s name will forever be associated with the facetious saying; “goat ain’t bite meh.” He made use of that local lingo when he was asked if he is considering running for the presidency for the 2011 elections. He answered, “Why not, goat ain’t bite meh.” Most people from there on believed that the goat indeed bit Rohee because his deportment subsequent to that exclamation pointed and still points in that direction. Why would Rohee write such a long letter informing the Guyanese people about

Rupert Roopnaraine and the WPA and their relationship with the PNC inside APNU and who won and who lost out when most Guyanese would give anything to read an analysis from Rohee about the more absorbing intrigues in the PPP since Cheddi Jagan died. The answer is ignorance. It is ignorance because who cares about the infighting of a two year old government as compared to what happened in the PPP? There are literally hundreds of fascinating questions about the long knives in the PPP that eventually give rise to a completely unknown young man in the PPP as against stalwarts like Rohee. If a poll is taken, most people would say they are

more interested in the conspiracies in the PPP; in who undermined whom, and who destroyed whom after Jagan died paving the way for the rise of Bharrat Jagdeo. And even more riveting, would be why is Jagdeo the Opposition Leader and not Rohee himself or former President, Donald Ramotar? Speaking for myself as a historian and social analyst, I am more interested in the realpolitik inside the PPP that led to Jagdeo being far more powerful than Rohee in the PPP rather than read about why Roopnaraine and the WPA lost out to the PNC in APNU. Testifying in libel proceedings that Jagdeo brought against me, Roger Luncheon said under oath that he first

knew about Bharrat Jagdeo and met with him after 1992. If the PPP was in opposition from 1964 to October 1992 (about 28 years) and Luncheon only knew about a fellow named Bharrat Jagdeo after 1992 then the most dynamic question on the lips of any Guyanese who follows politics is how such a person in 1999 became the President inside the PPP Government. That has to be one of the most enduring mysteries in politics anywhere in the world. Yet this man who said goat didn’t bite him wants to describe for us, conspiracies in the APNU that led to Rupert Roopnaraine losing the Ministry of Education. Really! Who cares about that? People want to know more of

why Rohee, Nagamootoo, Ralph Ramkarran, Gail Teixeira, and Roger Luncheon got shafted rather than why Roopnaraine was shafted. Again, I repeat, this can only be ignorance in the sense of

Frederick Kissoon being wild and silly. Instead of writing about how the PNC reduced the WPA to nothing in the APNU formation, Rohee needs to do the decent thing and tell us how a virtual unknown in the PPP at age 38 reduced him to nothing. In being reduced to nothing, Rohee needs to answer the following question. Why didn’t he contest the presidential slot in 2011? After all, goat didn’t bite him? How did Ramkarran come to lose out to Ramotar for the

2011 elections? What did he, Rohee, say to Ramkarran to cause Ramkarran to quit the PPP? Ramkarran was insulted at an executive meeting and was so hurt that he resigned. The two persons cited as the offenders were Teixeira and Rohee. So is Rohee going to tell us about that incident? Why did Rohee lose out to Jagdeo for the post of General-Secretary (leader)? Can Rohee use his extensive knowledge of the biology of the PPP (he was and has been part of that biology for more than thirty years) to explain why “there is no place for Donald.” The phrase, “no place for Donald” was coined by Rupert Roopnaraine during the 2011 election campaign. It was reference to the fact that all of Ramotar’s contemporaries in the PPP secured Cabinet or top public sector posts after the PPP came to power in 1992 except “De Donald.” The phrase was reborn because after the 2015 defeat, there was no place for Donald as General Secretary, as a parliamentarian and in an office at Freedom House. Will Rohee write on these things? No, he cannot; the goat has bitten him.

Thursday June 22, 2017

Granger insists that WPA not side-lined

President David Granger has definitively stated that the Working People’s Alliance (WPA) has not been side-lined in any way within the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and Alliance for Change (AFC) coalition government. Granger made this position clear yesterday following the swearing in of Dela Britton as Chairperson of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). He was asked to respond to allegations by members of the WPA that their party is being side-lined in the coalition. The allegations against the APNU coalition of sidelining the WPA were made as recent as Monday during a WPA press conference. There, WPA Executive Member, Tacuma Ogunseye said, “The WPA was completely side-lined, and there is no question about that. We may argue about why; but, any objective examiner would come to that conclusion.” He went further to say that the APNU has not met for close to two years. As a result, he said that the ministries in government are being driven by Cabinet decisions and not from the involvement of political parties. Also present at the press conference was another Executive Member of the WPA, Dr. David Hinds. He said that in addition to the WPA there are other parties in the coalition that have complained about being side-lined within the government. “We have not side-lined any party,” President Granger said. On July 15, 2011, five parties formed the APNU; the

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Kaieteur News

President David Granger Guyana Action Party (GAP), the Justice For All Party (JFAP), National Front Alliance (NFA), Working People’s Alliance and the People’s National Congress.” The President said that he was very careful in 2015 to ensure that each party in the APNU is represented in the National Assembly and has a position. “So Minister Keith Scott represented NFA, Minister Jaipaul Sharma represented the JFAP, Minister Sydney Allicock represented the Guyana Action Party (GAP), and Minister Roopnaraine represented the Working People’s Alliance (WPA).” He reiterated that each party has been represented and there has been no sidelining of any one of the parties. He said that all selections made after the May 2015 General and Regional Elections were based on his commitment to have inclusionary democracy and to ensure that all

parties of the coalition are represented. The President was further asked whether he was concerned about the allegations. “I run a coalition and I do not attack my partners. I have not expressed any concern; I have not reacted but I know where we are going. I know the importance of the coalition to social cohesion, to inclusionary democracy and to the future of this country.” He said that it is not possible for the business of the coalition to be efficiently and effectively transacted in the media, “I don’t do business like that.” The President was quizzed on why consultations were not done before the nominations for government Ministers were made. He said that it is inconceivable that members from six coalition parties would have been nominated without each party being consulted. Granger said that one of the more important issues that need to be considered is how that allegation came to be made. He said that each representative of the political parties was a nominee of those parties. Last Saturday, the WPA and the President participated in a meeting concerning the reassignment of Dr Rupert Roopnaraine to the Public Service Ministry.

Paddy production for first crop exceeds 500,000 tonnes In spite of the challenges facing rice farmers across the country, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has reported that farmers would have harvested a total of 89,290 hectares for the first crop of this year. This figure represents a 23 percent increase over the first crop of 2016. Further, paddy production for this crop was also announced at 518,667 metric tonnes – a 26 percent increase over the corresponding period last year. According to the GRDB, the figures tells the story of an industry that is resilient and of a rice farming community that continues to produce in ever increasing quantities despite hardships relative to cost of production and price paid to them per bag of paddy. General Manager (Acting) of the GRDB, Allison Peters, was upbeat about the performance of the local rice industry.

“The first crop figures have been better despite all that have occurred in the industry. Farmers are resilient...Additionally, from paddy supplied to millers across the rice-growing regions, 337,133 tonnes of rice was produced. This is a 26 percent increase over last year’s first crop figures,” Peters said. However, while there have been increases in production, the rice board has been grappling with a decrease in exports of rice and paddy for the first four months of the year. This is as a result of exports to the Panama market for the first crop not being realized. For the first crop this year, exports amounted to 239,442 metric tonnes, some 60,000 tonnes less than for the same period last year. Foreign exchange earnings from the export of rice and paddy amounted to US$92,026. Peters noted that while the exports were significantly lower than for the

corresponding period last year, the comparative value of the exports was not much different. “We did notice that the prices in 2017 first quarter were higher than those we got in 2016; specifically for the packaged rice; a lot of packaged rice was exported for the first quarter. A large portion of this was exported to Venezuela” she said. “Only last month we had over 4000 tonnes of white rice exported to Venezuela by private exporters,” she added. The GRDB officials are upbeat that once the international prices continue to hold or increase, Guyana’s earnings from the exports of rice and paddy for the second crop can very well make up for the shortfall in exports in the first crop. Meanwhile, the GRDB says exports to Panama began earlier this month and are expected to continue for the rest of the year. Commenting on the Continued on page 23

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Kaieteur News

Thursday June 22, 2017

Cops to question neighbour in GCCI clarifies pre-qualification position death of eight-year-old boy

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce [GCCI] made no request of Public Health Minister, Ms. Volda Lawrence, to scrap the prequalification system for drug suppliers. GCCI in a statement issued yesterday made this clear even as it pointed out that it had instead “asked for an explanation as to why the current sole sourcing of drugs and medical supplies was being carried out by the Ministry of [Public] Health and the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.” The article to which the GCCI referred was published in the Saturday June 17, 2017 edition of this newspaper and was headlined “Government to scrap pre-qualification of drug suppliers.” According to the article, GCCI had informed that “Minister of Health, Volda Lawrence, has promised an end to the controversial system of prequalifying drug suppliers...” But according to the GCCI, the forgoing line of the article has implied that entity is in support of an end to the Ministry of Health’s prequalification system for drug suppliers. As such the GCCI has

