Kaieteur News
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Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News Printed and Published by National Media & Publishing Company Ltd. 24 Saffon Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, Guyana. Publisher: GLENN LALL Editor: Adam Harris Tel: 225-8465, 225-8491. Fax: 225-8473, 226-8210
EDITORIAL
PROTECTING ANIMALS
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n Guyana, only a few people respect and treat animals kindly. These few acknowledge that animals like human, have the right to live free from human exploitation and abuse. Those who are concerned with animal rights believe very strongly that animals should not be exploited or harmed. The rights of animals based on ethical grounds state that animals should not be abused and should not be made to suffer. The United States, Canada, Britain and several other countries have legislation against the cruelty of animals, but prosecution is rare, because in most cases, the abuse of animals is done secretly. Animal rights can be traced back to the ancient world when animals such as the dolphins were considered divine. Studies show that there is a psychological continuity between dolphins and humans. They are second in intelligence to human beings and should be regarded as nonhuman persons. Based on the Biblical Sabbath, the Ten Commandments required that animals be given a day of rest along with humans. The Bible also forbids plowing with an ox and an ass together. This prohibition stems from the hardship that an ass would suffer by being compelled to keep up with an ox, which of course is far stronger. These ancient regulations are virtually forgotten today, but they bespeak of an eloquent awareness of the status of animals as ends in themselves. Indeed, animal rights are based on religion and some religions have banned the mistreatment and killing of the animal species. One such religion is the Buddhist faith which from its beginning refrained from the destruction of life. Animal rights were recognized by the Sharia (Islamic law) and are based on both the Qur'an and the Hadith. The Prophet Mohammad forbade his followers to harm any animal. Christian theology upholds the belief that animals have immortal souls and that there are considerable similarities between human and non-human animals. Greek philosopher/mathematician, Pythagoras believed that human and nonhuman souls were reincarnated from human to animal and vice versa and therefore he urged people to respect animals. However, in Guyana, animal cruelty is a tremendous problem. It is so common that it is overlooked by many who do not care about animals. Dogs which have been acclaimed man's best friend are the most common victims of animal cruelty. Animals are innocent and deserve to be treated better. Many have been hit on the road by drivers who refused to stop. Others are brutally stabbed, kicked and killed in horrific ways. Even pet animals are neglected, abused and killed. Studies done by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) have shown that there is a correlation between the cruelty to animals and domestic violence. According to the ASPCA, people tend to build courage to abuse their fellow human by first abusing animals. The studies revealed that 88 percent of families who reported domestic violence have abused animals and 85 percent of male and female perpetrators of domestic violence are involved in animal cruelty in the home. Cruelty to animals in Guyana is a deep-rooted problem that dates back hundreds of years. Yet in the 21st century, animals continue to endure cruelty from the very people who ought to have protected and cared for them. We continue to starve, beat, kick, overwork and kill animals. Those that are killed for food usually go through a very painful exercise. Many are cut up alive or get their necks broken or are beaten with steel rods or wood until they die. They are supposed to be slaughtered with stun guns but this has not been the case in Guyana.
Editor’s Note; If your sent letter was not published and you felt its contents were valid and devoid of libel or personal attacks, please contact us by phone or email.
I’ll continue to grind the axe against everything that threatens to harm our nation DEAR EDITOR, Reference is being made to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic(PPP/C)-elected Member of Parliament, Harry Gill’s accusation that I have an axe to grind with Bharrat Jagdeo and the PPP/C (Guyana Chronicle hatch-job on Jagdeo is a shameless attempt to influence the CCJ third-term decision-KN, June 25, 2018). I have an axe to grind as a representative of labour, against all who try to prevent the workers’ constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and right to collective bargaining; to ensure all workers are given a living wage; to protect and advance the rights of all workers who have been the vanguard for change in this c o u n t r y, f r o m p r e independence to date; to ensure every worker - past,
present and potential - enjoy a life of freedom without discrimination and marginalisation; and with those who seek to use the workers in time of need and forget them when they are riding high. As a citizen of this country, I have an axe to grind with all who try to hinder my right to freedom of expression; to want to think they can prevent me from representing those who have placed their confidence in me; or believe that I owe blind loyalty to anyone and will cower in fear. Likewise, this axe will grind for all Guyanese to be treated equally and fairly and to have equal enjoyment of the resources of this land. My axe will grind against all those who feel they can exploit the nation’s resources without all the people benefiting. My axe will grind
against those who engaged in and those seek to continue perpetuating the culture of lawlessness, crime and corruption. As a proud descendant of Africans, I will grind my axe to ensure that the gains from ancestral struggles are not lost under any government and under any leader. My axe will grind to fight against those who think they can mistreat me because of the colour of my skin, the texture of my hair, or my enslaved ancestral history. I will do this for all my brothers and sisters, but not at the expense of others who like me/us deserve equal treatment. Once health and life allow, my pursuit will be for equal rights, justice, and the Rule of Law - regardless of race, colour, class, creed that I see as my mandate to serve the Guyanese people. I’ll continue to grind the
axe to raise the level of public discourse and accountability to a higher truth that evades this nation. Be reassured I shall grind the axe against Gill and others of his persuasion with no moral compass, and those whose only interest is powered by any means necessary at the expense of the workers’ peace and stability. He represents the shameful side of this nation’s politics. This issue where to disagree with any administration’s policy, programme - or anybody for that matter - has to be driven by personal hatred and not principled critique, even when evidence is there to support one’s argument, is the ugly underbelly of our politics, used by some to hold this nation hostage, keep us divided and underdeveloped. This is a (Continued on page 6)
Dissecting the narrative of Exxon’s greed around the world DEAR EDITOR, Just when Chris Ram seemed to have finished scrutinizing the contents of the profane PSA signed by the Government and ExxonMobil, and Exxon’s PRO Guyana, Miss Brasington’s laughable revelation that a few mangoes purchased at Stabroek Square, by Exxon’s workers, is considered as local content, Exxon’s corporate social vicissitude on the international scene is back in the news like a portent for the future. A few days ago there was Ian Gary, adviser to a watchdog organization in oil and gas, featuring contents of a letter from Exxon to US regulators in the industry in 2016. The letter stated that, “We (Exxon) understand some non-governmental organizations hold as an ultimate policy objective the concept of so-called ‘contract transparency’ or ‘open contracting,’ under which oil and gas contracts would be negotiated in a kind of public-utility framework whereby groups other than the parties themselves would have seats at the table and pass judgment on contract terms. Needless to say, such third party intervention in commercial business negotiations would make it
more difficult to achieve equitable agreements that appropriately balance risk vs. reward and to maintain those agreements going forward, resulting in serious harm to investors in oil and gas companies…” Clearly Exxon has no regard for the concept that oil resources belong to the people of a country, and the Company considers any input from people (the rightful owners) in contract negotiation, as interventionist, to the extent of passing “judgement” that would result, “in serious harm to investors in oil and gas companies”. Has Exxon experienced any of the above scenario? I think not. Maybe it is their mere contemplation that with the people involved they may have to give up much more than they normally grab having concocted and used regularly, a successful plan for dealing with Government’s alone. The letter reveals that Exxon not only believes engaging people before contract negotiation is detrimental to the Company’s interest. Can you imagine phrases like, “passing judgment” and” serious harm” being attributed to civic society for their contemplative participation in any contract arrangement with Exxon and
government? When one considers that the letter was addressed to US regulators in oil and gas, you could imagine the clout Exxon holds in the “land of the free” - clout that is suggested to have been achieved through campaign financing over an extended period. In striking an oil deal with Guyana, I can picture Exxon’s top brass, throwing the present PSA and EIA, designed by their own hands, in front of our representatives and uttering, “sign these and we shall forever make you and your generations in the future wealthy.” It’s little wonder that Jan Mangal, the IDB-funded expert, never had an input in either our PSA or EIA. If not, how do we explain an EIA that does not hold Exxon liable for an accidental oil spill? How do we justify a PSA that requires the Minister of Natural Resources to give Exxon
seven days notification before visiting the site of production and the company gets a slew of tax concessions? Recently their greed down under (Australia) was revealed - wanting to cut workers salaries and rotation time while making billions there. Here they promised to not get involved in campaign financing. But, can we trust them on their word? I think not. They had paid the Government a signing bonus of US$ 18 million, and remained silent, while the Government vehemently denied, until a whistleblower gave them the number one embarrassment of their life in office. They could do the same for campaign financing. When their vested interest needs to be protected, the sky does not seem to be the limit for Exxon - they were cited for trying to tweak the climate change science. Rudolph Singh
They both have the same origin DEAR EDITOR, Before the CCJ ruled on the Presidential term limits, the CCJ asked for documents to be compiled and submitted to it, about the origin of the presidential term limit amendment. Should the same approach not have been taken by our Courts when they supported President Granger’s appointment of the GECOM chairman?Both the presidential term limit and GECOM chair selection have the same origin. Faiyaz
THANK YOU, CHINA! DEAR EDITOR, I read with much interest in the June 25, 2018 edition of a National Newspaper that the Thirteenth Chinese Medical Brigade had completed its mission and was being commended for its continued service to Guyana. To my knowledge, the medical brigade would have helped tens of thousands of Guyanese over the decades during its operations in Guyana. The Chinese medical brigade would have provided doctors but also medicine and expensive equipment which many Third World nations like Guyana cannot afford. This was and continues to be a great initiative conducted by one of the most advanced economies in the world, China. As a patriot and investor in Guyana, I believe our partnership with our Chinese friends has proven to be fruitful. The countless scholarship opportunities for our young people in areas of agriculture, medicine, architecture, engineering, administration have advanced our educational infrastructure to produce professionals who competently serve our public and private sectors locally. Periodically, Chinese corporations would even sponsor visits of youths from Guyana and other Third World Nations to China in order to open their understanding of the Chinese civilization. My own son, Dr. Rosh Khan went to one such conference last year and this trip changed his entire perspective on life, technology and the world. The Republic of China has proven to be givers globally, whether it entails providing peacekeepers for missions in the Middle East or funding a crisis relief project, the record is there to validate their contributions to Guyana and the rest of the world. Several signed agreements between Governments and foreign Chinese businesses would have resuscitated our dying economy in many instances, re: In 2008, while the global economic crisis was taking place, foreign direct investments, commerce and trade with China helped
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to keep Guyana afloat along with several other key sectors. Currently in our economy, the Chinese supply affordable building materials, clothing and food at competitive prices which have allowed all classes of our society greater spending power. The Chinese in retrospect have liberated our local market. Globally, the Chinese are known to be military strategists, scholars, scientists, philosophers, inventors, doctors, farmers etc. A key hallmark of that nation’s civilization has been to protect its land, but never invade or harm foreigners or their land. Their philosophy has remained peace and harmony. Having visited China twice before, it is still not enough to learn of the great history, magnificence and the contribution of their people. The image of China is becoming like that of a Sci-Fi fantasy, having been to the Shanghai Expo, Guang Hazhou, Hebei and other parts of New and Old Beijing, and seeing the contrast between the old and the new. I recall one night I was invited to participate in a Folk Dance and Culture Evening. This inspired me to advise the Guyanese Government to open the Botanical Gardens daily, decorate it with lights and allow musicians and artists to display their decent, creative work. The plan would be to encourage persons after work, between the hours of six and nine to go out and have clean fun; to celebrate our pluralistic society and that rich culture which encapsulates our identity. Of course, no alcohol and no loose behaviour. That night I was marching with them and dancing Indian style as we celebrated their tradition. I wish to commend the Chinese populace for the great example they continue to be to the world, historically and even contemporarily. I wish to encourage Guyanese going on holidays to visit the
three gorges on the Yang-Tsi River Cruise, to look at the standard of living of these people and even to see the agricultural process of some peasant farmers. Welcome to Guyana, 14th Chinese Medical Brigade, the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Government. We should recognize also, that they have one of the largest technological firms, Huawei, and it would be amazing if this company can partner with some youths to take Guyana to the next level. I even wish to add that we should partner with the Chinese in forsaken areas and to make access to medical treatment easier in the interior. Guyana will soon become a greater tourist attraction and so, investing in resorts and play parks will see great profit -the Chinese industrialists could play a significant role in its design and construction. The Chinese food which we all have come to love is not only about delicacy and consumption, but when you study the style of their cooking and the art, you will realize that it is much more. It is also known that their talent in the performing arts is extraordinary as compared to any other country in the entire world. When their culture groups visit Guyana - maybe once every ten years - and they showcase their acrobatic skills, historic dances and songs, it is something that dazzles me. I can hardly wait for another visit by the Chinese people, so much so that when I visited China, I went to a historic theatre to witness various performances of which I acquired DVDs to bring home to show people the advancement of the Chinese and why they are such an advanced nation. Their humanity is so deep, and their discipline is amazing. Thank you, China! Yours sincerely, Mr. Roshan Khan Snr. Local Businessman
AN UNCONSTRUCTIVE AND INSENSITIVE HYPOTHESIS DEAR EDITOR, The recently published “GECOM Hypothesis” by Mr Rashleigh E Jackson is simply unconstructive and heartless. I am shocked that such an insensitive letter was written by a former Minister, and I urge readers to Google it. Mr Jackson had needed to rest his hypothesis on a background which reasons why Mr Vishnu Persaud, an IndoGuyanese who is a top-ranked candidate for the position of the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO), was rejected in favour of an AfroGuyanese candidate with a lower assessment score. Mr Jackson should have taken an impartial stance to accurately explain the situation in mending fences to move this country forward. Predictably, he did not. In my opinion, Mr Persaud
is a victim of racial bias at GECOM. He was denied of the job as the DCEO because he is Indo-Guyanese. What else? The PNC is tearing down Guyana for political power, and I can’t like that party for its cruelty. Inhumanity by the PNC is widespread, glaring and nothing new. Similar to the Forbes Burnham era, most IndoGuyanese have been driven out of the workforce. Those marginalized are prevented from providing for their families. Such meanness is too much to witness. History has a way of repeating itself. And clear signals emerging from across the country, including at GECOM, heighten fears that our elections will be tainted by the PNC, and this is reminiscent of the repeated rigged elections for 28 years under
its leadership. Indo-Guyanese were muffled under the Forbes Burnham PNC regime and our country has been destroyed up to this day. The PNC has been conditioned to mistreat Indo-Guyanese. The effects of those fraudulent elections rattled this nation, with families forced to go separate ways in search of economic opportunities, and many of them unable to reunite in their lifetime. Unarguably, the high level of alcoholism, the abnormal suicide rate, and gross dysfunction among a sea of problems which plague this country are heavy price tags of those fraudulent elections. The PNC needs to show decency. The party thrives in a corrupt medium, exhibits raw dysfunction, and can’t be (Cotninued on page 6)
Harbour Bridge Traffic Police in “D” Division are at it again DEAR EDITOR, Sometime late last year a letter was published in your newspaper that highlighted an ongoing problem involving the traffic ranks that oversee the morning traffic at the western end of the Demerara Harbour Bridge. The problem is that the bridge only allows for one lane of traffic going over before 7am. This means that traffic quickly builds up into long queues. The problem lies in that a person will spend 30 minutes to an hour moving slowly up the line, while traffic ranks are allowing their friends and family to skip the line entirely and jump to the front. This problem can be ex-
tremely frustrating to persons doing the right thing, because the amount of vehicles jumping to the front are a lot, and they push everyone else back. After the letter was published last year, this problem immediately stopped. Traffic moved much faster as compared to before, and persons’ frustrations were eased. However, now, in 2018, the problem has returned, and possibly worse than before. The ranks have resorted to their old behaviour, and their seniors are allowing it.
