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EITI now demands Saturday Edition NEWS disclosure of technical, financial criteria used to award contracts

AIETEUR

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June 22, 2019 - Vol. 13 No. 24

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CJIA CEO refuses to cooperate with police in sexual assault probe Kaieteur First lady in Singapore for ceremonial launch of oil production vessel Block to drill well F in 2020

irst Lady Sandra Granger is in Singapore for the ceremonial launch of the Liza Destiny, which will be the first Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel to be used in the first phase of oil production in Guyana.

The ceremony is usually held before a vessel sets sail and the First Lady was chosen to be the chief guest to give the solemn blessing for the ship's safe voyage to Guyana and its operations here.

Liza Destiny was designed and built by the Dutch firm SBM Offshore. With the vessel there will be four undersea drill centers with 17 production wells.

The vessel is expected to arrive in Guyana in September and will be installed with the giant Stabroek block where ExxonMobil has so far made 13 oil discoveries.

Mason now in jail after night out with stranger Use of brother's birth certificate lands man in jail Land cruisers seized p. in Lethem from repeat Media schooled 24 T&T gas contract offender properly on domestic, sexual renegotiations to be abuse reporting finalised by August disposed - GRA

Claims and objection Police confirms OPR are enough to cleanse investigating allegations against Berbice cops voters list - Ram How did 4.8M acres offshore Guyana end up in the hands of four companies with no track record in the oil industry?

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Kaieteur News

Saturday June 22, 2019

Upbeat Genequip opens spanking new facilities at Houston estate Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine and Entrepreneurs from the private sector

Some of the tractors on display sold by Genequip

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he General Equipment Guyana Limited (Genequip) on Thursday launched a new facility at the Houston Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara.

The company, which sells heavy-duty equipment, first commenced business in Guyana and the Caribbean in 1992.Genequip's Manager/Director, Ranzer Vandyk, explained that the company supplies a “wide range of equipment that will contribute to farming and mining.”

He expressed his pride in t h e c o m p a n y ' s accomplishment and stressed that the new facility at the Houston Industrial Site has “upped the game” with its new and improved design.

“Our old building in Mc Doom is still occupied however, we decided to increase the standards on the new building, which is a plus to the industry.”

Mayor of Georgetown, Ubraj Narine, who was present at the opening c e r e m o n y, t o l d t h e Department of Public Information that he is very impressed with the way the private sector is flourishing.

“This is to show us that this is progress; it will be a gateway to create employment for young people, the Mayor said. “ He added that there will

be heightened collaboration with the private sector to bring improvements to the City.

“A Memorandum Of Understanding was recently signed between the Private Sector Commission and the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for one year. It is aimed at developing the City.

We need to work together to build our economy. There must be trust and it has become a priority for the Mayor and City Council.”

Mayor Narine also revealed that there was a recent Urban Task Force meeting to sensitise the public to think “out of the box,” since Georgetown will be transformed within the next five years.

“The aim is to create more investments, encourage youths to be confident and take advantage to start their own business, whether it is in the agriculture, business or mining sectors. We need the existing entrepreneurs to understand that their contribution is also vital to resuscitating and maintaining the country's economy,” the Mayor noted.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 22, 2019

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EITI now demands disclosure of technical, financial criteria used to award contracts

By Kiana Wilburg

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ven though it is yet to be assessed since becoming a member of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), Guyana and more than 49 other members of the international body will be required to follow new and improved rules that aim to significantly remove the opportunities for under-the-table deals in the award of contracts.

These new rules are fashioned into the EITI 2019 Standard which was launched at the recently concluded EITI Global Conference in Paris.

In the area of transparency for contracts, which is just one aspect of the 2019 Standard, implementing countries are

required to disclose information related to all contract and license awards and transfers; provide a description of the process for transferring or awarding the license; disclose the technical and financial criteria used; offer information about the recipient(s) of the license that has been transferred or awarded, including consortium members where applicable; and release any material deviations from the applicable legal and regulatory framework governing license transfers and awards.

In cases where Governments can select d i ff e r e n t m e t h o d s f o r awarding a contract or license (e.g. competitive bidding or direct negotiations), EITI members

must provide the description of the process for awarding or transferring a license.

There must also be an explanation of the rules that determine which procedure should be used and why a particular procedure was selected.

Where there are gaps in the publicly a v a i l a b l e information, the 2019 Standard dictates that these should be clearly identified.

It also notes that any significant legal or practical barriers preventing comprehensive disclosure of the information set out above, should be documented and explained, including an account of government plans to overcome such barriers and the anticipated timescale for achieving them.

Where companies hold licenses that were allocated prior to the period covered

by EITI implementation, implementing countries are encouraged to disclose the information on whether these licenses were awarded through a bidding process.

The government is also required to disclose the list of applicants and the bid criteria.

SARA PROBE Even before the launch of the 2019 EITI Standard, transparency advocates locally and abroad, have been questioning the award of contracts and their subsequent disclosure by the past and current administration.

In fact, the State Asset Recovery Agency (SARA) is investigating how two prime

blocks offshore Guyana, namely the Kaieteur and Canje Blocks, were awarded to three industry unknowns by former President, Donald Ramotar, just days before he lost the 2015 elections. These firms—Mid-Atlantic Oil and Gas Inc., Ratio Guyana and Ratio Energy Limited—have zero track record in oil exploration and no wherewithal to even drill and develop these blocks that are lodged in ultra deep waters.

The incomprehensible situation leaves transparency advocates drawing several conclusions, the main one being that Guyana's state assets were victims of a most corrupt backroom deal.

Even though the political opposition has no trust in SARA's ability to be independent or competent in this regard, others are hopeful that the investigation puts the said issue and related concerns to rest.

CJIA CEO refuses to cooperate with police in sexual assault probe

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hief Executive Officer, (CEO) of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir, has so far declined to supply police with a statement in relation to the sexual assault accusation brought against a senior airport employee.

Ghir had previously confirmed that the matter had come to the attention of the CJIA. However when he was contacted by the Police, for a statement, the Airport Chief refused to cooperate with the investigators.

Last week, a female employee of a duty-free business operated by a concessionaire at the CJIA complained of a cover-up.

She claimed that she made a complaint that a very senior airport official forcefully kissed her twice and inappropriately touched her while she was in his office. The incident took place last year July.

The woman claimed that she complained to CJIA's chief, Ghir, who promised to get to the bottom of the matter.

She said that she never heard from the CJIA's management about the matter again, until she decided to inquire about it, last week.

The alleged victim has since filed a report at the Timehri Police Station.

When contacted by Kaieteur News over the weekend, Ghir claimed that it had been investigated but the airport could not confirm that anything happened.

Officials of the Guyana Police Force have said that the management of the CJIA failed by not immediately calling in the cops on a case of alleged sexual harassment.

The window for an official complaint to the police remains very much open now. The case is generating huge concerns after it came to light over the weekend.

In addition to notifying Ghir, the woman reportedly made a complaint to officials of the Human Resources department. She even gave a statement.

She claims that several

months passed but it was only recently, after behaving “bad” to CJIA management that she received a WhatsApp message from the Human Resources Department saying that the matter was “addressed.”

It was not explained to her what that meant.

According to the woman, she went to the senior official to resolve an issue regarding her employer's vehicle, which had been clamped in the parking lot.

She said while there, the airport official allegedly asked her out for a drink, saying it was his birthday.

She was leaving his office when he allegedly blocked the door and kissed her.

The woman claimed that she never consented to being touched or kissed. The woman said she had a professional relationship to the senior official. She went back to her office and threw up, she claimed.

The woman told her bosses of the alleged incident

and she was advised to do what she believes is the right thing. The complaint was made the next day to Ghir. A senior cop commenting on the case noted that that sexual harassment is a criminal offence.

“I am, frankly, very surprised at this story. The airport would have strict guidelines on employees' behaviour but this matter is a police one.

“You would not ask management to investigate a murder, would you? Same thing… I would advise this woman to immediately go to the Timehri Police Station and make a report.

“Mr. Ghir should know better than handling this matter in this manner.”

Meanwhile, CJIA had

announced that a senior manager accused of sexual misconduct has gone on leave amid a police investigation.

According to the airport, the official has proceeded on leave to make way for an ongoing probe of a complaint of sexual misconduct made by an employee of an airport concessionaire.

The airport said that its management also withdrew the airport security credentials of the woman who made the complaint.

“The action today followed the opening of a police investigation based on a report filed this week by the concessionaire staff. The alleged incident took place almost one year ago and was

previously investigated by airport management.

“At the time, there was no evidence found for further action to be taken.”

CJIA said that it remains committed to ensuring a safe working environment for all employees and all persons who work at and use the airport.

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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

West Indies must believe

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Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

he team must make believers of the rest of the region, too. They carry a lot on their shoulders: history, expectations, and memories. Now is not the time to look back. Just deal with the Boults and citizen Kane(s) and with dispatch and the usual flair. Can be done. Be a believer today.

Bangladesh has not given up, as it eyes a place in the semis; if not they, then why should the once mighty, the once feared, the still watched West Indies that jangles nerves? Starts with an unrelenting self-belief that fuels a peculiar, but endearing kind of machismo in the world of sport. Listen.

“A night like tonight doesn’t happen without belief in myself.” There it is; and that was Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in a close clash with the Houston Rockets during the road to the NBA Finals. Not quite do or die, but close enough to bring out that indefinable attitude and cultivated indomitable degree of self-belief.

This can happen. It is possible. It can be made to BEND TO THE WILL even when there is falling short by a whisker. How the battle was fought.

Andy Ruiz is now the first ever Mexican World Heavyweight champion in one of the great upsets in boxing fabled history after dismantling Anthony Joshua and wresting his crown. The road of the underdog is shaky, fragile, dangerous, disappointing and, all too often, littered with failure. Just don’t tell that the new Mexican World Heavyweight champion right now.

In 1999, in Barcelona Spain, Manchester United went on to emerge victorious in the UEFA Champions League finals against Bayern Munich. What made this victory remarkable was that United came back from a goal down in the last two minutes of injury time, to score twice and stun their opponents and the football world. Never say never has to be motto and lodestar.

This is where the youthful West Indies cricket team is poised now, as it prepares to face one of the stealthier juggernauts in world cricket, New Zealand, at Old Trafford today. The players and coaches must remember that stirring triumph of the 1999 Manchester (local) team.

They should recall the majestic 189 scored by one Viv Richards at that same venue in a 1984 ODI; AND Gordon Greenidge’s 223 and Roger Harper’s 6 for 57 in the Fourth Test in 1984 right there; AND the immortal Malcolm Marshall’s 7 for 22 in the Third test in 1988 in the same place, with the same winning result.

The players are there. Their heads must get there with them, too: sensible cricket. Hard cricket. Power and nuanced cricket. Slick and fast, nasty if that is what it takes. But, with regards to the latter, in the highest traditions of sportsmanship and honour on the fields of battle.

With Plan A, the fallback of another dimension, and then finding what is not there. It can come in the heat of battle, despite the wet and winless campaigns that slipped out of the grasp.

“The year outside has made me hungry -Warner” (espncricinfo.com -June 21). That is one angry, motivated man; a wise one, too. Letting his game take away the pain, wash away the shame. The West Indies have been away too long—an eternity of years—from the big time of the winners’ circle in the biggest tournament of champions of the sport.

They can be a champion this time. Have to believe in themselves, in the plan, in the execution. The tools are there; so, too, must be the temperament. Are they hungry enough?

They have to possess and stoke that fire that flare from not having, but wanting furiously. Find a length; walk a line; bat and bowl, as though life itself depended upon it: one more heartbeat for one more herculean effort.

Time to get up; to rise up; to go out and be a champion today. Today!

They’re trying to discredit my message, but I’m confident about the biggest threat to our future with oil DEAR EDITOR, Due to my continued work highlighting grand thefts and forfeitures of billions of US dollars by our politicians past and present, of the oil wealth which belongs to the people of Guyana and which does not belong to the politicians and companies, there have been and will continue to be attempts to discredit my message by trying to discredit the messenger.

Firstly, please recall Mr Clement Smith whose letter on the 29th November 2018 stated “ignored journalistic ethics by including Jan Mangal’s unsubstantiated and unsourced claims about costs. The editorial repeatedly questions why the government did not “test” the US$4.4 billion budget associated with the Liza Phase 1 development plan.”

My response on the following day was clear, and I suspect by now most Guyanese know that the costs proposed by oil companies are usually inflated by 100’s millions of US dollars, and therefore have to be audited by the Government.

Some Guyanese also might have assumed by now that Mr Clement Smith is an advocate for ExxonMobil itself.

Secondly, please recall Mr Robin Singh whose letter on the 13th June 2019 stated that “we can certainly take a closer look at the actions of Dr. Jan Mangal who acted as

adviser to the Government of Guyana during the Production Sharing Agreement negotiation period. Strangely, during that period, Dr. Mangal was an unknown man, he was not making public statements nor was he having much success impacting the negotiations”.

There is a reason why I was an unknown man in 2016, and that is because I did not start advising President Granger until March 2017. Mr Singh is trying to associate me with the 2016 contract for the Stabroek Block, a contract that I have consistently criticised as giving away 60 – 120 billion US dollars of our money for no reason.

I did not become aware that the contract was signed until after I started advising President Granger, that is after March 2017. This was more than eight months after the contract was actually signed. It was ExxonMobil who told me the contract was signed, not the Government.

President Granger himself seemed surprised that a new contract was already signed.

We have to remember some of the Ministers responsible were playing down the whole issue, claiming that there was no new contract, and just some tweaks to the existing contract (which we know is a lie).

None of the key Ministers wanted me advising President Granger and they vehemently disagreed with pretty much all of my recommenda-

tions (like my recommendations to publish the contract and disclose the signing bonus, etc, etc). They saw me as a threat to their schemes and incompetence.

Thirdly, please recall accusations, including by Mr Robin Singh on the 13th June 2019, that as an adviser to President Granger I somehow influenced ExxonMobil in its award of a contract in 2017 for a supply base in Guyana.

This is incorrect. I had no influence, and no one in government or associated with Government should have any influence.Contracts that ExxonMobil signs with companies for services in Guyana and around the world, are business-to-business (B2B) contracts. Governments must not be involved in any way to influence the award of these contracts between companies, and if they are, that is corruption.

This may come as a shock to Mr Robin Singh and the current leadership cabal of the PPP, because when they were in Government they were widely accused of illegality in respect to major contracts.

Fourthly, there have been claims on social media that I am some sort of spy for Chevron and that I might be trying to get them into Guyana. This is incorrect. My work to stop the awarding of oil blocks by secret one-on-one negotiations (which defraud the country), and my advocacy for awarding blocks via trans-

parent public auctions (which maximise value to the country), was a direct challenge to some supporters and members of the current administration who were entertaining the idea of a secret award of Block C (one of the last remaining large blocks) to Chevron or other companies.

So in summary, it is no surprise that elements from both of the morally decaying and parasitic large political parties, as well as from the international resource exploiters, are challenged by my ideas, and are attempting to discredit the messenger because they feel defenceless against the message.

Please note that Mr Robin Singh only started his accusations after my long efforts to disclose the grand fraud of the Canje and Kaieteur Blocks became international news, and after SARA took an interest in the fraud. Was this because I challenged his PPP friends who awarded these two oil blocks to nonentities?

Please note that even though I am critical of many high-ranking officials in the current Government, I saw for myself how President Granger took numerous positive actions with respect to oil. Also, I am still convinced that the current leadership cabal of the main opposition are a tremendous threat, and the biggest threat, to our future with oil.

Faithfully, Jan Mangal

DEAR EDITOR, In 1979 in a landmark constitutional case in our Court of Appeal, this was said: “a constitution is not to be interpreted as if we are living in a classic void, or on some idealistic Utopian plane …” The CCJ has done just that, in its majority invalidation of the appointment of Justice (Retired) James Patterson as GECOM chairman.

Some are impressed; the “judicial guidance” to the elected President, and Leader of the Opposition posited by the CCJ is said to be “Solomonic.” I emphatically disagree. For me, it is nothing but a naked encroachment by that majority into the separate and forbidden territory of our local politics. Yes, the ruling is authoritative; it is final. But given its generalities which portends difficulty of compliance, is there finality of its ramifications?

And, I will show, its bizarre consequences.As we await the written reported judgments of the majority (Saunders, P, Anderson, Rajnauth – Lee, JJ.) in the Law

Reports for clarity (as to what is ratio decidendi, what is obiter dicta) the judgment is that our Constitution anticipates consensus between the President, and Leader of the Opposition in the GECOM chairman appointment process. So the President MUST select a nominee as chairman.

The constitution does not permit “unilateralism” in appointment by the President.

I submit that such “consensualism” is judgemade law in the sphere of constitutional interpretation. Respectfully, it is classic judicial overreach. It renders the proviso (in article 161(2)) which the President invoked in the appointment of James Patterson unnecessary, nugatory and useless.