Public Health Minister, Ms. Volda Lawrence asked for a clarification of the paragraph which it claimed has suggested that the Commission requested of the Minister to end the pre-qualification system. The article quoted GCCI President, Deodat Indar, as saying, “We had constructive discussions with her [Minister Lawrence] and we will have quarterly meetings to check on the progress on the items discussed.” He said that public procurement practices for health care supplies were highlighted as a major concern of the GCCI and added “She explained that the system is being redesigned to accommo-

date everyone. She mentioned that things like prequalification of contractors in that sector will no longer be used and everyone will have a fair chance to bid for contracts on a clean slate.” According to the GCCI, the Minister did indicate that the government is currently moving away from the prequalification system and is redesigning the system to accommodate everyone. It was also pointed out that the Chamber is aware that provisions are made for pre-qualification in the procurement act of 2003 and forms an integral part of the World Health Organisation’s quality assurance system. It was noted in the statement, too, that most recently [this year], the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States [OECS] that procures pharmaceuticals and medical devices for a combined population of over 600,000, has implemented a prequalification system. Abandoning the system of pre-qualification, a global standard in the procurement of medicine is counter-intuitive to the advancement of patient safety in the public sector, GCCI outlined in its statement.

Investigators are hoping to question a neighbour, in whose yard the body of eightyear-old Isaiah Smartt was discovered on Tuesday, one day after he went missing. The lad’s body was found floating in a small drain a few houses from his mother’s home at ‘E’ Field Sophia. Kaieteur News was informed that the body was found a stone’s throw from the neighbour’s backdoor, just next to her bathroom. While the woman is claiming that she did not see the child, ranks found this strange since the body can be seen from her backdoor. What is even strange is the fact that the body was found close to her bathroom’s door. Once she would have gone to the bathroom, it would have been impossible for her not to see the child’s remains floating in the water. The child’s mother, Joycelyn Pickett, said that she is waiting on the Post Mortem examination before commenting on his death. She admitted that she found her son’s demise strange. She described the drain as being about two-feet deep with about 12 inches of water. Recalling what transpired, Pickett noted that the lad left home with his sister on Monday. A relative saw him cutting callaloo with a cutlass in his sister’s backyard while dressed in a raincoat and long boots. He was using his little sister’s umbrella. After cutting the callaloo, he was seen walking through an alleyway which leads to his father’s home—this was the last time he was seen alive. Pickett said when her son did not return home, she thought that he was at his father’s

Dead: Isaiah Smartt home since the man lives in the same neighbourhood. “His sister thought that he was mad at me and I thought he was at his father. On Tuesday afternoon, my great nephew went to fill water in the neighbour yard when he saw the umbrella. He picked it up and he saw the coat floating,” Pickett said. Upon further examination, they discovered that it was the child’s remains. Pickett said that her great nephew took a stick and tried to pull him out. According to the child’s mother, she was told that when her great nephew took the stick to pull the rain coat, the neighbour started shouting on him. Yesterday, ranks went to her home but the woman was not there. Isaiah was the youngest of nine siblings.

Thursday June 22, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Saudi king empowers young reformer son in succession shake-up (Reuters) Saudi Arabia’s King Salman made his son next in line to the throne yesterday, handing the 31-yearold sweeping powers as the kingdom seeks a radical overhaul of its oil-dependent economy and faces mounting tensions with regional rival Iran. Although Mohammed bin Salman’s promotion to crown prince had long been expected among those who follow the royal family closely, the timing was a surprise and puts the kingdom’s future in relatively untested hands. Mohammed bin Salman replaces his cousin, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, a veteran security chief who led the Saudi campaign against Islamic State and al Qaeda, at a time when Riyadh faces tensions with Qatar and Iran and is locked into a war in Yemen. His appointment may make Saudi policy more hawkish against arch-rival Iran and other Gulf rivals such as Qatar, increasing volatility in an already unstable region, analysts said. “Under his watch, Saudi Arabia has developed aggressive foreign policies (Yemen, Qatar) and he has not been shy about making strong statements against Iran,” said Olivier Jakob at Switzerlandbased oil consultancy

Petromatrix. “It is not really a question of if, but rather of when, a new escalation with Iran starts.” U.S. President Donald Trump, who last month made Saudi Arabia his first foreign stop since his election, telephoned Mohammed bin Salman to congratulate him on his promotion. “The two leaders discussed the priority of cutting off all support for terrorists and extremists, as well as how to resolve the ongoing dispute with Qatar,” the White House said in a statement, adding they also discussed efforts to achieve a lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Qatar ’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani congratulated Prince Mohammed, in a conciliatory gesture to Riyadh after it joined other Arab states in imposing sanctions on Qatar over its alleged support for terrorism. “His Highness (Sheikh Tamim) wished him success ... for the good of the kingdom under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Tw o H o l y M o s q u e s , ” Sheikh Tamim said in a message to Prince Mohammed, Qatar state news agency

QNA reported. British Prime Minister Theresa May also welcomed Prince Mohammed’s appointment. I r a n , S a u d i Arabia’s

main rival for regional inf l u e n c e , called Prince Mohammed’s appointment a “soft coup”. Its leadership was critical of comments he made

last month that the “battle” should be taken into Iran, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei labeling Saudi leaders as “idiots”.

Iran, which is predominantly Shi’ite Muslim, and Saudi Arabia, which is mostly Sunni, compete for power and influence across the region.

PAGE 22

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Canter Driver; must have a lorry License contact 2235273/74 One live in domestic and gardener to work in Mahaicony River. Call: 6559419/ 225-6571 One experienced cook for various types of vegetarian dishes, working hours from 7:00am-2:00pm, Monday Saturday 623-1615

TO LET 4 AC Rooms/ 1 extra room, for business/offices @ 21 Seaforth St. C/Ville, Georgetown. Call: 2261877, 624-7436, 654-9350 1 Bedroom bottom flat apartment -$45,000, 1 Bedroom upstairs apartment - $50,000, Garnett street, N/ town Kitty. Call: 226-2421, 652-5778 2 & 3 Bedrooms apartment, recently renovated, fully tiled & free Wi-Fi @ Nandy Park. Call: 641-3318 Alberttown - $50,000, $80,000, $40,000; Mandela -$80,000, ($250,000 – business), South - $100,000, Eccles, Durban Backland & many more. Call: 231-2199/ 660-7710 Huge one bedroom upper flat apartment in Bougainvillea in Park, Farm, E.B.D, Available as of July. Call: 616-7635

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2 Story building with extralarge land in well built $74.5M. Call: 220-1583 between 7am-5pm only. Beautiful 2 storey concrete, 4 bedroom property for sale at Rumzeight Garden, W.C.D with AC/ Hot & Cold water. Call: 699-9666/ 269-0189 House for sale, 2 flat, no flooding, 6ft fence, price $18M negotiable. Call: 2335400, 218-0595 One three bedroom concrete house for sale Contact Mala: 917-254-2909, location: Vryheid’s Lust, North. Call: 699-4111/626-2208 Aubrey Barker - $28M, Greenheart -$25M, Norton Street -$11M, ½ Mile - $16M, Atlanticville - $28M, Kitty $10M, $30M. Call: 231-7805/ 618-7483

Experienced salesgirls @ Christine’s Variety Store, Lombard Street. Call: 2278529

One live in domestic, must know to cook “roti & curry” from county side, 18yrs-25yrs old. Call: 680-7402

2 Waitresses ages 18-30yrs old. Apply in person @ Flatshop, 245 Sheriff St., C/ Ville (between Pike & John Smith Sts.) Opposite Sankar’s. Call: 697-4576 One maid attractive salary offered. Call: 663-4876 We are buying land anywhere in Guyana, residential house lots & others. Call: 651-1969/ 6292881 Waitress to work in Superbet Bar. Call: 628-4776 Hardworking, pleasant, physically fit, literate, team player (Plant Shop Staff) 1825 years. Tel: 646-2108, Georgetown

VACANCY One experienced pharmacy assistant to work in a reputable pharmacy in G/ Town (flexible hours). Call: 227-0630 Office Assistant: passes in Maths and English, computer Literacy, submit CV: ifsvs@hotmail.com One female cleaner for office in Eccles call 233-2745. American Variety Store, 140 Regent & Light Street, Georgetown: experienced cashier and Salesgirl, apply in person. Night Auditor, apply to Manager, Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira Street. Immediate vacancy for 2 females to work @ Ice Factory in Blairmont, must have Maths, English. Call: 231-1408/642-9191 Accounts clerk: English A (Grade 1) , Mathematics, P.O.A (Grade 2), knowledge of NIS, PAYE, VAT &QuickBooks @ Technical Services, Eccles. Call 6144358 Maid for Nandy Park. Please call 614-4358 Janitor/Cleaner @ Shakoor’s Seafood, Eccles. Call: 233-2546