We can do better, and we have before. We must however continue to do so, and not allow ourselves to resort to old patterns and habits. The officers in the division must show something that is fundamental to being a member of the police force, and that is discipline. This behaviour needs to end, waiting in the line for an hour is frustrating enough, without all these cars flying past and jumping to the front. Sincerely, Jason Lowe
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On social media after the CCJ’s ruling, two issues became quite clear DEAR EDITOR, On social media after the CCJ’s ruling in the third term case, two issues became quite clear. The first was that support for the ruling was based mainly along traditionally perceived political lines, with many contributors making it plain they were supporters of the governing Coalition. The other obvious line, coming especially, from perceived supporters of the PPP, was that Coalition supporters were celebrating because the CCJ had spared the Coalition from having to deal with another Jagdeo presidency and with him as a presidential candidate. That interpretation of reaction from supporters of the government is way off for reasons mentioned below. As an avowed supporter
of Mr. Granger and his administration, the Coalition has no fear whatsoever of Mr. Jagdeo’s involvement with the PPP. He is easy to campaign against. His mere presence on the campaign trail will energize Coalition supporters across the Country and in the Diaspora. They will fly in and vote just to keep out the Pharaoh of local politics in droves, not forgetting the barrel full of political atrocities committed during his terms in office. Also, my point is borne out by comments made immediately after the ruling by political commentators Freddie Kissoon and Henry Jeffrey. Both said that the mere presence of the opposition leader immediately energizes the Coalition’s supporters, based primarily on his abysmal record in office, the emer-
gence of the drug trade, the presence of armed private militiamen terrorizing citizens, lawlessness of every kind and the Skeldon Estate fiasco, of course. The PPP would do well to rid itself of perhaps the only head of government in the history of this nation about whom ordinary folks hurl questions about his integrity, his lack of nationalism, lack of loyalty to country and his impartiality. So to those who think that the CCJ did us a favour, you had better think again, as Mr. Jagdeo has made it clear he will be at the front and centre of the 2020 campaign. This is just what the Coalition wants, as there is so much to throw at him that are all true and certifiable. Earl Hamilton
An unconstructive and insensitive ... From page 5 trusted. Obviously, these are the very reasons why the PNC fails to largely attract Indo-Guyanese voters. It has done nasty things to this nation. It is in dire need of education to shape its behaviours so that they align with the norms of society. It shortsightedly foments division to achieve its goals. In this vein, Mr Jackson published his hypothesis. And in spite of pervasive racism by the PNC, it has the gall to deceitfully act like a champion of social cohesion. How can these people ever be trusted? And they can’t be role models. Also, do we ever wonder why raw dysfunction perpetuates in this country? Mr Jackson needs to know that the Afro-Guyanese dominance at GECOM can
only come about because of corruption and ignorance by the PNC. It is clear that the PNC is working on a dishonest strategy which relies on using and disrespecting Afro-Guyanese to rake in favourable election results. This is a brainless and destructive strategy. It is uncivilized. Of course, the PNC desperately wants to remain in power because it is sweetened by our finances. Mr Jackson clearly waded into a con v o l u t e d m e s s when he presented such a hypothesis - that there was no racial bias against Mr Persaud. Fortunately, the people of this country know not to believe such far-fetched assumptions. I reiterate, Mr Persaud is a victim of discriminatory practices. Mr Granger came to power
by capitalizing on benefits from a democracy. Today that democracy is being trampled upon to retain power. The PNC needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms, and to know that the people of this country will not tolerate any attempt at rigged elections. To this end, I urge every right-minded Guyanese to stand with the Opposition to fight for democracy, and this means that at the very least, the ethnic imbalance at GECOM has to be corrected so that every citizen gets a fair chance and our elections are free and fair, allowing our country to develop. At this time, the PNC remains lawless, and it should not be left to rule a democracy. Sincerely, Annie Baliram
Thursday June 28, 2018
It’s very alarming that these businesses get away with poor public health practices DEAR EDITOR, Permit me to express my frustration that I normally experience while purchasing items at established business places. Being a Councillor for the Region Four Regional Democratic Council, for which I hold the vice chairmanship of the Public Health Committee, I find it very alarming that businesses in the city get away with poor public health practices, and we, the consumers, have to suffer at the hands of these uncaring and self-centred proprietors. The time has come, in my opinion, for the government agencies to go after these businesses, especially the huge, established ones in the city. I recall the assertion of the Deputy Chief Medical Of-
ficer, Dr. Karen Boyle - while she was addressing a packed audience at the Grand Coastal Hotel, East Coast Demerara, which comprised manufacturers and businesses in general - that it is imperative for business not to put greed before the health and well-being of Guyanese,.Moreover, she stressed that businesses must not only focus on making a profit while jeopardizing the consumers with their lack of following prescribed practices. It’s time for us to start building bridges between public health and businesses. How can we do this? Both the Consumer Protection Agency and the Ministry of Public Health can work on this jointly. It is imperative for companies and businesses to have or to develop a public
health footprint. What do I mean by public footprint? What that concept really means is every company, corporation, or business product and policy, has the potential to help or hurt, by their effects on consumers - not only the consumers, but their own employees, communities and their environment therein. In closing, if companies or businesses can do a little more than what is legally required, to go above and beyond the compliance, it can actually attract more consumers and help their brand to become more popular. Yours Sincerely, Ivan Bentham Councillor Regional Democratic Council Region Four (4)
I do not support the call for this mechanism to be scrapped DEAR EDITOR, As an elected member of the Coordinating Council (Board of Directors) of International Decade for People of African Descent AssemblyGuyana Country Coordinating Mechanism (IDPADA-G CCM) I do not support the call for IDPADA-G to be scrapped. Being a resident of Linden, who made over 300 trips to and from the Linden Highway to attend over one hundred and sixty meetings, work sessions (many on holidays) and outreaches - and endured extensive hours away from home and a family of thirteen - leading up to the formation and subvention of IDPADA-G CCM, it is impossible for me to do so.
I put forward to all that there is no perfect organisation anywhere in the world, even the constitution of Guyana has to be tweaked. IDPADA-G CCM has to be treated as a newborn babe. Definitely some things have to be reshaped and plans implemented to reflect an allinclusiveness so that no one could be left out, which is necessary to achieve and maintain recognition, justice and sustainable development. Unity is strength. Only persons who have no idea of the long hours of tedious labour into the wee hours of the morn, sacrificing
holidays etc., and a selfish person, would call for IDPADA-G to be scrapped. I take no sides. My only allegiance is to the countless impoverished, under privileged and disenfranchised African Guyanese citizens I encountered in every village across the country. I suggest we sincerely consider the concerns of all these African Guyanese, and try to resolve them. After all, Guyana is playing a leading role in the implementation of the UN-declared International Decade for People of African Descent. Esther Gittens
I’ll continue to ... From page 4 known tactic successfully used to forge disunity, consolidate ethnic power, and stymie the development of all the people.As the world is witnessing the chaos of such patterns of behaviour on the international stage, for us in Guyana such chaos, public lies and political wickedness has characterised this society from the creation of nationhood. It is time that we stop seeing this behaviour, which the world is condemning, as a norm. It has no place in a country that needs to forge national unity and engage all its citizens in a developmental thrust
consistent with our motto, “One People, One Nation One Destiny.” With regard to the Member of Parliament’s allegation about ownership of a car, it is suggested in the statement that I’ve compromised the interest of the workers by taking money - this is an axe I’m prepared to grind with him personally in a court of law. The fact that this man holds office in the highest decision-making forum of this land and shows blatant and reckless disregard for research and knowledge of the facts before he speaks should be troubling for all. Lincoln Lewis
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Govt. pays $12M per month to store free CT-scanner
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overnment continues to pour millions of taxpayer dollars into the rental of the controversial Sussex Street, Albouystown drug bond to store a CT-scanner which was donated by RAD-AID International. Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence, disclosed to Kaieteur News that the storage of the scanner is the only reason that Government continues to utilize the bond. According to Lawrence, the scanner was earmarked for Bartica Hospital which does not have the required place to store the machine. “Regional officials are in the process of building the required storage place. The contractor had a problem with the lead needed for the CT-scan room so as soon as that is finished the people who donated (the scanner) will come to take it to Bartica,” the Minister stated. She explained that the Ministry has been advised that the scanner has to be stored at a certain temperature. The Minister could not provide a timeline as to when the machine would be moved to Bartica. Her Ministry is awaiting the conclusion of work by the Minister of Communities and officials of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), she said. “We don’t have any place else to put this machine. That’s why it is there. We want the CT scan because it is going to help the hospital tre-
Minister of Public Health, Volda Lawrence mendously,” the Minister disclosed. On Monday, Lawrence said that the Ministry of Public Health paid $264.5M for the rental of the building to Linden Holding Inc. between July 2016 and March 2018. That is $12.1M per month. According to Lawrence, the scanner is valued at about US$90,000 ($1.8M). The issue of the bond surfaced in 2016 when it was learnt that the bond had been rented under very lucrative terms to businessman, Larry Singh, during the tenure of former Minister of Public Health, Dr.
The drug bond on Sussex Street, Albouystown George Norton. Dr. Norton defended the Ministry’s use of the facility. Apart from the scanner, Lawrence indicated that the bond is also being used to store stationary supplies from the now demolished CSU bond in Kingston. The controversy surrounding the use of the bond intensified when it was discovered late 2016 that the facility was merely storing items such as lubricants and condoms. Another visit to the facility this
year revealed that although there were added items by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the manner of storage left much to be desired. There are reports that suggest that a three-year contract has been signed for use of the facility, but Minister Lawrence had disclosed that the Ministry had planned to end the rental of the bond by December 2017. However, she said that her Ministry had served a Notice of Quit
dated October 2016 by then Permanent Secretary, Trevor Thomas. A reminder dated October 3, 2017 was sent by Permanent Secretary Colette Adams who had taken over from Thomas. Lawrence explained that the Government was hoping to take the money used for the rental of the bond and reinvest it in the public health sector. The Minister had disclosed plans to build more bonds and expand the ones the Ministry has.
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Budget success evasive without robust institutions, evaluation systems- Finance Minister By Kiana Wilburg Finance Minister, Winston Jordan, recently noted that when the resource envelope of any national budget is supported by robust institutional structures, effective management systems, and competent leadership, then the chances of successful budget implementation are quite high. Jordan said, however, that when any one of, or a combination of, those and other elements break down, success becomes evasive. He said that this is in spite of the fact that expenditure may have occurred.The economist made this point at the opening of the Finance Ministry’s first 2019 Budget Sensitization and Training Programme last week. There, the Finance Minister said that the start of the National Budget Cycle is an important milestone in the financial calendar. He noted that Budget 2019 represents the fifth and penultimate budget of this administration’s first term in
office; and the third consecutive year that it will be presented to the National Assembly ahead of the start of the financial year. The Finance Minister said it is therefore an opportune time for all financial officers to take stock of the results that they have achieved – or not achieved – and to redouble efforts to deliver goods and services of a sufficient quantity, quality and timeliness. Jordan said, “Many of you have been at the helm of your sectors for several years and, therefore, are in a good position to critically and searchingly examine from whence you came, where you are, and where you are going. As you pause to reflect, let me remind everyone that a national budget is the single most important planning tool in the armory of the Government.” He continued, “It is a living and dynamic document that gives life to the national and sectoral visions and policies. Most importantly, it is the vehicle through which we implement programmes and
achieve national results. As Heads of Budget Agencies, you must pay keen attention to ensuring that these elements are all in place in your respective sectors, regions and agencies.” The economist added, “The Government commits to making resources available, subject to the fiscal space, for you to pursue workable solutions. Please bear in mind, that expenditure pressures such as those demanded by, for example, our commitment to improving wages and salaries and national security; bridging the divide between the hinterland and the coastland; and narrowing the infrastructure gap, on the one hand, and revenue pressures to lower taxes and tariffs will continue to impose premiums on planning, programming and pro-active performance.” Since 2015, Jordan said that the Government and its support team have proven that they are up to the task, that they are prepared to implement measures that will benefit a broad cross section
of the population. The Finance Minister said that the government has consistently improved wages and salaries; undertaken sweeping tax reforms to improve tax administration and brought greater equity to the tax system. “We have delivered early National Budgets for 2017 and 2018, to ensure that Heads of Budget Agencies had the entire financial year to implement work programmes – a stark departure from what obtained previously, when budgets were presented as late as endMarch and approved in midApril, thereby implying a twomonth turnaround before the next budget cycle began in early July.” Jordan continued, “Procurement of public goods and services has undergone changes: thresholds have been increased; several training courses in monitoring and evaluation, and supply procurement have been executed —all with the aim of ensuring an environment that contributes to improved performance
in the public service.” He added, “More recently, we have developed a public-private partnership framework to enable more creative financing approaches, to overcome loss of concessional financing, occasioned by our elevated status of Upper Middle Income Country, as classified by the World Bank.” Further to this, the Finance Minister told several heads of budget agencies and Permanent Secretaries that spending money is easy. He stressed however that spending money wisely and prudently to effect results takes skill and effort. Jordan told his officers that it means understanding the problem and finding the solution that gives the result, then designing a plan and costing it in a way that delivers value for money, then spending the money. The Finance Minister said, “Many times, we do the process the other way around: we spend money without understanding what the problem to be addressed is. The predictable result is
Finance Minister, Winston Jordan the wastage of public resources that we are entrusted to spend. It is worth the time and effort – please ensure you secure the skills to understand the problems in your sector, devise solutions, plan for and cost the implementation of these solutions.” The Finance Minister noted that additional revenue resources on the not so distant horizon present a wonderful opportunity for Guyana to transition from potential to the prosperity, of which many have so often dreamed. He stressed however that money alone has never solved a nation’s problems.