It is tantamount to a repeal in part, which the Judiciary (i.e. High Court, Court of Appeal, CCJ) has no constitutional jurisdiction/power to do. Only our Parliament by an absolute majority of the National Assembly has such repeal power.

The CCJ’s invalidation of “unilateralism” is nothing but

fanciful deniability. Carter and Price (the purveyors of the so-called Carter – Price formula which the CCJ used for its “consensualism” finding) did not (I repeat for emphasis) DID NOT draft our article 161 (2) (as it presently is with the overarching words “not unacceptable to the President”) nor, was it drafted at Westminster in England.

And the local draftsman, with local knowledge of our adversarial politics, must have materially anticipated a Leader of the Opposition of the likes of Jagdeo, when the proviso was drafted, to cure the mischief of the real likelihood, perhaps virtual certainty, in an appointment hiatus. And, I also draw particular attention to article 111(1) which entitles and requires the President in the performance of such functions as the appointment of a GECOM chairman, to “act in HIS OWN DELIBERATE JUDGMENT” in deciding who, if any, of the nominees submitted by the Leader of the Opposition is acceptable to him.

Because the framers of

our constitution invested article 111 with the deepest level of entrenchment (in layman’s terms the framers made it into one of the eleven (11) most sacrosanct, important and valuable articles in our constitution) it cannot be right for any Court to trivialize or undermine the purpose, significance and importance of the words “his own deliberate judgment”.

The President’s judgment is not substitutionable, wholly, or partly, by any other person’s or authority’s judgment (not even the Judges of the CCJ). It is not, and cannot be, some shared judgment.

The private law of contract notion of consensus (i.e. consensus adidem) has absolutely no place or relevance in this aspect of our public law. It impairs, subverts, dilutes, waters down the whole beneficial constitutional purpose of article 111(1) seminally rendering it otiose and mere surplusage. That is wrong.Editor, there is something bizarre and inexplicable ( Continued on page 21)

A naked encroachment into the separate and forbidden territory of our local politics

Saturday June 22, 2019

I ask that this article be drawn to the attention of all Educators DEAR EDITOR, The article in the Guyana Chronicle of June 21, 2019 titled ‘Talking Culture - Our Creole, ours to preserve,’ is incisive, beautifully presented and relevant.

In our extant environment, such writings, if read by our youths, educators and parents would make a significant

contribution to ensuring the stability of our society, and help to secure the integrity of our Nation State.

They say, ‘One, One Dutty Bil Dam.’This effort contributes to our wholesomeness and its Author Barrington Braithwaite deserves our commendation and gratitude.I hereby ask the

Hon. Minister of Education Nicolette Henry, MP, that the article be drawn to the attention of all Educators.

I also suggest that Media Managers make use of its content, of course, observing the appropriate protocol.

Kind regards.

Yours faithfully, Hamilton Green

The referees are the Guyanese electorate who will shortly have the ultimate say DEAR EDITOR, I refer to the recent publication of several statements in the print media ridiculing the government’s recourse to the court to settle issues in relation to the motion of no confidence. These include statements attributed to Mr. Christopher Ram (equating government to “autocrats, dictators and bullies”), Mr. Rakesh Rampertab, who accused the government of “abusing the judicial process...seeking to undermine the electoral process” and those of Mr. Ronald Singh, who claimed that the President ‘tries a thing’.

It is disappointing that these letters were not accompanied by a note from the editor correcting/distancing the publication from assertions of this nature which are erroneous and possibly malicious by these contributors.

It would be recalled that when the National Assembly met on the 3rd January 2019 to consider the consequences of the vote of December 21st, 2018, the Hon. Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland indicated that he had “received information, both solicited and unsolicited, supported by Case law and Practice emanating from other jurisdictions which has raised doubts as to whether the Noconfidence Motion was carried.”

The Speaker then suggested that as a result of the issues, ‘over which many have expressed concern, final

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Kaieteur News

determination was needed’.

He also noted that while it has been his preference to resolve any issue that arises without the intervention of a third party “Full, final and complete settlement of these issues by a Court of competent jurisdiction will place beyond doubt any question which may exist and serve to give guidance to the Speaker and to the National Assembly for the future.”

It was therefore at the invitation of the Speaker, while declining to utilize his prerogative at that stage to reverse his previous ruling which he stated he possessed, that the government proceeded to exercise its right to final determination.

Notwithstanding, now that the final appellate court has pronounced definitively on all of the issues that were in dispute, the President and government have made the commitment to abide by the constitutional consequences which flow from this determi-

nation.

It is said that truth is the first casualty in war and these individuals are definitely employing the technique of repeating a lie with the expectation that it would eventually be accepted as the truth.

Editor, make no mistake we are in a titanic struggle. A struggle which acquired a new and totally different dimension with the discovery of mammoth oil and gas reserves offshore Guyana. The scramble to control these resources began in 2015, days before the elections, when oil blocks adjacent to ExxonMobil’s concession were handed out to individuals possessing no expertise in ultra-deepwater exploration and presumably, ability of their own to exploit.

Let us not delude ourselves, what we are in the midst of now is not what these travellers would make us believe by professing to be champions of democracy and (Continued on page 21)

Delay tactics DEAR EDITOR, I want to in this letter, reiterate that, GECOM should at any given moment be ready to hold Elections in 90 days. This is a Constitutional Obligation of GECOM to fulfill. The President should not be waiting on GECOM for a date. The President should set a date based on the Constitution and GECOM should meet that requirement unless the Opposition and government come to an agreement in Parliament (2/3 majority) that extends the 90 days.

Guyanese should no longer fall to the excuses of GECOM and this Government.

Yours truly, Hemendra Ramdatt

Elections without a Chairperson DEAR EDITOR, As is to be expected there has been an expansive flow of views concerning the holding of the next general elections; as well as the status of the chairman of GECOM following the recent ruling of the CCJ on the latter.

Perhaps it might help to inform the debate by reference to the provisions of the Constitution that are relevant.

First of all please note the following extracts: 161A.(1) The Elections Commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the Secretariat of the Commission, which shall comprise the officers and employees of the Commission, and for the appointment of all the staff to the offices thereof inclusive of all temporary staff, recruited for the purposes of boundary demarcation, resignation of persons and elections shall have the power to remove and to exercise disciplinary control over such staff.

(2) The Elections Commission may, by directions in writing and subject to such conditions as it think fit, delegate any of its powers under paragraph (1) to any one or more members of the Commission, or by such directions and subject to such conditions as it think fit, delegate such powers to such officers of the Commission as the Commission may determine.

It seems fair to interpret from the foregoing that it is the staff who are responsible for the execution of: -Boundary demarcation -Registration of persons, and - Elections As is well established, it is the Chief Elections Officer who is directly responsible for the management of all related staff, and the delivery

of all operational results.

In this regard, the following should be noted.

161B. It is hereby declared that the role of political parties and their nominees in the conduct of elections by the Elections Commission shall be limited to their participation in determining policy, monitoring the electoral process and the conduct of the election, but does not include active management of the electoral process.

Note carefully: the Commission’s role does not include active management of the electoral process.

More explicitly the Commission’s role is as set out below.

162.(1) The Elections Commission shall have such functions connected with or relating to the registration of electors or the conduct of elections as are conferred upon it by under this Constitution or, subject thereto, any Act of Parliament; and subject to the provisions or this Commission, the Commission – (a) shall exercise general direction and supervision over the registration of electors and the administrative conduct of all elections of members of the National Assembly; and (b) shall issue such instructions and take such action as appear to it necessary

or expedient to ensure impartiality, fairness and compliance with the provisions of this Constitution or of any Act of Parliament on the part of persons exercising powers or performing duties connected with or relating to the matters aforesaid.

But clause (2) of the same, while 162 provides for the following: (2)Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, if the Elections Commissions is satisfied that the holding of an election pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (2) of article 60 or article 160(2) on the day appointed therefore would be attended, either generally or in a particular area, by danger or serious hardship it may, after consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, by notice published in the Gazette – (a) postpone the holding of the election to a day specified in the notice; or (b) postpone the voting in any area specified in the notice to a day so specified.

From a review of the above provisions it seems arguable that the Chairman is not critical to the decision-making regarding a viable date for elections to be held; since he (and the Commissioners) would have to be advised in any case by the Chief Elections Officer.

(Continued on page 21)

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A new GECOM chairman should revisit the Vishnu Persaud issue DEAR EDITOR, In his recent article, (KN 6/20/19) Freddie Kissoon summarized the reasons why the current GECOM Chairman, Justice James Patterson should gracefully remove himself or have President Granger relieve him of his chairmanship. Had the situation been reversed, and the PNC had been in the opposition, I suspect that supporters of the PNC would have been picketing and blocking the entrance to GECOM’s office in Kingston to prevent Justice Patterson from entering the building.

In the same piece, Kissoon issued a public apology for not standing up in protest to the “injustice” meted out to Vishnu Persaud, an applicant for the position of Deputy Chief Election Officer. The injustice referred to is the manner in which Mr. Persaud was treated by none other than the GECOM Chairman himself.

From media reports, there were four stated criteria listed in the vacancy advertisement for the position of Deputy CEO, all of which were met by Mr. Persaud: Masters degree, experience in elections management, communication

skills and qualifications in elections management.

I want to make it clear that I hold no brief for Ms. Roxanne Myers, who was selected as the Deputy CEO. I assume she too is qualified for the position. However, I am more concerned about the manner in which the Chairperson’s disposition created a biased atmosphere within GECOM. By not considering the facts on their merit, the Chairperson’s comments, from all appearances, did not lend itself to a serious consideration of Mr. Vishnu Persaud’s qualifications and application for the position.

The ERC report stated that “Mr. Persaud was the first candidate in the history of GECOM who had obtained the highest score and had not been appointed.”

The reference to Justice Patterson’s description of the candidate as being “shifty” and his subsequent refusal (or failure) to provide the Ethnic Relations Commission with promised documentation of an alleged “paper trail” he had seen, only serve to cast serious doubts upon his professionalism, and, more importantly, his ability to man-

age the national electoral process.

I would recommend that the new GECOM chairman revisit the circumstances surrounding the imbroglio involving Vishnu Persaud. Perhaps a position can be created for him, along with Ms. Myers, in GECOM, especially given the microscopic scrutiny being placed on GECOM to ensure free and fair elections. Two heads are better than one. Perhaps correcting a perceived wrong inflicted upon a fellow Guyanese may bring some semblance of sanity to this beleaguered institution.

As a footnote, in a recent town hall meeting on Globespan with Vincent Alexander and Robeson Benn (which I moderated), the GECOM commissioners were in agreement that the cantankerous and partisan positions adopted by the commissioners have made GECOM into a “dysfunctional organization”.

To their credit, both of the commissioners agreed that GECOM’s meetings should be open to the media and public.

Sincerely, Baytoram Ramharack

A cycle of claims and objections will not sanitize the list of electors DEAR EDITOR, In the current situation of our country - where the opposition is calling for elections now and where the Government wants elections but with a credible list of electors - I have noticed that some sections of our society are advancing the position that a cycle of claims and objections will produce a clean list. I disagree with the notion that a cycle of claims and objection will sanitize the list of electors.

It is my understanding that in order for one to object to a name on the list of electors, authentic documents must be produced, for example in the case of a death, the person objecting must show the death certificate of the name to which the objection is made.

Editor, it is no secret that not all deaths in our lovely country are registered with the General Registrar’s Office and given the geography of our land, some deaths have never been registered. Permit me to present a hypothetical situation which should make it easier for persons to understand.

Jim has lived his entire life at Sand Creek in Region Nine.

Jim is on the list of electors.

Jim passed away in January of 2019 due to a prolonged ill-

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

ness and the family of Jim buried Jim. Jim’s funeral was ritualistic and followed the cultural practice of his tribe.

The entire community was pleased by the ceremony and Jim is no longer with us. Remember Jim’s death is known to the community but was never registered. At the time of Jim’s death, access to the community was cut off due to heavy rainfall etc. and no person that is certified to pronounce the death of someone is from the community of Sand Creek. After the funeral of Jim, the community returned to normalcy.

Editor, there are pragmatic situations like the one I created above and the only way to remove Jim’s name from the list of electors is not by a cycle of Claims and Objections, but by holding House to House registration.

I am of the strongest view that election is necessary and is a must, but a credible election is more important to me than just an election.

For me, election begins with ensuring that the list is credible and to convince me that the list is credible, House to House Registration is the only mechanism that can do so.

Some sections of society are also saying that Local

Government Elections in 2018 had the same list, but I disagree. Local Government Elections had several lists and in a nutshell, I have heard of many stories where ‘jiggery pokery’ occurred in areas like where Jim is from. So with that in mind, I support the call for House to House Registration.

As a Guyanese I am proud of the democracy I enjoy.

Yours faithfully, Ganesh Mahipaul

Respect the CCJ’s Ruling and Constitution DEAR EDITOR, Losing a no confidence vote is not the end of political life. A no confidence vote is an aspect of democratic governance in parliamentary democracies. It is used to hold governments accountable to parliament and to the voters by way of their representatives. So many regimes (governments) and political leaders lost no confidence vote in recent times (including in UK, Australia, Austria, Greece, Spain, Portugal, etc.).

Political life goes on. Some make a comeback; others quit. Democracy is strengthened and corruption is lessened. This is how countries get better governance. Rulers become fearful they could lose power if they don’t govern in the best interests of the nation. No one is cheated. All benefit from a no confidence vote; a country learns from it.

A ruler must not take measures to evade the consequences of a successful no confidence vote by taking instruction from the elections commission. Guyana is perhaps the worst case of a government seeking to avoid elections after a no confidence vote by invoking the name of the elections commission as an excuse.

The elections commission is supposed to be permanently prepared for elections because a government can fall anytime. In fact, the law states that that the voters’ list must be continuously updated in preparation for elections. There is continuous identity registration of fourteen-year-olds; so eligible voters (attaining 18) would be on the voters’ list.

Saying the list is not ready is a lame excuse. Saying that the list has names of the dead and migrants is also a lame excuse; those dead and migrants were also on every voters’ list including the one

used last November for the local elections and last May 2015 elections that catapulted the coalition to office.

No ruler should be fearful of facing the electorate – who are the true bosses of the politicians. A ruler can very well win re-election after losing a no confidence vote or when counted out of the voting ring.

Just last month, the Australian PM won re-election when he was all but counted out. The rulers of Austria, Greece, Israel, and several other countries have decided to face the electorate after the parliament lost confidence in them (even though a formal vote was not taken). The ruler of the United Kingdom decided to step down after failing to get a majority of MPs to back her.

We should not forget that former President Donald Ramotar “fired himself” rather than face a no confidence vote – that is an option of a country and is also an aspect of democracy. Basdeo Panday of Trinidad and Tobago also fired himself in December 2001 and called elections that he lost rather than face a no confidence vote.

President David Granger is a military man and I am sure he will do the right and honourable thing; he knows what are orders and will subject himself to the orders of the court (CCJ). I am confident the President will dissolve parliament very soon and begin consultation with the Opposition Leader on the replacement of his unilateral appointee of Gecom Chair.

The court was very clear that the appointment of James Patterson violated the constitution. The President was misadvised that he could act unilaterally in appointing the chair of Gecom. The court has so informed him that the process he used to appoint

Patterson was flawed and a violation of the constitution.

There must be consultation with the opposition leader who will provide six names and the President will choose one as Gecom Chair; there is no way around that process.

I think President Granger will act accordingly.

Separately, I am disappointed with the incendiary language used by government officials in relation to house to house registration.

They know that the law does not call for house to house registration; in fact, the CCJ also made reference to this point. The kind of militant language expressed belongs to a bygone era.

As the CCJ judges said, the country can’t go back to the period of Burnhamism or authoritarian rule. The law is very clear that once a government loses a no confidence vote, it must resign, serve as a caretaker, and hold elections within ninety days.

The CCJ will not allow a violation of the constitution having drawn heavily from language in the constitution in rendering the unanimous judgment in favour of the no confidence vote.

Even the court noted that there is no need for house to house registration of voters; names not on the list can be added. Those who migrated or the dead, the latter in particular, can’t turn up to vote nor can the latter vote as happened in 1968, 1973, 1978, 1980, and 1985.The no confidence vote allows the polity to cleanse or revitalize itself.

All sides must pull back on the provocative talk, desist from advocating for delayed elections, and respect the rule of law as clarified by the learned judges of the CCJ – new elections within ninety days from June 24.

Yours truly, Dr. Vishnu Bisram

Let us allow the constitutional body, GECOM, to do its work DEAR EDITOR, The current situation in Guyana since the No Confidence Vote and the CCJ ruling has not been resolved, so please permit me to shed some light on a disturbing political statement made by Gail Teixeira on Thursday, June 20, 2019 on the television programme, “Matters of Public Importance” on CNS Ch 6.