Female worker wanted that finished CXC 2017. Call: 6225518

Security to work at hotel. Call: 626-1501

1 Hilux Surf 3Y Engine. Call: 626-3644

ACCOMMODATION Journey Inn apartment rental, short term with AC & Kitchen, as low as -$15US. Call: 6421783/ 646-3011634/7182301695

Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

LAND FOR SALE Prime Gold & Diamond Mining Land for sale contact 223-5273/74

Drivers: Truck & Tractor, Manager Assistant – must have CXC, female clerk/ receptionist, attractive salaries, handyboy -$25,000 weekly. Call: 220-2878

Land at 42 Coglan Dam, size: 37X270 price -$5.5M negotiable. Call Mr. Howes: 677-9938 or Mrs Clarke: +13473870537 Land for sale at Block “12” Lot 176, First Street, Non Pariel, E.C.D- Call: 669-5532/ 270-5302 La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.4M, Farm -$2.8M, Herstelling $4M, Uivlugt -$2.6M, Bartica -$3M. Call: 651-1969/ 6292881 La Parfaite Harmonie, main road, business spot - $2M, $1.4M, $1.2M, $1M, Farm $3.5M, Tuschen -$1.3M, Herstelling - $3.5M. Call: 6662326

One female domestic to work in Trinidad. ages between 25 40yrs. Free accommodation. Call or whatsap: 1868- 683-1528

La Parfaite Harmonie -$1.8M, $1.4M, $1.2M, $1M, Herstelling $3.5M, Tuschen Phase II -$1.2M, Eccles $5.5M. Call: 604-6724/ 6869608

Experienced Handyboy @ Christine’s Variety @ Lombard Street. Call: 227-8529

MASSAGE Neisha’s Massage Spa. Call: 674-8147

LEARN TO DANCE Dance to keep fit, lose weight build self-esteem while having fun, variety of styles. Call: 626-2629/676-6312 Learn Latin dancing in 2 months starting June 26, 2017 at 5:30pm Every Monday & Thursday For more info call 695-1325

LEARN TO DRIVE C. Persaud & N. Outar Driving School formerly Soman & Sons Driving School @ Maraj BuildingCall: 644-5166; 622-2872; 6150964; 689-5997 (affordable packages). Continued on page 23

Thursday June 22, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Detective grilled under cross examination in ‘Boyo’ murder PI Police Inspector Suraj Singh, a detective, was grilled when he faced cross examination by Bernard De Santos, Senior Counsel, during the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder of Ganesh Ramlall called ‘Boyo’. The PI continued yesterday in the Leonora Magistrate’s Court. Lennox ‘Soldier Man’ Roberts, 32, of 2279 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara; Fazeel ‘Javed’ Bacchus, 21, of 7 Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara and Kurt ‘Banana’ Erskine, 35, of 285 Section ‘C’, Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara are currently on remand for the indictable offence. The killing occurred on July 5, 2015 at La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara. Yesterday, Inspector Singh was recalled by Special Prosecutor Nigel Hughes, to testify in the Voir Dire (trial within a trial) which is being conducted by Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool to determine the admissibility of an

alleged caution statement the police witness took from Roberts. De Santos at a previous court hearing had objected to the alleged caution statement being admitted into evidence on the ground that his client was viciously attacked by Inspector Singh. Also testifying was Police Corporal Heranjan Deonarine. This PI is scheduled to continue on June 30. Police Sergeants Rodwell Sarrabo and Salaish Roopnarine had previously testified. According to reports, Ramlall of Lot C La Jalousie, West Coast Demerara was reportedly shot seven times about the body after bandits attacked his home. The 48-year-old owner of Regent Multiplex Mall had reportedly just returned home from a barbecue, when he was accosted by four men, one of whom shot him to the head and chest before relieving him of jewelry and a wallet before escaping.

From page 22

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Paddy production for first crop exceeds 500,000 tonnes From page 11 production effort of Guyana’s rice farmers for this first crop, Peters was loud in her praise of the improvements reported in terms yield and the quality of paddy supplied to millers. “Our extension officers have been in the field working with our farmers to ensure that as far as possible they continue to incorporate the six agronomic practices that have been proven to increase all aspects of production and productivity” she said. Peters added that because

No Opposition Board representative... From page 17 “When we examine section 8 which deals with the Power of the Minister to give directions to the Commission, it is clear that the Commission will hardly be able to work without the direction and control of the Minister.” However, Trotman during his presentation had said that Ministers of State being creatures of statute are authorised from time to time, to devolve some of their powers to statutory agencies known as semi-autonomous agencies.He said that it is ‘alien’ that Ministers will have no say in the work of an agency or board. “There is no state agency in Guyana that does not come under the oversight of a Minister. If you are responsible for the agency or department, you have to exercise some authority over it.”

of these improved farming practices some farmers have been reporting yields of up to 60 bags per acre. She said also, that overall, Guyana’s national yield per acre has moved from 35 bags to 37.5 this last crop, adding that this upward trend will only continue as more farmers adopt the six-point plan and monitor their crops closely from start to finish. Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder, in an invited comment spoke of some of the successes the Ministry continues to record due to the incorporation of the sixpoint system in rice cultivation, noting that it has resulted in a movement in the national average yield per

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acre from 35 to 37 bags per acre. “The survival of our rice farmers and the industry as a whole hinges on farmers realizing higher yields per acre as only in this way will they be able to cushion the increasing cost of production and remain viable.” THE ISSUE OF PADDY BUG The Minister, however, cautioned that while there have been reports of farmers suffering as a result of paddy bug infestation, farmers and millers have indicated a significant reduction when compared to other crops. The Minister has echoed a call for all players to work together in the best interest

of the industry and the country as a whole. He lauded the efforts of Guyana’s rice farmers across Guyana for their hard work for this first crop, urging them to put their shoulders to the wheel in making the second crop this year a record breaking one. The focus for the Rice Board is now on preparations for the second crop. The GRDB has projected a second crop target of 85,021 hectares to be sown. To aid farmers in their preparations for this crop, the GRDB have commenced issuing fertilizer to farmers on credit – the provision of quality seed paddy is also being assured.

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PLANNING AN EVENT? BIRTHDAY PARTY, GRADUATION,WEDDINGS, ANNIVERSARY, ETC. CALL DIAMOND TENTS: 216-1043; 677-6620 Apartments – $45,000$160,000. Call: 644-5151 1 - 3 Bedrooms self-contained fully furnished upstairs in Diamond, 4-2 bedrooms apartment in Providence, furnished and unfurnished. Call: 672-1906/ 216-2299 Salon stations to rent; facilities available for spa & massage. Call:642-6204 or 227-4198 4 Rooms for rental on top flat, bottom flat for business, 230 South Road Bourda. Call: 653-4366/ 690-9948 3 Bedrooms bottom flat apartment, fully refurbished $65,000 monthly with 2 months security.Call: 2201583 between 7am-5pm only 2 Bedrooms bottom flat @ Happy Acres, E.C.D. Call: 220-3690 or 667-9539 New 2 Bedrooms house for rent with grill (low cost rental) @ Kuru Kururu. Call: 6271050/626-1027

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Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

Barbados PM wants region to have a new look at “brain drain” argument BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart says to describe the export of Caribbean nationals to countries across the world as a brain drain “is to see the glass as half-empty”. “I have never seen the export of manpower as a disadvantage because it is important to have our own people strategical l y dispersed across the world, especially in metropolitan countries,’ Stuart said while meeting the new Chancellor of the U n i v e r s i t y of the West Indies (UWI), Robert Bermudez. A government statement issued here Tuesday noted that the Chancellor agreed that Caribbean nationals abroad could be assets to the region, but he said this could only happen if they saw themselves as Caribbean people living abroad rather than “people who came from the region”. However he said, the challenge was to figure out how to keep these nationals engaged. Bermudez said the responsibility of the UWI was to produce nationals who understood the important role they had to play in the region’s development. “The more our graduates

Barbados PM Freundel Stuart see themselves as citizens, the more we can solve our social problems. We need a lot of hands on deck at a lot of levels,” he added. Prime Minister Stuart pointed to the need for the University to direct its focus to issues such as entrepreneurship and innovation, as it sought to respond to some of the region’s more pressing challenges. “It is perceived that one of the areas of regional deficit is in developing an entrepreneurial and innovative culture and it is thought that that is the direction the University needs to take,” he added.