No threatening levels of mercury Gaming stakeholders briefed on found at GGMC - PAHO/WHO team anti-money laundering measures
Stakeholders during the forum earlier this month. Mercury levels at GGMC’s compound, Brickdam are not threatening, a statement from Government said yesterday. The Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) team assessing the claims of mercury exposure at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission compound, Brickdam, has found no threatening levels of mercury at the complex.Last Saturday, the WHO/PAHO team orally briefed the Ministers of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Public Health, Volda Lawrence, on their findings, according to a government statement yesterday. “The team did say though, they are not here to certify that necessarily, but they did say that they found that the levels at the GGMC compound and its environs were below any threatening level. That I
believe is a testament that the job was very well done,” Minister Trotman said. The international team of experts visited Guyana last week and, among other things, assessed the mercury clean-up efforts at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Brickdam complex. The team comprised two industrial hygienists, two physicians and a mining engineer. It was headed by Industrial Hygienist and head of the team, Catherine Beecham. The team visited Guyana following mercury exposure crisis at the complex. The Guyana Gold Board ceased the burning of gold at the GGMC complex in April following health and safety
concerns. The GGB is currently sourcing alternative facilities to conduct its exercises.Minister Trotman noted the recent mercury exposure situation at the GGMC complex is an opportunity to improve how the mining industry utilises mercury.“Every effort will be made and that effort has started to ensure that they are protected to ensure that we deal with mercury and its ill effects,” he said. The Ministry of Public Health will soon pronounce on the findings of the PAHO/ WHO team. Several persons from GGMC were sent on leave and taking medication because of elevated levels of mercury in their system.
The Gaming Authority of Guyana hosted the first in a series of Stakeholders Fora planned for 2018, on Thursday, June 14, 2018 in the Ogle Room at Herdmanston Lodge. Under the theme “Gaming the Right Way” the forum is aimed at enlightening stakeholders about the Local Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) policies and procedures, and serves as part of the Gaming Authority’s plan to ensure local AML/CFT policies and procedures are fully implemented by gaming operatives, thus contributing to a well-regulated gaming industry in Guyana, according to a statement from the Office of the Minister of State. In her keynote address,
Minister Dawn Hastings, Junior Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency echoed the words of President Brigadier David Granger in his address to the Opening Ceremony of the 46th Plenary Meeting of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in November 2017. He stated, “The Caribbean, today, is fighting a war against financial ‘privateers’ to preserve the integrity of its institutions and to counter moneylaundering and the financing of terrorism. Guyana is fit to fight.” She emphasized the need for dialogue between stakeholders and those in authority, charging the former to work in conjunction with the law and the Gaming Authority.
She expressed hope of transformation of the day’s proceedings into positive action with results. Christine King, Director, Gaming Authority, in her address, highlighted the readiness of the Board and Directors to fulfill the mandate of the authority as a designated non-financial business or supervisory authority to implement and enforce the requirements of the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. She emphasized the commitment of the Gaming Authority to ensure that policies and procedures relative to AML/CFT are stringently observed and implemented by all gaming entities to bring about order and to ensure that the gaming (Continued on page 24)
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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 28, 2018
When man becomes like an animal
T
he philosopher Immanuel Kant pointed out that what differentiates humans from animals is the faculty of reason and the ability to act autonomously. In acting, of course, humans utilize the faculty of reason to make moral choices. For Kant, the end does not necessarily justify the means. Instead Kant argued that morality is about persons doing the right thing in the right way. A person’s motives are therefore just as important as the result of his or actions. Most people share common moral values. People all claim to value the virtue of honesty, for example. We do not like people who steal from others. We say that is dishonest and to be dishonest is morally wrong. But when it comes to elections, acts of rigging are countenanced. It is wrong to steal the property of others but, for some, there is nothing morally wrong with stealing the votes of others. This contradiction presents a moral dilemma for citizens. Principles which should be infallible become relative. When morals become relative
then motives become immoral. In such circumstances, it becomes just, for some, to rig an election (an act of dishonesty) just to keep another party out.1 If honesty is a moral principle to which everyone should subscribe, to test the universality of Kant’s Categorical Imperative, then stealing – whether it is another person’s property or his ballot – becomes a moral wrong and should be condemned. It has to be wrong, therefore, to rig an election. Yet, you will find persons who are willing, on a mass scale, to condone rigging. Between 1968 and 1985, there were thousands of Guyanese who actually felt that they had a moral duty to condone and even support the rigging of elections just to keep another party out of power. This sort of dishonesty was malignant. It created a crisis of morality which still exists today. That crisis is not restricted to politics or, specifically, to general elections. It has polluted all avenues of social life. There have been allegations of the ma-
nipulation of the elections of political parties. The stealing of water and electricity by citizens; the dipping into the cookie jar by civil servants and the rampant corruption which took hold in Guyana can all be traced back to this crisis in morality occasioned by dishonest elections. The immoral rigging of elections exacerbated the divisions of the working class, playing right into the hands of the oppressors who exploited the divisions of race to stay illegally in office. Dr. Walter Rodney, in explaining who benefits from the division of the working class, recalled that on one occasion he was reading an old book on the history of Guyana by a planter way back in slavery times, corresponding with friends in England. And they asked him, ‘How come you manage to control so many slaves when you are just a handful, even though you may have the guns? “If they were to rush you all at one time they would overwhelm you.’ But the planter was quite
DEM BOYS SEH
Jagdeo can’t threaten he party people
When dem boys was li’l children, dem mudda use to threaten dem whenever dem even look like if dem thinking about doing something wrang. And de threat use to wuk. All de mudda had to do was show a whip and it was peace and quiet. Dem boys live to see de same thing happen when dem tun big man. Jagdeo had power in he hand even though he wasn’t president. He use to tell dem party members that if dem don’t behave demself he know how to deal wid dem. That is why he get a man name Richardson to file de court case fuh mek he de Jagdeo go back as President.
When he was president he had plenty power and it did feel good. He sit down de odda day and he see how nice State House look because Soulja Bai fix it up. He know that he should live in it again. As president he had everybody tight. He tell dem that if dem don’t behave dem wouldn’t be Minister or get any fancy job. De people believe he gun be president again. But de CCJ spoil de show; it mek dem party members realize Jagdeo ain’t got a ghost of a chance to get power in he hands, again. From de time that happen is like when dem boys realize that dem mudda can’t beat dem no more. People see
Jagdeo as a paper tiger. Donald seh de CCJ ruling is a good thing fuh Guyana. And when Jagdeo seh he got a hand in who gun be de presidential candidate, a young man step up and seh to hell wid Jagdeo. He gun be de candidate. But dem still got people who frighten Jagdeo. De Chjat-3 want to be presidential candidate but he frighten to show he hand. Irfaat frighten too. But dem boys believe that how Jagdeo ain’t got nutten to threaten people wid, dem same party people wouldn’t even look in he direction. Talk half and watch how Jagdeo lose he stripe.
confident in his response. ‘Not to bother,” he wrote, “the trick is that we keep them divided.’ The moral crisis caused by rigging elections widened the fracture in the working class. That class can now hardly identify itself as a class. This has been one of the tragic effects of the moral crisis in Guyana. It has divided and demobilized that class to the point where workers no longer can identify themselves as belonging to the largest class in Guyana, the working class. Fears over the rigging of elections therefore, must not
just be seen through the bifocals of the PPP/PNC divide. Rigging of elections is a threat to working class unity. It is a threat to the poor. It is a threat to public morality. Dishonest elections lead to apathy and alienation. After a while, people who defend the rigging of elections find themselves living a contradiction, not knowing right from wrong, not being able to teach their children what is right from wrong and, eventually estranging themselves from morality. Without morality we are divorced from ourselves and
from others. We act, not in accordance with moral principles but out of instinct, just like animals do. Immanuel Kant said we should not act in accordance with our instinct but according to the moral law, discerned through the faculty of reasoning and autonomous action both of which separates us from the animal world.
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Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
=== The Freddie Kissoon column ===
They have been morbidly barefaced since May 2015 If you read the things PPP leaders write each day, each week in all the four dailies, then you have to know that they are directing their remarks to their converted supporters just to ensure that these people keep the faith with the PPP. That is all. That is what the barefaced denials in their incessant letters to the press are all about. Jagdeo came to power in August 1999. The PPP lost power in May 2015. In that period so many things happened that threatened the very existence of this country but none of these ugly, grotesque
scars of the PPP are ever mentioned. And when PPP leaders do touch on them, the barefacedness is literally morbid. Bharrat Jagdeo, in charge of Guyana for fifteen years, issued a statement this week that on the surface would get a large percentage of the population extremely angry. But Jagdeo is pandering to his constituencies. He said he has done more as president for African Guyanese than any PNC government, past or present. Jagdeo himself doesn’t believe that. PPP leaders them-
selves do not believe it. So why did he say it? It is important to understand why he uttered such an asinine statement. It is for the same reason he said what he said about NIS investment in the Berbice Bridge construction. Bharrat Jagdeo was president when NIS funds were invested in the bridge. At a press conference last year, Jagdeo said he did not know about the NIS investment. His thinking is understandable, but abominable. Untold numbers of rural proletarians
who have voted for the PPP since 1957 stand to lose their pension if the NIS collapses. So Jagdeo just lied. And he lied to make sure sugar workers believe him. In fact, jeopardizing the NIS future in my opinion constitutes a criminal offence and in many other countries where the constitution allows for prosecution for the abuse of power, he would have been prosecuted. This man did the unthinkable. He took billions of dollars from the NIS and invested
it in the building of the Berbice Bridge. To date, NIS is still to recover its investment. Yet this man has the temerity to say that he did not know about the money the NIS put into the bridge. It was Jagdeo’s decision; no one else. He took billions of dollars from the NIS and put it into CLICO. CLICO collapsed and left the fulcrums of the NIS shaking. In 2013 and 2014, the annual report of the NIS indicated that it was paying out more than it was receiving. To play with the pension of older citizens who worked the greater part of their lives only to find their pension may not be forthcoming is a crime against humanity. We come now to the outrageous remark that as president, he did more for African Guyanese than the leaders of the PNC when those PNC leaders were in power. If any policy of Jagdeo c a n b e used to indict him for racism, it was his position on the location of the monument to the slave rebellion of 1822. It was at that very site the slaves were tortured a n d e x e cuted. Not one Guyanese organization from any of our ethnic mosaic uttered one word in rejection of the site of Parade Ground. Other ethnic groups were not interested. They saw it as the business of African Guyanese. Not one African group supported the government in its decision to put the monument on the old seawall road. It was a crass, cultural insult to the African people of Guyana. One should be careful how one rejects Jagdeo’s
Frederick Kissoon statement of empowering Black people. You have to read between the lines. What Jagdeo meant is that the Black Guyanese he chose to empower, he dealt nicely with them. He patronized them wonderfully. Remember his choices, not Black people in general. One of his Black Ministers is before the courts on a serious charge of fraud involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Another Black Guyanese, Odinga Lumumba, is the owner of large tracts of land. Another Black Guyanese, James Rose, was appointed Vice Chancellor of UG. Yet another Black Guyanese, Dr. Compton Bourne, was made Chancellor of UG and awarded a plot of land at Pradoville 2. Another Black Guyanese, Henry Greene, was appointed Commissioner of Police against the advice of the US Government. Two Black Guyanese lawyers were paid handsomely to argue a case in front of Acting Chief Justice Ian Chang challenging presidential term limit. In other words, what Jagdeo means is that he was generous in his Black tokenism.
Ex-soldier, woman, among four held for phone card vendor’s murder A former soldier and a woman are among four people who are in custody in connection with the gunning down of phone card vendor, Ron Mansfield, at Westminster, West Bank Demerara. Police reportedly seized several phone cards from the detained woman. A source close to the investigation said that soon after her arrest the woman named the people who were involved in attack on Mansfield. It is unclear whether investigators have established that the cards were among those that Mansfield had purchased. Mansfield, 37, was shot dead on June 19 outside his Lot 772 Westminster, West Bank Demerara home. His wife had told Kaieteur News that she was watching
television when she heard a gunshot. She looked outside and saw her husband’s motorcycle lying on the road. She told neighbours that she ran outside and saw Mansfield lying on the parapet outside the southern neighbour’s yard. He was unconscious but there was some blood on his shirt. She said that she also saw someone running in a southern direction along the roadway. Mansfield was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional H o s p i t a l . His spouse is said to have told neighbours that the gunman had grabbed Mansfield’s haversack, which contained money. However, a police official had said that there was no evidence of a robbery.
Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
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Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Ramson signals desire to be PPPC presidential candidate By Abena RockcliffeCampbell “Guyana needs highquality leadership. This means leadership that exudes integrity, passion and vision. This would also mean leadership that is technically sound across many key disciplines like oil, economics, business and law; and, leadership which understands the meaning of family and having families of their own,” said Attorney-atLaw, Charles Ramson. Yesterday, he revealed his intention to contest an election to become the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) next presidential candidate. Ramson thinks he fits the bill. This revelation came one day after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) handed down its ruling upholding the Constitutional provisions for presidential term limits. The only living former president who served two terms already is Bharrat Jagdeo.
The ruling now bars Jagdeo from ever running again as President or even Prime Minister of Guyana. Yesterday, Ramson said, “Though it will be an internal election, at the end of the day, my candidacy would mean nothing without the nation’s support.” Ramson said that he has been listening to the views being expressed by Guyanese in recent years. He said, “Guyana is ready to move forward. Everywhere you go, everyone is saying the same thing—we need young and fresh leadership. But it’s not just young and fresh leadership; we need credible leadership—leadership with integrity, passion and vision; leadership that puts the people first.” The Attorney-at-Law said that being a family man, “I understand the importance of leadership and I want to ensure that my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, enjoy a better Guyana that benefitted from
decisions that were made in the interest of the masses and their generations.” Ramson said that Guyana needs leadership that “is not scared of our history of racial conflict and will seek to unite rather than divide. That is the sort of leadership I intend to offer.” INEXPERIENCED? Ramson said that while he is no old school politician, he has experience. The 34-yearold Oil and Gas Academic said, “Most people are aware of my qualifications but in terms of relevant experience, I worked at the Office of the President as a Legal Technical Director. I was at the heart of executive power for over four years, so I know how the Executive works.” He said that before his resignation, he was a very active Member of Parliament (MP)—”So I know how the Parliament (the legislative arm of the State) works.” Further, Ramson noted that he has been a lawyer for almost 10 years–”So I know
how the judicial system works. Those are the arms of the State.” On the civil society front, Ramson noted that he is a member of, and has strong links to the Guyana Bar Association and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Industry (GCCI). “Internally, I have been an active and public member of the People’s Progressive Party for almost 10 years. I currently hold leadership roles. The next general election will be my third election as a candidate,” said Ramson. He continued, “But let us really examine experience. Did Justin Trudeau have experience before he became the Prime Minister of Canada? Did David Cameron have experience before he became Prime Minister of Britain? Did Obama have experience before he became President of the United States of America? No. And these are the most powerful democratic nations in the world.” Ramson added that experience can be both good and bad. He said, “We have seen the actions of some ‘experienced’ politicians, actions that did no good for this country. Sometimes political power proves to be an addictive drug to the ‘experienced’ and the abuse of that drug led Guyana where we are today.”
He noted that the leader of Austria is 31; Georgia’s leader is 36, New Zealand has a 37-year-old leader, President of Costa Rica is 38, President of Ireland is 39 and the leader of Estonia is 39. “Then you have others in their mid-30s leading powerful nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and North Korea.” He said, “A majority of Guyana’s population is below the age of 35. This means, if we are speaking democratic majority rule, then Guyana should have a young leader.”
WAY TOO YOUNG? Ramson asked about the possibility of being rejected by the masses for being too young, responded, “I am 34years-old and will be 36 by the 2020 election. Guyana already had a President who was 35 when he assumed office.” Ramson continued, “When you look around the world, leaders of major countries are being elected in their 30s.”
WILL PPPALLOW THIS? Ramson said he is not worried if he will fare well with PPP/C old guards. He said, “I don’t see old guard or new guard. I see a political party which must focus all of its attention and energy on how to win the next election. To win, critical decisions have to be made regarding presidential candidate.” Ramson said that the
Attorney at Law, Charles Ramson history of elections has shown that the population tends to vote on personalities. “In Guyana, our demographic profile has changed significantly so the party needs a candidate who is appealing to the swing votes: the intellectuals and professionals; one who can appeal to all races and Guyana’s large, young population. “We need a candidate who represents the future but who does not have baggage.” “We have heard about Guyana’s potential for generations – and we have been waiting for a long time – we have come a far way, but we have a far way to go and the challenges we face as a nation are severe and complex to fix. But, I am optimistic because under the right leadership, we will succeed together. It would be an honour and privilege to serve Guyana.”
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 28, 2018
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Water receding in Region Nine B
rian Allicock, Chairman of the U p p e r Takutu–Upper Essequibo (Region Nine) on Tuesday reported that flood waters in the region have begun to recede, with the exception of the village of Karasabai, located in the South Pakaraimas. A special meeting to provide updates was held at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Boardroom with Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig, the regional administration and officials from various Ministries and Agencies, including the Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Communities, Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and the Mayor and Town Council, among others. In a comment, Allicock said that he received reports, from several sources during the day, indicating that the water has receded in the areas which were previously affected, including Aishalton and Lethem.
“In the access road, beyond the Rupununi crossing, the water has already receded. I was told by a contractor from Lethem that he was leaving for Aishalton because he can now take in his machinery for the construction works he has to do in there. “The other problem is the culvert by Aishalton, but the contractor will create a bypass there so vehicles can move over. In the Lethem area, the water is receding and I am happy about that because even though we have people in the low-lying areas, only three families were evacuated from the area. “We are happy because the water is going away and the weather report from Brazil is very helpful because we see that there is no rainfall in the Amazon area,” he said. On Monday, Deputy Toshao Andrew Albert Junior, of Karasabai noted that the main concern shared by the six villages and one satellite community in that area is the fact that the flood water on the main access road has resulted in a total cut-off for villagers. This had prevented access in and out of the village and to Lethem and
Director General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lieutenant Colonel Kester Craig (centre, head of table) regional and administrative officials from Government ministries, agencies and organs at the Regional Democratic Council boardroom Georgetown. He said that a request had been made to the RDC for a boat and engine to transport residents, particularly schoolchildren and emergency cases. The Regional Chairman noted that Karasabai remains affected since the flooding is caused not only by the heavy rainfalls or the ‘wet’ season, but the water running down the mountains and from neighbouring Brazil. The Ireng River, he said,
remains high and as such, the region has responded to the request made by the deputy Toshao. “The only other place that is suffering at the moment is Karasabai in that the water is still coming down from the mountains and from the Ireng. Even t h o u g h t h e Ta k u t u i s receding, the Ireng is still
bringing in water. We are putting in place a boat and engine to transport people to the El Globo Landing or Good Hope landing,” Allicock said. A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e Ministry of Agriculture has dispatched teams from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) to conduct on-the-
ground assessments in the affected villages and to lend assistance where necessary, while the Ministry of Public Infrastructure will be examining the affected roads and culverts to determine the extent of damage and corrective actions that must be taken. The Ministry of Public (Continued on page 22)
Kaieteur News
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Thursday June 28, 2018
Langevine receives Queen’s award Young people from 38 countries across the Commonwealth celebrated their Queen’s Young Leaders Award with guests including Sir John Major, David Beckham OBE, Sir Lenny Henry CBE, Nicola Adams OBE, Neelam Gill, Caspar Lee, Tina Daheley and Ore Oduba. Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also joined the award winners at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London on Tuesday. According to a statement, Her Majesty The Queen presented Marva Langevine from Den A m s t e l , We s t C o a s t Demerara, with a Queen’s Young Leaders Award at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace, London. The award was in honour of the work Langevine is doing to transform lives in her community.
The Queen and invitees with the awardees. The Queen was joined at the Award ceremony by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Queen’s Young
Leaders Awards programme, now in its fourth and final y e a r, c e l e b r a t e s t h e achievements of some of the most exciting young change-
makers from across the Commonwealth. This year’s cohort from 38 Commonwealth countries is finding solutions to global issues such as climate change, food scarcity, gender-based violence, mental health, and access to education. Speaking at the Awards c e r e m o n y, H i s R o y a l Highness The Duke of Sussex, who was recently named a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador said: “In this rapidly changing world, it is heartening to meet so many inspiring young people gathered here today, who have already stepped up as leaders and improved the lives of so many people across the Commonwealth. “You are the hope and optimism the world needs and we will all do whatever we can to support you in it.” David Beckham OBE said: “I’m so proud to be here with the Queen’s Young Leaders tonight. It’s really inspiring to meet these hardworking young people, who continue to dedicate their time and energy to helping other people live a better life. Hearing their stories and the sacrifices
they’ve made is a real honour and I feel very privileged to celebrate with them today.” Marva Langevine received a Queen’s Young Leaders Award for the work she is doing to transform the lives of bereaved, sick and underprivileged children and families in Guyana. As a Queen’s Young Leader, she has gained access to bespoke mentoring and training through the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education. This is designed to develop their leadership skills further and ensure they are best placed to lead the way in the future to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues. The Rt. Hon Sir John Major KG CH, Chairman of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to all the 2 0 1 8 Q u e e n ’s Yo u n g Leaders. Together with our Award Winners from the last three years. They complete a unique, 240-strong cohort of Young Leaders from all across the Commonwealth. “This is such an invaluable resource for the
Commonwealth that The Queen Elizabeth Diamond J u b i l e e Tr u s t w i l l b e launching a legacy fund, to ensure that our support and encouragement to our Young Leaders will continue beyond the lifetime of the Trust. “Each and every one of our 240 Young Leaders is a remarkable and exceptional young person, who I have no doubt will play an important role in shaping our future world. It has been an absolute privilege and delight to get to know them.” The now complete Queen’s Young Leaders network forms a unique, dedicated and powerful group of young people from 53 Commonwealth countries who will connect, collaborate and change lives together for years to come. To further support them in their future endeavours, a £200,000 Legacy Fund has been created. It will be open to all 240 Queen’s Young Leaders and 282 highly commended runners-up to apply for grants that will help elevate their work and enable them to work together to tackle some of the (Continued on page 24)
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UNICEF crafts programme to support Guyana SDGs efforts The United Nations Children’s Fund, (UNICEF) has crafted a programme to support the efforts of Guyana and Suriname in the acceleration of the universal realization of c h i l d r e n ’s r i g h t s b y fostering greater social i n c l u s i o n , f o r disadvantaged and excluded children and families. The programme is aimed at supporting both countries in developing and advancing their agendas to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). According to a report released by UNICEF, the programme is set to support priorities outlined in the National Development Plans and t h e C a r i b b e a n
Community Child and Youth Frameworks, as well as the results aligned with goals and targets identified at various levels of governance. The programme has three components, safety and justice; lifelong learning; and social inclusion and child rights monitoring. Through, the plan UNICEF will also address key bottlenecks impeding the realization of child rights, focusing o n t he most excluded children, by strengthening national and regional systems. The programme will be implemented in partnership with ministries and other bodies at all levels of the Government.
According to UNICEF, alliances with civil society, the private sector and media will be key to engaging the public. “Efforts will be intensified to engage with parliamentarians, faithbased organizations, indigenous and maroon leaders, the academic community, human rights institutions and youth organizations. The information further outlined that close collaboration will continue with other UN agencies, other countries in the Caribbean and countries covering the Amazon Basin. Specific attention will b e g i v e n t o counterbalancing the consequences of climate change, preventing further risk and damage approaches that will contribute to educating children and their families about how to prevent negative consequences.” Further, the report said the programme embraces
opportunities to contribute to fulfilling the UNICEF mandate to promote gender equality and the empowerment of girls, in line with the Gender Action Plan, 2014-2017, particularly in the areas of gender mainstreaming in the education and child protection sectors. Part of the plan is to examine the capacity of social workers to manage child protection cases and that of other professionals, including parents, will be provided with initiatives aimed at developing positive parenting skills throughout the country. The aim is to improve c h i l d r e n ’s a c cess to justice, technical assistance will be provided to increase the use of child-friendly and gender-sensitive proceedings by the police, courts and prosecutors’ offices. UNICEF is also expected to support the alignment of juvenile justice procedures in Guyana with international standards.
Thursday June 28, 2018
Burnt remains behind temple...
‘Bluey’ and accomplice remanded to prison for murder
Balrup (white) and Hamid (green) The two men accused of murdering wholesale vendor, Saeed ‘Sayo’ Hamid, of Lot 41 Queenstown, Corriverton, yesterday made their joint appearance at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court. Satrohan ‘Bluey’ Madray, 31, a Pujari, of Bennet Dam, D’Edward Village; and Antonio Singh Balrup, a computer technician of Lot 2138 Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, stood before Magistrate Rhondell Weaver to answer to the joint charge of murder. The charge read that Madray and Balrup murdered Saeed Hamid on April 19 at D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice. They were not required to plead to the capital offence of murder. They were both represented by Attorney-atlaw Mursalene Bacchus. Madray displayed to his attorney signs of what he said resulted from police beatings. However no such complaint was brought to the attention of the Magistrate. They are set to return to the Blairmont Magistrate Court on July 17. The third accused, Asif Hamid, is also expected to be charged with being an accessory. Satrohan ‘Bluey’ Madray, Antonio Singh Balrup and Asif Hamid are accused of murdering
Satrohan Madray wholesale Crabwood Creek vendor, Saeed ‘Sayo’ Hamid, at Bennett Dam, D’Edward Village, West Coast Berbice. Hamid who is currently incarcerated for a previous murder is accused of conspiring before the act to murder the victim who is his father. The vendor left his home on April 19, 2018. Two months later police had a break and arrested Madray and Balrup. While in custody they reportedly confessed to bludgeoning ‘Sayo’ and then burning his corpse behind the home and temple officiated over by Madray at D’Edward village. Madray reportedly told cops that he conspired with Asif Hamid, his close friend to murder the vendor to prevent him from providing evidence against his son in his upcoming high court trial.