The PPP/C is making statements that are only selfserving, pandering to their base when Ms. Teixeira states that, “The main issue is that Granger wants to stay in power till 2020”.

Guyanese let us take a moment to review and analyze what is happening around us.

It is my belief that President Granger is not trying to delay the elections to 2020.

He is, rather, upholding the constitutional provision.

We cannot respect the constitution at one end, and at the other end, we are turning a blind eye and a deaf ear conveniently. Let us ensure that this period of our history signals a change, because all parties had already voted earlier for houseto-house registration. The current voters’ list expired since April 30, 2019.All Guyanese deserve an opportunity to vote.

There are so many Guyanese that turned 18 years of age from 2015 to present. Therefore, it’s my belief with the ab-

sence of House to House Registration these Guyanese will be disenfranchised, the list also needs to be purged of people who have died and those who have migrated So, we should allow the president to work according to the constitution to allow those who turned 18 after November 2018, and will be 18 in 2019, to have the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and choose a leader of their choice.

The statements made by Ms. Teixeira on that TV Programme are to mislead the public and especially their (PPP/ C) supporters that the CCJ ruling declared that the President and the Cabinet must resign immediately.

It seems that the PPP/C wants the President to bully GECOM to do their work. Guyanese, we need to understand that despite the ruling of the CCJ and the opposition declared position that elections must be held within 90 days, the President cannot call elections until GECOM is ready.

Our nation is so small in population, why are we facing difficulties to come to an agreement quickly as the CCJ has asked us to do? Let us allow the constitutional body, GECOM, to do its work - with its work plan - as the independent body that it is.

Sincerely yours, Ceion Rollox

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

Report: Cuba Violently Forcing Hundreds of Dissidents into Exile Cuba (Breitbart.com)- An over 200-page report published by a coalition of human rights NGOs Wednesday concluded “without fear of error” that Cuba has violently forced or threatened to force “hundreds” of political dissidents into exile, in many cases buying them plane tickets and taking them to the airport at gunpoint.

Cuban Prisoners Defenders, an NGO dedicated to pro-democracy judicial action, along with the Patmos Institute and the Foundation for Pan-American Democracy, debuted the report at a press conference in Madrid on Wednesday.

The groups identified 77 cases of the Cuban communist regime threatening to or actually expatriating dissidents during their research in just the week

of June 11 to June 18.

The report sent dissidents suspected of having suffered abuse and expropriation a uniform survey, confirming “35 victims of forced expatriation and 42 victims of grave threats instigating forced expatriation.”

They note that these cases form “only a small part of all those expatriated who have left Cuba under the same conditions detailed in this denunciation.”

“We can, without fear of error, [say] that these cases occur at the scale of hundreds annually, and that these have affected thousands of human rights activists, independent journalists, dissident artists, religious leaders, and other organized pacific groups,” the report asserts.

“The number of those not belonging to any group, and those who no one has heard

In Guyana: Daniel Llorente, a Cuban who claimed his government exiled him to Guyana. news of, could [increase] the cases to many times the number deduced by this

study.”

Most of the confirmed cases of expatriation in the

report are members of dissident groups, like the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), as these groups have struggled to maintain contact with the disappeared and its members more likely to denounce the government.

In the cases of independent dissidents, those documented are individuals who have attracted international attention and, as such, could not disappear overnight without pressure from human rights groups.

The exiled say, almost uniformly, that the Castro regime threatened to harm them or their families if they did not leave Cuba.

They were largely forced to cut all ties and communication with their family members who, they say, were not told of their permanent removal from the territory.

All are Cuban citizens, meaning they have no legal residency anywhere else in the world. Most were, however, sent to countries where Cuban citizens do not need visas to enter.

Most of those who have been forced into exile have landed in Guyana, a nation that does not require Cuban citizens to have visas to enter.

The two best-known cases of expatriation are those of Eliécer Góngora Izaguirre, an UNPACU member who police escorted to the airport and sent to Georgetown, Guyana; and Daniel Llorente Miranda, an independent dissident who became famous internationally after interrupting the 2017 May Day parade in Havana waving an American flag.

Llorente went missing in late May before resurfacing, telling Breitbart News that police threatened to “disappear” him if he ever set foot in Cuba again.

Others listed as having been threatened with violence if they do not leave the country include several members of the Ladies in White, a peaceful pro-democracy Christian group whose members are the female relatives of political prisoners.

Their sole act of protest is to attend Catholic Mass on Sundays dressed in white and carrying images of their imprisoned relatives, for which they are often the target of brutal beatings and arrests.

Other countries with no-

table populations of involuntary Cuban exiles are Trinidad and Tobago, Chile, and Panama. Several have made their way to Costa Rica and are attempting to enter the United States and legally request political asylum, citing the threats against them.

Many of these repatriations are made possible by cooperation between the Cuban government and Aruba Airlines, the report notes.

Aruba Airlines, which flew Daniel Llorente to Guyana and told Breitbart News they had no evidence that a person with that name had flown to Georgetown, is a Venezuelan airline. Venezuela is Cuba’s closest ally, and some say colony, in Latin America.

The Guyanese government’s role in these expatriations remains unclear.

In Llorente’s case, the government claimed to not have evidence that Llorente had entered the country or passed through customs until Breitbart News, in conjunction with the Guyanese newspaper Kaieteur News, proved L l o r e n t e ’s p r esence in Guyana.

The Prisoners Defenders report notes, however, the close “personal” connection that Guyanese President David Granger “is receiving treatment for a very difficult disease on the island … which will influence, having created such close ties to Cuba in this state crime, in turning his political institutions into coparticipants by action and omission” in the expatriations.

Georgetown announced in March that President Granger had completed his first round of treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Havana that month. Cuban doctors diagnosed him with the cancer in October.

Following the report, the NGOs involved in publishing it are seeking international action to stop these forced exiles and punish the Cuban regime.

They intend to bring the report to the United Nations, where the Castro regime enjoys a plum position on the Human Rights Council, to seek international action to stop the practice.

The Organization of American States (OAS) has also expressed interest in the cases.

Saturday June 22, 2019

PAGE 9

Kaieteur News

Guyanese have no understanding of liberal democracy Liberal democracy is an extraterrestrial concept in Guyana. It is an unknown quantity which exists in an outer realm. Locals have very little understanding of what is democracy because they have never fully experienced democratic rule.

The greatest democratic achievement in Guyana was with the achievement of universal adult suffrage – the right of persons of voting age to vote regardless of wealth, income or race.

But that embryo became stillborn following the divorce between Jagan and Burnham. Democracy from then to 1964, was deformed by the ethnic competition for power.

Burnham destroyed whatever democratic prospects were possible. He rigged the 1968, the 1973 and the 1980 elections. He was followed by Hoyte who shamelessly did

the same in 1985.

Not only were these elections rigged but institutions necessary for democracy were perverted. The free press was stifled and the media became entirely state-owned, the economy was put on a socialist path; the judiciary was made subservient to the party in power and the public service became an instrument of party patronage.

The election of October 5, 1992 did not see a return to democracy; it was a restoration only of electoral and parliamentary democracy. While the PPP had been in the vanguard of the struggle for 28 years, it really did not have a thorough understanding of liberal democracy having been attached to a more socialist understanding of democracy.

Liberal democracy was in the ascendency by 1992 and was to what is now known as

inclusive democracy. But the PPPC had no clue about how to create a liberal democracy and therefore consoled itself into believing that mere free and fair elections were sufficient conditions for democratic government.

The PPPC was unable to ensure that took the African segment of population felt included in governance. And this is the dilemma which has faced all governments since 1992: how to ensure that the supporters of the opposition fell included. It is an ethnic dilemma and not purely a political dilemma.

The same dilemma has reared its head today. An African-dominated government is in power. The ruling parties, the PNCR and the AFC, have no understanding of democracy because they have no experience of it. And because of the ethnic polarization in which one party and one eth-

Claims and objections are enough to cleanse list – Ram

Attorney-at-Law, Christopher Ram; Panel Chair, Clement Rohee; Attorneys-at-Law, Kamal Ramcharran and Anil Nandlall General and Regional Elections should happen soon. House-to-House Registration is unnecessary. Claims and Objections are enough to cleanse list.

That is the assertion of Attorney-at-Law Christopher Ram. He was addressing a gathering at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre yesterday, during a forum called to discuss the implications of the rulings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the No Confidence Cases. The panel was chaired by former Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee. Also on the panel were Attorneys-at-Law Anil Nandlall and Kamal Ramcharran.

He addressed several contentions raised by the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition as reasons why it is advocating for House to House Registration.

Ram responded to President David Granger’s claim that there are 200,000 incorrect entries on the Official List of Electors.

“There is no scientific test or informal survey. So, where did this number come from?”

Ram asked.He said that though the President didn’t use the term ‘phantom voters’, it’s likely that that’s what he meant. The claim that phantom voters could lead to fraudulent elections is one that has been in the public for a very long time. Even then, he said that GECOM has already put measures in place to prevent fraudulent elections.

Ram said that the President’s claim has

never been established.

During a demonstration yesterday of coalition supporters in advocacy for House to House Registration, the loudest chant of the demonstrators was that young people must not be disenfranchised. It has been contended

by Government that if elections are held without House to House registration, thousands of young people will not have a chance to vote.

Ram said that it is untrue that young people would be disenfranchised, since the continuous registration process has been employed by GECOM as late as 2018, registering persons of ages 14+.

Even for the loose ends, Ram said the law provides for a robust claims and objections period.“If [young people] were only to read the National Registration Act, they would realize that there is a process in the law to eliminate all those dangers to the extent that they do exist.”He said there is nothing in law that absolutely requires House to House Registration, and is of the opinion that it is a delaying tactic. As for the CCJ’s ruling that the GECOM Chair’s appointment is flawed and unconstitutional, Ram said that the “only decent thing for [ret’d Justice] James Patterson to do is clear his desk” and leave the post.

He is adamant that Government must commit to having elections held as soon as practically possible, with respect for the Constitution. Ram urged that all of the people of Guyana must defend the country and the Constitution, regardless of political persuasion.

nic group invariably dominate the government, what we have in Guyana is ethnic rule.

Governance has been uprooted from democracy. The APNU did promise shared governance but when it got into office watered this down to some nebulous concept called social cohesion. There can be no social cohesion when half of the population always fee alienate from political power New political formations such as A New and United Guyana (ANUG) have recognized this dilemma but they too do not have an understanding of liberal democracy and thus can provide no assurance or model of how they will adopt liberal democracy.

The smaller parties can offer no hope for democracy.

The Guyanese people are not interested in democracy; they are interested in ethnic power.

As such, parties which are not ethnic parties have fared badly and will continue to

fare badly in elections. Their best hope is to try to hold the balance of power and to use that to entrench democratic reforms, including shared governance.

Today, democracy is being prostituted. The small group which controls the PPPC wants to get back in power to control the spoils of government. A small group which controls the APNU and the AFC are comfortable enjoying the perquisites of office and they do not want to be unseated.

And these parties are proficient in being manipulated their supporters in the furtherance of ethnic rule. There is no interest in democracy on either side of the political divide. What Guyanese want is to be ruled by their own and this because they have no understanding of liberal democracy.

No wonder then that we have this comical farce of the ruling parties, the APNU and

the AFC, protesting for house-to-house registration when they have already approved billions of dollars for such an exercise. During the height of the criminal crime wave, the PPPC, then in government, had a protest against rising crime, an act, like what we are witnessing today, which represented a protest against themselves.

Meanwhile the masses believe they are in an ethnic struggle and that they should lend their efforts to that cause.

If only they understood that the political parties which they support have long been dominated by a small cabal which rule in the interest of friends and families especially when it comes to contracts, jobs and scholarships.

Dem boys seh ...

De stupidness must done People like play games and these days de politicians playing games. De odda day Gail write to de police commissioner to claim how Jordan de Finance Man talk things wha she ain’t like.

Then she complain bout Moses because he seh he gun put on he clothes. Why such a woman got to complain because a man seh he going and put on he clothes?

That is only part of de stupidness that going on.

Some policemen in Berbice now frighten. In fact, dem hoping that some crime get report suh dem can run out de station. De supervisors listening to see who is de one that talk bout corruption.

After all, when people

squeal dem cutting up de runnings. Dem boys know some police corporal who got three minibus and four cars. Some of dem got three or four house that dem renting out.

Which one of dem gun sit down and allow people to cut up that running?

Of course runnings is de order of de day. Statia seize some Land Cruisers that cross over from Brazil and was wukking in Guyana. He call de man a repeat offender but Jagdeo get vex. De vehicles get seize since last year Jagdeo seh de vehicles get seize last month.

Dem boys know that certain people like drive Government vehicle. Only de odda day de Georgetown Mayor vehicle kill a man. De Mayor deh in he office but de ve-

hicle been on de road.

If was an ordinary man de police woulda walk straight in de office and lock him up just like how dem should arrest and lock up de driver.

Jagdeo strong man pun de Essequibo Coast tek de Reginald Chairman vehicle and drive all round de coast.

Is not that de Regional Chairman driver was using de vehicle and giving de man a drop. De man just pick up de keys like if is children property.

De REO get vex and tek over de vehicle. He seh from now de Regional Chairman got to walk or tek taxi because he can’t care Government property, Talk half and watch how people stopping stupidness

PAGE 10

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===

Two mysteries about Hard Rock Café intrigue me

L

ast Thursday, I took my wife to dinner at the Hard Rock Café which is part of the Movie Towne complex. Movie Towne is directly opposite to where I live. I know when the complex has customers or when it is a slow night.

I would look across from my bedroom window to see how empty or filled is the car park.

Hard Rock Café rocks and in a hard way too. A part of Europe has come to Guyana.

Guyana is getting there. Hard Rock Café came too late for people of my age. When I was

a young, mad bohemian student at UG in the seventies, I am sure rich boy on campus, Carl Singh (former chancellor of the judiciary) would have taken us to Hard Rock Café.

What adjectives can I reach for to paint the ambience and the totality of Hard Rock Café? I would say, “enchanting,” “inviting,” “captivating.” About the food. Well, here is my thought. I cannot as a columnist recommend you dine out at Hard Rock Café because that would be free advertisement and it may dissuade patrons from other places.

So here is what I will say; that food was gorgeous, great and comparable with any I have had elsewhere in other countries. I think Hard Rock Café makes damn good food.

What are the two mysteries I would like to have solved to kill my curiosity? The first one is the attendees. Are they from Guyana? Were they brought to Guyana by the owners? If they are from Guyana then they were extensively trained. They were just phenomenally courteous and made you feel that Guyana has some of the nicest people

in the world (in fact, it has).

As we reached towards the entrance, one of the young ladies showed me and my wife how a human could have one of the friendliest smiles you hardly see in the miserable world we live in.

She suggested how we should take the pictures so the Hard Rocke Café emblem could be visibly seen in the image. She took my wife’s smart phone and did the snapping.

Inside we were asked to choose our table by another wonderful young lady. Then Abzul came up to us. From his accent, he was definitely from India. Abzul introduced himself and informed us we were his responsibility for the rest of the evening. After the treatment we got from Abzul, no human could have given Abzul his required 15 percent tip. You had to be a monster not to go way beyond fifteen.

Abzul is a superb host.

A smiling young lady brought water for us. She

spoke perfect English but her name, Roccio, was not one that you find Guyanese women wearing. So I said to her, looking at her tag; “Are you Guyanese?” With an oceanic smile, she answered; “No, I’m Cuban.”

Then the manager came to our table and introduced himself. He had an Indian accent like Abzul so I asked him if Hard Rock Café is owned by a company from the sub-continent. He told me it was Caribbean ownership. Three times the manager came to see if we were fine. What better treatment do you want from the management of a restaurant you were dining at?

So the first mystery I would like solved. Where did Hard Rock Café get these excellent humans from? Where did Roccio pick up her perfect English from? Where did management get Abzul from?

Now the second mystery.

Our table was close to the western entrance. Facing me were the photographs of three historic pop artistes – Jimmy Hendrix, Ringo Starr and Elvis Presley.

I could understand Hendricks. It is going past fifty years and no one comes close to matching the guitar genius of Jimmy. Why Starr?

Frederick Kissoon Ringo was drummer. I’m not sure he knew how to play a guitar. The same cannot be said for Presley.

I’m not a fan of Presley. I love oldies but I don’t listen to his songs; he was a racist.

Instead of Starr and Presley, why not B.B. King or Chuck Berry or Santana or George Benson or Eric Clapton? My choice after Hendrix would be Santana.

I think Santana could enter any genre; Clapton comes close but Santana has a wider reach.

There was a live band.

The front man can sing. I am no expert on music but that young man can sing. Can someone give him a break to walk on greener pastures? I had a lovely evening with my wife at Hard Rock Café. I hope Guyana keeps getting better.

We need to.