The statement said that Bermudez maintained “we have to teach young people to be disrupters. Entrepreneurship is really people’s willingness to be disruptive and the UWI must encourage that. To try to stop it is a losing proposition, so we must embrace it. “The University has to be more engaging. It must become more integrated because we need people in all kinds of areas to help,” Bermudez said, noting that the Caribbean is made up of micro-economies and it was important to stick together and speak with a collective voice in order to have relevance in the world.

Jamaica launches programme to benefit juveniles within State correctional institutions KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Jamaica has launched a programme that will allow juveniles within State correctional facilities to benefit from mentorship, skills training and job placement. Dubbed the ‘WE TRANSFORM’ programme, the youth empowerment and reintegration initiative will target 272 children, aged 12 to 17 years, who are on remand or serving a sentence within the four juvenile centres operated by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). The programme aims to equip the children in these facilities with the requisite skill sets, character, attitude and support to become productive law-abiding citizens. National Security Minister, Robert Montague, said the programme is one of the “out-of-the-box strategies which we know will contribute to the reduction in the youth offending and reoffending, and, by extension, crime in Jamaica”.

“My Ministry believes that each of these young persons deserves a second chance in life. We are committed to helping our young offenders to get back on the right side of the law and remain there,” he said. State Minister for National Security, Pearnel Charles Jr., noted that the programme “is the dream coming true for us to be able to establish programmes which allow us to continue the restoration of our youth to transform our country”. “We hope it will become a flagship programme in the Ministry, one of the more strategic (inputs) for us to advance our youth rehabilitation initiatives,” he said. He said that crucial to the success of the programme is support from all stakeholders, including the private sector, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), international partners, churches, parents and other interest groups. State Minister for

Education, Youth and Information, Floyd Green, welcomed the programme, noting the importance of restoration and reintegration when treating with young offenders. “We must be focused on transforming our children who come into contact with our correctional service, and, despite the circumstances, we must all believe that our children can be transformed,” he said. The programme, which begins immediately, will be implemented in two phases. Phase one will include youth engagement in innovative training in academics, vocational education, employability and life skills; and a mentorship and internship/job placement programme. This phase will also involve a segment on healthy lifestyle, where young offenders will be engaged in life skills training in substance abuse, reproductive health and other health-related matters.

Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

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Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

OAS nations make last-ditch effort to condemn Venezuela for crisis Mexico and the United States pushed yesterday to condemn Venezuela’s government for its handling of the political and economic crisis in the South American country, on the final day of a meeting of the Organization of American States, sources told Reuters. Foreign ministers from the 34-nation OAS bloc failed on Monday to agree on a resolution formally rebuking Venezuela, where at least 75 people have been killed in more than two months of protests. Now a group of nations, led by the United States, Mexico and regional allies, may try to include a declaration on Venezuela, tucking it into a more general resolution on human rights, according to two officials close to the closed-door talks. The officials asked not to be identified in order to speak freely. A strongly worded declaration statement criticizing the socialist government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro would likely set the stage for another confrontation with Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez, who has fought back hard at every attempt to chastise her nation during the OAS meeting, accusing U.S. allies of being “lapdogs of imperialism.” Former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla implored her peers to take action on Venezuela. “There is a clear and complete rupture of the constitutional order in Venezuela ... that is why the highest body of this

Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie speaks during the OAS 47th General Assembly in Cancun, Mexico yesterday. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso institution must issue a declaration on Venezuela,” she said. Twenty states voted to pass the draft resolution censuring Venezuela on Monday, falling short of the 23 votes, or two-thirds majority, needed. But due to the internal rules of the OAS, only 18 votes would be needed if comments on Venezuela are added into a wider resolution already on the table. In a sign that Venezuela may be losing backing, 10 resolutions that Maduro’s government presented on Monday, only minutes before a deadline, were unanimously rejected for discussion late Tuesday night, a source at the OAS and another at Mexico’s foreign ministry said. Maduro accuses opponents of seeking his

violent overthrow with U.S. support, similar to a shortlived 2002 coup against his popular predecessor Hugo Chavez. He has called for the creation of a super-body, or constituent assembly, with powers to overhaul the constitution, in voting set for the end of July. Four years of recession caused by failing socialist economic policies plus the decline in global oil prices have battered Venezuela’s 30 million people and made Maduro deeply unpopular, however. Opposition leaders, who say they will boycott the assembly, accuse Maduro of leading the OPEC member toward dictatorship by d e l a y i n g e l e c t i o ns and jailing opposition activists, while food and medicine run short and inflation is believed to be in the triple digits.

Caribbean stakeholders meet to discuss Education Goals and Targets BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Education stakeholders from across the Caribbean are recommending the establishment of a dedicated coordination platform, which will implement and monitor the region’s progress on achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - Education Goals and Targets. SDG 4, one of the global goals adopted by world leaders in 2015, urges countries to “ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning.” The stakeholders outlined the recommendations at a forum organised by the Barbadosbased Caribbean

Development Bank (CDB) – UNESCO Regional Technical Workshop on the implications of SDG 4 for education planning, monitoring and evaluation. The meeting brought together approximately 100 representatives from Ministries of Education, as well as CDB, UNESCO, UNICEF and the Caribbean Centre for Education Planning at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI). Speaking at the launch of the Workshop, CDB Acting Vice-President (Operations), Monica La Bennett, noted that countries in the region were committed to developing their education systems.

“Even in these economically challenging times, many countries invest up to 6% of their Gross Domestic Product and between 15 and 20 per cent of annual recurrent expenditure in education. “Over the past three decades, CDB has provided financing of approximately US$715 million for education throughout the region. This level of significant investment demonstrates the shared conviction that maximizing the full human potential of the Caribbean is essential to its development. However, we must interrogate whether we are achieving optimal benefits and results from such investment,” she said.

Thursday June 22, 2017

Berbice Amateur Basketball Association tournament resumes Sunday The Berbice Amateur Basketball Association 2017 Basketball Tournament sponsors by Nigel Hinds will resume on Sunday with Rose Hall Town Jammers opposing Hopetown Stealers at Hopetown Basketball Court from 16:00 hrs. The opening encounter of the tournament saw Canje Knights being handed a walkover from Fyrish Black Sharks at the Fyrish Court last weekend. BABA President, Mr. Vibert Garrett said that emphasis in Berbice now is being

placed on seeing development of Clubs and players, both Male and Female, Senior and Junior despite some challenges. The competition attracted six teams Fyrish Black Sharks and Ithaca Hardliners from West Berbice, with Canje Knights, Rose Hall Town Jammers, Hopetown Stealers and New Amsterdam Warriors being the others. The two top teams in each zone advance to the knockout round. At stake in the competition are trophies and other incentives.

Vibert Garrett

Thursday June 22, 2017 ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You should get out and meet new people today. Your ability to visualize will help you convince others of the possibilities. Spend some time with the one you love. TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Don't bother trying to make someone you live with see your point of view. Spend some quality time with the one you love. Your talents will shine at work. Good friends will give you honest answers. GEMINI (May 22-June 21) Refrain from overspending on entertainment or luxury items. Be sure to sidestep those who are eccentric or unpredictable. CANCER (June 22-July 22) Physical limitations are possible if you aren't careful. You are ready to blow up and your stress level has gone into over drive. LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Look into ways to better yourself through improving your dietary habits and daily routines. Remember that no one can walk through your door if there's someone standing in the doorway. VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Be diplomatic and honest, and that person will only be made to look bad. People who try to persuade you to do things their way will annoy you. Put your efforts into being creative.

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LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Do what you can to help them but don't neglect your own family. If you try to manipulate emotional situations you will find yourself alienated. You should catch up on correspondence. SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with. Be cautious while traveling; minor accidents are evident. Put your energy into your work or moneymaking ventures rather than into your emotional life today. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Children may be difficult to deal with. Don't get involved in uncertain financial ventures. If you join intellectual or cultural groups, you should meet individuals who stimulate you. CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) Changes regarding family members will set you off. Hassles with your boss are sure to erupt if you speak your mind. AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) You will be full of good ideas, and your choice of activities may bring you enrichment far beyond your expectations. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Try not to lend or borrow money today. Legal matters that have been pending may be alleviated through compromise. Your best efforts will come through hard work.