East Orange celebrates Guyana’s 52nd Independence
Drummer Akoyaw Rudder leads Mayor Ted R. Green, Lady Ira Lewis, Barbara Atherly, Guyana consul general to New York, and NYS Senator Roxanne Persaud, out of East Orange City Hall to raise the Golden Arrowhead. By Tangerine Clarke New Jersey (US) - Mayor of the City of East Orange, Ted R. Green, led a drum procession out of City Hall and joined Guyanese in raising the Golden Arrowhead flag over the municipal building on Friday, June 22 to celebrate Guyana’s 52nd Anniversary of Independence, with pomp and ceremony.Councilman Bergson Leneus, Council Chairman Quilla E. Talmadge joined Mayor Green, and Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin, at the 11th Annual Guyana American Heritage Foundation commemoration, organized by President Lady Ira Lewis, and members to honor Guyana, which achieved independence on May 26, 1966. Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake, representative of the 34th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly applauded expatriates for their sterling contribution to the city, and honored Akoyaw Rudder, Anaya Lee
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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 28, 2018
Willabus, Dr. James Cort, Clarence Josiah, Donna Mitchell, Judge Clarence Barry-Austin, Monty Luke, Michael Deabru, Dr. Rose October-Edun, the GAHF, and the Guyana Medical Mission, with Resolutions. Barbara Atherly, consul general of Guyana to New York, who accepted a New Jersey Assembly Resolution to celebrate what would have been the 100th birthday of late President of Guyana, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, reminded Guyanese of their country’s achievements, and the progress it has made in its quest for greatness. The diplomat also called on Guyanese to uphold the motto of “One People, One Nation, with One Destiny.” New York State Senator Roxanne Persaud, the first Guyanese elected to the NYS Assembly, in presenting Lady Ira Lewis with a copy of a resolution passed in the assembly and senate to honor Guyana’s Independence, told nationals to always put (Continued on page 24)
Fire breaks out in computer room
smoking light hanging with firemen standing around Just after noon, yesterday, as the children were preparing to write their annual end of term test, a fire was detected in the Computer room of Regma Primary School in Linden by an alert parent. According to reports the parent saw the smoke, then fire, in the room and alerted a teacher with whom she was speaking. One source said, “If we didn’t detect it early, it would have been disastrous. The whole building might have gone up in flames. Anyway, we were able to put out the flames.” One Grade Six student who was very upset with Guyana Fire Service said that they arrived without water. It is a good
Fireman pointing to the roof of the computer room which was slightly burnt
thing it was not worse or else my whole school would have gone up in flames. Imagine they had to throw sand and it is a good thing the school has fire extinguishers.” According to sources the fire was of electrical origin and it destroyed a computer and desk and a fluorescent light in the room. A box of stationery was also destroyed. No other room was damaged and the students were all safely gathered outside. Also on the scene were the Regional Education Officer (ag) Keane Adams, the Regional PNC Party Chairman Derron Adams, and some M & TC Councillors.
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Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Ruling looms for attempt murder accused Stafrei Alexander FOR RENT
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Justice Sandil Kissoon will soon sum of the evidence in the trial of prison escapee, Stafrei Alexander. Alexander is on trial for attempted murder over the near fatal shooting of Curtis Thom back in 2015, at Laing Avenue, Georgetown. The indictment against Alexander, also known as ‘Mad Dog’, alleges that on March 23, 2015 in the county of Demerara, he discharged a loaded firearm at Thom with intent to commit murder. The accused has pleaded not guilty to the charge. He is being represented by retired judge Stanley Moore. The State, which is being represented by Prosecutors Lisa Cave and Orinthia Schmidt, has also presented an alternate indictment for Alexander. That charge alleges that on March 23, 2015, Alexander discharged a loaded firearm at Thom, with intent to maim, disable, or cause serious bodily harm. The prosecution is expected to close its case today after which closing arguments will be presented. Then, on next Tuesday, Justice Kissoon will sum up the evidence before putting the matter to the jury for deliberation on a verdict. Moreover, this is the second time Alexander is
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Stafrei Alexander being tried for the offence. His first trial back in 2017 ended in a hung jury. According to the prosecution, on the day in question Thom held a christening at his Laing Avenue, Georgetown, residence to welcome his baby daughter. When the event ended and the guests left in the wee hours of the following morning, Thom went to the back of the property to clean up and feed his dogs. Moments later, Alexander reportedly walked past Thom and grumbled something which Thom did not hear. But as Thom was entering his house in a backward position, he saw Alexander standing next to him holding what appeared to be a shine gun. Alexander allegedly shot Thom twice and the victim collapsed to the ground and began bleeding. The injured man (Continued on page 24)
Water receding... From page 13 Health continues to maintain contact with the regional health facilities to ensure that there are adequate medical supplies in stock to treat persons affected with waterborne or vector-borne diseases. The CDC continues to monitor the situation in the region and will provide support as it becomes necessary. Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman noted that the weather condition has also affected the Georgetown to Lethem roadway, making it almost impossible to traverse. He noted that the Regional administration has awarded a contract for the upgrading of the roadway from Annai to Lethem. And the Government has budgeted for feasibility studies and detailed designs for the first phase of the Linden-Lethem road, covering the section from Linden to Mabura Hill, thereby improving access to the communities.
Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
E’bo carpenter allegedly beaten by police… now threatens to press charges. A carpenter, who claims that he was the recent victim of police brutality on the Essequibo Coast, is now threatening to press charges against the police officers who allegedly assaulted him last week Wednesday. The man, Narad Junior Courtman, 29, of Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, told this publication that he was assaulted by police just last week Wednesday. The man is now unemployed because he allegedly sustained injuries to his knee. Prior to the incident, Courtman and three other friends were drinking at the Queenstown wash bay shortly before midnight. Courtman said that he and his friends were approached by ranks in a mobile patrol vehicle, who searched and told them to leave the wash bay and go home. According to Courtman, he left the wash bay as ordered by the police, but he soon returned to pick up his phone, which he had forgotten. The man said that upon returning, he was confronted by the same police patrol, and was severely beaten. He added, “One of the police (men) jump out of the vehicle and start slapping
Allegedly beaten: Emanuel Courtman and cuffing me up and saying, ‘Like u ain’t hear to go home.’ I said I came back for my phone and the police still hitting me so we ended up in a scuffle on the ground. “Two other officers jump out of the vehicle with a gun and a wooden baton and started to lash me about my body and my legs.” Courtman said that he was then taken to the Anna Regina Police Station, where the police attempted to take a statement from him. He said that the brutality continued
even at the police station. The man reported that he was dragged into the station by police, because he was unable to stand. He further explained, “When I reach there they told me to get out the vehicle but I couldn’t because my leg was already broken. They beat me again because I told them I could not walk so they decide to drag me in the station… They tell me get up and walk to the lockup but I couldn’t stand up so I fall to the ground. When I tried to stand up only a female officer said they should take me to the hospital.” Courtman said that none of the police officers attempted to assist him into a vehicle, except for one young officer. An x-ray examination done by doctors at the Suddie Public Hospital, revealed that my knee was dislocated. Courtman also claims, that a female officer was telling the doctor that he sustained his injuries because he jump out the vehicle. The man was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is awaiting surgery. Courtman told Kaieteur News yesterday, that he is the sole breadwinner of his family and is unable to work to support his wife and three kids due to his present condition.
Cops nab ‘Jinga’ for 2014 shootout with GRA officers Smuggler Harilall Motilall, called Jinga Harry”, will finally begin serving a two-year sentence for his involvement in a shootout in 2014 involving GRA officers. Police said that Motilall, of Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, was arrested yesterday afternoon at a police road block on Cove and John Public Road, East Coast Demerara. The 56-year-old was given a four-year sentence in absentia in May 2016 for discharging a loaded firearm with intent in July 2014. He will be escorted to prison to commence his sentence. Motilall, who was labeled a major smuggler by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), was accused of shooting at GRA officers on the night of July 16, 2014. The officers had intercepted a convoy of minibuses loaded with illegally imported chicken at Dundee, Mahaicony. It is alleged that Motilall and others, using an AK-47 and other small arms, opened fire on the Customs Officers, injuring one of them. At the initial court hearing, Police Prosecutor, Cor-
poral Sheril Graham had objected to bail on the grounds that the offence was very seriou s i n n a ture. She told the court that the GRA officers, who were conducting a surveillance exercise, had intercepted three minibuses containing 150 boxes of chicken, for which no Customs papers could be produced. The officers had taken possession of the keys for the vehicles, and the cell phones of the occupants were seized, when Motilall and three accomplices pulled up in a grey Toyota Allion. The men exited and opened fire in the direction of the GRA officials, who were forced to retreat and take cover. This allowed the men who were detained with the smuggled chicken to escape in several waiting motor vehicles. The vehicle used by the GRA officials to conduct the exercise was badly riddled with bullets. One of the GRA officers was wounded in his stomach. Motilall was subsequently arrested and was positively identified by the GRA officials.
His attorney in her plea for him to be put on bail pending the outcome of his trial, had assured the court that he was not a flight risk and he would return to court to stand trial. Magistrate Sueanna Lovell accepted the bail plea, but had ordered that Motilall surrender his passport to the authorities. The accused was placed on $350,000 bail and had to surrender his passport. However, Motilall was not present for the four court hearings as his attorney, Kim Kyte-Thomas, reported to the court that he was unwell. He was eventually sentenced in absentia to four years imprisonment in May, 2016. Magistrate Lovell ordered that he must spend the first two years of his fouryear sentence in prison while the other two years were suspended. It means that if Motilall commits any offence after serving the mandatory two years, he will be sent back to prison to serve the other two years. His Attorney had pleaded for the entire sentence to be suspended and that he pay compensation to the injured GRA officials.
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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 28, 2018
Traffic Headquarters targets tinted vehicles
Some of the many vehicles pulled in as a result of yesterdays exercise. The Guyana Police Force Traffic Department, at its Eve Leary Headquarters yesterday conducted an exercise on a number of vehicles that had been pulled off the roads as a result of their being heavily tint. Indeed the owners were peeved. They felt that they were unjustly targeted. A number of vehicles were already in the Eve Leary compound. When asked what had caused them to be brought to
the station, one individual said he was told by traffic ranks that it was his tint, but he claims that he has 35% tint and that he didn’t know why they hold his vehicle. When asked how he was able to verify the 35% tint that he had, the individual said he knew because “me does do tint work”. However, the police say that a 35 per cent tint is almost indiscernible. Another individual with a multicolored minibus said, he
was told that his bus colours were not in conformity with his registration, and as such was in breach of traffic laws. A traffic officer, responding to a query about what was the legally required percentage of tint that road users can have on their vehicles, said, “The permission for any percentage of tint on any vehicle, can only be given by the Ministry of Public Security, through the issuance of a tint permit”.
Ruling looms for attempt murder... From page 22 underwent surgery and was hospitalized fo r s e v e n weeks. Thom was able to see his shooter with the aid of lights attached to his home and surrounding buildings, the prosecution disclosed. During his testimony Thom told the court that he had known Alexander for a number of years since he resided about six to seven houses away from him in Laing Avenue, West Ruimveldt, Georgetown. According to March 23, 2015, Thom said that he went
to the back of his yard to feed his dogs just after a christening celebration which was held for his baby daughter. Thom said that while feeding the dogs he heard a grumble and when he looked up he saw Alexander passing in his direction. He said that he continued feeding his dogs and eventually locked them up in a kennel. “It got an old tradition that when you get a young baby you go in (the house) by your back,” the witness
told the court. Thom recalled that while going in his house Alexander appeared in front of him and afterwards he heard a loud sound and felt a burning sensation in his chest. According to Thom, he then cursed Alexander and inquired from him as to why he was shooting him. The victim told the court that he called out for help and three more shots were fired at him. Thom said that he was able to see Alexander’s entire face due to the reflection of lights from nearby buildings.
East Orange celebrates Guyana’s ... From page 11 Guyana first, and to fly their country’s flag high.Emceed by Molly Etwaroo and Ervin Wa s h i n g t o n , the observance was punctuated by a colorful costume and fashion display, poetry by awardwinning author Anaya Lee Willabus, drumming and Kwe Kwe singing by the Fanoko Singers, and presentations by the Campus High School Caribbean Students, FAMI Care Inc.,
and Youngsters on the Move.Allison Butters-Grant, CEO and owner of Global Seafood, and Lady Ira Lewis provided students with financial scholarships and monetary donations toward educational tools. The GAHF thanked little Shiyloh Lewis for singing the Guyana National Anthem, Damein Phoenix, vice principal of EO Campus High School, and Khalfani Alleyne, chief housing inspector of East Orange, and Shabika Cooke, for
A traffic rank oversee an individual strip their car of tint.
their stirring remarks to Guyanese, who danced and waved flags on City Hall Plaza. The organizers also thanked East Orange General Hospital, Zesty Wings & Tasty Things, Ismay Caribbean and American Restaurant, Limin’s Café Caribe Restaurant, Rev. Esar Budhu of St. Agnes, Rhonda Robertson, Robert Denny and Randolph Holder PJ for making the celebration a s u c c e s s . (www.caribbeanlifenews.com)
Traffic Headquarters Eve Leary compound filled with tinted vehicles.
Gaming stakeholders briefed on... From page 8 industry in Guyana is well regulated. Presenters shared critical information related to gaming operations based on principles of best practices and harm minimization. Matthew Langevine, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit presented on “AML CFT Obligations for reporting entities of betting shops, lottery and casinos.” He discussed the red flags of the gambling sector and the overall role of the FIU including ensuring Reporting Entities compliance with AML CFT ACT, Sections 15, 16, 18 – 20, 2009, possible sanctions and examination process. Marcia Harris, Manager of the Tax Advisory Unit, Guyana Revenue Authority shared information with stakeholders on “What you
need to know about your taxes” including taxable activities and tax rates; VAT registration and obligations; the compliance roadmap; betting shop licence requirements, application procedures and fees; tax on bets, filing of returns and penalties for delinquency. Presentations were also made by Lloyd Moore, Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Towana Whinfield, Compliance Officer, Gaming Authority on Responsible Gaming and Best Practices, Role of the Gaming Authority as the supervisory body for lotteries, casinos and betting shops, minimum requirements for premises, operators licences and betting shops. The forum was attended by stakeholders within the Gaming Sector, including
current and prospective casino operators, current and prospective betting shops operators, the Guyana Lottery Company, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Guyana Revenue Authority ( G R A ) , St a t e A s s e t s Recovery Agency (SARA), Board Members and Staff of the Gaming Authority. The Gaming Authority of Guyana was launched on December 1, 2008, in accordance with section 32(1) of the Gambling Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2008 and has been identified as the Supervisory Authority for betting shops, casinos and lotteries under the AntiMoney Laundering Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act of 2009 and its Amendment.