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

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Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

REO repossesses vehicle assigned to Region Two chairman The Region Two Executive Officer (REO), Denis Jaikaran Snr, on Tuesday afternoon retrieved a vehicle that had been assigned to the Regional Chairman, Devanand Ramdatt.

According to a Facebook post from the region, Jaikaran was executing his daily duties as the sole custodian of Government property of the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

The vehicle was, at the time of the retrieval, parked

under a shed in Good Hope, Essequibo Coast.

“This action was deemed necessary after reports would have surfaced of the vehicle assigned to the Regional Chairman, Mr Devanand Ramdatt, was seen parked under a shed in the Good Hope area. Also reports that it was being driven by PPP/C Regional Councillor Mr Arnold Adams.

“Photos also surfaced of the vehicle at a popular recre-

ational location on Father’s Day Sunday while the Regional Chairman was out of the region,” the post said The region said that the REO used his good judgment where “trust is concerned”.

He was accompanied by the Regional Security Officer and Mechanical Supervisor.

The Toyota Fortuner bore the plates PKK 8064.

“Mr Jaikaran Snr wishes to make it clear that he has started a campaign to retrieve all state assets that were placed or abandoned previously. This gives notice to the public who observe the misuse of government property should make a report to the Regional Administration.”

The vehicle that was retrieved.

Kaieteur Block to drill well in 2020 -’Best Estimate’ of Prospective Oil Resource pegged at 256.2M barrels

With 35 percent of the working interest in its grasp, ExxonMobil holds the position of lead operator for the Kaieteur Block. It is expected to drill the first well next year.

This is noted in a report commissioned by one of Exxons partners on the block, Ratio Petroleum, which holds 25 percent of the petroleum rights. The report was pre-

pared by Netherland, Sewell & Associates Inc. (“NSAI”).

This newspaper understands that the first well in the Kaieteur Block will be on (Continued on page 22)

Saturday June 22, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Land Cruisers seized in Lethem from repeat offender properly disposed of …GRA reports 700 per cent in Enforcement collection since 2013 Two Toyota Land Cruisers seized by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) last year in Lethem, a town in Region Nine, that borders Brazil, were properly disposed of.

There were questions by the Opposition of how GRA sold the vehicles.

According to GRA Commissioner-General, Godfrey Statia, he is forced to respond to statements which are misleading, filled with innuendos and allegations of fraud, create public mischief, and are meant to tarnish the efforts at rebuilding the reputation of GRA. He made reference to the Friday, June 7, 2019 edition of Kaieteur News, and more recently in the June 17 edition of another newspaper, where former President Bharrat Jagdeo, now the Opposition Leader, stated that the GRA seized and disposed of hundreds of luxury vehicles that never made it to the register for want of entry.

The vehicles, according to Jagdeo, were never auctioned, but were fraudulently transferred and found their way into the hands of people sympathetic to the government or “given to family and friends” resulting in billions of dollars in lost revenue.

“He specifically alluded to two Land Cruisers with Venezuelan registration numbers, and stated that he has and will supply the evidence.”

However, in disputing that the vehicles were irregularly handled, Statia said that it is a fact they were manufactured over eight years ago and were duly seized from a repeat offender in mid-December 2018, and not in May 2019 as alleged by Jagdeo.

“They were forfeited in February 2019 in accordance with section 225 of the Customs Act for failure to produce the pertinent customs

declarations and supporting documents. Section 225(2) states that all seizures lawfully made under the customs laws or any other law shall be deemed to be taken and condemned and may be sold or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the Comptroller may direct.”

According to the Commissioner-General, the two motor vehicles because of age, location and condition with exposure to elements of weather had deteriorated significantly which may have caused mechanical and electrical damages and rendered same unserviceable.

“To prevent a total loss of revenue, the authority found it prudent to invoke the relevant provisions of the Customs Act and disposed the motor vehicles accordingly.

The Authority will not disclose any additional information in relation to this subject, since it has strict duty of confidentiality and must adhere to those rules in accordance with the provisions of the Revenue Authority Act, Chapter 79:01.”

Statia insisted that the GRA process of registering motor vehicles is fully automated and cannot in any way be manipulated and “backdated” as alleged.

GRA explained that there are generally two categories of vehicles disposed of by the Revenue Authority - Want of Entry vehicles and seized motor vehicles.

“Want of Entry vehicles are disposed of, by way of sealed bids after the said vehicles are placed in the Official Gazette and subsequently advertised if claims were not made during the mandated claim period.”

It was disclosed that sealed bids were introduced in late 2016 for the very reason of collusion and revenue loss.

“Interested bidders are given the opportunity to examine the assets before submitting the actual bids. The award goes to the highest bidder once the bid is equal or above an amount sufficient to pay all duties, expenses, rent and charge. However, if he/ she fails to honour his/her obligations as the awardee, the motor vehicles may be readvertised or the Commissioner-General may dispose of same in accordance with Section 90 (4) of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01 which provides that “If any goods on being offered for sale as aforesaid cannot be sold for a sum sufficient to pay all duties, expenses, rent and charges, the same may be destroyed, or otherwise disposed of as the Commissioner-General may direct.”

Statia said that disposal of Want of Entry or seizures are done, at all times, in a fair, impartial and transparent manner with the Internal and State Auditors playing their respective roles.

“Consequently, the GRA welcomes any audit by the Auditor General who audits such transactions on a yearly basis, and report his findings to the Public Accounts Committee. Regarding disposal of seized motor vehicles, under sections 218 and 224 of the Customs Act, the Commissioner-General may, given the nature of the offence, allow the individual in question to pay a fine in lieu of court proceedings or he may dispose of the seizure as he deems fit accordingly.”

GRA said that in some instances, seized or Want of Entry motor vehicles are disposed of by way of assignment to other state entities such as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Prison Service, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) the Ministry of Health and other

The seized Toyota Land Cruisers at the Lethem compound of GRA, Region 9.

departments that requires resources for the effective functioning.

“This has always been the practice and the exercise of such discretion is not unique to Guyana.”

He stressed that notwithstanding the wide powers given to the Commissioner General to dispose of seized vehicles as he sees fit, such disposals are done in a fair and consistent manner to ensure maximum collection of revenues by the state.

“Despite the numerous (Continued on page

GRA’s CommissionerGeneral, Godfrey Statia

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

PAGE 14

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 22, 2019

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

PAGE 15

Kaieteur News

PAGE 16

Saturday June 22, 2019

MARAD capacity to be boosted with new - building will assist in preparations Kingston headquarters for oil & gas industry

T

o further strengthen its capacity to deliver on its mandate to bolster the oversight for the maritime sector, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has turned the sod for a new headquarters in Kingston.

During remarks at a simple ceremony held at the site for the new building, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said that the site in Kingston was deemed to be the most suitable after many other sites were considered.

He explained that as part of the Coalition Government's Green State Development Strategy (GSDS), “one of the areas in which we have tasked MARAD to do is not only to build a functional building for their operation, but it must be energy efficient and it must harness as much of the local and natural resources as possible.”

The Public Infrastructure Minister also mentioned that the completion of the new building is in keeping with the government's goals.

Director-General of MARAD, Claudette Rogers, stated that the sod turning was a momentous occasion.

“When we look in terms of

Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson; Director-General of the Maritime Administration Department, Claudette Rogers along with members of MARAD and visitors from the Caribbean

where we were, where we are, and where we're going, we are very pleased to know in keeping with our preparation for the oil and gas industry, we will be better able to house all of our staff in one location,” she said.

The head of the Maritime Administration conveyed that the construction of the headquarters will assist in upholding Guyana's obligations under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to ensure there are “safe, secure and

clean seas.”

With the construction of the new headquarters, MARAD will be able to accommodate its entire technical staff. This building also allows the Government to work towards the realisation of the

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and maritime resources for sustainable development. Construction of the building will commence in 2020.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 22, 2019

PAGE 17

Wakenaam rice farmers appeal for opening of another mill - seeking Gov't intervention

T

he island of Wakenaam continues to grapple with the challenges of marketing its paddy.

Wakenaam, which is located in the Essequibo River, is heavily dependent on agriculture, particularly its local rice industry.

T h o u g h Wa k e n a a m produces one of the finest paddy quality the cost of marketing the commodity to mills off the island, is often a challenge to most farmers.

There is only one mill in operation, which may seem sufficient for an island as small as Wakenaam.

One farmer explained, however, that the mill in operation only utilizes 20% of the paddy produced on the island. The remaining 80%, he explained, is transported to a mill on the Essequibo Coast.

“We usually have to stand the expense to take it to Essequibo, at a cost to farmers which is $350 per bag. So for every bag of paddy produce $350 is deducted for transporting alone. And farmers get basically $2600 per bag,” said one farmer.

The Wakenaam Rice

Milling Industries limited, was once the largest rice mill on the Wakenaam Island.

After going out of operation some time back, the mill was reportedly bought from the government. Residents believe that if this mill is put back into operation, it may be able to save farmers a great deal of cash.

“There is room for a mill in Wakenaam. The facilities can be taken back if the government intervenes in some way or the other. In the best interest of the farmers there should be a compulsory acquisition and let it run as a government private partnership between government and farmers,” said the Chairman of the Wakenaam Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Sheik Ahmad.

The chairman also explained that when it was in operation, the mill utilized paddy from Essequibo Coast, Leguan and Hogg Island.

The old mill that farmers hope can be put back into operation

Kaieteur News

PAGE 18

Saturday June 22, 2019

Coalition demonstrates for House-to-House registration

A

Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) coalition yesterday staged a demonstration near the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) Kingston Headquarters, and countrywide, in advocacy for House to House Registration.

The demonstrators insisted that elections should not be held until House to House Registration is started and completed. They chanted, “Our youths who turned 18 must vote!” and “Credible registration,

Credible Elections!”

Present at the demonstration were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karen Cummings; former Chronicle General Manager, Sherod Duncan; Attorneyat-Law, James Bond; and Minister of Social Protection, Amna Ally.

In an address to the crowd, Duncan said, “I don't know what is the input of the CCJ in all of this,” but GECOM should be allowed to act independently.

Kenny Valladares of the Alliance for Change (AFC)'s Youth Arm told Kaieteur News that they are not

The demonstrators marched around the intersection of Main and Lamaha streets. picketing GECOM, but that they are demonstrating in support of the commission's independence, and its right to determine when it is ready to hold General and Regional Elections.

“Every stone must be turned; everything must be done to ensure that the [youth] are included in the elections.” Valladares said.

Since the passage of the No-Confidence Motion, the coalition has contended that young people who recently turned 18 will not be included in the election if there is no House to House

Registration.

In an address to the crowd, Duncan said that there are thousands of young people in Guyana who must be registered, and that they will not allow the youth to be disenfranchised.

O p p o s i t i o n L e a d e r, Bharrat Jagdeo, in response to that contention had said that the situation is not as damning as the coalition has made it out to be. He said that, in late 2018, there was a continuous registration process that added many eligible voters on to the list.

He had added that a short

period of registration, claims and objections would clear up any loose ends.

But the coalition is adamant that House to House Registration is the only system that could cleanse the list, and ensure credible elections.

Multiple members of the ruling coalition have said that it's not just young people that must be catered for, but removals of dead persons, address changes, and other issues.

Apart from that, the protestors responded to a statement made by Jagdeo

on Thursday, during a press conference. The Opposition Leader had said that that he is ready to cooperate with President David Granger to have a new Chairman appointed quickly to GECOM, since the appointment of retired Justice James Patterson was declared unconstitutional by the Caribbean Court of Justice. He had also said that he is worried the President could use the selection process for the chairman to delay the elections.

Bond dared Jagdeo.

“Prepare the list!”

Saturday June 22, 2019

Guyana may collaborate with other CARICOM countries on drugs procurement - Volda Lawrence Guyana has a small population and therefore its orders for pharmaceuticals will most likely be what the country needs.

However the country has been facing some issues with regards to getting its orders sent out in time due to its population size.

Minister Volda Lawrence commenting on the issue, said, “One of the things that our suppliers face is that the quantities that we order are very small. So a manufacturer wouldnt put that quantity on a belt for us, to send it out right away.

“So what will happen is when the manufacturer is [producing] for another [country] buying a big set they throw in our little one. Small countries like us we are at a disadvantage.” Minister Lawrence went on to say that she hopes that some time in the future, that just as what is happening in the OAS [Organisation of American States] and what is happening in Central America where the countries have come together and they purchase in [bulk] CARICOM could do the same.

She is hoping that CARICOM will take this practice into consideration and

PAGE 19

Kaieteur News

Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence that they will come to an agreement to allow countries under its umbrella to do the same.

This practice will decrease the cost of medication, and it will significantly increase availability, as a larger amount bought directly from the manufacturer has these perks attached to it.

Minister Lawrence extended the invitation to the public that if there is a case that they go to a health care facility and the drug needed

isnt available that they should feel free to call her office.

This was said in the wake of another issue where normally doctors, who studied in Russia, China and Cuba, would be looking for medication they are accustomed to, so often times when they prescribe that and its not available they wouldnt resort to substitutes that do the same job.

The solution in mind is to list the essential medicines, so that it will be the same across the board and all substitutes will be included. Doctors will have access to this on their system so that if what they would normally turn to isnt available substitutions could be made.

The minister said, “As we move to digitalize our various medical facilities, it means then that before the doctor writes a prescription he or she will be able to pull [up] on their screen, in the office, the stock in hand.

“He or she will be able to [know whats available], because there is always a first, second and third line option for you to go to. [However] the problem we have is that the information is not readily in front of the doctor.”

CPG chairman uses social mechanisms to fight crime The ‘E’ Division Community Policing Group (CPG) Chairman, Kevon Lorrimer, has declared that he will be using a social approach to tackle crime in that division.

The entity recently elected a batch of new executives; Lorrimer leads as chairman. He has since declared that his focus will be geared towards eradicating social ills within the communities of Region Ten, Upper DemeraraBerbice.

The elections that were recently held saw Brian Boyle as Vice Chairman. Holding other top executive posts are Noland Walton, Secretary; Yanick Copel, Treasurer; and Avery Trim as the Public Relations Officer.

Lorrimer has indicated that his focus will also be on positively engaging youths, women and other vulnerable groups who are often victims of social ills such as teenage pregnancy and juvenile delinquency.

He said that the body will

CPG Chairman, Kevon Lorrimer be addressing issues such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and all these other social issues that are affecting the community.

He added that initiatives will be created to target areas

of youth empowerment through culture which will be attempted through collaborative efforts with local stakeholders.

Among other issues to be addressed are the monitoring and reporting of crime at a community level, as well as community development and resident empowerment.

He said that CPG will maintain its role as the eyes and ears of the police and will report any information of crime or criminal elements at the earliest possible opportunity.

He said that issues that attract their immediate attention are child abuse which is prevalent in sections of the community.

CPGs across Guyana are supported by Government, through the Ministry of Public Security as well as stakeholders within the regions such as the Regional Democratic Councils and the Mayor and Town Councils.

During the observation of (Continued on page 22)

PAGE 20

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

APNU/AFC Government working for the Cause not the Applause – says Minister Allicock Vice President and Minister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, said the APNU/AFC Government will continue its efforts to empower each and every Guyanese so they can enjoy the “Good Life” promised.

Minister Allicock and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Jaipaul Sharma, engaged residents in Agatash and its environs on Wednesday as part of the “Government Comes to You” outreach in Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Region Seven (Lower Mazaruni).

Residents turned out in their numbers to listen, pose questions and seek clarification on Government’s developmental plans for the communities of Agatash and Dagg Point, which are CDCs but also receive support from the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs.

Minister Allicock said, “Over the last four years you have seen the changes in your life’s direction, we have heard the voices of the people from across this country and we are working for the cause and not the applause.”

Uniting the nation and working together remains paramount on Governments

agenda and Minister Allicock reminded that the coalition government was formed on the premise that “each Guyanese needs to be properly represented and have a good life because this is the vision of President David Granger”.

Further development, according to the Minister, will be visible when villages and communities particularly in the Hinterland produce and

execute their respective Village Improvement Plans which are long terms developmental plans (5-10 years).

He continues to encourage villages to commence the process and should they require technical and other support, the Ministry will be more than willing to assist.

Additionally, residents were updated on the recent ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on the De-

cember 21, 2018 No-Confidence Motion. Minister Allicock said, “This does not mean we will just lay down our working tools and give up, now is the time to work, you have to work to develop, work to get your children to school, work to ensure they get the best possible education so they will be properly rounded.”

Meanwhile, Minister Sharma said the develop-

ments in Bartica are living testimony to Governments commitment to the Guyanese people since the track record of the past regime is questionable.

Minister Sharma said in 2014 under the PPP/C Government some $275 million was budgeted for Bartica. “Today under the APNU/AFC Government capital alone is $1.9B. Just imagine that, so its $1.6M more we have put into the economy of Bartica.”

He assured residents that an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub will soon be installed in Agatash. He took the opportunity to encourage residents to capitalize on the benefits that comes with such developments.