Intel signs Olympics sponsorship deal From page 28 until at least 2028. The IOC has been trying to make the Olympics more technologically savvy and appeal to younger people through its online content network, the Olympic Channel. IOC President Thomas Bach, who signed the deal with Intel’s Chief Executive Officer Brian Krzanich at a press conference in New York, said Intel’s sponsorship will open up new experiences for athletes, fans and spectators including in virtual reality. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but IOC sources have previously told Reuters that major sponsors pay about $100 million per four-year cycle, which includes one summer and one

Hamilton determined... From page 27 highest ever recorded speed in a Formula One session during qualifying in Baku last year with Williams, hitting 373 kph on the longest straight of any race on the calendar. Vettel showed all his mettle in Canada, however, when he started on the front row, dropped to last and came back through the field to fourth with a fighting display that earned him the Driver of the Day award. “I wanted to get a trophy. I didn’t get one,” he said after his first non-podium finish of the year. He should resolve that on Sunday. Behind the leaders, Red Bull’s Australian Daniel Ricciardo will be gunning for a fourth successive podium appearance while Force India pair Perez and French youngster Esteban Ocon aim for more solid points.

winter games. The IOC has been looking to hike the cost of those deals, sources previously said. Intel said it would provide 5G wireless technology, virtual reality, artificial intelligence platforms, and drones to the Games. “We’ll allow people online to feel like they are there,” Krzanich said about technology that will be used at the Games. Intel’s business has undergone big changes in recent years. In March, it agreed to buy autonomous vehicle technology firm Mobileye (MBLY.N) for $15 billion in a bid to expand its reach beyond its core microprocessor business, which has faced declines along with the per-

sonal computer market. The IOC is looking to sign pricier deals while brands are trying to figure out whether exclusive Olympics sponsorship rights offer the marketing impact they once did. Some companies find it is much cheaper to work directly with athletes or specific countries than the IOC. Intel may be seeking to expand its reach in Asia, which is preparing to host three consecutive Olympic Games. South Korea’s Pyeongchang is staging the 2018 winter games, Tokyo the 2020 summer Olympics and Beijing the 2022 winter games. The IOC is deciding between Paris and Los Angeles for the 2024 summer games.

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Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

ICC mulls scrapping Champions Trophy ESPNCRICINFO - The ICC is once again mulling over the prospect of scrapping the Champions Trophy, in favour of two expanded World T20 tournaments in a four-year cycle. Talk of the impending demise of the tournament has become almost a ritual. And with the next edition tentatively inked in for 2021, in India, David Richardson, the ICC CEO, said the body is considering scrapping the event to capitalize on the popularity of the T20 format to open the tournament up to more teams. “It’s always been quite difficult to distinguish or differentiate between the two 50over global events,” Richardson said. “With the World Cup becoming a tenteam event, it’s almost like the World Cup is becoming more like the Champions Trophy, which I think is a good thing. “I think it (World Cup) will still be a longer event. The World Cup format will allow the best chance for the best four teams to get into the semifinals. So it takes away the risk of maybe a rain-affected game or one poor game having a huge impact on the tournament like it can be in this tournament (Champions Trophy).

But still, highly competitive matches hopefully. “And then, whether the Champions Trophy in 2021 stays a Champions Trophy, or we move to two World T20s that still needs to be discussed and settled. It’s a possibility, yes. I wouldn’t say it is categorically going to happen because, as we’ve seen, the Champions Trophy on its own is a very good event and very well-supported, particularly in the UK, where you get support for all teams. So let’s not be too hasty in writing it off, but to be honest and frank, there is consideration for moving towards two World T20s in a four-year cycle.” Two World T20s in a fouryear cycle, Richardson said, gave the ICC a chance to open the tournament to more Associate teams, a balm to the decision to curtail the number of teams at the 2019 World Cup to ten. That decision drew flak from Associate players, with Ireland and Scotland cricketers quite vocal. “Having two World T20s in a four-year cycle gives us an opportunity to globalise the game to a great extent, open the tournament to more teams - 16 or maybe even in a

David Richardson discussed the possibility of two World T20s in a four-year cycle that could involve 16 or even 20 teams in a bid to globalise the game © Getty Images longer term to 20 teams,” Richardson said. “It’s easier to be competitive in that format, and thus easier to accommodate more teams.” Richardson’s thoughts will hardly come as a surprise. In 2012, it was decided that the last edition of the tourna-

Kvitova into Birmingham quarters after straight sets win (Reuters) Twice Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova continued her comeback on grass with a 6-2, 6-2 win over British wildcard Naomi Broady at the Aegon Classic yesterday. The Czech seventh seed, who only returned to competition at the French Open after suffering a hand injury in a knife attack at her home in December, moves into the quarter-finals at the Edgbaston Priory Club. She took 62 minutes to deal with Broady, never dropping serve and landing nearly 70 percent of her first serves, while Broady, despite hitting six aces, was unable to get into the contest. Australian Daria Gavrilova beat Kvitova’s compatriot Katerina Siniakova 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 and will face the winner of the contest between another Czech, Lucie Safarova and Japan’s Naomi Osaka.

ment would be held in 2013, as the ICC sought to introduce a World Test Championship from 2017, and there was talk of scrapping it even as long ago as the time of the 2009 event. However, the significant commercial success of the tournament in England in 2013 - a short, sharp competition that featured eight teams - led to its retention at the expense of a World Test Championship. The ICC, however, is discussing the idea of a two-year

Test league, with a 9-3 format - the top nine Test countries compete among themselves and against the three lower-ranked teams comprising Zimbabwe, and most likely Ireland and Afghanistan (depending on whether they earn Test status), which could also put some strain on the international calendar. The 2017 edition, Richardson said, highlighted the importance of context, and the ICC CEO was happy with the success of the tour-

nament. “Overall, very satisfied with the Champions Trophy (2017). Across all aspects of the event, really, from the enthusiasm of the volunteers cricketeers, as they were called - to the broadcaster viewership, the digital content that we put out, umpiring, player behaviour, pitches … everything went well. The cricket has been great. It shows that if you’ve got context and competitive teams, you will have a great event.”

Azarenka wins first match on return from motherhood

Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova c elebrates victory against Great Britain’s Naomi Broady in the second round. (Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra Livepic)

(Reuters) Former world number one Victoria Azarenka marked her return to the WTA Tour by snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against Japan’s Risa Ozaki at the Mallorca Open yesterday. Azarenka, who gave birth to son Leo in December and had not played a competitive match since last year’s French Open, saved three match points to win 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(7). World number 74 Ozaki had actually been two breaks ahead in the third set and was serving at 5-4 when darkness descended on the Santa Ponsa lawns on Tuesday. On the resumption Azarenka broke serve but immediately dropped her own before Ozaki moved 40-0 ahead to move to within a point of a victory. But Belarussian Azarenka, showing her trademark grit, clawed her way back from the brink and despite trailing 5-3 in the tiebreak sealed a remarkable victory with a backhand winner.

Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka hits a shot during her third round match against Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park, Australia, January 23, 2016. (REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo)

Thursday June 22, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Reigning champs preparations much better than last year’s - Chase - urges stakeholders to do more for young athletes By Rawle Welch “The mere fact that we have so many players returning from last year makes me believe that our chances of retaining the title are very good,” were the words of Chase Academic Foundation Principal Henry Chase, during a conversation via telephone with this newspaper yesterday. Chase Academic Foundation is the reigning champion of the Digicel Schools Football Championship and according to Chase they have been working seriously with the intent on retaining the title. “We have around 14 players who will be returning from the last year’s squad with players such as Jeremy Garrett, Ryan Hackett, Nicholas McArthur, Isaiah Jack, Cecil Jackman, Reshawn Ritch, Stefan Reynolds, Shemol Smith and Sese Norville among those who’re back,” Chase disclosed. In describing the team’s preparations, Chase revealed that while the inclement weather is affecting the onfield sessions, they’ve been utilising the gym at the school to get the players stronger and fitter. “Our preparations

this year has exceeded last year’s and this is because what we found is that the players needed to be stronger and fitter and we are confident that we will be much better this time around.” The respected servant of the teaching profession who has a passion for the holistic development of youths said there is so much he could talk about in terms of the lack of support for young athletes, but was unenthusiastic to do so because of the continued absence of assistance even after making repeated calls. Known for offering a second chance to many of the team’s members, Chase said that while the Digicel Championship is a major undertaking and a step in the right direction, the continued nonexistence of auxiliary support has placed an additional burden on him. “I would like to see more emphasis being placed in sports, I’m not satisfied with the interest being shown to our young athletes. Many of them very often do not even have bus fares to come to school and this has placed an extra burden on the school,”

(Flashback) Digicel’s Kevin Kelly presents the winning trophy to the Captain of Chase Academic Foundation following one of their many victories. he stated. He added that the time has come for all to start believing in our young athletes, they are the future am-

bassadors for our country, they can become the face to sell our country and more support must be given to

Hamilton determined to deliver in Baku LONDON (Reuters) Azerbaijan, a new race last year, is the only grand prix on Formula One’s current calendar that Lewis Hamilton has yet to win and the Briton heads back to Baku determined to deliver this weekend. After a dominant weekend in Canada where he led a Mercedes one-two to regain momentum after a stinging defeat to Ferrari in Monaco, Hamilton is on a high and with the praise of team boss Toto Wolff ringing in his ears. “Lewis is in the best place I have seen him during any of the last five years since he joined the team,” the Austrian said this week. “Not only because he had a great weekend in Montreal, but because he is coping so well with the difficult days. This is what the very best are made of.” Hamilton will also be keen to banish the memory of a disappointing first visit to the anti-clockwise track running along the shores of the Caspian Sea and around the walls of the medieval old town. “Last year I think I was very quick there; I just didn’t deliver. So the plan is to make sure I deliver,” he said in Montreal after closing the gap between him and Ferrari’s

them. Chase pointed to the large sums of monies being wasted on things of lesser importance at the expense of our young budding athletes, who according to him could be

lost to crime or other deviant behaviour. He called on relevant stakeholders to rise to the challenge and give our young athletes a better deal to realise their dreams.