Langevine receives Queen’s award From page 14 most pressing issues facing the Commonwealth. The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, in partnership with Comic Relief, The Royal Commonwealth Society and the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Continuing Education, established The Queen’s Young Leaders programme in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 60 years of service to the Commonwealth at the time of her Diamond Jubilee.
It is said to be guided by the values of the Commonwealth Charter with the goal of the four-year programme to enable young people to step up as leaders and improve the lives of people across the Commonwealth. Each year from 2015 to 2018, exceptional young people have been selected to receive a Queen’s Young Leaders Award and become ‘Queen’s Young Leaders’. This year’s award winners are aged between 18 and 29
from across the Commonwealth. They are undertaking work to improve lives of people across a diverse range of issues, from supporting people living with mental health problems, helping children to receive a quality education, to promoting gender equality.As part of the Award, winners receive bespoke training, mentoring and networking opportunities, provided by the University of Cambridge’s Institute of Continuing Education.
Thursday June 28, 2018
Kaieteur News
Kaneville tenant shoots landlord
The blood stained yard where Mr Doris fell.
A
ndrew Doris, 47, of 972 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara, sustained three gunshot wounds after an altercation with his tenants, Melanie McGarrell and Arif Abdool. Mrs. Yolandie Doris who witnessed the shooting, said that the troubles with the tenants began some three month ago, when she started to receive complaints from neighbours about the loud, vulgar music and marijuana smoking. Mrs Doris who lives in a wooden house at the back of the house where the incident happened, had issued a notice to quit to McGarrell on April 12, 2018, which stated,” Dear Ms. Melanie McGarrell, “Notice of Removal”: This serves to inform you that a notice of removal from the premises of your landlord Andrew Doris by July, 2018. “The landlord cannot tolerate any longer the smoking of mari-
juana, the abusive behaviour, noise nuisance of your preference of intolerable music and misuse of the landlord property. With all this in mind the contracted agreement have been broken. So this letter serves you.” And the document was signed Andrew Doris. Mrs Doris said that after the issuance of the letter to McGarrell, she became very abusive. She said she was not going to pay anymore rent until she was ready to move. (Mr. and Mrs. Doris) agreed and told the tenant that they only wanted their apartment vacated. Mrs Doris claimed that it has been three months of hell, with many reports to the Grove Police Station not bringing any peace, since the police have not been to her premises once since. Yesterday morning proved that the tenants were not of good character as Mrs. Doris had warned her
husband on several occasions. Mrs Doris said that she and her husband went to tell the tenants that the time was up for them to move, and that they wanted the light bills, since they had not paid the bills and the lights had been cut. This was about 8:30 hours. Mrs Doris said while her husband was talking to McGarell at her apartment door, Abdool attempted to close the door. Her husband held the knob at the time and prevented the closure. The woman said that Abdool went back into the house and returned with a gun. He discharged five shots at Andrew Doris, who ran in the northern direction in the yard. Mrs Doris said that she ran in the southern direction towards the gate. When she looked back, her husband was lying on the ground and moaning.Mrs Doris said she ran for a car to take her husband to the hos-
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The apartment door where the shooting occurred. pital. She said that when she returned and was giving the car directions to pick-up her husband, Abdool was heading out on a bicycle with a blue hard jacket and the gun in his waist. He then told her that he was going to kill her next and burn her house down. Mrs Doris said she took her husband to Diamond Hospital. She returned home and she saw some spent shells on the ground. She then picked up two, which she later gave to the police.When the police came they found a few more spent shells, they took away the suspects wife, to assist with investigations. Mrs Doris said her husband was shot three times, once in his right femur, another bullet passed through the leg, and one punctured the crotch area. Andrew Doris is now at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
The Victim Andrew Doris
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Kaieteur News
Thursday June 28, 2018
Thursday June 28, 2018
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Kaieteur News
Damani David, Swimmer/Track & Field athlete... ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ returns July 7...
From page 31 reaches age 15, 16 or 17. These are the years he would be developing more. We are going step by step, his coaches are doing a great deal and strategically so.” Damani, is aiming to be back in Guyana in November to contest the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) National Championships for his local club, Dolphin Speed Swim Club (DSSC), his dad informed. At the REV National Swimming Championships held from July 16 – 19, last, Damani contesting the Boys 11-12 50m Butterfly placed 4th (30.69), 3rd 200m Butterfly (2.50.41); 5th 100m Backstroke (1.21.75); 6th 50m Freestyle (29.41), 10th 100m Freestyle (1.09.38), 6th 200m Freestyle (2.31.28); 7th 200m Backstroke (2.50.98).
In track and field, Damani’s Head Coach is his father, Marvis at the Kingsway Academy. ”The programme at the school is specifically designed for the students to be able to peak by age 16 – 17, that’s when the coaches from various colleges have their eyes on the athletes,” Marvis explained. ”We are looking forward for our athletes to blossom then, so certain work we do not do, we leave that for when they get to college.” Young David, the father said, has been improving at the 400m and 800m distances consistently after displaying a desire at the shorter distances earlier in his career. Damani he stated would be aiming to represent Guyana in another two years time at the Under-17 level. ”In the 1500m and 3000m
because distance racing is something that comes natural to him, you can judge that from his record breaking time in the 5K that he won overall and he would be defending that title in November of this year.” As a proud father, Marvis also explained that he ensures Damani is able to have that balance when it comes to managing his athletics and swimming careers with his school work. ”So far we are happy with the adjustments he is making in high school. This is his second year and he is going to grade 9 in the next school year. There is room of course for improvement. He came to this level with a 4.0 GPA but fell back a bit to 3.77 but has promised to take it back to 4.0 in the next school year.” The talented David is already being monitored by one
Thursday June 28, 2018 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) There's a somewhat conservative air to your feelings today. You might be called on to get serious for a second and take care of business. TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) There's a conflicting pushpull aspect at play that may leave you feeling a bit unsure of how to proceed. GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Get your chores done early today so you have time to play tonight. Plan a romantic getaway with someone you love. Feel free to let your imagination carry you to a whole new realm of pleasure. CANCER (June 21–July 22) This is an excellent day to tell people exactly how you feel, Cancer. Your emotions are more stable than usual, so open up and let your heart speak. LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Today may be tough for you, Leo. It might seem like nothing is fitting into place. Could it be that you're trying to be someone you aren't? If things aren't working out, don't press the issue. VIRGO (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) Enjoy yourself today. You have a great deal to be grateful for, so give thanks. Take pride in all that you've accomplished so far and share your joy with others. Feel free to let go of the reins and sit back and get comfortable.
LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) Today may be one of those days when you don't know which way to turn, Libra. You're spinning around, and no direction looks good to you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Romance is coming your way today as long as you stay levelheaded about the immediate situation, Scorpio. Take care of menial daily tasks and then let your heart soar. SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Your emotions may be a bit reserved today, Sagittarius. It's OK to take a break from the activity and simply lay low. This is a good time to sit back and receive. CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) Family issues play an important role today, Capricorn. Speak from your heart and tell your closest relatives how much they really mean to you. AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) You may feel some indecision regarding a loved one today, Aquarius. Something could be urging you to act in this department, yet you might find that you just want to lay low. PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) Today is a great day to work on getting yourself together. Your emotions are stable, leaving your heart free to soar in the clouds. Feel free to daydream.
of the top universities in the USA so it is important his dad explained that he remains consistent with his GPA. Damani was the top Junior and first Overall out of 53 male finishers in Bahamas Road Masters 5K in a time of 21 Minutes 33 Seconds and would be defending that title in November this year. Competing at the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools Track and field Championships this year, he placed 2nd in the 1500m (4:50.58) and 5th in the 800m (2:23.66) while at the National High School Championships; he was 2nd in the 1500m in 4:56.07. Young Damani shared his thoughts on the opportunity to represent the Golden Arrowhead: “If given the opportunity to represent Guyana, I would be elated and proud; it has always been my dream to represent the country of my birth and also the people, especially my family and friends in this great land.” He also shared on how he is able to balance his school work with his sporting careers: “I balance my school work and sporting activities by using my spare time to study in school, on the way to school and while going to practice. I do not wait until the last minute to prepare for my tests; I consistently review my notes, thus, always being prepared ahead of time.”Good advice for other young athletes to follow.
Five Guyanese... From page 32 player in the squad with Te s t e x p e r i e n c e a n d today’s play is scheduled to commence at 09:00hrs. T h e Wi n d i e s s q u a d : Shamarh Brooks (Capt), John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Jahmar Hamilton, Shimron Hetmyer, Alzarri Joseph, Keon Harding, Shayne Moseley, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul Singh, Odean Smith Support Staff: Graeme West (Head Coach), Sir Curtly Ambrose (Asst Coach), Dr Oba Gulston ( P h y s i o ) a n d Wi l l i a m Richards (Strength & Conditioning).
From page 32 played. In opening night action: Rhythm Stars (Mocha) tackle recently-crowned Berbice Guinness champions Trafalgar and this encounter will be followed by the clash between Agricola and Broad Street. Kingston then square off against Swag Entertainment out of Linden, before another Mining Community team NK Ballers take on Sophia. In the final game of the night, Leopold Street play host to East Coast Melanie Damishana. The fixtures for the next two playing days are seen below. On Thursday, July 12, Buxton Diamond engage West Demerara Showstoppers, while the young Uprising team from the East Coast go up against
Linden’s Silver Bullets. ESPN then collide with East Coast BV, before Ann’s Grove and North East La Penitence take to the court. The rejuvenated Tiger Bay unit then face California Square, before Sparta Boss and Tucville bring the curtains down for the evening. On Saturday, July 14, Albouystown and Upsetters get things going, before Future Stars and Alpha Warriors square off. Back Circle then tackle Kitty Hustlers, before Linden’s Dave & Celena All Stars go up against Bent Street. The reigning champs West Front Road then close the night with a clash against Alexander Village. The Launch of the competition will be done on a date to be announced.
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“We lost with our 2nd Innings Swedes pummel Mexico but both advance over Germany batting” says Holder By Sean Devers in Barbados In association with Carib Beer, Noble House Seafoods, Vnet Communication’s & Bounty Farm Windies were fired out by Sri Lanka for 93 in the second innings which is their lowest total since 1930 and the 26year-old Jason Holder, one of seven Bajans in the side, said they lost the game with their second innings batting performance. “We just did not have enough runs in the second innings. They fought back well last evening (Monday). It put our bowlers under pressure to come and do something special. We lost it with our batting in the second innings,” said Holder who took over the Captaincy in 2017.“Even though we only gave them 140 to win, we knew we could do it. But we missed some chances in the field. But it won’t put us down. We have to have a quick turn around with the series coming up next week,” Holder added. Holder was named Manof-the Series for his 198 runs
with one fifty and 12 wickets including 9-60 in this Test match and admitted that this was not the end his team were looking for and credited Sri Lanka for a good performance. Holder has led the West Indies in 23 Test Matches and his win in the first test in Trinidad was only his fourth, while he has lost 14 and drew five of the other 19. The Windies Captain said there were a lot of positives from this series. “Gabriel was outstanding. I must commend him. Dowrich was outstanding as well. Roach needs to be mentioned too. A few good top-order partnerships would have helped but we are working hard to get better,” concluded Holder, who has two tons and six fifties and 53 wickets from 29 Test matches. And 26-year-old Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich was named Man-of-theSeries for 288 runs at an average of 57.60 with a century and two fifties in bowler friendly conditions. “I’ve had good performances throughout the series. It would have been
nice to win today but credit goes to the Sri Lankan bowlers. This performance gives me a lot of confidence with a series starting next week,” informed the diminutive Dowrich. “I think we put up a good fight and our bowlers came in strongly as well, but as I said the Sri Lankan bowlers really set us back. I have a back injury, but I will get some therapy before the next series,” said the Bajan who is one of only five West Indian Keepers to score 1,000 Test runs. Also speaking after the game was Sri Lankan Captain, Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal who took over after Dinesh Chandimal had lost his appeal over a ball-tampering charge and was banned from playing in this historic Test. Lakmal said he was delighted with the result. “I feel so happy. It’s my first Test as captain. Very happy! I didn’t expect it. I thought it was a good opportunity to lead and I took it. I’m happy with my contributions but also the three fast bowlers all did very well, along with the spinner.”
2018 Rainforest Waters Senior Squash Championships underway The Guyana Squash Association 2018 Rainforest Waters Senior National Championships, sponsored by Banks DIH, got underway at the Georgetown Club last evening. A total 25 participants will compete throughout the week in the men’s, women’s and veterans categories. The week promises to hold some entertaining games as the veterans take to the courts to prove that experience counts, and the champions of old show their expertise. In the Women’s category returning Mary Fung A Fat will take on Ashley Khalil and
Taylor Fernandes along with the up and coming younger players who are preparing for their Jamaica tour in July. The men’s category will no doubt deliver some outstanding play with big names Richard Chin, Nyron Joseph, Alex Arjoon, Jason Ray Khalil and Regan Pollard facing each other as well as the ever improving Shomari Wiltshire; along with other upcoming younger players Gianni Carpenter and Samuel InceCarvalhal. Play will run each night from 6pm, culminating on Sunday afternoon with the final matches and the usual fundraiser BBQ.
Jumbo Jet Triple Crown called off as attention switches to Guyana Cup With the announcement from the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee that the Triple Crown has been called off for this year due to the weather affecting the previous date s a n d n e w dates in the already cramped racing calendar not available, attention will now be turned to the Guyana Cup. A Meet set for July 22 at the Port Mourant Turf Club has also been called
off. The Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee has informed that August 19 is the scheduled date for the Guyana Cup race meet, one of the biggest horseracing events in Guyana. The organisers had earlier indicated that the Guyana Cup would have been staged on August 12 but that date was changed to August 19. Fans can still look out
for the drawing of the grand raffle that was fixed for the Triple Crown. This will be drawn at the Guyana Cup on August 19 the organisers has informed. It was also noted that the raffle tickets cost has been reduced to $2,000 due to the inconvenience of the delays and postponements. A Nissan Tida car, motorcycle and other attractive prizes are on offer.