Minister Sharma said the APNU/AFC Government has bold and elaborate plans for the Bartica Township as part of pursuing its Green Agenda.

He said, “As the President has indicated, Bartica will be the model town and we have indicated already that there will be a solar farm and it will produce in excess of 1.5 Megawatts of electricity this is renewable energy, green energy, this is the way this adminis-

tration wants to go...Cheap energy will be to your disposal and this is an opportunity we would like you to take.”

Meanwhile, $631M was made available for distribution as loans and grants to pursue green projects in Bartica.

To date the community boasts a Boardwalk, an improved community centre ground, better roads and bridges, better sanitation, improved ICT infrastructure and a new radio station with the aim of making Bartica a model green town.

Water security is also high on Governments agenda for the Township and a Department of Public Information (DPI) report quoted Managing Director of the Guyana Water Inc. Dr. Richard Van West-Charles in early June saying that “with the new technology we have with drilling wells I feel that we should be able in Bartica itself and 4 Miles and 5 Miles… to drill one or two wells which will give us more water security within the Bartica area.”

The Fire Station is also slated to receive a major upgrade.

Saturday June 22, 2019

Mason now in jail after night out with stranger

By Trishan Craig Akeem Bennett as he had first told the court two months ago, yesterday returned to court and related another ‘fairytale story’ in relation to his night out with a stranger, who he robbed.

According to the defendant, he lied on his first appearance before the court.

“The name I give the police is not my name. My name is Morvin Akeem Mikoo. I also don’t live at the address I gave. I do live in Soesdyke but not the lot number I gave.”

The defendant first appeared in April of this year before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts where he was granted bail in the sum of $10,000 after relating a sad tale to her.

However, the next week when the matter was called, Mikoo was still in the custody of the police as he was unable to post his bail. The victim later paid the defendant’s bail for him.

The allegation is that the 22-year-old mason, on April 14, 2019 at Seawall Road, Georgetown, stole one Samsung S8 valued at $85,000 property of Travis Rampaul.

Moreover, yesterday the defendant was brought to court on an arrest warrant after he failed to return to court

PAGE 21

Kaieteur News

Jailed: Morvin Mikoo since his bail was paid.

Mikoo told the court that his reason for not returning was because he was afraid.

“Your worship after the man told me to pay for the phone and he will drop the matter, I did not return because I was afraid since I did not have money.”

Mikoo then told the court that he was sentenced to nine months in prison on a simple larceny charge and was only released a short while before the recent incident.

He opted to change his plea after his revelations.

Magistrate McLennan before handing down her sentence stated that, “Instead of not returning, you should have come to me and I would have found a job for you or sentence you to community service.” Morvin Mikoo was then sent back to prison on a six months sentence.

Based on Mikoo’s account of the incident, he was at a Chinese restaurant ‘liming’ when Rampaul, whom he said was a stranger to him, pulled up in a car and offered him a drink. “After he buy the water for me, he told me let’s go to town and get two girls.”

Mikoo related that they went to Georgetown and picked up two girls from a bar then headed to the seawall. It was there that Rampaul reportedly handed over all his money, his phone and a gold chain.

He alleged that Rampaul then asked him to collect a pack of cigarettes from the car.

However, when he went to the car, there were no cigarettes.

He said Rampaul then sent him to purchase a pack of cigarettes.

The accused had told the court that he was robbed however, he just did not return with the phone.

Mikoo then headed to a friend.

That same night he was arrested by police ranks on patrol with the victim in their vehicle.

However, Rampaul related a different story to the court as he mentioned that he did pick up Mikoo. “I stopped at the shop to buy something, but then I saw him [Mikoo] and he looked hungry to me, so I offered him the drink and asked if he wanted to lime with me.”The victim further (Continued on page 24)

T&T gas contract renegotiations to be finalized by August The government of Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t have much longer before it wraps up negotiations with the shareholders of Atlantic LNG, a liquefied natural gas producing joint venture operating there.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley had announced the country’s plan to engage the shareholders, last year.

His administration had found that there was a need to discuss better terms and conditions for improved revenue for Trinidad and Tobago from LNG sales.

He had said that the government has a role to ensure that the people get “more than crumbs that fall off the table”.

The government faced myriad criticisms from the political opposition, United National Congress (UNC), that the renegotiation would scare away investors and damage the sanctity of contracts.

But T&T Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Franklin Khan, said in an address to the House on June 11, last, that those criticisms were uninformed and incorrect.

He explained that the government had been working assiduously on the relationships with the oil companies. He said that it was necessary to build a platform of mutual respect, “and an ability to sit in the same room as equals with these sophisticated multinational companies”.

Phase 1 of the negotiations resulted in Royal Dutch Shell agreeing to pay the government approximately US$397M to the end of this year.

Khan relayed to the House that Phase 2 of negotiations will focus on the marketing arrangements of Trains 1, 2 and 3, and the restructuring of the four LNG trains into a single unit, with the primary aim to ensure that NGC

A naked encroachment into the...

From page 4 in the notion (given legal effect by the CCJ) that the Leader of the Opposition, who has not the Constitution’s permission to “act in his own deliberate judgment” does not have to give the elected President reasons for his choice of nominees; but the elected President, who has the Constitution’s permission to make the decision in “his own deliberate judgment”, has to give the unelected Leader of the Opposition, reasons for rejecting his nominees!!

Surely, clarity is needed here.

I turn now briefly to GHK Lall’s commendation of that majority ruling as “Solomonic” (“The CCJ’s decision is Solomonic” Kaieteur News, Wednesday June 19, 2019).

He commends it for its “judicial guidance”.

Now, in biblical parlance, King Solomon was wise.

The story is told of how he, with deceptive cunning, discovered who the biological mother was by threatening to cut the baby in half. But I would suggest to GHK Lall that his analogy is a most imperfect one.

There is no question as to who, extantly, is the true mother/custodian/guardian of this Republic.

In May 2015 the Guyanese people entrusted that custodianship/guardianship for the next five (5) years to David Arthur Granger, as the presidential Candidate, of APNU+AFC. A President must be permitted to be, the President.

And no President is expected to, nor permitted, to yield to the whims, fancies, arbitrariness or political vicissitudes of any Leader of the Opposition.

So I argue that if there is any “Solomonic” decision in

this matter, it is not that of the CCJ; what is wise, is the telescopic, drafting mastery of the draftsman in his decision to have the proviso to article 161 (2).En passant, I note a letter written by Charles S. Ramson (“If the President truly respects the constitution elections must be held within three months” – Stabroek News Wednesday June 19, 2019). I argue that the President is well advised, if he has taken as a matter of interpretation, one possible view that a “sensible approach” (to use the phrase of Saunders, P. in the GECOM Chairman appointment ruling), given the constitutional non-justiciable power of GECOM to POSTPONE the elections beyond any date proclaimed by the President, to be guided by GECOM’s authoritative disclosure, or information, as to its (UN) READINESS to conduct general elections.

This you might think is sheer common sense. (I would suggest Ramson read my letter under the caption “If the APNU+AFC Government will be “illegal” who then will be the legal government”Guyana Chronicle, Tuesday March19, 2019.)Yet a few extracts from that letter suffices. “… to ensure the impartiality and independence of GECOM the co n s t i t u t i o n i t s e l f ( a r ticle 226 (1) 8(7) has prohibited GECOM from being directed or controlled directly by any authority (including the President)” And, “If GECOM by a majority decides its incapacity, it is settled law that the court has no jurisdiction to entertain any question as to the validity of that decision (article 226 (6)” I submit that GECOM’s decision to hold House to House registration is a decision that cannot be questioned in/by any court. And

how pious, and feeble his criticism of the President’s preference for “credible elections” rather than “free and fair” elections.

Surely, as a lawyer Ramson must know that credibility goes to acceptability of the results of the general elections. The President attracts no constitutional opprobrium if being a true constitutionalist he prefers the legal nomenclature of “credible elections” to the overused politician’s jargon of “free and fair.”

I end with this: general elections have consequences; an elected president is one (arguably the most profound) consequence.

Those not elected have no right to some pretense of constitutional parity with the President.

The Constitution does not in this matter require the Leader of the Opposition’s agreement/consensus (unlike as with the appointment of a chancellor, and Chief Justice – article 127 (1).

If agreement/consensus was intended, the draftsman as he did in article 127(1) would have so drafted article 161(2) He did not. And how is “consensus” to be achieved in the workings of the appointment process, if the President is not permitted to indicate to the Leader of the Opposition, “criteria” for the qualification of nominees if they are to be acceptable to him? Constitutional workability will be tested.

I am intrigued by the CCJ’s veiled threat to issue coercive orders (the “consequential orders”) against the Government/Attorney General, given the clear prohibitions against such orders in our State Liability and Proceedings, Act, Cap 6:05 Laws of Guyana Regards Maxwell E. Edwards

The referees are the Guyanese electorate...

T&T Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Franklin Khan gains more.

“The government will be seeking to increase its shareholding throughout Atlantic LNG.” Khan said.

Currently, the T&T government, through NGC, has a 10 percent equity holding in Train 1, an 11.1 percent equity holding in Train 4, but none in Trains 2 and 3.

Khan said, on June 11, that the Heads of Agreement with Shell embodying many of the issues discussed with the shareholders was signed on May 29 in The Netherlands, and that definitive agreements will be finalized over the next two months.

He assured that, contrary to the negative criticisms the government fielded, all of the oil companies promised continued investment.

From page 5 the rule of law but who will control these resources.

We are in a state of undeclared war and the no confidence motion was a preemptive strike to force premature elections with a voters’ list that is irretrievably flawed and to which tinkering with cannot correct; an expired list which may hold as many as 200,000 incorrect entries. This list is dead and there is no procedure that can bring it back to life.

My colleague Winston Jordan said at a public meeting on Tuesday last that is ‘war break.’ It is actually our opponents, some obvious and some not so obvious who have declared this war, one that we have now j o i n e d . E d i t o r, t h e r e f e r e e s a r e t h e

Guyanese electorate who will shortly have the ultimate say with regards to who they entrust stewardship of these resourcesDavid Granger or Irfaan Ali. Yours faithfully, Ronald Bulkan

Elections without a...

From page 5 In the circumstances, therefore, the chairmanship can be seen as a non-issue.The Chief Elections Officer, who has the responsibility for the conduct of elections, should be considered capable of making an appropriate pronouncement.

Yours faithfully E.B. John

PAGE 22

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

Land Cruisers...

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From page 13 assignments to government agencies, the revenue collection for such seizures and want of entries increased over 2013 to May 2019 which allowed for increases in the to-

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1 Truck Driver, 1 Sales girl from EBD #223-9677

Wanted experienced hire car drivers at Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. Contact 6165419, 265-7075 Salesgirl wanted $30,000 weekly, 1 male security guard $40,000 weekly, 1 Domestic worker 4 days per week $20,000 Tel# 617-5700 CAR RENTAL DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL CALL: 225-7126 & 2263693 -DOLLYS AUTO RENTAL @ YAHOO.COM/ W W W . D O L L Y SAUTORENTAL.COM PROGRESSIVE CAR RENTAL: CARS FROM $4000 & UP, SUV’sPER DAY- CALL: 656-0087 / 6435122,EMAIL:PRO_ A U T O R E N T A L @YAHOO.COM

VACANCY Pump attendant & Cashier, shift rotated weekly (6am-3pm & 3pm-11pm) send to shellramsburg@gmail.com Waiter/Waitress & Chef preferably carnegie trained.

Contact #225-7933 or visit 172 Sheriff St Accounts clerk to work in Charity. Contact# 771-4180/ 654-7162 or email barry @adamantiumholdings.com Experienced Male Porters & Salesgirls with 2 yrs experience. CXC maths & english. Apply @ Christine’s Variety, Lombard St. Contact: 227-8529

tal collection of the Enforcement Division as follows: 2013 - $154.5M; 2014 – $185.7M ; 2015 - $210.3M; 2016 - $268.5; 2017 - $349.2M; 2018 - $646.2M. 2019 to date – $750.1M.” According to the Commissioner-General, the public has to be the judge of where the billions of dollars went and to whose family and friends benefitted from 2013 to present.

“I have said it before, and I repeat, politicians need to refrain from statements which impugn the character of public servants and agencies that serve the public under the guise of purported parliamentary privilege. “Mr. Jagdeo, as the Opposition Leader has a moral and legal obligation, to ensure the safety or wellbeing of others and follow the laws of Guyana by not encouraging officers of the GRA to break their strict duty of confidentiality.”

Exxon to...

From page 12 the Tanager Prospect during the first half of 2020. This of course, is subject to the standard permitting and regulatory approvals.

Furthermore, the NSAI One Male Janitor, Apply at report describes the Tanager Alabama Trading 65 Robb Prospect as a stacked reserSt, Bourda voir prospect (Maastrichtian Vacancy exists for experienced to Turonian reservoir interbarman, waitress and cooks. vals) and assigns a ‘Best Estimate’ of the unrisked ProContact# 618-2249 spective Oil Resource to be Driver/Salesman, Experience about 256.2 million barrels, with an aggregate probabilis an asset. Call: 663-5800 ity of geologic success NAIL TECHNICIAN. pegged at 72%.

The Kaieteur Block is loContact#223-5273/223-5274 cated approximately 155 miles VACANCY FOR DAY/ (250 kilometers) offshore NIGHT SHIFT Guyana and is adjacent to the HOUSEKEEPR TO WORK Stabroek Block where total reAT AAGMAN coverable resources of more RESTAURANT SHERIFF than 5.5 billion barrels of oil STREET. CONTACT #219- equivalent have been discov0158 ered to date.

The Kaieteur Block covExperienced male sales ers 3.3 million acres (13,535 attendant, stocktaking square kilometers) and is loknowledge, computer literate, cated in ultra-deep waters. excellent service attitude, able Three-D seismic survey was bodied.Key Food McDoom completed in 2017 on this Village. block.

Diesel Mechanic. Contact #223-5273/74 Security Guard. Apply at Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose & Anira St Driver, Bond Clerk, Factory worker, must have CSEC. for more information, please call: 223-0090 Experience Goldsmith needed at Jacob’s Jewellery and Pawnshop. Address 16 Pike St, Kitty Georgetown.

Tel#227-8748/622-4970 Watchman to work and livein, must be 60 years of age or older. $35,000 monthly. Call: 265-7550

CPG ...

From page 19 the CPGs 43rd anniversary earlier this year, Administrator of the CPGs, Dennis Pompey, had indicated that the continued expansion of CPG’s across Guyana has helped greatly with revealing criminal activities such as the carjacking ring that was dismantled on East Coast Demerara and the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and an illegal airstrip that was discovered in Region Nine, and also in Kwakwani where they were able to recover stolen equipment.

Saturday June 22, 2019

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Kaieteur News

$161M Diamond storage bond commissioned The Ministry of Public Health commissioned a storage bond at the Diamond Housing Scheme price tagged at $161M yesterday.

The storage facility which sits on four acres of land and is referred to as the Materials Management Unit, was built with funds from the Government of Guyana and four other international development partners— the Global Fund, Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the InterAmerican Development B a n k a n d t h e Wo r l d Bank.

Construction commenced in 2010 and by 2012 the facility was complete and officially opened in 2013.

The warehouse has a floor area of 2442 square metres, 1493 pallet locations on bulk storage rack and 416 bin locations on temporary stor-

Officials of the MoPH and staff of the facility. age racks.

It is cooled by 10 in-

dustrial air conditioning units and has tempera-

ture controlled storage which is facilitated by 13

Use of brothers birth certificate lands man in jail A father of one yesterday appeared in a City Court to answer to a charge of making a false declaration for the purpose of securing a new passport.

F o r t y - e ight-year-old Michael Sookraj, of Lot 6 Public Road, Friendship, East Bank Demerara, (EBD) appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Principal Magistrate, Faith McGusty.

The charge stated that on Thursday, a t C e n t r a l Immigration and Passport Office, Georgetown, for the purpose of pro-

curing a new passport, he made a false declaration by signing a statement claiming to be Lloyd Sookraj, knowing this to be false.

The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. He also offered an explanation for his action.

In the defendants explanation, he told the court that he has a three-year-old son whose mother has died and that he wanted to go back to Curacao to see his child.

Police p r o s e c u t o r, Seon Blackman, said that Sookraj is a Guyanese

National who has been living in Curacao for the last three years. He, was h o w e v e r, d e p o r t e d f o r overstaying, the prosecutor added.

He returned to Guyana on June 6, 2019, and on June 20, 2019 he went to the Central Immigration and Passport Office where he attempted to apply for a Guyana passport.

He was detained after it was revealed that he was using his brothers birth certificate to acquire the travel document.

The defendant was then excorted to the Criminal In-

Youth charged for robbing 64yr old woman A 24-year-old man of Lot 56 William Street, Campbellville, Georgetown was yesterday granted bail after he allegedly stole a bicycle and robbed an elderly woman. Charged, is Akeem Cort who appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates Courts before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The first charge stated that on June 19, last, at William Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, he stole one bicycle valued at $15,000, the property of Jamal Cummings.