Three Russian runners banned for four years...

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the race on the podium. (REUTERS/Chris Wattie) championship leader Sebastian Vettel to 12 points. Hamilton hit the barriers in qualifying in Baku last year, lining up 10th on the grid. He then struggled with engine modes before eventually finishing fifth. His then team mate and eventual champion Nico Rosberg, who retired at the end of last season, took pole, fastest lap and victory in a race that was designated the European Grand Prix but has since changed name. That means that nobody

on the current starting grid is a previous winner in Baku and only Vettel, who was a distant second that day, and Force India’s Mexican Sergio Perez have stood on the podium there. FIGHTING DISPLAY Mercedes struggled in Monaco with getting performance out of the tyres but, after a huge effort at the factory, were back to their best in Montreal. Hamilton will apply the lessons from both to the searing heat of Baku. “You take each experience

and you pile them up. What we learned in Monaco will definitely impact Baku. It’s a much longer circuit; I think it’s very smooth, a lot more flat,” he told reporters. “Downforce efficiency is going to be important there.” Hamilton and Vettel both have three wins from seven races, with champions Mercedes — despite trying to portray themselves as underdogs — ahead 4-3 thanks to Valtteri Bottas’s win in Russia. Bottas clocked the (Continued on page 25)

From page 28 August 2008 are annulled, the federation said. The suspensions handed to Abitova and Alekseyev will end next year because they include two-year bans they had previously served for doping offences, the federation said. The International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) provisionally suspended Russian track and field athletes from international competition in 2015 over a report by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) alleging rampant state-sponsored doping in

the sport. Russia’s track and field team, with the exception of one athlete based in the United States, was banned from the Rio Olympics last summer. The majority of Russian athletes are also set to miss the world championships in London in August. In r e c e n t m onths the IAAF has cleared a total of 15 Russian athletes, including 2015 world champion hurdler Sergey Shubenkov, for having demonstrated that they are training in an environment that meets its anti-doping requirements.

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Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

Walter Nero Memorial Father’s Award Programme

Walters hails Matthews role in early form

RHTYSC Cricket teams honour Ingram Rodney as Father of the Year - 300th Activity completed for 2017 “Fatherhood is the best gift that a man can receive it is precious because it is a gift from God who wants us to look after his children on earth. We must be the best role model to our children and always strive to set the proper example.” Those were the words of RHTYSC, MS Secretary/ CEO Hilbert Foster to dozens of fathers as the club hosted its Walter Nero Memorial Father Day’s Award Programme at the Area ‘H’ Ground. The Father ’s Day programme is an annual programme of the RHTYSC but this year’s event was solely sponsored by the Nero’s family in honour of their father, Walter Nero who died earlier in the year. A total of 70 fathers received food hampers from the RHTYSC, MS, while Ingram Rodney of 4th Street, Rose Hall Town was named as the first Awardee of the RHTYSC/ Walter Nero Memorial Father of the Year. The long standing Secretary/CEO urged the fathers in attendance to not only support their children financially but to set examples so that they can say no to crime, premarital sex, drugs, alcohol and suicide. Noting that Rose Hall Town is in need of positive role models, he called on the fathers to share their vast experience with the younger generation so that they can learn that success comes via hard work, honesty, dedication, faith in the God we serve and belief in the work we do. The RHTY&SC, MS he stated would continue to work hard to make a positive difference and to offer programmes that targets the promotion of family values. Rodney a father of three children, two of them who are still alive, was selected as the 2017 Role Model Father of the

Felicia Walters (left) taps gloves with Hayley Matthews during their half-century stand against India Women last Friday. (Photo courtesy CWI Media)

Anthony Nero (left), son of Walter Nero, hands over award to Ingram Rodney in presence of his wife. Year by the club’s eight cricket teams and the Over 35Group. He expressed gratitude to the RHTYSC for honouring him and stated that he felt humbled and blessed to be recognised by Guyana’s leading youth and sports club, an organisation he was once associated with as a cricketer. He urged his fellow parents to make sure that they allow no child to feel unloved or unwanted and like Foster, he urged them to be positive role models. Rodney congratulated the RHTY&SC on its remarkable service to others and pleaded with the club to continue doing so, despite numerous constraints. Rodney received a framed certificate, Medal of Excellence,

Trophy and a special gift as his prizes. The teams and the Over 35 Group would like to express gratitude to the Nero’s family especially Karen, Sandra, Jackie, Theresa and Mary for their sponsorship of the programme. Earlier in the month, the RHTY&SC had provided snacks to over 100 fathers as they waited to collect their monthly old age pension at the Rose Hall Town Post office and also provided three of them with special gifts worth a combined $30,000 via a raffle system. The Father ’s Day Programme was the 300th completed out of the 500 programmes/activities the RHTYSC has set itself for 2017.

Three Russian runners banned for four years after Beijing retests (Reuters) Three Russian runners whose samples from the 2008 Beijing Olympics tested positive for a banned steroid have been handed four-year suspensions after retests, Russia’s athletics federation said yesterday. Long-distance runner Inga Abitova and 400-metre specialists Anastasia Kapachinskaya and Denis

Alekseyev had already been disqualified by the International Olympic Committee last year after their samples from Beijing were found to contain banned substances, including the steroid turinabol. Alekseyev won bronze in Beijing as part of the Russian men’s 4x400-metre relay team, but the IOC ordered that he and his teammates be

stripped of their medals. His results between August 2008 and June 2013 are annulled, the Russian athletics federation said in a statement. Kapachinskaya and her 4x400-metre relay teammates were also stripped of their silver medals from Beijing. Her results starting from (Continued on page 27)

LEICESTER, England, CMC – Rookie Felicia Walters says she is enjoying her stint at the top of the order with Hayley Matthews, after producing another enterprising opening stand for West Indies Women albeit in a losing effort against Pakistan Women here Tuesday. The pair put on 49 for the first wicket at Grace Road after the Windies were asked to bat first in their opening ICC official warm-up game, with Walters top-scoring with 59 and Matthews getting a busy 32. In last Friday’s practice match against India Women, the duo posted 70 for the opening stand with the 19-year-old Matthews on that occasion scoring exactly 50 and Walters chipping in with 20. “It is enjoyable out there with Hayley. It’s fun batting with her,” Walters said following Tuesday’s game. “She’s very supportive. I get great advice [from her] – stay focussed, play every ball on

its merit, pick up the singles, rotate the strike.” She added: “[I’m focussing on] getting the team a good start with my partners at the crease and looking to capitalise in this tournament. The 25-year-old is in her first series for West Indies and has already made a good impression with her steady batting. On Tuesday, she spent nearly two hours at the crease and faced 93 balls, hitting seven fours to hand the Caribbean side a strong start, and said the work behind the scenes had been paying dividends. “I went out there focussed, [and was] confident in this game,” Walters explained. “I had the technical staff’s support and also my teammates support from the last warmup games and also at training. I just played each ball on its merit and we just had a plan out there from the last game.” West Indies play their final warm-up game against South Africa Women in Oakham today.