Sweden’s Andreas Granqvist scores their second goal from the penalty spot. (REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff) YEKATERINBURG, Russia (Reuters) - Sweden thumped Mexico 3-0 yesterday, overcoming their opponents after a scoreless first half in a result that means both teams advance to the World Cup last 16 at the expense of defending champions Germany. Sweden finished top of Group F on goal difference, with both teams on six points ahead of South Korea and Germany on three apiece, after the champions went down 2-0 in a shock result in Kazan. After pressing hard for most of the first half and wasting numerous chances, Sweden finally found the net when l e f t b a c k L u d w i g Augustinsson charged up the field in the 50th minute and angled home a leftfooted volley. Twelve minutes later, captain Andreas Granqvist kept his concentration in the face of deafening boos and whistles from the Mexican fans to blast a penalty into the top left corner after Hector Moreno had brought down Marcus Berg. Mexico’s misery was complete when the ball trickled in off the leg of Edson Alvarez for a tame own goal on 74 minutes. “This is something I dreamed of. The insane thing is I really had this feeling that I would score a t t h e Wo r l d C u p , ”
Augustinsson told reporters. Granqvist, who also scored from the spot against South Korea, said: “What a performance we did - it could have been 5-0 or 6-0.” The Mexicans were a shadow of the team that had beaten Germany and South Korea and had pundits speaking of them as potential world champions. Sweden, by contrast, look like a side capable of going further in the tournament - a turnaround for a team that struggled to score in their pre-World Cup games and whose chances have been dismissed out of hand by their outspoken former star Zlatan Ibrahimovic. TENSE MEXICANS Needing only a draw to be sure of advancing, Mexico started tentatively but somehow managed to reach the break on level terms after surviving a Swedish aerial bombardment and a VAR review when Javier Hernandez appeared to handle the ball in his penalty area. The game was packed with incident from the opening whistle, with Mexican midfielder Jesus Gallardo booked within seconds of the start for misjudging an aerial challenge on Ola Toivonen. The Swedes were guilty of wasteful finishing in the open-
ing 45 minutes, with Emil Forsberg in particular blazing several shots over the bar. Berg posed repeated problems for the Mexican defence, his best chance coming when his well-struck shot was acrobatically turned over the bar by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The Mexicans’ best efforts came through Carlos Vela, with three shots in the first half, and in the later stages through a Hernandez header and a cross from the striker that flew straight across the face of the Swedish goal. Hector Herrera had a longrange shot fumbled, then saved by Robin Olsen, and Lozano struck a low shot into the keeper’s arms in the final frenetic minutes. Mexico’s desperation proved unnecessary, as South Korea gave them a helping hand to the last 16 with their stunning win over Germany. But without an improvement on this performance they risk falling once again at the same stage where they have been knocked out in the last six World Cups. Mexico will now face the winners of Group E in Samara on July 2, while Sweden will play the runners-up the following day in St Petersburg. The Swedes will be without midfielder Sebastian Larsson, who picked up his second booking of the tournament.
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Brazil outclass Serbia to set up Mexico clash MOSCOW (Reuters) Goals by Paulinho and Thiago Silva steered a much-improved Brazil to a 2-0 victory over a battling but ultimately outclassed Serbia yesterday and into a World Cup secondround meeting with Mexico. The win, combined with Switzerland’s 2-2 draw with Costa Rica, meant Brazil finished top of Group E on seven points, two ahead of the Swiss, who will face Sweden in the last 16. Serbia ended in third place on three points and are eliminated along with Costa Rica. With defending champions Germany knocked out and Argentina scraping through at the death, fivetimes champions Brazil were desperate to stamp their authority on a tournam e n t w h e r e Wo r l d C u p pedigree has counted for so little. But, having needed two goals in stoppage-time to beat Costa Rica in their last game having been held 1-1 by Switzerland in their opener, they took a long time to make any impression on a well-drilled and rugged Serbian defence. However, after 36 minutes a superb lofted pass from just
inside his own half by the outstanding Philippe Coutinho sent Paulinho clear and he stretched high to toe the ball over goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic and ease the pressure. Neymar was again well shackled and unable to impose himself, with one dipping shot over the bar and another at the legs of Stojkovic after a lightning counter-attack his only notable contributions in the first hour. However, while their superstar front men were making little headway at the other end, having conceded three goals in their previous 12 games, Brazil’s often-overlooked defence again showed their mettle as Serbia threw more men forward. Roared on by their outnumbered but deafening fans, striker Aleksandar Mitrovic had one instinctive reaction header blocked on the line and another well saved by Alisson as suddenly another upset seemed possible. That spell around the hour proved Serbia’s high water mark, however, as Brazil made it 2-0 when Silva rose high to thump home a Neymar corner
Brazil’s Willian in action with Serbia’s Aleksandar Kolarov. (REUTERS/Grigory Dukor) after 68 minutes. Brazil then knocked the ball around with all the deft
skill and control that the neutrals at Spartak Stadium had come to see but even
then Neymar couldn’t get the goal he so desperately wanted, firing a bouncing
70 attend Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Batting Clinic
shot over the bar and having a final effort palmed clear by Stojkovic.
- BCB to start early preparation for 2019 Season
The seventy young batters pose with Coaches Smith, Percival and Latchman. Seventy of Berbice most promising batsmen on Sunday last attended a Batting Clinic organised by the Berbice Cricket Board as part of its countywide Dr. Tulsi Dyal Singh Coaching Programme. The Clinic was the last of four to be organised by the Berbice Cricket Board as part of the programme and followed those organised for wicketkeepers, fast bowlers and spinners. Level III Coach Winston Smith conducted the One-day Clinic with assistance from Coach Andre Percival and Pre-Level One Coach Lakeram Latchman. The session was extended late into the afternoon as the youths sought to put into practise what they were taught. The youths drawn from Clubs like Achievers, Blairmont, Tucber Park, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Rose Hall Town Youth & Sports Club, Port Mourant,
Kendall’s Union and No. 73 took full advantage of the Clinic and called on the Berbice Cricket Board to organise similar programmes in the future. The Coaches worked with the batsmen on a wide range of areas including Mental Management, Sequence of balance and Sequence of bat swing. Special attention was placed on the grip, stance, set up and movement execution. Coach Smith stated that he was very impressed with the vast amount of batting talents in the county and the interest displayed throughout the Clinic. Among those in attendance were Berbice players Alex Algoo, Kevin Sinclair, Junior Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Zeymul and Abdul Ramsammy, Javed Karim, Seon Glasgow, Leon Swammy, Jonathan Rampersaud, Garfield Benjamin and Rampersaud Rampertab. President
of the Berbice Cricket Board, Hilbert Foster, who was present at all of the Clinics, stated that the main objective is to make sure that every potential in Berbice is fulfilled. Berbice, he stated was a profilic producer of outstanding youth cricketers in the past like Mahendra Nagamootoo, Vishal Nagamootoo, David Fingal, Damodar Dasrat, Narsingh Deonarine, Sewnarine Chattergoon and it is his hope that the next generation of players can upkeep the rich tradition. The President also disclosed that the Berbice Cricket Board has been able to obtain financial sponsorship to start early preparation for the 2019 Inter-county Season. With sponsorship from an overseas based Berbician, the Berbice Cricket Board would host monthly preparation sessions for its Under-15, Under-17, Under-19 Male, Under-
19 Female and Female Senior players. The Coaches would select a combined squad of seventy players, who would undergo intense training and coaching over the next seven months starting next month. Players would be added to the training squad as they perform in the different tournaments organised by the Berbice Cricket Board. Foster announced that attendance at these sessions shall be compulsory as the Berbice Cricket Board has adopted a no-nonsense attitude towards players with a laid back attitude. Foster noted with pride that never in the history of Guyana, has a County Board had such a comprehensive Coaching Programme and that the Berbice Cricket Board is determined to make sure that its finances is properly spent.
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Champions Germany crash out of Michael Johnson & Ivan Joseph - has World Cup at group stage the GFF hit the coaching jackpot? Letter to the Sports Editor
Dear Sports Editor, In my former role being the media officer of the Guyana Men’s team during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers much disgust and general disinterest is felt watching and reading from overseas all the dramas that has confounded both the men’s and women’s team since 2012. However, two things always stuck me after my time on the inside; (A) Guyana needed continued foreign intervention to develop as a football nation (B) Guyana should move from CONCACAF to CONMEBOL. Point B, I will start with first. I’ve always believed and know others do too, that Guyana moving to CONMEBOL can easily see this Cricket loving nation develop faster than it can in CONCACAF, in a similar way that Baseball loving Venezuela did. Venezuela are now a solid team that have won games at home against the mighty Brazil and Argentina in post 2000 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying which is widely acknowledge to be the most competitive in all the confederations. Even though the game versus Mexico in Guyana 2012 never happened (why it didn’t happen remains one of the great modern scandals of local sports), the vague details I recall from the sponsorship deal that GFF was going to get for hosting that game is nothing compared to the money it can earn from a hosting Brazil or Argentina. However, recently developments under new CONCACAF president, the Canadian Victor Montagliani and the clear efforts he has made to unite CONCACAF means the federation is potentially progressing in the right direction, hence tentatively staying in CONCACAF is fine for now. The only tradeoff is that qualifying for a World Cup becomes harder for the men, but better for women. Point A should have unanimous consent – but too often if one say Guyanese don’t have expertise to run a football federation on their own people get defensive or
offended. This isn’t like cricket where if the current Guyana Cricket Board, who was recently called illegal by the current Minister of Sport George Norton, all incumbents are removed - there is enough cricket expertise in the country to easily take over their positions. The only sporting entities in Caribbean who can claim clear local expertise in success is Cricket and Athletics in Jamaica & Bahamas. Guyana Football has no sustained history of success. The evidence of success of varying degrees by people like Jamaal Shabazz, Claude Bolton, Richard Groden and Ian Greenwood off the field along with foreign born players that made the Lady Jaguars play in Gold Cups and then men’s 2014 qualifying run, proves this conclusively. In assessing the credentials of coaches Ivan Joseph and Michael Johnson, if I were to sit down and think of a foreign coach, the criteria’s I would have looked for are: they had to be highly qualified and experienced, had to understand Caribbean football and in the perfect scenario had to have some Guyanese heritage similar to when Trinidad & Tobago got Stephen Hart. Joseph with his background in North American football system in the women’s game fit this criteria perfectly. Although it was disappointed the women didn’t make it further in recent CFU Women’s qualifiers, the context was the team had a lot of injuries and because CFU decided to play games in a non FIFA window denied team presence of likely captain Chante Sandiford who plays professionally in Norway. The obvious positives is that he was able to attract some talented new players most notably defenders Sydney Cummings, Niketa Persaud, English mid-fielder Hannah Baptiste and forwards Cameo Hazlewood and Brianne Desa. Add that to large injury and other reasons absentees who had last played together in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers in USA such as the De Souza sisters, Olivia and Julia
Gonsalves, Justine Rodrigues, Otesha Charles, Ashlee Savona, Bria Williams the potential depth in the Lady Jaguars could be its strongest ever – which would make Joseph’s hiring a jackpot decision. The new men’s coach had a key added credential – ability to attract foreign born Guyana heritage players. This tactic has proved successful with Jamaica of late who got to consecutive Gold Cup finals with a strong presence of British born players. It’s factually known that the Lady Jaguars have achieved more on international stage than the men, but there is no football nation on earth where women’s football captures the public imagination, draws sponsors and government support than a men’s team.Canada currently is the only example of the opposite occurring. So it was always crucial that the Golden Jaguars got a high profile foreign coach. Johnson’s credentials seems like a major fillip for GFF. The federation also stated they earmarked English based players to recruit such as Matthew Briggs (Barnett), Callum Harriot (Reading), Ryan Fredericks (West Ham), David Stephens (Boreham Wood) and Anthony Jeffery (Sutton United). Fredericks will be playing in Premier League next season, Guyana had players playing in the world’s most popular football league simultaneously with national teams similar to some CFU teams. Therefore the GFF & coach Johnson have either already reached out to those players and have some sort of commitment before he was announced as coach and are preparing the nation for these guys inevitable arrival or it’s a risky public relations strategy to state they are going after them without players making a decision. If it’s some version of the former instead of the latter, then the federation could hit the jackpot with its three targets of 2019 Gold Cup & 2026 FIFA Cup qualification along with top 100 FIFA & top 5 in CFU rankings. Colin Benjamin
South Korea’s Kim Young-gwon and teammates celebrate their first goal. (Reuters Michael Salder) KAZAN, Russia (Reuters) - Champions Germany were sent crashing out of the World Cup after suffering a stunning 2-0 defeat by a tenacious South Korea yesterday that saw them eliminated in the first round for the first time in 80 years. Germany would have progressed with a win at the Kazan Arena but barely looked capable of scoring against the Koreans, let alone going on to successfully defend the title they won in Brazil four years ago. Stoppage-time goals from Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min finished off Joachim Loew’s sorry Germany side, who finished bot-
tom of the group on three points. They have won four World Cup titles and also finished runners-up four times and entered this year’s tournament heavily backed to retain their title. Instead they will head home after a stunning failure, having been unable to break down the South Koreans and after a shock 1-0 loss to Mexico in their opening group match. Sweden won the group after thrashing the Mexicans 3-0. Germany’s Toni Kroos, the free kick hero in the 2-1 win over Sweden, tried desperately to spark his
side into action in the second half but was denied by South Korea’s heroic Cho Hyun-woo in the 88th minute, one of a number of fine saves by the keeper. But it was Kim Younggwon who broke the deadlock in added time when he found himself alone in front of goal after a corner and he poked the ball home from close range. Moments later Son sprinted to retrieve a long ball, with Germany keeper Neuer having left his goal to try to help his side get a goal, and the Korean striker fired a low shot into the net to wrap up the win and leave the Germans distraught.