It was alleged that on the same date at Kitty, Georgetown, he robbed Joan Daly of one handbag, an umbrella and $600 cash.

According to police prosecutor, Sanj Singh, the woman is 64 years old. He stated that on the day in question the

Charged Akeem Cort defendant allegedly came from behind Daly on a bicycle.

Cort then reportedly snatched the womans bag and pushed her to the ground.

The victim raised an alarm and public-spirited persons

rushed to render assistance to her. The defendant was caught red-handed with the articles mentioned in the charge.

The defendant was later handed over to the police where the present charges were instituted against him.

The court was also informed that Cort stole another bicycle for the commission of these acts. With no objections raised by the prosecutor for bail to be granted, the magistrate granted same in the sum of $15,000 for the simple larceny charge and $50,000 for the robbery with violence.

The condition of the bail is that he should report to the Kitty Police Station every Monday pending the outcome of the matter. The matter was then adjourned to July 26, 2019.

vestigations Department (CID) Headquarters, where he admitted to the offence.

After listening to the facts of the charge and the defendants explanation, Principal Magistrate McGusty sentenced the defendant to three months imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of $25,000.

refrigerators, two walk-in freezers inside and two 40ft containers located o u t s i d e o f t h e f a c i l i t y.

One of the containers is solely used for the storage of insulin.

Wi t h a p e r m a n e n t staff strength of 61 persons the MMU receives, warehouses, fulfils orders and dispatches over 745 active medicines and medical supplies in addition to 500 laboratory reagents and supplies, minor surgical equipment and other health tech-

nologies to over 372 health facilities across the country.

Since last May the Ministry of Public Health stopped paying rent for the Sussex Street bond.

Minister Volda Lawrence made it clear that any facility used by the Ministry is due to the patronage of the private sector.

In a few weeks another storage bond is set to be commissioned in Kingston and she said that the Diamond Bond is a small thing compared to that one.

PAGE 24

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

Media schooled on domestic, sexual abuse reporting

By Feona Morrison Media representatives were yesterday schooled on how to provide proper reporting on sexual offences and domestic violence by members of the judiciary including Chief Justice Roxane George, and University of Guyana (UG) Professor Paloma MohamedMartin.

At a seminar organized by UNICEF and other stakeholders at Parc Rayne, Georgetown, journalists from several media houses were taken through key legislations in this regard.

In her address, Chief Justice Roxane GeorgeWiltshire said that there should be fair and accurate reporting when it comes to matters of domestic violence and sexual offences.

Justice George described matters of these natures as “deeply personal” since they have traumatic consequences not only for the victims, but their families, especially children. She said that the world has moved into a technological era where everything is now available online.

She said that she has been told and verily believes that these stories that are there forever can lead to long term trauma for persons as they can be easily retrieved and rehashed not only by journalists, but by other persons, for positive or negative reasons. Justice George hailed responsible reporting, noting that it brings public awareness about these social issues.

She said, “It (the reporting) gives courage to victims to report and seek assistance without the fair of sensational reporting. As for many of them, apart from the

many challenges faced in reporting or walking away there is the fear of public embarrassment. In this regard we may have to seek amendments in the law to provide for in-camera hearings for criminal cases that are domestic violence related like the provisions in place for sexual offences cases.”

Justice George urged that reporting on these types of matters should be centered on accountability, accuracy, dignity, equality and sensitivity to different cultures and religions, as in the case of the United Kingdom, where guidelines for reporting on sexual offences is in place.

Against this backdrop, she advocated for the Guyana Press Association (GPA) to work along with stakeholders for the implementation of a similar guideline in Guyana.

High Court Judge Jo-Ann Barlow and Principle Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus gave presentations on the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Acts, respectively. Justice Barlow who has presided over several sexual offences cases said that persons still do not understand some of the provisions in the Sexual Offences Act. For instance, Justice Barlow pointed out that persons are still adamant that rape only involves a man placing his penis into a woman’s vagina without her consent, or placing his penis into the vagina of an underage girl.

According to her, several amendments were made to the Act, which now specifies that rape includes not only the placing of a penis into a vagina, but the anus. She went further to explain that

Chief Justice Roxane George (DPI Photo) rape now includes the placing finger (s), or any object into the vagina or anus of a male or female.

Among other things, the Judge further explained that rape includes a man forcing a woman to perform oral sex on him.Magistrate IsaacsMarcus during a PowerPoint presentation, related that protection is available for domestic violence victims thorough the court system.

She disclosed that these include, but are not limited to Protection Orders.The Magistrate said that the court can order counselling on domestic violence matters and criminal matters, arising from domestic violence cases.

The Principal Magistrate lauded the work of Probation Officers who she said play a vital role when these types of matters end up in the court system.

The media was encouraged to work closely with the police, the judiciary and non-governmental organizations to expose violence in society through responsible reporting. It was noted that the media is the mouthpiece for the citizens and should strive to protect the rights of victims of domestic violence and sexual offences.

Human trafficking report testament of...

From page 11 security provided to victims during investigations and prosecutions are underway.

Ramjattan said calls to the hotline continue to be responded to, managed and recorded by the Ministry of Social Protection’s CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit.

The member agencies of the Task Force include the Ministry of Social Protection; Guyana Police Force – Investigations, Immigration and Intelligence; Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, who also launched a Trafficking in Persons Unit in 2018; Office of the Director of Public Pros-

ecutions; Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs; Ministry of Communities; Ministry of Natural Resources; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Legal Affairs; Indigenous Peoples’ Commission; Food for the Poor; Help and Shelter and Guyana Women Miners Organization. “Each of these agencies has played a part in ensuring that Guyana maintained its Tier 1 status and the Task Force is very grateful for their commitment. “Looking forward, I encourage the general public to continue its improved reporting on suspected occur-

Mason now in jail after night ...

From page 21 indicated every other information is correct as Mikoo stated; however, the defendant was the one who asked for the cigarettes.“After I found that he and my phone were missing, I borrowed someone’s cell to track my phone. It showed that the person was going up the East Bank of Demerara with it, and that is how I found Mikoo.” Rampaul stated.

rences of the crime, utilizing the following TIP Hotline numbers – 227-4083/623-5030 – and coming out in numbers to trafficking in awareness activities which would be held in commemoration of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons – July 30, 2019.

“Guyana and The Bahamas are the two CARICOM countries on Tier 1 of the US Department of State report.It means that Guyana has taken steps to fight trafficking.On Tier 2 are Antigua and Barbuda, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.For the worrisome placement on Tier 2 watchlist are Barbados and Belize.The US has taken action in the past by withholding donor funding for countries with poor classifications. The report has included Saudi Arabia and Cuba to the list of worst offenders

During an interaction discussion, members of the media engaged the panel by asking various questions, one of them being how the media can access information on court cases. The Chief Justice assured that the judiciary is committed to working with the media.

She agreed with Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus that it might not be best for Judges and Magistrates to constantly interface with the media so as to avoid complication in court cases.

Justice George, however, said that the judiciary now has a Communications and Protocol Officer who will be more than willing to entertain questions and queries from the media.

Professor Mohamed-Martin, in closing remarks, urged journalist to avoid publishing graphic photos on the front pages of newspapers and on social media whether it is off a gruesome killing or accident.

She said that when

Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin (DPI Photo) approaching stories one must ask oneself, “If it were your family member how would you like this to be represented?

“Would you like to be on the front page (of the newspapers) or on social media like this, in your worst possible way?”

The University professor was making reference to pictures and videos posted or published showing a person’s severed body parts, for instance in the case of a vehicular accident or murder.

She also said that consideration must always be given to the victim’s family who are most times still in shock, and for them to see their loved one displayed in such a manner in the media, will add more suffering.

Professor MohamedMartin added that in most instances journalists are first responders on crime scenes and should take care of themselves psychologically.

According to her, while it

is important for journalists to recognize their role in bringing information to the public, it is even more important for them to adapt a proper self-care plan. She explained that the very work that sustain journalists, can sometimes blind them as to its true impact on their health.

In this regard, she encouraged journalists reporting on these types of cases to seek therapy or have conversations with close friends or someone who they feel comfortable interacting with.

According to her, a senior crime journalist has chronicled about how he still gets flashbacks from the countless murder scenes he has visited.

UNICEF Representative to Guyana and Suriname Sylvie Fouet also gave brief remarks at the seminar which saw participation from UG and work study students. All in all, yesterday’s event was hailed a success.

Police confirms OPR investigating allegations against Berbice police The Guyana Police Force has finally broken its silence about an investigation into the allegations made against several ranks in B’ Division and a senior officer.

In a statement issued by the police Public Relations department, Jairam Ramlakhan, said that “the Guyana Police Force noted recently, articles in the print and electronic media of alleged corruption by members of the Force with particular reference to ranks from its Berbice Division, claiming that no action is being taken by the Force’s administration.

“The Guyana Police Force wishes to state that contrary to what is being reported, this matter is currently being investigated by its internal investigative organ,the Office of Professional Responsibility”.

Kaieteur News yesterday, reported that the OPR is currently investigating and that statements were taken from several ranks in relation to the allegations made.

The force, however, has not confirmed whether the

senior officer mentioned in previous articles as being involved in corrupt acts is being investigated.

The senior officer has been accused of meddling in cases involving his close associates. He reportedly has ranks at several stations in Berbice collecting packages (money) from questionable characters and sent to him.

Ranks who first came forward to reveal what has been taking place within the GPF had stated that the senior officer would collect the packages so that his questionable associates can roam scot free when they commit wrongdoings. The senior cop, a member of the hierarchy of the force, had also given instructions to ranks on West Coast Berbice to have a businessman (a close friend) released and have his firearm returned to him the very night he was arrested for unlawfully discharging rounds and threatening persons.

Recently, the senior cop was busy trying to track down the police officers who spoke out to the media. He

has since wrongfully reverted and transferred two detective constables after he summoned them to his office and accused them of speaking to this newspaper.

The names of four other ranks were called as being part of a network with criminals who wreaked havoc in the Ancient County. The phone numbers of the very ranks were found in the cellular phone contact list and call logs of the now dead bandit Kelvin ‘Kelly’ Shivgobin, who was killed in Black Bush Polder recently.

A Lance Corporal who was only moved to the Central Police Station and not reverted or had his firearm taken was one of the ranks whose number was found in the phone.

He was also the first rank to arrive at the Black Bush Polder location before the men were shot and killed, a police source had said. A detective constable and a corporal stationed at Whim were also mentioned as the two other ranks whose numbers were found in the phone.

Saturday June 22, 2019

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Kaieteur News

Human trafficking report testament of Guyana’s work to reduce – Ramjattan The Government has said it is pleased to acknowledge the release of the United States Department of State 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report.

“The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons accepts the Tier 1 Placement and believes it is testament to the work of the Task Force, Guyana’s anti-trafficking units, non-governmental organizations, the general public through increased reporting and significant contributions made by partners beyond the shores of this Cooperative Republic, including the United States Department of State itself.”

Guyana’s Tier 1 placement in the most recent edition of the report makes the third straight year that the country’s efforts to combat the crime have been so recognized.

According to Minister of Public Security, Khemraj Ramjattan, however, the report which was released

Thursday did include a number of recommendations for improvement.

Ramjattan is the Chairman of the Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons.

“The Government of Guyana intends to heed these as it has done for recommendations in past reports. Recommendations in the 2018 US TIP Report focused on victim services outside the capital and for males and children; increased investigations and prosecutions; finalization of victim identification procedures; more training for antitrafficking in stakeholders, including diplomats; additional victim protection; and, case monitoring.”

The minister said that In this regard, the Task Force and other anti-trafficking entities locally will incorporate these recommendations in their 2019/2020 Work Plans.

“To this end, the Ministry of Social Protection’s Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit – a key Task Force

During the recent launch of 2019-2020 TIP Action Plan (Photo Credit - Guyana Chronicle) member agency –- has since established a Victim Care Facility outside the capital along with a space for males to go along with already existing children spaces.

More investigations and prosecutions occurred with the Guyana Police Force Traf-

Republic Bank gives more details on Visa Card attack Republic Bank has released more details on the cyber attack on its Visa One customers.

The bank has started to reimburse customers who reported that they noticed money missing from the accounts and of unauthorized payments.

The Trinidadian-owned bank explained that once that information is obtained, the fraudsters attempt numerous transactions at online merchants globally.

“While many of these attempts failed, some were also authorized resulting in those customers’ accounts

“Our investigations to date have revealed that some fraudulent transactions were processed and with the assistance of impacted customers, we continue to reimburse sums proven to have been fraudulently withdrawn. To this end, we encourage customers who

The bank committed to put systems into place for what it said is an attack.

Millions of dollars have been repaid to customers with the Bank of Guyana saying that once it has been established that customers are not at fault, then Republic Bank has to reimburse them.

In an advertisement yesterday in private newspapers, Republic Bank said that overtime, customers have come to depend on and trust the convenience of its international VISA One Card in meeting their online and other banking needs.

“Recently, however, there was what is described by VISA as Brute-Force attack which is a trial-and-error method used by fraudsters to obtain within seconds, payment card information such as an account number, card expiration date etc.”

being debited. As earlier advised, this unusual activity was detected by the bank’s monitoring systems, and in order to reduce the opportunity for fraudsters to continue the attack, the bank in collaboration with VISA implemented additional authorizing measures.”

According to Republic Bank, these temporary measures have resulted in some legitimate online transactions being blocked.

“Customers who experience difficulty in attempting online transactions using their VISA One Card are therefore asked to contact Customer Support using the following numbers: 1-800-271-4725 or 1-868-6251200.”

The bank also said that efforts are being made to obtain a toll free number in the shortest possible time frame.

suspect fraudulent transactions to their accounts to visit their nearest branch to confirm and validate their transactions.”

Republic Bank also urged its customers to remain vigilant in monitoring their account activity through their statements of account, or the bank’s telephone banking and online banking platforms.

“The bank sincerely apologises for this temporary inconvenience and seeks your continued understanding as we work towards a permanent solution with the safety and security of our valued customers being foremost in those considerations.”

Customers have complained that they noticed strange payments including for Netflix accounts and even shopping for items at the online sites.

ficking in Persons Unit – another key Task Force member – just about doubling its activities from the previous year 2017.”

According to Ramjattan, it should also be noted that in the first half of 2019, two individuals have been convicted on a combined eight charges – two for trafficking in persons, two for unlawfully withholding identification papers, which is another offence under the TIP Act, and the other four for related of-

fences.

The period under review by the 2019 US TIP Report also saw 16 local training courses and sessions on trafficking in persons held with assistance from other Task Force member agencies and other key anti-trafficking stakeholders.

“These training courses benefitted a total of 446 local anti-trafficking officials, inclusive of frontline officials, diplomats, interpreters, Community Advocates, educators,

civil society, medical practitioners among others, combining with the numerous awareness campaigns to increase the available information base on trafficking in persons in Guyana.”

Ramjattan said steady strides have also been made regarding the finalization of Standard Operating Procedures due to a collaborative project with the International Organization Migration and efforts to increase the level of (Continued on page 24)

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Kaieteur News

Saturday June 22, 2019

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

Auger-Aliassime powers past Tsitsipas into Queen’s semis

Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime in action during his quarter final match against Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas. (Action Images via Reuters/Tony O’Brien)

Saturday June 22, 2019 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There's a fire burning in you today. Be careful how you use it. There's a chance you could offend someone if you get too excited and fail to notice how your arrogant attitude affects people around you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Spend time with good friends today, Libra. Share dinner with people you love and feel free to be generous with the food and drink. You have the ability to control just about every situation.

TAURUS (Apr. 20–May 20) You might have to toughen your skin today, Taurus. Don't automatically write someone off because of an action that you think is offensive.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Unexpected things are on the way and it's best to be emotionally and physically prepared. You may be rather indecisive, but when you do act, your moves manifest in short, powerful bursts.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Break away from all mental constraints today, Gemini.

The only thing holding you back could be your own mind.

Don't fear failure. The cards are in your favor.

CANCER(June21–July22) Today you may have difficulty connecting with others.

People may be unnecessarily harsh for no reason. Try not to get too emotionally worked up over any slights.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) You will be the hit of the party today, Leo. Everyone wants to talk to you. Great transitions are happening in your life right now, and you should look at how you can adopt new principles and attitudes toward them.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Unless you want to get into an intellectual sparring match today, you might want to stay home, Virgo. But this battle of wits could also take place in your own kitchen, so perhaps you should take a long walk by yourself and avoid others.

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Why go through today with doubts or fears? You have every reason to be happy.

The things you project to the world today will prove extremely favorable.

CAPRI(Dec.22–Jan.19) Here is a day that may make you think you aren't exactly in the right place in your profession. Could it be that your current position is too traditional?