Intel signs Olympics sponsorship deal

The logo of Intel, the world’s largest chipmaker is seen at their offices in Jerusalem,Tuesday . (REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo) SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) Intel Corp (INTC.O) said yesterday that it would become a major sponsor of the International Olympic Committee, making the chipmaker the latest technology company to put marketing dollars behind the global

sporting event. The new deal, which goes until 2024, comes a week after longtime Olympics sponsor McDonald’s Corp (MCD.N) bowed out of its sponsorship deal early, citing a change in the company’s priorities as it

tries to hold down costs. Intel joins about a dozen global Olympics sponsors such as Coca-Cola Co (KO.N) and Samsung (005930.KS) about six months after Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba (BABA.N) signed on (Continued on page 25)

Thursday June 22, 2017

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Kaieteur News

Kumble controversy overshadows Multi-talented powerlifting mother aiming to set international stage alight India arrival for Windies PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – Powerhouses India arrived here Tuesday for their limited overs tour against West Indies under a shadow of controversy after Anil Kumble dramatically stepped aside as head coach over a rift with captain Virat Kohli. Kumble was set to oversee the series in the Caribbean but opted to stand down after it emerged that Kohli had informed the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) off his reservations with the outstanding former leg-spinner’s style. While Kumble’s one-year contract was up for renewal and there were other candidates in the race for the positions, the BCCI’s cricket advisory committee had thrown their weight behind the 46year-old to continue in the job. But in a statement, Kumble said his relationship with Kohli had become “untenable” and the best option was to step down from the post. “I was informed for the first time [Monday] by the BCCI that the captain had reservations with my ‘style’ and about my continuing as the head coach,” he said. “I was surprised since I have always respected the role boundaries between captain and coach. Though the BCCI attempted to resolve the misunderstandings between the captain and me, it was apparent that the partnership

Nadina Taharally eyeing glory on debut

West Indies captain Jason Holder greets his opposite number Virat Kohli on arrival in Trinidad. (Photo courtesy CWI Media) was untenable, and I therefore believe it is best for me to move on.” The BCCI said in light of the developments, Dr. MV Sridhar would “supervise the team management” on the Windies tour with batting coach Sanjay Bangar fielding coach R Sridhar continuing in their respective roles. Amitabh Choudhary, acting secretary of the BCCI, hailed Kumble’s contribution to the national team’s development.

“We wish to place on record our sincere appreciation for the immense contribution by Anil Kumble to the team which enabled India to attain the number one Test position,” Choudhary said. “Indian cricket needs his continued contribution in various capacities and wishes him all the best in his future endeavour.” India open their tour with an ODI doubleheader at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad starting tomorrow.

Four Horsemen and Port Mourant Turf Club to stage Meet on August 1st The Four Horsemen Promotion in collaboration with the Port Mourant Turf Club will stage a grand one day horserace meeting on the 1st of August at the Port Mourant Racetrack starting at 12:00hrs. The provisional programme indicates that seven races will be staged and keen competition is anticipated. E3 class and non winners for 2016 – 2017 along with F & G class non earners of over $500,000 for 2017 will collide over 1400m for a first prize of $350,000 in one of the key events. Other action features 3 yrs old Guyana bred maidens over 1200m for a $300,000 purse, 2 yrs old Guyana bred race horses gallop over 900m with the winner cashing in on $250,000. H3 & lower horses will go for 1200m with $300,000 the winner’s reward. The I3 & lower race covering 1200m carries a $200,000 prize,

while J3 4 yrs old & over and K class horses run for 1100m and a $150,000 purse and L class non earners of $150,000 in 2017 will battle over a 1200m distance for a $120,000 first prize. Prizes will be paid up to fourth place in these events. According to the rules governing the meet, the Organizing Committee serves the right to cancel/reframe any race mentioned above. In the event that there are less than five horses entered for any event the Organizing Committee reserves the right to cancel or reframe the said event or reduce the prize money after notifying the horse owners.

Seven horses must start a race or no fourth prize will be paid. All races will be run under the rules of The Guyana Horse Racing Authority. Horses are subject to reclassification pending to the results of any race meeting prior to this one. Entries close on July 23rd and no late entries will be accepted. For Entries contact can be made with Bobby Vaughn: 624-6788 / 223-5097 / 227-7061 / 333-0290 / 333-0301. Additional information can be accessed by contacting Fazal: 657-010 and Ramnauth: 337-5311 / 6971979. Colin Elcock is the Coordinator.

By Franklin Wilson Dawn Barker and Kimberly Mars are two of the well known athletes in Guyana’s powerlifting annals, but silently powering her way to similar splendour is the multitalented Nadina Taharally who has also excelled in bodybuilding. The Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPF) Senior Nationals Unequipped Overall champion, Intermediate Overall champ and Masters Overall winner, 2016 is presently getting into tip top shape ahead of next month’s 16th Annual NAPF/ FESUPO Pan-American Powerlifting Championships; 15th Annual NAPF North American Regional Powerlifting Championships and 32nd Annual FESUPO South American Powerlifting Championships in Orlando, Florida, USA. A mere three years experience in the sport has already seen encouraging dividends for the 44-year-old mother of two who will make her international debut next month and is confident of medaling in the 72kg Masters 1 (40+) and Open divisions. A member of the Interline Fitness Gym (West Bank Demerara) who is also employed at this gym as a Trainer, Taharally has shown that age is just a number as she is committed to following a healthy lifestyle whilst training hard in order to enjoy the best of health and life even in a competitive world. She placed third in the first Fitness Challenge held in Guyana last year and prior to this she has won multiple titles in bodybuilding, Physique Best Legs and Bikini included. N o w, Ta h a r a l l y h a s made the switch to powerlifting which was not hard since it is another of the three weights sports, weightlifting, the other. Currently training at Buddy’s Gym, Taharally has indicated that she is confident of medaling in Florida next month when the championships are held between July 3 - 8 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orlando International Airport. Whilst focusing on her quest to medal as an individual athlete, Taharally said that she is also confident Team Guyana will do well. “Training has been tough but going well and I am very confident of

Nadina Taharally competing in the Miss Best Legs at the 2015 edition of Flex Night Int. at the NCC. medaling. I think the team will also do well as the spirit and camaraderie is high and once funding comes through, the contingent would be large which means our chances of doing well overall would be high.” Ta h a r a l l y a l s o p r o f fered the view that the debutants on the team as well as the not too experienced athletes are all in good hands with a number of experienced warriors on board the likes of Winston ‘Little Master’ Stoby and ‘Big’ John Edwards to name a few. Sponsorship has always been a bugbear for athletes a n d Ta h a r a l l y, l i k e h e r other colleagues, has been out and about seeking assistance in order to make the trip since the GAPF does not have the means to

fund the 22-member contingent. To date, she has received sponsorship from Sterling Products and the Maritime Administration. Any company or individual wishing to assist Taharally can do so by contacting her on telephone #s 592644-1868 or 667-3849. Based on preliminary nominations as of May 8, 2017, Taharally will compete against 8 other opponents from Trinidad and Tobago (2), Puerto Rico (3), Canada and Ecuador in the Raw Classic division. In the Masters 1 40+ Raw Classic, it will be a straight battle against a Puerto Rican with the Guyanese strongwoman ahead in each of the lifts and total based on their respective best lifts.

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FIFA referees Sherwin Moore and Trevor Porter to officiate in Caribbean Cup finals Guyanese FIFA referee Sherwin Moore and FIFA Assistant Referee Trevor Porter will officiate at the finals of the Scotiabank CFU Men’s Caribbean Cup, scheduled for the 22nd – 25th June, 2017 in Martinique. Stanley Lancaster, Head of the Guyana Footfall Federation’s (GFF) Refereeing Department said this is a positive step for Guyana: “It shows that we have the quality referees to officiate at the highest level. We’ve seen Kevin Stephens done his part at the CONCACAF U17 finals in Panama and now we’re seeing Trevor Porter and Sherwin Moore participating in the Scotiabank f i n a l s i n Martinique. With the developmental programmes that we now have in place, we should see more of our officials moving from the national programme to competing among the best in our region. Congratulations to the two match officials, we offer our complete support and wish them well throughout the tournament.” Moore along with Trevor Porter, Venton Mars and Sherwin Johnson formed a Guyanese quartet that officiated in several rounds from the commencement of the Caribbean Cup tournament in 2017 leading up to the final. Moore’s appointment also follows his partici-

GT Motorsports’ Endurance Rental Cup returns tomorrow - All-girls and Hall of Fame races set to highlight

Guyana’s Kristian Jeffrey leads the chasing pack at the last Endurance Rental Cup.

Sherwin Moore (left) and Trevor Porter pation in the final round of the Caribbean Club football championship in May as a fourth official. The four teams vying for the top spot are Jamaica, French Guiana, Curacao and host Martinique and today Jamaica face French Guiana at 18:00hrs and then Curacao play Martinique from 20:30hrs. The final and third place

game will take place on Sunday June 25, 2017 where the opening day losers will come up against each other in the third place game and the winners contest the final. The four Caribbean Cup final round teams have already qualified for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup to be played in July. This tournament will be used to crown a Caribbean Champion.