Swiss reach last 16, where Sweden await... From page 31 was a sour note for the Swiss, however, when captain Stephan Lichtsteiner, who supplied the cross for their first goal, took a second yellow card, meaning he will miss the knockout clash with Sweden on Tuesday in St Petersburg.
Despite their joy at s c o r i n g , C o s t a R i c a ’s tournament has overall been a disappointment for their legions of redclad fans and a far cry from their glorious 2014 run to the quarter-finals when they lost on a penalty shootout.
Switzerland, driven on by the inventive Shaqiri, ended Group E as runners-up to Brazil, who beat Serbia 2-0 to top the group. Both sides could have won a free-flowing and open-ended game in Nizhny Novgorod, with a flurry of late chances.
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Archery Guyana’s stages Olympic Day 2018 Competition
Held on Sunday, June 24, Archery Guyana’s annual competition to commemorate Olympic Day saw 12 members contesting for gold, silver and bronze medals at the National Gymnasium, due to the kind courtesy of the National Sports Commission. Although it got off to a late start, archers were none the less very excited to be part o f A r c h e r y G u y a n a ’s Olympic Day Event. With all World Archery rules of competition and safety in place, Director of Shooting Frederick Ewing-Chow
blew the first whistle to commence the afternoon’s Competition. In the Senior Women’s Class, 4 ladies competed. They were Shereeda Yusuf, Samira Duncan, Narda Mohamed and Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon.While in the Junior Class, Jessica Callender was the lone competitor. Action began with the females starting off the competition with a qualifying round, each shooting 5 ends of 3 arrows each (a total of 15 arrows) to qualify for the final round.
The 3 ladies to make it to the final round were Narda Mohamed-46 points, Samira Duncan-53 points and Shereeda Yusuf-10 points. This final round was hotly contested by the ladies resulting in a tie between Narda Mohamed and Samira Duncan which provided some extra excitement with a shoot-off of 1 end of 3 arrows each. The winner of the shootoff, and gold medal winner was Mohamed with 16 points, while Duncan got the Silver with 6 points. The Bronze went to Yusuf.
The Junior Class saw lone competitor Jessica Callender taking away the Gold. In the Senior Men’s Class there were 7 competitors. Antiono Hackette, Colin Loncke, Robert Singh, Ryan McKinnon, Anand Mangra, Umasankar Madray and Nicholas Hing shooting the same 5-end qualifying round. The first four to the targets were Anand Mangra, Robert Singh, Ryan McKinnon and Antonio Hackette, while the other three men were Colin Loncke, Nicholas Hing and Umasankar Madray. There
was heated competition during the first round with the results of the final three men showing McKinnon who gained 106 points ahead of Mangra’s 95, followed by Hing’s 88 points. The final 3-end round, saw action with, McKinnon, Mangra and Hing contesting for the coveted Gold medal, ending with Mangra taking away Gold with 83 points ahead of McKinnon’s 72 for Silver, and leaving Hing behind with 65 for Bronze. The only x(10) points of the Finals were shot by McKinnon & Mangra, while
Hing shot an x in the qualification round. After the competition, wheelchair-bound potential Paralympic archer Uttamkumar Isurdeen, who met with many of the Archery Guyana coaches and members, was given instruction on the use of the Olympic recurve bow, which he is very excited and enthusiastic about learning and taking up as a sport.Persons interested in becoming involved in the Olympic sport of Archery c a n e m a i l archeryguyana@gmail.com.
Damani David, Swimmer/Track & Field athlete aiming Swiss reach last 16, to represent where Sweden await Guyana By Franklin Wilson
Thirteen year-old Guyanese, Damani David, who resides in the Bahamas along with his parents, Marvis and Calantha Holder-David has been growing in stature as a multitalented athlete who runs middle distance and is also a swimmer. David would have already been on the Bahamas Developmental Team if he had made himself available but is looking forward to representing the Golden Arrowhead one day; as a matter of fact, the youngster would have already been to two Goodwill games.The 13-year-old started swimming about four years ago and according to his D a d , D a m a n i ’s c l u b , Dolphin Swim Club (DSW) which has as its Head Coach
Geoffrey Eneas and David Del Cueto (Coach) is a club that focuses on real development of the athlete on a long term basis. ”The structure at the club is geared towards long term growth and development. I am really happy with Damani’s current progress when we look back at where he used to be, it’s wonderful. He has really improved a great lot.” Such has been the improvement of David that he has been sought by a number of other swimming coaches to join their club. ”A lot of coaches have approached us to move him from the club he is presently in to be with them so that they can push him faster but we are looking at not being a star at this early age and burning out by the time he (Continued on page 25)
Damani David displays his Athletics medals.
NIZNHY NOVGOROD, Russia (Reuters) Switzerland kept politics off the field and Costa Rica broke their World Cup duck in a thrilling 2-2 draw yesterday that saw the Europeans through to the next round of the World Cup where they will face Sweden. Pre-match attention had focused on Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri’s politicised “eagle” celebrations in their last game, and Costa Rica being the only team without a tournament goal. But this time, the Swiss kept their focus purely on their game and took a 31st minute lead when forward Blerim Dzemaili blasted past Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas from close range following a nod down
from Breel Embolo. Already-eliminated Costa Rica twice hit the woodwork in a frustrating opening 15 minutes of missed chances at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on the banks of the river Volga. But the Central Americans finally scored their first goal in Russia when defender Kendall Waston powered home Joel Campbell’s corner in the 56th minute, triggering mass celebrations like they had won the trophy. Swiss substitute Josip Drmic drilled home his team’s second in the 88th minute, before Bryan Ruiz struck a stoppage time penalty that hit the crossbar and went in off goalkeeper Yann Sommer’s back.There (Continued on page 30)
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BWJ to host big Domino Guyana Committee of Services backs Competition this weekend Aliann Pompey Invitational Meet -Brans Security on board
Aliann Pompey accepts the sponsorship cheque from Leslie Black.
Brans Security Managing Director Harold Brandford (right) hands over the cheque for an undisclosed sum to Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire recently. Boston, Wiltshire and James (BWJ) will be hosting an Open Domino Competition this Saturday and Sunday, at the Dynasty Sports Club in South Ruimveldt. According to a release from the Organisers, all interested teams are invited to participate in the event which carries a first prize of $200,000 and the winning trophy. Second, third and fourth place finishers will receive $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000 respectively and all prizes are guaranteed. Entrance fee is $12,000 per team and the Most Valuable Player will be awarded $5,000. Meanwhile, Brans Security Service
added its name to the list of sponsors when Managing Director Harold Brandford handed over a cheque for an undisclosed sum to Mark ‘Jumbie’ Wiltshire, at the entity’s Head Office on Duncan Street. Speaking at the occasion, Brandford spoke about his long friendship with Boston, while he also acknowledged the encouraging growth the sport has enjoyed in recent times. Wiltshire in response thanked the Company for its support and promised that the tournament will be run in an exemplary manner, befitting the wishes of the sponsor. Double-six time is 14:30 hrs and food and drinks will be on sale throughout the day.
Five Guyanese in Windies squad to face Bangladesh in Warm-up game - But no place for Leon Johnson
Alzarri Joseph By Sean Devers in Barbados The Windies Selectors have named five Guyanese in a 12-man squad to play Bangladesh from today in a two-day warm-up match which starts today at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, in Antigua but there is no place for Guyana Captain Leon Johnson. The 30-year-old
Committee’s way of showing their appreciation and support for “one of Guyana’s best female athletes.” The meet has attracted superstars in the track and field arena with Grenada’s Olympic and World 400metres Champion Kirani James and Guyana’s 2018 Commonwealth Games triple jump gold medalist Troy Doris competing. James and Doris are expected to arrive shortly at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Fly Jamaica, E-Networks, Quality Plus, Banks DIH, the Ministry of Communities and SleepIn International Hotel and Casino are among the sponsors onboard so far. Action is set to start at 15:00hrs on Saturday. Tickets cost $1000 (stands) and $5000 (VIP).
‘Keep Your Five Alive’ returns July 7 - Top thirty-two teams identified
Shimron Hetymer Guyanese has played nine Test and six ODIs but has not been selected for the Regional side since November 2016 when he played his last Test in Sharjah against Pakistan. Antiguan Alzarri Joseph, who sustained a stress fracture in New Zealand last year and Guyanese Shimron Hetmyer, who missed final Test against Sri Lanka which ended here on Tuesday due
The Guyana Committee of Services (GCS) has thrown their support behind the third Aliann Pompey Invitational meet which is set for Saturday at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora. The committee made a presentation to Aliann Pompey yesterday at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda. Pompey, the 2002 Commonwealth Games 400m gold medalist, expressed gratitude to the members of the GCS adding that she is overwhelmed with the support and fans will be in for a treat on Saturday. The USA based Pompey stated that corporate backing is critical for making events of such magnitude a success and she is happy to see the direction the sport has taken. GCS executive member, Leslie Black said that the presentation was the
the minor illness, has also been included for today’s game ahead of first Test which is set for the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua from July 4-8. The Guyanese in the squad are Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Vishaul S i n g h , Ta g e n a r i n e Chanderpaul and Hetmyer. Apart from Joseph and Hetmyer, Singh is the other (Continued on page 27)
Organisers of the highly popular ‘Keep Your Five Alive’ Futsal Competition have released the fixtures for the first three nights of action, at the National Gymnasium. The tournament now in its sixth year has grown in status and provides fans with the level of excitement and skill that are synonymous with the shorter format of the sport. Kevin Adonis, whose idea it was to create the tournament six years ago, said the event is unlike any other played in Guyana where a team’s chances of progressing in the competition depends entirely on its ability to ‘keep its five players alive’ meaning if you lose a game there isn’t a second opportunity to ‘stay alive’. “The concept is one that I
like it allows a team only one opportunity to play for the prizes and because of this all the teams come well prepared to play at a high level and so the fans are the real winners,” Adonis said. According to the Organiser, because this is the sixth edition, he is hoping to increase the total prize monies and perhaps even add some incentives for outstanding individual performances. T h i s , h e h o w e v e r, indicated will depend on the support the tournament receives from the corporate community. “I am working hard to make this possible and the first prize I have in mind is $600,000 which simply means that $100,000 is being allotted for each year that the tournament has been in existence.”
Adonis disclosed that thirty-two of the best teams in the country have been invited including defending champions West Front Road ‘Gold is Money’ and losing finalist Future Stars. Among some of the other teams making the shortlist are: Sparta Boss, Bent Street, Leopold Street and most of the zone champions of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Competition. Teams will be represented from Georgetown, Linden, Berbice, West and East Demerara and the East Coast of Demerara, making it a true reflection of wide participation and the current standing of the competition. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, July 7, at the National Gymnasium with five matches scheduled to be (Continued on page 27)
Kaieteur News
Thursday June 28, 2018
PAGE 33
Maxido Founder, Senior Instructor 1st two Guyanese inducted into WKU Hall-Of-Fame On Saturday, at the Chateau Resort & Conference Centre, in the Poconos Mountains of Pennsylvania, USA, 5th Dan Master Max Massiah, Founder & Chief Instructor of Maxido Adult Self Defence System, and 5th Dan Master Anthony Durjan Sr, the Senior Instructor of Maxido, became the 1st Guyanese pair to be inducted into the WKU (World Karate Union) Hall-Of-Fame, during the WKU’s 2-day event of seminars, tournaments, and the banquet & awards ceremony, attended by high-ranking Martial Artists from the USA and several countries from around the World. Master Durjan received the Golden Lifetime Achievement Award, and Master Max received the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts. The pair was nominated by Professor Christopher Francis, the Caribbean Director for WKU. Maxido Adult Self Defence System launched its first training Dojo in October 2017, in Brooklyn, New York, and started classes in Guyana in February of 2018. The system has been rapidly gaining worldwide attention due to both its uniqueness and effectiveness. Formulated and designed by Master Max Massiah, it is based strictly upon selfdefence applications, which has a focus on 4-seconds (or less) applications of submission, dislocation, or breakage of the assailants
upper limbs (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and any part of the arm). The 2 Guyanese share at total of 94 years of practicing the ancient science (48 years for Durjan, 46 years for Massiah). Massiah now becomes Guyana’s (only) 4-time Hallof-Famer, having been inducted thrice into the “Legends Of Martial Arts” Hall-of-Fame, whose Directors are Grandmaster E r i c Kovaleski, Cynthia Rothrock, Whang Jang Lee (Silver Fox), and other World-renowned Martial Artists, who have recognised Massiah for his dedication & contributions to Martial Arts. Master Durjan is the past President of the Guyana Karate Federation, and current President of GAKA (Guyana Amateur Karate Association). After being trained in the techniques, was appointed Senior Instructor, and promoted to 1st Dan Black belt in the Maxido system. The current highest level Maxido students are green belts. The Dojo is located at 166 Waterloo St, (between Lamaha & Waterloo Sts). The next class begins on August 20th. Massiah said it was formulated for business owners, professionals, workers, especially elderly, females, law enforcement, & security - all who are vulnerable to muggings, bullyism, domestic assault, rape etc. The Martial Arts veteran advised that “Everyone is
Professor Christopher Francis (centre) is flanked by his nominees.
responsible for themselves and family, in being prepared t o e ff e c t i v e l y d e f e n d themselves against the evilminded”. He also thanked Handin-Hand Insurance, and extended gratitude to President Granger, who assisted him in his journey to the USA, to receive his most coveted award to date. P e r s o n ’s d e s i r o u s o f registering for the next class can call 613-1835, or 6098132.
President of the WKU Trevor Tasetano (centre) with the 2 Guyanese inductees.
rt o p S
Champions Germany crash out of World Cup at group stage P. 30
South Korea’s Kim Young-gwon scores their first goal. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)
Brazil outclass Serbia to set up Mexico clash P. 29
Brazil’s Neymar in action with Serbia’s Milinkovic Savic in Spartak Stadium. (Reuters Kai Pfaffenbach)
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