You're someone who wants to expand on all the ideas that you have at any given moment.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) What are you waiting for? Go for the gold. All you need to do is shine. You have the opportunity to merge with powerful groups today, so make sure to keep your eyes open.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Rid yourself of all regret, Pisces. Guilt is useless. It doesn't do anyone any good. Your emotions are volatile and apt to erupt in unexpected bursts.

LONDON (Reuters) Canadian teenager Felix Auger-Aliassime became the youngest player in 20 years to reach the semi-finals of the Queen’s Club championships as he dispatched top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas with consummate ease yesterday.

The 18-year-old was cool, calm and collected throughout the contest on a sunlit center court as he claimed a 7-5 6-2 victory to emulate Lleyton Hewitt, who made the semis in 1999 at the same age.

Considering it was his third match in 24 hours after rain delays earlier in the week, Auger-Aliassime looked as fresh as a daisy against world number six Tsitsipas, who was lacking his usual spark after a similarly busy schedule on Thursday.

There will be no allCanadian semi-final, however, after Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez, the 2017 champion, outlasted Milos Raonic 4-6 6-4 7-6(5).

Lopez was due on court later to partner home favorite and five-time champion Andy Murray in a doubles clash.

Auger-Aliassime saved a couple of break points in a tight first set but pounced in the 12th game to reach 15-40 on the Tsitsipas serve and

took his second set point with a heavy forehand that the Greek could not handle.

The Canadian, who has bounded up the rankings to 21 this year, broke in the second game of the second set and dominated thereafter as a weary-looking Tsitsipas, who required some treatment on his shoulder, faded fast.

“I had zero expectations coming here, but I’ve managed to handle my nerves and keep my serve all the time,” he said.

“I felt good from the start.

It was key that I saved a few early break points and then I raised my level when I had to.

“I started the second set in an amazing way, aggressive and moving him around. Very happy the way I played.”

The eighth seed could face compatriot Milos Raonic in the semi-finals if he overcomes Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez.

In the other side of the draw fourth seed Daniil Medvedev became the first Russian to reach the semifinals at the tournament in the professional era as he had too much firepower for Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.

Medvedev, 23, used his skidding ground strokes to great effect in a 6-2 6-2 win.

Standing between him and the final is Frenchmen Gilles Simon, who beat compatriot Nicolas Mahut 7-6(5) 5-7 76(3) in a match lasting three hours 20 minutes.

“The scoreline doesn’t tell the story of the match,” Medvedev, who is at a careerhigh 13 in the rankings after an impressive year, said.

“It’s great to be the first Russian to be in the semifinals and a bit surprising, maybe it’s the first time I made history! Now I want to put the bar a bit higher.”

PAGE 30

Costa Rica edges Bermuda to punch ticket to quarterfinals goldcup.org - FRISCO, Texas- A tough test for Costa Rica as it sealed its pass to the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 win against Bermuda in Group B action on Thursday night at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Bermuda’s attack sought to finish various opportunities from the start of the game. In the 2’, Nahki Wells took a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that just missed, followed by

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

a Willie Clemons effort in the 24’. But right at the half-hour mark, Costa Rica’s Mayron George opened the scoring for Los Ticos, after Elias Aguilar attempted a header that Bermuda GK Dale Eve was able to save, but left a rebound for George to capitalize on.

Aguilar was then able to double the lead 2-0 as he found the back of the net in the 54’ with an assist from Bryan Oviedo.

Bermuda’s attack was not

giving up and in the 58’ minute, Celso Borges brought down DF Oliver Harvey, leading to a penalty for Bermuda. Wells converted the spot kick with a right-footed shot that went straight to the center of the goal and past GK Leonel Moreira, making the score 2-1.

George was looking to add another goal for the Ticos in the 90+3’, but Eve made an incredible save, however in the end, the three points belonged to Costa Rica.

Strong first half sends Haiti past Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Jorge Betancur (#18) and Carlens Jean Arcus from Haiti fight for possession in a Concacaf Gold Cup Group B game on June 20, 2019 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Action between Allan Cruz of Costa Rica (red uniform) and Osagi Bascome of Bermuda in a Group B match of the Gold Cup on June 20, 2019, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, USA. (goldcup.ord)

Bottas bounces back to top Hamilton as Ferrari appeal rejected AFP - Valtteri Bottas outpaced his team-mate Lewis Hamilton to top the times in second free practice at the French Grand Prix yesterday, as Ferrari’s bid to be granted a review of Sebastian Vettel’s penalty in Montreal was rejected.

Finn Bottas, who is 29 points behind defending world champion Hamilton in the title race, clocked a fastest lap in one minute and 30.937 seconds to outpace the Englishman by four-tenths of a second.

Charles Leclerc was third fastest ahead of his Ferrari teammate Vettel, the pair running six and seven-tenths off the pace set by Bottas on an afternoon of searing heat.

Hamilton, who won last year’s race from pole, was fastest in the morning, but had a less comfortable time in the second session, including an off-track excursion for which he was called for a stewards’ investigation.

British rookie Lando Norris was a surprise fifth for McLaren

ahead of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull, Carlos Sainz in the second McLaren and local hope Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull.

Kimi Raikkonen, who finished the session bumping over the kerbs at Turn Five, was ninth for Alfa Romeo and Kevin Magnussen 10th in his Haas.

On a sweltering afternoon, with air temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and the track at 55, the teams all struggled with tyres and grip as the surface of the Le Castellet track absorbed the heat.

As in the morning, when Hamilton led Bottas in opening practice, there was little to entertain the sparse crowd until the world champion went off through Turns Three and Four, taking out a bollard with his left rear wheel as he returned to the track ahead of Verstappen.

It was a reminder of Vettel’s racing incident at the Canadian Grand Prix, where he was penalised for rejoining in an unsafe manner, and may have passed through the Englishman’s mind as he offered

an apologetic wave to the Dutchman on the back straight.

An investigation into Hamilton’s driving was scheduled to begin after the session.

Ferrari’s bid for a review of Vettel’s penalty and lost victory in Canada was rejected.

A hearing called by the Montreal race stewards, held between practice sessions at the French Grand Prix, rejected the Italian team’s claims that they had convincing new evidence.

For Ferrari fans, it was more grist to the mill after the team’s sporting director Laurent Mekies said, before the hearing, that they had put forward “pretty overwhelming” new evidence that Vettel had not contravened any regulations in Canada.

The five-second penalty meant that even though Vettel crossed the line first, Hamilton won. The German reacted angrily after the race, swapping the number one for the winner from in front of Hamilton’s Mercedes with the number two in front of the empty space for his car.

goldcup.org - FRISCO, Texas- Haiti’s attack was flying from the very beginning, paving the way for a 2-0 win over Nicaragua in 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup Group B action on Thursday evening at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Playing in the Texas heat, it only took two minutes to showcase a defined style of play for both Nicaragua and Haiti, as Nicaragua’s Byron Bonilla attempted a right-footed shot from outside the box that was blocked by Haiti MF Bryan Alceus.

While several opportunities were being created by Nicaragua, Haiti began to take

advantage via the counterattack and in the 21’ Steeven Saba was able to open the scoring for Haiti with a right-footed strike that went straight into the middle of the Nicaragua net.

A few minutes later in the 34’, the lead was doubled when Derrick Etienne had a shot deflect off of Manuel Rosas for an own goal.

Nicaragua continued to create chances with Bonilla in the middle of things, only for his shot to go off target.

Haiti’s defense firmed things up the rest of the way and sealed the three points to earn its second clean sheet win over Haiti in less than a year.

Holder says frank discussions can fire West Indies against New Zealand MANCHESTER (Reuters) - West Indies captain Jason Holder admits there have been some frank words spoken within the team as they seek to keep their Cricket World Cup semi-final hopes alive against New Zealand at Old Trafford today.

West Indies have just a single victory from their five matches to date, with one no result, and suffered a heavy sevenwicket defeat to Bangladesh in their previous outing on Monday.

That stretched their run to four games without a win, and Holder says the players have to come together to find a way to beat the high-flying New Zealanders.

“We’ve had a few frank discussions within the dressing room to find ways in which we can improve on,” Holder told reporters. “I think all teams would get themselves in that situation at some point.

“But, yeah, we’ve had some pretty good discussions over the last couple of days.

And tomorrow is just a day to deliver.

“And we’ve just got to play cricket now.

I think we’ve done enough talking as a group.

It’s just a matter for us to deliver.”

Holder says the semi-finals are still a possibility for his side, and that the picture will become clearer either way today.

“I think we still have a possible chance to qualify for the semi-finals, but we’ve just got to take it game by game. This encounter with New Zealand is very important.

“We all know what’s at stake and we just have to come and bring our A game. It’s as simple as that.”

Key all-rounder Andre Russell continues to battle with injury, and Holder doubts he will be fit for the game at Old Trafford, the only injury concern for the West Indies.

“I think one guy who probably may be definitely out is Russell. I don’t think he’s fit enough to go. But everybody else should be good to go.”

West Indies scored 421 in a warm-up game against the New Zealanders in Bristol, admittedly a training fixture that was not a full international, but Holder says they will still take much from that encounter.

“It just shows what we can produce.

It’s a situation where we’ve just got to pull on those resources, remember the things that we did in that game. And it just shows that when we’re at our best what we can produce.

“I just think the guys just need to be clear, need to be calm and just execute their plans.”

Saturday June 22, 2019

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Kaieteur News

RHTYSC, MS Cricket Teams host 3rd Annual Walter Nero Memorial - Eon Wiggins named 2019 Father of the Year Fathers Day Programme

Father of the Year Eon Wiggins received his award from the Great Grandchildren of Walter Nero.

“The best gift a man can ever get is fatherhood. There is an old saying that God could not be everywhere and as such he created fathers to look after his children. Every man can become a father but it takes a special man to be a Dad. On behalf of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, I would like to congratulate each one of you on being a role model parent and for being a positive role model to your children.”

Those were the words of long serving Secretary CEO of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS, Hilbert Foster, MS as he spoke at the 3rd edition of the RHTYSC

Walter Nero Memorial Fathers Day Programme.

With sponsorship from the Nero’s Family and the ten cricket teams of the Club, over seventy fathers from the Lower Corentyne catchment area were honoured by the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club. They all received a food hamper, while forty years old Rose Hall Town Residents Eon Wiggins was named the Walter Nero Memorial 2019 Father of the Year. Wiggins, who is a member of the RHTYSC, was selected by the Management Committee of the Poonai Pharmacy Under-12 and Under-13, Farfan & Mendes

The Fathers pose with cricketers of the Club.

Under-15, Bakewell Under-17 and Second Division, Pepsi Under-19 and Intermediate, Metro Female, Gismos & Gadgets Under-21 and First Division Teams. The cricketers viewed Wiggins as an outstanding father to his five children including his eldest son, Kevon, who is a Senior Guyana basketball player. The elder Wiggins was the inspiration behind Kevon’s rise to become one of Guyana’s best basketballers and served as his first coach.

Foster hailed Wiggins as a role model to all fathers and one who worked beyond the call of duty to make sure that

all needs of his children are met. He urged the fathers present to share their vast experience with the younger generation, who night be struggling to raise their children in the modern world.

Noting that raising children in 2019 is far different than thirty years ago, he spoke of the many social ills that youths faced today including drug abuse, pre marital sex, abuse of alcohol and tobacco, high youth unemployment, school dropouts, extreme poverty, single parent households and lack of positive role models.

The Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, he promised would continue to invest

heavily into programmes that focus on creating a healthy family unity and assisting every youth to fulfill his/her full potential in sports, culture and education.

Foster also announced that with the completion of the Fathers Day Programme, the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, MS has successfully completed 500 of the 700 activities it has set itself for 2019 in just six months.

Among the upcoming programmes of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club are the Annual Cricket Academy, Republic Bank Grade 6 Summer Camp, Youth Information Booklet,

Annual Review Magazine,Ansa Mcal Award of Excellence, Gregory Gaskin memorial Berbice Sports Award and Posters Campaign for the Say No/Say Yes Campaign.

The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club expressed gratitude to the overseas based daughters of the late Walter Nero “Karen, Jackie, Sandra, Narcy and Theresa” for sponsoring the programme in memory of their dad. The combined cost of the hampers shared out was worth over $300,000.

Wiggins received a trophy, medal, framed certificate, a special gift and a food hamper.

ExxonMobil U-14 Schools’ Football competition Sergeant century propels Farm to 115-run win over Success Youths Girls gear up today at Education ground Ricky Sergeant struck a fine century to guide Farm to a 115-run victory over Success Youths when the 592 Beer icool water T10 nationwide softball competition continued last weekend at Malteenoes Sports Club.

Sergeant struck 146, while Khalid Hanif made 26 as Farm posted 215-4, batting first.

Success Youths were limited to 100-6 in reply.

Aditya Bissoondyal and Pooran Deokarran made 27 and 23 respectively as Beepaul Bandoo claimed 2-26 and Amir Khan 2-27.

Speedboat beat Lowland by 74 runs. Speedboat batted first and scored 129-5. Greg Singh stroked 37, Lennox Marks made 28 and W. Sundar 25. Taleshwar Ramnar took 210.

Lowland were sent packing for 55 in 8.1 overs.

Vishal Surujpaul got 25, while Wazeer Hussain captured 210 and Greg Singh 2-12.

Avengers overcame

Ricky Sergeant Success Youths by seven wickets. Success Youths took first strike and scored 92 all out in 9.2 overs. Mahendra Seepersaud made 38 and Michael Salikram 28.

Marvin Bobb snared 2-19 and Ajay Persaud 2-21.

Avengers replied with 94-3 in 8.2 overs.

Ceion Smith slammed 46, while Bobb scored 22. Raj

Narine captured 2-21.

Avengers defeated LBI by eight wickets. LBI took first knock and were bowled out for 83 in 9.4 overs. Afraz Pritipaul made 38; Mahase Singh took 2-17 and Rakesh Persaud 2-22. Avengers responded with 86-2 in 7.5 overs. Ramkumar Jairam led with 48, while Marvin Bobb made 23. Javid Alli claimed 218.

The competition will continue on June 30 at MSC and according to organiser Samuel Kingston there will be a 592 promotion at the venue and teams are asked to note that only the Trophy Stall balls are being used in the competition.

In the next round, Farm will face Countryside, East Coast All stars will play LBI, Farm will take on Speed boat, East Coast All Stars will battle Success Youths, Speedboat will face Avengers and Countryside will match skills with Lowland.

The second annual ExxonMobil under-14 schools’ football tournament will resume today at the Ministry of Education (MOE) ground with initial play in the girls’ division, while the second round of play in the boys’ division will blow off after.

A total of four girls’ matches are scheduled, beginning at 10:00hrs. The first clashes for the young women will see Cummings Lodge matching skills with Tucville, while Lodge

Secondary will play New Campbellville concurrently.

East Ruimveldt’s girls are scheduled to be pitted against Charlestown at 11:00hrs, while the other concurrent game will feature St. Stanislaus College and St. Mary’s High School.

The boys’ will get going from midday with the first two matches being contested between Dolphin Secondary and St. Stanislaus College, while the other game will be

played between Carmel Secondary and Marian Academy.

A new champion will be crowned in the boys’ division in 2019 since 2018 Champions, Chase Academic Foundation, are not competing in this competition.

There will be awards to the first, second and third place finishers in both divisions which will see the teams choosing a school project of their choice to be completed.

The full fixtures for the boys’ matches can be viewed below.

Time Teams 12:00 hrs Dolphin Secondary v/s St Stanislaus College 12:00 hrs Carmel Secondary School v/s Marian Academy 12:50 hrs President College v/s Uitvlugt Secondary 12:50 hrs Brickdam Secondary v/s Golden Grove 13:40 hrs Bishop High School v/s Charlestown Secondary 13:40 hrs St Mary v/s North Ruimveldt 14:30 hrs Plaisance orphanage v/s Annandale Secondary 14:30 hrs Christ Church v/s Ann’s Grove 15:20 hrs New Campbellville v/s Lodge Secondary 15:20 hrs Kingstown v/s East Ruimveldt 16:10 hrs Tutorial v/s St John’s 16:10 hrs Queenstown Secondary v/s Tucville

Match# 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

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Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

CWI first Foundation Coaching Course concludes at GNS The Cricket West Indies (CWI) initial Foundation Coaching Course concluded yesterday at the Guyana National Stadium. The course which commenced on Thursday saw the participants, which included former West Indies players Ramnaresh Sarwan and Travis Dowlin, being tutored on batting, bowling, fielding, wicket-keeping and safety.

Sessions were conducted by former West Indies fast bowlers Colin Stuart and Reon King with assistance from experienced level two coach Michael Franco.

Speaking with Kaieteur Sport yesterday, Stuart said that the course targeted teachers, players and coaches, adding that it can help them to develop their skills in this field. He stated that the teachers usually assist in staging coaching programmes in schools and it is recommended that the participants pass on the relevant information gathered to students using the recommended method so that the information can be received in an effective manner.