Guyana’s cycling queen bellows for more female competitors By Franklin Wilson History has already recorded the fact that Claire Fraser-Green is undoubtedly the most decorated female cyclist this nation has seen in the post modern and modern eras. The United Kingdom based cyclist has been paying her own way back to compete in the marquee event of the Guyana Cycling Federation (GCF), its national championships which are held in the month of June, yearly. For the past six years, Fraser-Green has won the Time Trials and for the last five years she has ruled the roost in the Road Race, this year’s 53 miles being the longest ever but only attracted two starters. Despite the dwindling numbers of females attracted to the sport, FraserGreen continues to make the trek back to the land of her birth to make her contribution. After wrapping up the double (Time Trials & Road Race) on Sunday last, win-

Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

ning the road race from Homestretch to Timehri and back in 2 hrs 29 minutes 49 seconds, and having already wrapped up the time trials the day before when she was the only female competitor, Fraser-Green spoke with Kaieteur Sport on her achievement noting that it is always an amazing feeling to come back to Guyana and compete. ”It was a fun race, there was a little bit of shenanigans going on but it was a good race, the boys did really well and we only had a little bit of rain which was really good.” She made a passionate call for more women to take up the sport: “I would like more women to come and race me please, we need more women in the sport, we need to see more women racing at the Caribbean championships.” Jokingly reminding that she is getting older and the opportunity for her being beaten is greater, FraserGreen said she is hoping

that at least five ladies will be facing starter’s orders at next year’s national championships. ”It’ll be fantastic to see at least five women on the start line next year, so that’s my challenge to you all, come out, please.” The confident cyclist informed that she will be in Guyana for a while and is willing to assist and impart her knowledge to other females interested in the sport, noting that she has already embarked on a coaching career. Females wishing to make contact with Fraser-Green can do so via facebook - Claire Fraser – or Guyana Cycling News. Not ruling out retirement in a few years from now, Fraser-Green pointed out that she is already a cycling coach, while stating that she still has a few years left in her. ”I can’t give away all my secrets now though, or not all my secrets but am willing to assist the next generation of Guyanese females and others.”

With the addition of an all-girls race and one for veteran drivers in the Hall of Fame, the GT Motorsports’ Endurance Rental Cup is set for a grand return tomorrow following a brief hiatus, at the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club, Albert Street and Thomas Lands. The fourth installment of the Endurance Rental Cup will start at 19:00hrs and the organisers have made some adjustments to the races to guarantee that patrons attending the event will be treated to a night of exhilarating action. The Endurance races which cater for teams of three competing in the 500lb and 600lb classes, have been reduced to 45 minutes each, down 15 minutes from the one hour of racing during the previous three events. It simply means that each member has a maximum of 15 minutes on the track and the team with the most number of laps at the

conclusion of the allotted time will be declared the winners. However, the new additions which are the 10lap races involving an allgirls race and a Hall of Fame race for elder drivers is anticipated to provide lots of action and should be keenly contested as the competitors battle for outright supremacy and bragging rights. Among the veteran drivers expected to compete are Andrew King, Ray Rahaman, Cyril Angoy, Harold Hopkinson and Wayne Vieira. Among the teams set to participate are: MMR, Gizmos & Gadgets, Palm Court, Nexus and Rent-aTent. The event is sponsored by Secure Innovations & Concepts and ERacing. Interested teams and individuals desirous of participating are asked to inbox GT Motorsports on Facebook or contact

Stephen (669-1900) or Roger (601-8084) to register. “Yo u d o n o t n e e d t o own a kart to participate; our Rental Karts are inclusive of participating in this competition,” GT Motorsports said in a Facebook post on Monday. At the last event in March, Team Nexus swept both the 500lb and 600lb categories. Representing the Team in the 500lbs Class were B r i a n Te n p o w, G r e g o r y Mohamed and Carlos Rodrigues, while the 600lbs drivers were Rodrigues, Steven Nobrega and Matthew Phang. Tenpow and Phang recorded the fastest lap times in their respective categories. The Endurance Rental Cup is sponsored by Secure Innovations and Concepts, Karcher, E-Networks a n d t h e Tr a c k B a r, a n d organised by GT Motorsports. Admission the venue is free.

Olympic Day 10km Team Run put for Sunday The Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) in collaboration with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) will host its Annual 10km Team Run and Fun Walk-Jog-Run on Sunday beginning at 6:00am at the YMCA, Thomas Lands. Olympic Day is celebrated around the world on June 23 each year; the first World Olympic Day was celebrated in 1948. The celebration of Olympic Day was included in the Olympic Charter in 1978,

encouraging all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to organise activities, which promote the Olympic Movement. In 1987, 45 NOCs participated in the first Olympic Day 10km run. Following the start of the event, it will proceed north on Camp Street to Carifesta Avenue, east on Carifesta Avenue and the Rupert Craig Highway to Lilliendaal (where Marshals will indicate the turning point), west to Vlissengen Road, south on

Vlissengen Road to Thomas Lands and back to the YMCA. Prizes will be awarded for the team event. Teams must comprise four male and two female athletes. Organisations and individual members of the public are invited to participate. Registration forms can be obtained at ‘Olympic House’, 76 High Street, Kingston or on Sunday. The first 400 persons to arrive on Sunday morning will receive an Olympic Day 2017 t-shirt.

Thursday June 22, 2017

Kaieteur News

Page 33

Lopes and Leacock upset favorites to take Men’s Doubles Title - Campbell and Gentle cart off Women’s Crown

The respective Doubles top finishers in the GBTI Tennis tournament. The Men’s doubles final is billed as one of the marquee events in the GBTI Tennis Open. The finals played on Tuesday evening at the GBTI Recreational Centre exceeded expectations with the defending champions being upset by Coach Leyland Leacock who teamed up with former top junior player Daniel Lopes who is on vacation from College. The match can be summed up as emotionally charged as the players were all hyped up to win the event and played accordingly. Downes and Andrews started off quickly and secured a 2-0 lead before a rain delay disrupted their momentum. Excellent doubles play and more aggression by Lopes/Leacock who combined well-placed serves with decisive volleying turned the tide and

allowed them to dictate points as they pressured their opponents to pass them. A feature of the match was their ability to poach at the net and put away weak returns or groundstrokes. The first set ended 6-3. Top seeds Downes/Andrews then turned the momentum of the game in the second set winning it decisively 6-1 to set up the third set as they changed tactics and Downes put his stamp on the game. Lopes and Leacock continued to serve well whilst Andrews was put under pressure as he started to miss on his first serves. The teams were on serve at 34 before Lopes/Leacock were able to secure the crucial break. Up 15-30 on Andrews serve, Leacock hit a crunching backhand which set up two break points and changed the match. The pair

then held their nerve and served out the match as they continued to dominate at the net and clinched the set 6-3 to break Downes’ stranglehold on winning the Doubles title over the last four years when partnering with Andrews or Harry Panday. Downes was down to get an opportunity for revenge when he faced off against Daniel Lopes in the Men’s Singles Final last evening. Meanwhile, In the Ladies Doubles final, junior Afruica Gentle and Christy Campbell outlasted veteran player and Coach Shelly Ramdyhan who teamed up with improving newcomer Fiona Bushell in straight sets 6-2 6-3. The match had its share of exciting points as the experienced Ramdyhan tried to get her team level with the better pair. Gentle, who is known for hitting the ball hard and the solid Campbell outlasted their

WADA imposes partial ban on US anti-doping lab Los Angeles, United States (AFP) — The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Tuesday it has issued a three-month partial accreditation suspension to the Los Angeles Olympic Laboratory for analysing certain banned substances. The University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) lab suspension began last Wednesday, according to a WADA statement, and was a result of WADA quality assessment procedures that “identified non-conformities with best practice”. During the suspension, the UCLA Laboratory can continue all regular antidoping activities, but it must obtain a second opinion from another WADA-accredited lab before reporting any adverse findings for glucocorticoids “prednisolone” and “prednisone”, and the anabolic steroids “boldenone” and “boldione”. The limited suspension to certain

substances has been applied to labs previously in other situations, WADA said, and allows for proper monitoring of the lab to ensure improvements aimed at returning the lab to full WADA compliance are fully implemented. WADA will conduct a site visit in a time frame that allows the UCLA lab to implement changes. An independent WADA Disciplinary Committee advised by WADA’s Laboratory Expert Group delivered its recommendation for the limited suspension to WADA’s executive committee chair on June 14 and it was accepted. Two days later, the UCLA Laboratory was notified of the decision. The lab has 21 days from that notification to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

opponents on rallies and were able to take home the title. Gentle had previously won the Ladies Singles category which was played on a round-robin basis as she accumulated the most wins

and finished ahead of fellow junior Kalyca Fraser to cap off a successful tournament. In the Men’s Over 35 Doubles, Godfrey Lowden/Ronald Murray defeated Sanjeev Datadin

and Steve Surujbally 6-2, 3-0 ret. to finish as Men’s 35 Doubles runners-up behind Andre Lopes/Sandeep Chand who won all their matches in the round-robin format.

t r o Sp

GT Motorsports’ Endurance Rental Cup returns tomorrow - All-girls and Hall of Fame races set to highlight

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Part of the action at the previous GT Motorsports’ Endurance Rental Cup.

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Multi-talented powerlifting mother aiming to set international stage alight Nadina Taharally eyeing glory on debut

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Guyana’s cycling queen bellows for more female competitors

Nadina Taharally executing a deadlift

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