Stuart noted that the feedback was good and the course which included a lot of information and knowledge sharing method was

Participants and tutors share a moment following the foundation course.

worthwhile.

Apart from Sarwan and Dowlin, those that participated are Cherry-Ann Fraser, Kavita Yadram, Ryan Hercules, Rayburn Gonsalves, Zaheed Zakier, Nazeer Mohamed, Darien Best, Yeuraj Khemraj, Kumar Bishundial, Clive Grimmond and Arleigh Rutherford.

Another such programme will commence on Monday and conclude on Tuesday at the same venue, while a level one course is set for 18-21 of

July and a level two programme will be staged from July 26-29.

Those that are shortlisted to take part on Monday and Tuesday are Akshaya Persaud, Anthony Adams, Bhaskar Yadram, Kenroy Joseph, Leon Johnson, Nadir Baksh, Shamar Angel, Steven Jacobs, Subrina Munroe, Veerasammy Permaul, Azoomah Alfred, Carol Nurse, David Black, Godfrey Carmichael, Keyron Fraser and Kwasi Maltay.

Some of the participants going through their paces at the National Stadium.

Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd renews sponsorship of RHTYSC Cricket Teams - Supports August Holiday Camp Since 2000, the ten cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Ms as part of their personal developmental programme has organised a August holiday Camp for students preparing for entrance into Secondary School at the beginning of the new school year. The Rose Hall Town Branch of Republic Bank (Guy) Ltd has been the official sponsor of the Camp since it started and earlier this week renewed its sponsorship for 19th consecutive year.

RHTYSC Secretary/CEO Hilbert Foster, MS stated that this year’s Summer Camp would start on Monday 15th July and ends on Friday 9th August, 2019.

The Club is catering for up to sixty students drawn from several schools in the Rose Hall Town catchment area.

Among the schools targeted are Rose Hall Town Primary, Port Mourant Primary, Belvedere Primary, Cropper Primary, Tain Primary and Auchlyne Primary.

The main objective of the Camp is to assist Grade Six Students to

make a successful transition from the Primary level to Secondary. Other objectives include promotion of the Say No/ Say Yes Message, teaching the students the art of playing cricket, the importance of Education and Discipline along with the importance of being a positive role model.

The veteran RHTYSC Administrator, who is also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, disclosed that the Classroom work would be conducted by a Senior Educator employed by the Club, while he and Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu would be responsible for the lecture series. Cricket Coach Delbert Hicks would work along with the students in several one hour sessions as part of the Club’s Say Yes to Sports effort.

Classes would be held Monday to Friday from 08.30 hours to 12.00 noon, with students being taught English, Maths, Social Studies, Integrated Science, Geography and basic Spanish. Each child attending and successfully completing

the Camp would receive a school bag and educational materials, while the overall Best Student and Top Student in each subject would receive special prizes.

Awards would also be given to the Most Discipline Student, Most Improved Student and Best Attendance. Among topics to be lectured on by qualified personnel would be Importance of Education, Importance of Discipline, Choosing Friends, Suicide/ Depression, Personal Hygiene, Manners in the Classroom, Career Choices, Public Speaking, Basic Public Manners and Peer Pressure.

During the special cricket coaching sessions emphasis would be placed on physical fitness, batting and bowling as the Club promotes the importance of sports as an alternative to a life on the road. Interested parents can call the Club on Telephone number 337-4562 or visit the Area ‘H’ Ground Office to register your child. The Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club would provide all the necessary educational materials free of cost.

Asst Secretary/CEO Simon Naidu hailed Republic Bank as a long standing

Branch Manager of the RHT Republic Bank Doodmatee Bhollaram hands over donation to RHTYSC Asst Secretary Simon Naidu. supporter of Guyana’s leading youth and sports organisation and one of the main foundation for its unmatched record of achievements. He noted that the Bank also Co-sponsored the RHTYSC Annual Award Ceremony, Annual Youth Review Magazine, Cricket

Academy among other programmes.

The Camp, Naidu stated, has over the years enabled over seven hundred Grade Six Students to make the transition from Primary to Secondary School, while thirty nine of them have gone on to play cricket at the Club.

Students have gone on to have careers as Nurses, Accountants, Teachers, Bankers and Public Servants among others.

Naidu expressed gratitude to the Bank for being a remarkable friend of the Club and its support for the promotion of Education.

Saturday June 22, 2019

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Kaieteur News

2019 Concacaf Gold Cup

GFF President Wayne Forde shares his views on Guyana’s historic debut Cleveland, Ohio: Guyana is drawn in Group D along with host and defending champion, USA, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President joined the team in the United States and was asked to share his thoughts on the side’s historic debut.

Question - Describe how you felt seeing your team take the field against the United States?

Wayne Forde - It was an unforgettable moment that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

To hear our National Anthem being played before the 19,000 + fans who were in attendance, most of whom would have heard of Guyana for the first time and the millions watching from around the world, was truly a solemn moment of national pride.

This was nothing short of a remarkable opportunity for our country and football, which has set in motion an avalanche of International goodwill towards the sport.

On June 18, 2019 Guyana announced its presence to the global football community with a commanding performance against the second strongest team within our Confederation. We now have to build on this visibility and maximize the commercial opportunities it will generate in the coming months and years.

Question - What are your thoughts on the team’s performance against the defending champions?

Wayne Forde - The Golden Jaguars earned tremendous international respect by demonstrating that we have the quality to play at this level. I am very proud of the players, Coach Michael Johnson and the entire technical team.

We were never under any illusion about the quality of the US team despite their poor form recently. The plan was to play positive football to prove to the world and ourselves that we can compete at this level. Anyone with an honest pair of eyes would agree that the final score line did not represent the true story of those historic 90 minutes.

The USA Senior Men’s National Team’s annual budget is 100 million US Dollars. Their technical staff comprises of 40 professionals, they travel around in a private jet and the list goes on. This is simply the cold reality of what we competed against on June 18.

Question - Do you believe we have the players

to push for the 2022 FIFA World Cup? Wayne Forde - I am confident that we now have the quality of players and the professional setup to pursue any goal. Once the programme becomes fully commercialized and selfsustaining, we will be able to accelerate the activity level of the team. While these are early days and a lot of learning and networking is taking place, we have to remain optimistic.

The GFF has set itself two difficult goals, the first being to qualify for the Concacaf Gold Cup –that box has been checked off; and the second goal is to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We will achieve that goal as well.

Question - What is the GFF’s long term strategy for the Senior Men’s National programme?

Wayne Forde - The Golden Jaguars is an important asset of the GFF, unfortunately to date, we have been unable to monetize this asset. This is due primarily because of our ranking, inconsistency and poor visibility up until recently. We have been deliberate and strategic in reversing this situation, the challenge now, is to build on the recent gains. The ultimate goal is to create a National team programme that is attractive to sponsors both locally and internationally.

This will allow us to redirect the investment that is going into this programme, towards the Academy Training Centre (ATC) programme and other areas of football development.

Question - What do you have to say about the Local vs International players discussion?

Wayne Forde - I am very respectful of the views of fans and other stakeholders despite how few they are but I am afraid they are missing the bigger picture. Football is a business and, in business, sometimes you have to make practical decisions in order to yield the best returns on your investment. I am confident that in time they will see the logic in what we are doing.

I am happy that all of Guyana is behind our Golden Jaguars as they continue to make history before a global audience.

Question - How is the

Forde greeting the team following their return from a training session.

GFF coping with the financial demands of the Gold Cup Campaign?

Wayne Forde - It is extremely challenging indeed but it is a necessary investment. We have to lean very hard on our creditors in order to cover many key areas of the team’s operation.

Question - Did the Government provide any support to the GFF, financial or otherwise?

Wayne Forde - We have requested financial support from the Government and continue to lobby for their support, unfortunately we have been unsuccessful todate.

It is terribly disappointing given the positive visibility this team is bringing to the country; we however have to remain optimistic that there will be an improvement in attitudes towards sports in general.

The first evidence of a shift in attitude towards sports at the National level, would be the refurbishment and sustainable maintenance programme of school grounds right across this nation. Until we understand the enormous impact this will have on the early discovery of talent, all other initiatives will be nothing more than window dressing. It is very frustrating to witness the successive lack of understanding of the correlation of youth crime, obesity, early pregnancy,

literacy etc. and sports.

Question - What are your expectations for the remaining two games?

Wayne Forde - I am absolutely confident that we will be competitive in each of our remaining games. We are

respectful of the teams in our group but will play positive and attractive football while we search for our first win.

PAGE 34

Saturday June 22, 2019

Kaieteur News

Golden Jaguars hold training sessions in Ohio ahead of Panama clash

Cleveland, Ohio: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars held their first training session in Ohio after arriving there on Wednesday, via a chartered flight with Miami Air, following their debut at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup on Tuesday night against the USA at the Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minnesota, going down 0-4.

Thursday afternoon’s session, which was witnessed by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, took place in rain which fell all day and according to Head Coach Michael Johnson, the recovery session went well with team spirit very high among the lads.

“It was great, it was really good, team spirit was in abundance and we go again on Friday (yesterday) with the final session before we go into the next game against Panama. The weather was very much like England but it was good and allowed a lot

The Guyana team go through their session on Thursday ahead of today’s game against Panama.

of fun with the water, it allowed us to play the ball at a lot quicker tempo in training; the session as a whole was a success.”

Commenting again on the USA clash, Johnson noted that on a global level the team

US looks to stay atop Group D against Trinidad and Tobago goldcup.org CLEVELAND - The United States will take on Trinidad and Tobago in Cleveland tonight, the second match for both teams in the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. The reigning tournament champions and Group D leaders defeated Guyana 4-0 on Tuesday night, while Trinidad and Tobago fell to Panama by a 2-0 score-line.

A brace from Tyler Boyd and a goal apiece from Paul Arriola and Gyasi Zardes helped Gregg Berhalter’s team to the 4-0 result.

Nathan Lewis and Joevin

Jones were two bright spots for Trinidad and Tobago Manager Dennis Lawrence in the loss to Panama.

Today’s match-up is the first between the two countries since Trinidad and Tobago defeated the United States 2-1 in Couva in October 2017, a result that saw the U.S. drop to f i f t h p l a ce in the final Concacaf Hexagonal table and fail to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The match will kick-off at 8 PM ET at First Energy Field in Cleveland, preceded by Panama versus Guyana.

has been getting many plaudits for the manner in which they played: “International managers and managers operating in the top leagues in Europe have commented on how well the

boys played, particularly for that first hour. So you take great comfort in that knowing that we have made great strides, we looked very organized, we out-passed a very good USA team and if

we can get to those levels in our next two games, then we should be ok.”

Yesterday’s session at the venue for today’s double header, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland,

Ohio was held from 18:15hrs.

The USA will oppose Trinidad in today’s feature match with Guyana against Panama in the opener at 5:30pm.

Malinga steers Sri Lanka to thrilling win over England in World Cup LEEDS, England (Reuters) - Sri Lanka pace bowler Lasith Malinga ripped through the England batting line-up with four wickets as the former champions handed the favourites a 20-run defeat in a low-scoring World Cup match at Headingley yesterday.

Chasing 233 for victory on a slow track, England struggled against veteran Malinga’s variations before they fell to their second defeat of the tournament, squandering an opportunity to join holders Australia at the top of the standings.

Malinga, who finished with figures of 4-43, became only the fourth bowler to capture 50 or more wickets in the competition after Australia’s Glenn McGrath (71), his compatriot Muttiah Muralitharan (68) and Pakistan’s Wasim Akram (55).

“We stuck to our basic plan — line and length, no

loose balls and added in some variations and bouncers... and ended up winning,” man of the match Malinga said.

England were in control after a slow start as Joe Root made a patient half-century, but he was caught behind off Malinga for 57 to trigger a collapse, and despite Ben Stokes’ unbeaten 82 ensuring a tense finish, the hosts fell short.

“In the chase we didn’t do the basics of getting substantial partnerships going,” England skipper Eoin Morgan said.

“We had a couple of good individual performances but Sri Lanka thoroughly deserved to win.

“We didn’t do enough to win the game and even if we had nicked it then it would have been us robbing the game with an outstanding individual performance.”

After having Jonny Bairstow trapped in front for a duck in the second ball of

the England innings, Malinga sent back opener James Vince in the seventh over.

He then had the dangerous Root caught behind, although the batsman was at fault for chasing a ball down the leg side and a review confirmed a faint edge.

Malinga claimed his 51st World Cup wicket when Jos Buttler was adjudged leg before and missed a five-for when Stokes was dropped on 57 by Kusal Mendis in his final over.

Earlier, England’s pace duo of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood claimed three wickets each to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest total of 232-9 from their 50 overs with Angelo Mathews top-scoring with an unbeaten 85 off 115 balls.

Archer’s 3-52 made him the joint highest wicket-taker in the tournament alongside Australia’s Mitchell Starc with 15.

Sri Lanka began poorly after winning the toss and electing to bat first, losing

openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera inside three overs but Avishka Fernando steadied the ship before being dismissed one run short of his second ODI halfcentury.

Angelo Mathews stitched together a 71-run partnership with Kusal (46) to lay the platform for a competitive total.

Spinner Adil Rashid took two wickets in two deliveries in the 30th over to further turn the screws on Sri Lanka before Archer and Wood (3-40) wreaked havoc towards the end.

England next face Australia at Lord’s on Tuesday while Sri Lanka meet South Africa on June 28.

Scores: Sri Lanka 232 for 9 (Mathews 85*, Avishka 49, Kusal Mendis 46, Wood 3-40, Archer 352) beat England 212 (Stokes 82*, Root 57, Malinga 4-43, Dhananjaya 3-32) by 20 runs.

Kaieteur News

Saturday June 22, 2019

GFF-KFC Independence Cup

Quarterfinal round kicks off today at Providence

PAGE 35

GBTI Open

Fraser gets past Campbell in Women’s Singles - Lewis beats Lopes in Men’s Singles

Play between Santos (attacking) and Pouderoyen during last weekend’s round-of-16 play.

Football fans will swarm to the National Training Center (NTC) on Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) from today when the quarterfinals of the inaugural Guyana Football Federation (GFF)-KFC National Independence under-20 knockout tournament get underway from 13:00hrs.

With the cream of the crop remaining following last weekend’s fiery quarterfinal clashes, much action is expected to continue this weekend with two matches each today and tomorrow. The first quarterfinal will pit Dynamic FC of East Demerara Football A s s o c i a t i o n ( E D FA ) a g a i n s t N e w Amsterdam United of Berbice, while the other clash will see Linden’s Botofago matching skills with the lads from East Bank; Demerara Panthers.

Tomorrow, Santos FC will tackle Potaro Strikers of Bartica, while arguably the most

exciting clash of the entire tournament will see tournament favourites Fruta Conquerors FC pitted against Buxton United in the other quarterfinal.

The star studded Conquerors side that is based in Tucville has players with experience playing for the National side in different age groups inclusive of players with senior caps, including their skipper Jeremy Garrett.

Conquerors steamrolled Cougars FC with a 8-0 thumping on Sunday last in their quarterfinal, while Buxton defeated Queenstown 8-2 in their match. Some of the players to watch for the Buxtonians will be Omari Glasgow and the Harrigon brother; Jerome and Jemar.

Conquerors stars are too many to mention but Nicholas McArthur will be looking to continue his top form after smashing four goals past Cougars’ net last Sunday.

Gavin Lewis is the favourite for tomorrow’s Men’s Singles final.

A

fter Gavin Lewis beat defending champion and multiple times winner Anthony Downes in the Men’s Singles in what has to be the match of the tournament he moved a step closer to the Singles title when he beat Vadeannand Resaul 6-0, 6-2, when action in the tenth annual GBTI Open Tennis tournament continued at the GBTI Courts on Thursday night.

In the Woman’s Singles, Kalyca Fraser beat Number one seed Cristy Campbell 63, 6-1, while Leyland Leacock got the better of the experienced Andre Lopes 62, 6-3.

In the lone Mixed doubles scheduled for Thursday Night, Dorothy Kalekyezi/ Christine Daly got a walkover from Kevin Matai/ Tanya Chroust.

The action was scheduled to resume last night before the Mixed Doubles Final is scheduled for today with the Men’s finals will be played tomorrow when the tournament concludes. (Sean Devers)

t r o Sp

Golden Jaguars hold training sessions in Ohio ahead of Panama clash

Guyana enjoy a practice session at the game venue yesterday, their second session for tomorrow’s encounter.

US looks to stay atop Group D against Trinidad and Tobago

USA players greet fans after defeating Guyana in the first Group D game of the Concacaf Gold Cup at Allianz Field in Minnesota on June 18, 2019.

Malinga steers Sri Lanka to thrilling win over England in World Cup

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga celebrates the wicket of England’s Jos Buttler during their World Cup match at Headingley. (Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)

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